Extra long axle bolt

[prkaye]

The main axle bolt for the nosewheel is an AN6-60. I'd like to put something a little longer in and raise the head out with washers so my tow bar has more to bite on and won't slip off the bolt head so easily.
Neither spruce nor vans has AN6 bolts any longer than -60.
Does anybody know a source?

[Tom Martin]

Try Leavens http://www.leavensaviation.com/ at least they will be able to tell you if the bolt is available.

[mburch]

GAH carries up to AN6-76A: http://www.gen-aircraft-hardware.com

mcb

[Radomir]

Don't the plans suggest attaching the tow bar to the hex screws that hold the bracket in place? I've been using that and never had any issues with tow bar slipping off.. (and I have to pull the plane with the lawn mower to get it into the hangar)...

[bhester]

No longer axle bolt needed, don't use the axle bolt.

I use the Wag-Aero Tow Bar:
RV-A Series Aircraft Deluxe Towbar M-340-026 $49.95
http://store.wagaero.com/advanced_se...ption=1&page=2

and I installed these:

RVa Tow Pin Kit
P/N 04-pkRVa
each $ 15.00

Scroll to the bottom of this page:
http://www.bogert-av.com/whats_new.php

This combo works great!!!!

[prkaye]

I plan to use the axle bolt (i've already drilled the holes in my wheel pants). Another local builder has reported (and I've experienced this a bit with the limited movements I've done with my towbar in the shop) that it's easier to steer with the towbar on the axle bolt. He wishes he'd put his holes in the wheel pants over the axle bolt instead.
I'll order the bolt through GAHC... thanks!

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by prkaye

Another local builder has reported (and I've experienced this a bit with the limited movements I've done with my towbar in the shop) that it's easier to steer with the towbar on the axle bolt.

Been moving Tri-gear RV's around with tow bars for many years...I have found just the opposite to be true.

[prkaye]

...I have found just the opposite to be true

I think it can be geometrically proven that it should be easier to steer with a towbar on the axle bolt. The axle is further from the pivot-point on the gear leg than is the allen bolt, so the lateral force required to deflect the wheel (for steering) from the axle will be smaller (torque = force x arm).

The other consideration for me is that it wouldn't work as well for me to locate the holes over the axle bolt, as these would lie right on the seam between the two wheelpant halves.

[Pilottonny]

[quote=prkaye;397544]I think it can be geometrically proven that it should be easier to steer with a towbar on the axle bolt. The axle is further from the pivot-point on the gear leg than is the allen bolt, so the lateral force required to deflect the wheel (for steering) from the axle will be smaller (torque = force x arm).quote]

That is not correct! You will be placing the tow bar further back, thus shortening the tow bar arm (the distance from the pivot point of the wheel fork, to the handle bar of your tow bar will be shorter), so you will need more force to turn it!

Regards, Tonny.

[gvouga]

Do yourself a favor and use the hex bolts for the tow bar. I used the axel bolts at first also and it was definitely harder to turn/move the plane. Also, the tow bar slipped off the bolts a couple times when I was trying to turn the plane and damaged the wheel fairing. I suppose the slipping issue could be helped with the longer bolt, but it's still not the ideal situation.

Also, make sure you have the new style fairing mounts that don't require you to remove hex bolt AND the axel to remove the fairing. The newer style only requires you to remove the front hex bolt which is MUCH easier. I re-configured my nose gear after 6 months of fighting the old setup and am very glad that I did.

Greg
RV-7A