Tailwheel Transporter

[M Towsley]

I thought I would pass this information along for anyone who may be interested. I think that if someone takes the time to put together a nice tool that works and is well thought out they should get at least a recommendation.

I ran across this after having a discussion with Chuck Avon, (CVAVON), on a nice homemade tailwheel mover he had constructed. The link for the Tailwheel Transporter is here along with videos showing how it works: http://www.tailwheeltransporter.com/index.html

I ordered this a few days ago and it arrived yesterday. (My birthday present to me). It was very well packaged, every piece was individually wrapped in plastic and then wrapped in foam and all tied down to the main frame. It was also shipped extremely quick.

The photos I took are after it came out of the packaging and laid out prior to assembly, which is extremely easy. It could be construed as a little pricey, but for those of us without scrap metal laying around and no welding skills it is just the ticket. I emailed and spoke to the builder/manufacturer and he is a heck of a nice guy. If we could only get him to stop using that slow Cub and Champ as models in his video he would be alright. If anyone has any questions give me a shout. This is being offered right now for $299.99 and shipping to me via FedEx was about $46.00, which was from Arizona to Illinois. (I had an issue with the shipping cost until I realized how big the box was and how heavy the unit was to ship). I have no affiliation whatsoever with this gentleman.

If you want to see a nice residential airport, where this video is shot, run the 'N'-numbers on the Cub and Champ throught the FAA database and then Google Earth the address. I could live there but it would be a bit out of my tax bracket...

[Guest]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

I watched the video.

If I had hanger space like that I wouldn't need a tail transporter!

It is a nice tool. If I didn't have $6K worth of welding machines and a supply of metal I'd buy one.

I am making a hybrid one from Chuck's sketches and pictures and a trailer tote from Northern tool.

My hangar has a dirt floor with gravel in front followed by grass and a slight uphill slope.

I mostly need big wheels and the ability to steer because the tailwheel plows the dirt. Lifting is not an issue for me.

Dave

[M Towsley]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

Dave,

Chuck sent that stuff to me, too. However, I don't do welding, etc. I had a feeling after Chuck told me this morning you had your hands on his info you would build one. If you need any specs off this one to clarify let me know. The tires on this are pretty big and are full of air, not solid. I also have grass and a good sized lip/ramp up to level concrete so I will see how it goes. Now if it would just stop snowing.......

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

Snow tires on a hand tug?
Hank

[Carrieve]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

Dave I am in the same boat with gravel inside my hangar and sand outside so I need something with bigger tires. I have been looking at many designs. Could you send me some pics of what you come up with? I don't want to reinvent the wheel. (No pun intended.)

[Larry Lyons]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

After watching the video, I say the hell with the lifter! I want the hanger! L

[Guest]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

Dave I am in the same boat with gravel inside my hangar and sand outside so I need something with bigger tires. I have been looking at many designs. Could you send me some pics of what you come up with? I don't want to reinvent the wheel. (No pun intended.)

will do

[M Towsley]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

Guys,

Like I mentioned in my earlier post, if you are bored and have the time I urge you to Google Earth the location where the video was shot at the small airport in Chandler, AZ. (Just check the 'N' numbers through the FAA on the planes). I couldn't afford the expanse of concrete outside of some of these hangar/homes let alone the hangars. Something to dream for, (and play the lottery).

[N74DV]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

It's probably Stellar Airpark. It's a nice place. Some homes in there are over $2.5mil (at current prices). Back in the hayday some of those places were well over $5 mil.

Another nice airpark near Phoenix is Pegasus. I went to a New Year's Eve party at a guys place out there. He has a hangar large enough for a Beech 18 and his house was amazing. Maybe 6,000 sq.ft. or so. His hangar faces the paved runway. I can only dream.

[M Towsley]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

I did a quick search, DJ, and it is Stellar Airpark. Wow, nice area. I tried to figure out how to share a Google Earth location but just couldn't figure it out.

Just search for Stellar Airpark in Google Earth and that will pull it up.

[Guest]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

Chuck, Marty and all,

Here is my tail dolly story and pictures.

I started out with trailer dolly like the first picture ($39) and I cut the "A" frame off and re-welded it on in the horizontal. Also re-used a brace on it and tossed the "rest" leg (looks like a "V" behind the wheels).

Then I welded in a short section of C-channel about 4" wide and long enough to set the tailwheel in. I welded a short piece of flat stock on the back of the channel to assure that not matter how hard I pushed that the tailwheel would not jump out of the channel.

Last step was to weld on a couple of 1-1/2" x 3/16" flats about a foot long and weld the caster (about $22) to them.

I works ok I can push the plan up the slight grade at the hanger and out. The 3 tires are pneumatic and so far don't dig in to the clay like the tailwheel did.

Chuck, I have to pick up tailwheel and set it in the channel but that's ok. I think that my wheel will slip off of the "fork" on the design like you have because of the pushing and sharp turning that I have to do. Would be a different story if I had a better hangar.

Chuck and Marty thanks so much for your pictures and sketches! They really helped me thru this.

Dave

[cvavon]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

Dave

looks like it does the job it's asked to do that is all that needed a tool that works is a good tool your more then welcome Chuck

[M Towsley]

Re: Tailwheel Transporter

Dave,

I knew you would be busy building one once you saw it! Glad it works, I wish I could weld.......ahhhh...