Introducing a new product The RV EasyLift!

[bhester]

I went to a flyin a couple weeks ago and meet a fellow pilot that has created a new product for the RV community:

The Fresh Aero RV EasyLift provides a stable and safe lifting environment for servicing RV 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 series aircraft gear and wheel assemblies. A combination of innovation, quality and intrinsic safety make the Easy Lift one of the finest lift systems in the aviation market today and a superior solution for lifting RV aircraft. It doesn?t get any easier than this!

The direct link to his RV EasyLift page is:
http://www.steelebrook.com/rvel.htm

Want to see a video demo that I created for him of the RV EasyLift:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuUOTk_PeXs

I am not affiliated with this company just helping him introduce it to the RV community. If you do order one tell him you heard about it from Bobby Hester.

[Rick S.]

I never thought about it before but, is the tie down a good jacking point? I always thought that jacking from the main gear was the only good jack point...just thinking out loud.

[L.Adamson]

Originally Posted by Rick S.

I never thought about it before but, is the tie down a good jacking point? I always thought that jacking from the main gear was the only good jack point...just thinking out loud.

And I'm thinking....

The wings support the weight in flight.

The main spar supports the wing.

And the tie downs are attached to the main spar.

But then I really don't know the total answer, except that numerous other airplanes are supported this way.

L.Adamson

[osxuser]

Load forces depending, I think that would be a van's question. I certainly wouldn't jack any aircraft from somewhere that isn't a designated jack point without a bit of research.

[Frank]

It's a great idea. People have been using the tie down points as jack points on the RV series through the RV9 since the beginning. 30 years. Just be sure the aircraft is blocked and appropriately balanced (or tied down).

[videobobk]

Put on new tires last month and borrowed the local A&P's hydraulic aircraft jack. I figure if you can lift a Bonanza safely on two, an RV should handle the strain with no problems. Remove the tiedown ring and install a socket head capscrew. Considering the distance from the centerline, you are transferring much of the weight to the other wheel and probably only lifting 2-300 pounds. Just don't let it move. Very easy, and electric would be easier!

That being said, a standard hydraulic jack for a Cherokee (like what we used) is only $189.

Bob Kelly

[Dgamble]

Originally Posted by videobobk

That being said, a standard hydraulic jack for a Cherokee (like what we used) is only $189.

A model 326 from www.aircraftjacks.com works great, and costs $159. If you need one slightly shorter, the model 321 is $179.

[Geico266]

I bought a hydraulic jack from Harbor Freight for $40 and built a stand like you see in the video. Works great.

Yes, you can jack up an RV at the tie downs.

[mrreddick]

Originally Posted by Rick S.

I never thought about it before but, is the tie down a good jacking point? I always thought that jacking from the main gear was the only good jack point...just thinking out loud.

Rick,

Check the latest online Van's catalog! They have been selling a jacking kit for a long time that includes two screw-in jack pads.

[rv6ejguy]

Fabbed my own wing jacks years ago from scrap 3/4 square tubing, some barrel nuts and 5/8 redi rod, total cost $9. Machine off some GR8 bolts round to thread into tie down mounts and the jack top captures these in a recess. Works great.