Lightweight aluminum towbar for RV's?

[pboyce]

I built and am flying an RV-7A. My father recently sent me an almost complete Glastar to finish. With the Glastar came a lightweight aluminum towbar, feather light. Really really slick.

I am currently using the Bogert towbar for my RV-7A, but that thing is heavy! Made of steel, which is pretty much an abomination to carry in an aluminum airplane. I spoke to Bogert a couple of years ago about making a lightweight towbar for RV owners. He said he would think about it...

Does anyone know of anyone who makes a lightweight aluminum towbar for RV's? This is a product waiting to happen.

Regards,

Paul

[aadamson]

Is there any markings on the Glastar one? The reason I ask, is that Lancair also sells a very lightweight towbar that is aluminum and colapsable. I wonder if they both use the same Company to make them. I dont have one of the Lancair ones, but if the glastar one fits a bracket like this, then perhaps, if we find out the company, I'm sure there is enough market for them to do an RV version...

Here is what the Lancair version looks like... Dang, they aren't cheap...
http://www.aerocraftparts.com/ItemFo...?item=801-0004

And this is the tow point that it connects to...it's the little raise at the front T mount that bolts right to the top of the bottom collar on the strut to nose fork mount - I didn't have a better picture... Sorry.

[pboyce]

here is a photo of the aluminum towbar I was talking about:


Anybody know who makes this?

[Rick6a]

Originally Posted by pboyce

I am currently using the Bogert towbar for my RV-7A, but that thing is heavy! Made of steel, which is pretty much an abomination to carry in an aluminum airplane. Does anyone know of anyone who makes a lightweight aluminum towbar for RV's? This is a product waiting to happen.
Regards,Paul

Paul,

I guess you missed my recent query in the 6A (Model Specific) category.
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ead.php?t=7194
I gladly give Roberta full credit for recommending the Wag-Aero design. Upon her recommendation, I ordered and received it. The Wag-Aero design is everything the Bogi-bar is not. It breaks down for stowage and only cost $45. Unlike the Bogert design which the operator has to be extra careful and proceed gingerly when inserting and more or less depends upon the spring loaded property of steel to secure the legs to the axle bolt, the Wag-Aero sports a true spring between the yoke legs that insure and maintain a constantly even pressure on both sides of the axle bolt. If your experience mirrors mine, on several occasions the Bogert has slipped off the axle bolt and I (or my hangar partner Craig) inadvertently towed Darla by the wheel pant! This ultimately caused a slight but irritatingly noticeable elongation of the axle access hole on the port side of the fiberglass nosewheel pant. It was Craig who complained and Roberta whom ultimately referred me to the vastly superior Wag-Aero towbar design. Thanks again Roberta!

Rick Galati RV-6A "Darla"

[vlittle]

In defence of the Bogert tow bar...

I had problems with mine. I used the main axle bolt as the attach points originally because the tow bar fit there without modification to the nose wheel pants.

Predictably, I ended up damaging my wheel pants do to the kick back from releasing the spreader bar and from the tow bar slipping off the axle bolt.

I called Rich Bogert and he immediately sent me two fixes: a redesigned speader bar that works much better (about half of the kick back), and new cap screws and special 1/2" bushings/standoffs to replace the forward attach screws on the wheel pant.

The only modification I had to make was to drill out the wheel pant opening for the cap screws to 13/16 for the tow bar to fit.

This makes a huge difference in the security of the tow bar when it's clipped into place. I'm very happy with the result and Rich Bogert's service. Rich called me twice to make sure everything was in order, and he is clearly committed to supporting his product.

I've gone from being somewhat disillusioned to very happy with his product.

He offers this upgrade to anyone who asks.

Sorry, no photos.


Vern Little

[pboyce]

Rick,

Thanks for the link to the Wag Aero towbar. It appears that towbar is also made of steel.

My point is this: I worked hard to make my plane lightweight. So it hurts to put a steel object, unecessarily heavy, into my airplane.

Also, at the paintshop, the Bogert towbar slipped off the axle and slightly damaged the wheel pant, which seems to be a common experience among owners of this product.

There is obviously a lot of room for improvement in this arena...

Paul

[tomcostanza]

Are you telling me you guys built an entire airplane, but can't build a decent tow bar?? No way!

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by tomcostanza

Are you telling me you guys built an entire airplane, but can't build a decent tow bar?? No way!

This is what I was thinking. I am no genius and basically feel that I have tons to learn in my progress toward completing my airplane. With that being said, I sure hope that when the time comes when I will need a tow bar I will be able to build something that will work for me. We are talking about aluminum here. I have discovered in my building process that it sure is easy to work with. I am thinking that something on the caliber of building a tow bar should be a piece of cake after I finish with the airplane build.

RVBYSDI
Steve

[mark manda]

I've got an alum. 9hort) hand made one but I still prefer the Bogi and my Wag aero.

Also, I designed my front pant so that the towbar doesn't go into the pant.

My flash reader is messed up so I can't post or download picts or I'd show a pict maybe next week.

edit-- I try to leave my key ring at home when going lite.

[mlw450802]

Originally Posted by tomcostanza

Are you telling me you guys built an entire airplane, but can't build a decent tow bar?? No way!

Interesting.
Without having read past the first post in this thread, that was my exact thought!