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Darren S

Well Known Member
Hi,

I just switched out my stock -7 tailwheel fork for one of the Flyboy Accessory tailwheel forks.

See here : http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=319


I fly off grass and this time of year the grass out front of my hanger is very soft. I have a lawn tractor that I plan use to push and pull the plane out of the hanger. I would like an opinion on this tail wheel tow bar that Aircraft Spruce sells:

http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/pspages/deluxeTailwheel.php

It is pricey and would like to hear if anyone has used it. The other option is the Tail Dragger Dragger seen here:

http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/pspages/taildragger.php

but this may not fit with the FlyBoys Tail wheel fork.

Thanks,

Darren
 
Go straight to the source...

Darren, here is the link for the Tail Dragger Dragger, from the company that makes them. A lot cheaper than Aircraft Spruce.

http://dragger.com/tail-dragger-draggers/

I have the manual one, but am not flying yet. I bought mine from a guy who had sold his RV-8. He said that he had no problem with it.

HTH:eek:
 
"Dragger" didnt work well on my 6

Darren S said:
Thanks for the help,

I like the Tail Dragger Dragger manual towbar but am concerned if it will work ok with the FlyBoy tailfork.

The picture/video that is shown on the Tail Dragger Dragger site is of an RV with a Bell tail fork.

Seen here : http://www.vansairforce.net/buildermodifications/tailwheel/Tailwheel_DougBell.htm

The flyboy tail fork is a little different and may interefere with the Dragger front pin.

Darren
Click to expand...

It worked great on my Aeronca but it would not clear the rudder bottom on my 6. The angle of the handle does not have the clearance to lift the tail wheel without hitting the rudder. I use the Bog. Bar. It is also foldable and light weight so it can travel. The Dragger will not travel.
 
I can't say if the Tail Dragger Dragger will work with our tailwheels or not. If they work with the standard Van's tailwheel, I wouldn't see why not.

If there were more hours in the day, I'd offer this tailwheel towbar. It's super CHEAP, super easy to use, and absolutely won't pop off unexpectedly.

http://www.vincesrocket.com/Additions%20after%2010-27-04.htm Scroll downa little ways to the towbar section.

I'll try to add the text and photos here so everyone doesn't have to go hunting.

The standard Cessna 150 towbar (ACS p/n 13-01800, $34) works fine with the Screaming Eagle tailwheels. Or you can roll your own for about $5. See below. It's made from ordinary electrical conduit. Just make sure that the conduit you buy will fit over the nut/bolt in your tailwheel.

Towbar%202.jpg
Strap loose. Ready to install.

Towbar.jpg
Strap tight. Ready to use. You could fly to Alaska and back and the tow bar would still be attached.
Click to expand...

The strap is simply a bent piece of scrap aluminum, probably .025", with a small bolt holding the ends together.

To use, place the ends over the tailwheel bolthead and nut, squeeze the towbar together with your hand, slide the strap down. Easy hand pressure is all that is needed. It won't come loose!

A little cutting and welding is required, but it's easy enough. Doesn't have to be pretty, just sturdy. A quick spray of silver paint will dress everything up.
 
Darren, I have the deluxe which I use on a Piper Cub. It also fits nicely on the Bell tailwheel for my RV-6. The part which cradles the front of the wheel is an angle and I think it would adapt well to almost any tailwheel. I think it has an "easier to fit" advantage over the Tail Dragger even though it is more expensive.

Ken
 
S-1 Standard Tail Dragger DRAGGER?

I have the earlier version of this tow bar and find it works the best. The only difference between the earlier one and the new one is a single handle versus the buckhorn handle that is on the newer one.

http://dragger.com/general-aviation-aircraft-airplane-tail-draggers/

I've used this on my RV6 and now my RV8. The RV6 had an Aviation Products tailwheel assembly. The RV8 first had the stock Van's tailwheel and now I run Vince's Flyboy fork and it works great on all of them. No clearance problems with the rudder or anywhere else.

The thing I like about this tow bar is it lifts the wheel and the tail when you use it. Makes steering the plane much easier than the ones that straddle the bolt for the wheel.

Ted
 
Hi Darren

I recently purchased the Deluxe Tailwheel Dragger from Spruce (the second link you provided).

Obviously it cost me a fair bit to get it delivered to Australia and (IMHO) it is hopeless for RV's.

I had to modify the spacing to accomodate the Rv tailwheel and because of the solid tyre it doesnt "hold" the tyre as well as it should.

I am using it but I am very dissapointed with it.

The tailwheel bar shown in Vfraziers post would be a MUCH better option.

Regards

Jon.
 
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