Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

[mhorowit]

The business with the 337 and my IA is complicated by the fact that the trailer I need is an hour south of me, and has to be returned after use. So, an hour down, and hour up, an hour moving it to my IA, and hour back and another hour to park the trailer. Whew.

So, if I could move the tcraft without that trailer, that would relieve most of the problem. In a thread about a year ago we discussed towing a tcraft backwards (with a trailer hitch in place of the leaf spring) and decided that in no time, we'd burn out the wheel bearings. I"m remembering seeing something in the back of a tow truck that allowed a car to be towed with rear wheels in this "cradle" or maybe it's a dolly. A tour of the U-haul and local rental shops turns up nothing. Anyone know what this cradle/dolly is called? Anyone built one? - Mike

[flylo]

Re: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

I thought the same as you did until I sold a project to a guy in Dalton Ga. He picked it up at my place in Michigan,I helped him take off the wings & tail,he hooked up a tow bar where the leaf spring goes,duct taped the doors shut & took off. Never had a problem. You have to remember those little bearings go from 0-50 or so on landing in a split second. Just my opinion.

[N74DV]

Re: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

we towed ours to the airport backwards last winter. No issues other than the fresh brakes were dragging slightly and got warm. Otherwise should be fine at speeds less than 60. Pack the wheel bearings real good and keep the doors from coming open. Also make sure the prop is not perfectly vertical otherwise an obstruction in the road could ruin it. Be prepared for funny looks from passers-by.

here's video of ours going down the road.

http://vimeo.com/2862111

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

OK, that is the strangest conversion of a taildragger Taylorcraft to nose wheel I have ever seen! Looks like a HUGE increase in gross weight, terrible loss of visibility, BIG OLE DODGE RAM engine, WAY clipped wing. The nose tires (FOUR of them? What is this a 747 nose gear?) are HUGE and only two steer. This just doesn't work for me.

Hank

By the way, I was in on the old discussion. I had a friend that towed a Stearman from the restoration shop to the airport like that. The bearings didn't make it. You think OUR wheels are expensive? Burned those suckers up! I have always been afraid to try it after that. I'm glad it worked for you but when I moved my plane I rented an enclosed truck. Just not worth the risk for me. WAY too many nut case drivers rubber-necking, even late at night, much less in the middle of the day. Also, how did you get permission to tow on a public street? An airplane isn't exactly a legal trailer.
Like I said. Really glad it was an event free trip, but I wouldn't recommend it for as little as a truck rental costs.

[crispy critter]

Re: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

Mike,why don't you just buy a decent used trailer....look around for a 16-18 foot car trailer or maybe even a utility trailer. I see them in my local paper every now and then ranging in prices from $200 to $600 bucks,especially between Thanksgiving & X-mas....rednecks need the extra money around X-mas so they can buy thier kids a present or two without sacrificing thier beer guts,lol. Or if you want a high quality,low profile 18' dovetail car trailer such as the one pictured below under my Thorp T18C, I can get you one of these for $1650 brand new. They are very high quality, electric brakes,nice easy access ramps that store under the trailer,and all custom hand built by the local Mininites(modern day Omish with running water,electricity,and drive cars rather then horse & buggy). These are very nice trailers that are built better then any name brand at about half the price and they do come with titles if you want it at no extra cost. If you want to look around for something more local try checking your local classifieds,auto traders,or ebay. The trailer would pay for itself a couple of times or more by the time your project is finsihed, not to mention all the time and trouble it will save you running back and forth to borrow one. Plus you would have it to use for any other reason you might come up with over the years to come.

[flylo]

Re: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

Kevin,Please contact me. I can't get hold of you by phone or e-mail. Thanks! Eric

[mohawktipi]

Re: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

[QUOTE=crispy critter;50810]Mike,why don't you just buy a decent used trailer....look around for a 16-18 foot car trailer or maybe even a utility trailer. I see them in my local paper every now and then ranging in prices from $200 to $600 bucks,especially between Thanksgiving & X-mas....QUOTE]

A boat trailer works well, for moving a taildragger and they are a lot less expensive than a car trailer. I have seen them for $75 to $150 used and $300 new.

[RobertP]

Re: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

we towed ours to the airport backwards last winter. No issues other than the fresh brakes were dragging slightly and got warm. Otherwise should be fine at speeds less than 60. Pack the wheel bearings real good and keep the doors from coming open. Also make sure the prop is not perfectly vertical otherwise an obstruction in the road could ruin it. Be prepared for funny looks from passers-by.

here's video of ours going down the road.

http://vimeo.com/2862111

Great Video - Plus the one of your T/Craft flying - wish we had some of those blue sky's over here in the UK! Lashing down with rain here in Wales and Gales as well ( Tail end of Hurricane Bill )


Bob Preston (UK West Wales )

[astjp2]

Re: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

16" boat trailer...Tim

[mohawktipi]

Re: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft

Found this trailer listed on Barnstormers.

AIRCRAFT TRANSPORT TRAILER • $400

[mhorowit]

WAS: Hello Dolly; moving a t'craft NOW: Solved

$100 boat trailer off Craig's list; pick up this PM. With minor mods, will do fine. - Mike