My Dad is still flying his Rocket at 78 years young! However, he struggles to get the plane up the incline ramp and over the rails into his hanger. I am worried that him trying to "make a run at it" will one day lead him to fall down or smash into something. I've seen some tugs on here but cannot find one right now. I need something that positively controls the aircraft, is easy to use and can hook to the tailwheel. He has the standard Van's tail wheel. Can someone lead me to the company who sells these? Thank you!
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Need a good recommendation for an aircraft tug for the Old Man's Rocket
- Thread starter Aden Rich
- Start date
I have been using an electric taildragger dragger for the last 8 years on my RV-14, Tiger Moth, and Waco.
I have had no issues with it and am very happy with it. Completely adjustable to any size tailwheel.
www.dragger.com
I have had no issues with it and am very happy with it. Completely adjustable to any size tailwheel.
Best Tail Dragger Tug for Lightweight Aircrafts | TDE-1 DRAGGER
Move your tailwheel plane with ease with DRAGGER's electric TDE-1 tail dragger tug. Compatible with most tailwheel planes without the need for an adapter, you can experience easy moving for your aircraft under 4,000 lbs. Learn more and purchase yours here!
www.dragger.com
Expensive but Best Tugs makes really nice stuff.
gkimbrough
Member
I am also 78 like your Dad. I’ve been flying my -8 since 2008. I hurt my back a couple of months ago and decided that I needed to get a powered tug if I wanted to keep flying. After researching several alternatives, I bought a T1 from the company below. I can’t complement them enough on the entire process including packing a shipping it to me in Katy, Texas from Michigan.
Talk to Megan and she will help you with no pressure.
Good luck,
Geoff
www.amigoaerotow.com
Talk to Megan and she will help you with no pressure.
Good luck,
Geoff
AeroTow all electric aircraft tug for personal planes
Are you ready to go? AeroTow aircraft tug offers a motorized solution to get your aircraft in and out of a hangar quick.
www.amigoaerotow.com
Jjackh10
Well Known Member
Ouch, you could probably find a used golf-cart for what those cost. Or get him a mobility scooter to tease him hahaha.
DanH has a good design with plans in this thread. I think he was even providing laser cut steel "kits".
DanH has a good design with plans in this thread. I think he was even providing laser cut steel "kits".
With Wx what it is , we may as well discuss DIY Tugs !
Got the plans and some lazer cut plate from DanH along with some knowledge and built the RV two motor Jazzy 24 volt TUG. Overall design was well thought thru as one would expect and programming and other instructions were all very detailed and straight forward. Came together in about 2...
vansairforce.net
Mini-Max makes one that works great for my RV7. It's the one that used a big Dewalt drill to power the drive wheels.
Roll up to the tail, clamp onto the axle, push down on the handle to put some weight on the drive wheels and it it powers up the incline and over the door tracks at my hangar, no problem
Roll up to the tail, clamp onto the axle, push down on the handle to put some weight on the drive wheels and it it powers up the incline and over the door tracks at my hangar, no problem
I really like my AC Air Technology remote controlled tug, and they are really good people to work with, too! 
acairtechnology.com
AC AIR Technology - Remote Control Aircraft Tugs
Are you tired of struggling to move your airplane around? Look no further than our remote-controlled aircraft tugs designed specifically for airplane owners. Our tugs are made of high-quality materials and are incredibly easy to use. Shop Now!
acairtechnology.com
I use one of these for my RV:
chorewarrior.com
I modified mine to make it work better with my tailwheel. Works great, easily maneuverable.
Electric Powered Aircraft Tug Airplane Tail Dragger - Chore Warrior ( Ships in 2-3 Weeks) - Chore Warrior
airplane-spotter-tail-dragger-taildragger-plane-aircraft-tug
chorewarrior.com
I modified mine to make it work better with my tailwheel. Works great, easily maneuverable.
Attachments
Aden, I make these to order, customized as needed. Left, right, forward, back with two fingers. Regen controller for long battery life. Private message if interested.
Each to his own. I have about $250 in my lawn tractor and 2 homemade towbars.
Don Broussard
RV9 Rebuild in Progress
57 Pacer
Don Broussard
RV9 Rebuild in Progress
57 Pacer
That makes sense if you've got room, but it doesn't work for a lot of us with taildraggers. In my T hangar there isn't enough space between the empennage and the hangar wall for that kind of setup
