RV-10 Towbar/rudder lock

[ddddsp]

It has been a while since I have seen or heard of an update on this towbar/rudder lock combo. Anyone heard about NEW items that will be at SnF? I thought a few companies were developing a few specific to the RV10. Any updates or pics of ones you have made would be appreciated!

TIM OLSON: Maybe you wanna do a GROUP BUY on this? J/K

Dean 40449

 

[dav1111]

Towbar Group Buy

I would never try and speak for Tim Olson as I hold him in super high esteam. However after the amount of work he put in on the last group buy, saving everone who participated at least half off wheel spacers somebody else needs to step up and do the work.

 

[MichRV10]

I made my tow bar for $25.00.There are some great rudder lock Ideas in Vans Airforce site do a quick post. I made mine from 1/4" steel rod with shrink tubing. Will post pictures tomorrow.

Jim

 

[TimO]

Ok Dean, I'll bite. It's been a while since I checked into how the project was coming for the tow-bar/gust lock combo, and I was just thinking of it the other day. I'll give them a holler and see if there's any new news, and if they have something ready and it works great, I'll see what I can coordinate. You're right that there's definitely a call for it.
Tim

 

[Rick S.]

Hehee,

I'll bet the packing and shipping department on this one will need to hire some stronger hands!!!

FWIW for those that didn't know, those axle extenders were expertly packed by Tim's two young daughters and an aging Golden Retriever, very cute photos on his site of the work in progress

http://www.myrv10.com/N104CD/upgrades/20070118/index.html

 

[ddddsp]

Jim,

Any pics yet? Tim, What company was gonna build a tow/rudder bar?

Dean

 

[MichRV10]

I thought I was going to the airport yesterday but I will be going tomorrow.
I'll post the pictures tomorrow, of what I made for tow bar and rudder lock.

Jim

 

[MichRV10]

Here is the picture of the tow bar and rudder lock

 

[Grinning Dad]

I'd love to see the pictures too! Thanks.

 

[BobTurner]

I'd love to see the pictures too! Thanks.

You know of course this is a very old thread. Below is a photo of the modified Bogart tow bar for the -10. Just add 2 strips of aluminum at the end. (I used hose clamps, some have welded them). Sitting in the left seat, hold the tow bar with the aluminum strips up. Insert the bar at a 45 deg angle, aluminum strips go over the rudder bar, under the brake pedals. The stick goes thru the bar, where the pipe foam is. Lower the handle against the seat back (seat full back for aft mounted pedals, a couple of Inches forward of that for foreward pedals). Use the lap belt to hold the tow bar handle firmly down, against the seat back. The rudders can now not move. On the left seat, use the seat belt to pull the stick back into the padded V. The elevators and ailerons are now immobilized. PS. Insert the strips into the top of the brake pedals for an emergency brake (I wouldn't count on this long-term).

 

[David Paule]

No pictures, sorry, but I made a combination tow bar and control lock in the late '80s for my C180. The towbar handle rested against the rudder pedals, and I used some straps to secure the control wheel, with another to the seat for tension. It worked well and I still use it. In fact, I'd bring one or two to Oshkosh back then and sell them.

There are certainly ways to provide that capability for RVs....

Dave

 

[Grinning Dad]

You know of course this is a very old thread. Below is a photo of the modified Bogart tow bar for the -10. Just add 2 strips of aluminum at the end. (I used hose clamps, some have welded them). Sitting in the left seat, hold the tow bar with the aluminum strips up. Insert the bar at a 45 deg angle, aluminum strips go over the rudder bar, under the brake pedals. The stick goes thru the bar, where the pipe foam is. Lower the handle against the seat back (seat full back for aft mounted pedals, a couple of Inches forward of that for foreward pedals). Use the lap belt to hold the tow bar handle firmly down, against the seat back. The rudders can now not move. On the left seat, use the seat belt to pull the stick back into the padded V. The elevators and ailerons are now immobilized. PS. Insert the strips into the top of the brake pedals for an emergency brake (I wouldn't count on this long-term).
View attachment 75251View attachment 75251

Thanks for taking the time. I appreciate it!

 

[Jesse23]

You know of course this is a very old thread. Below is a photo of the modified Bogart tow bar for the -10. Just add 2 strips of aluminum at the end. (I used hose clamps, some have welded them). Sitting in the left seat, hold the tow bar with the aluminum strips up. Insert the bar at a 45 deg angle, aluminum strips go over the rudder bar, under the brake pedals. The stick goes thru the bar, where the pipe foam is. Lower the handle against the seat back (seat full back for aft mounted pedals, a couple of Inches forward of that for foreward pedals). Use the lap belt to hold the tow bar handle firmly down, against the seat back. The rudders can now not move. On the left seat, use the seat belt to pull the stick back into the padded V. The elevators and ailerons are now immobilized. PS. Insert the strips into the top of the brake pedals for an emergency brake (I wouldn't count on this long-term).
View attachment 75251View attachment 75251

The AntiSplatAero gust lock is worth every penny IMHO. When folded, fits right under my seat and is easily accessible, just before I exit the plane. Takes care of all control surfaces with one ingenious tool. Tow bar stays in the baggage area.