Trailer Issues

By Bob Stephens

One of the main reasons behind my choice of the Zodiac was the fact that the aircraft could be dismantled for transporting when required. Although this process is not as quick as say for the Europa, it still has its advantages when considering the cost of hangaring an aircraft. Unlike the majority of group members I probably also have a greater requirement to be able to move my aircraft by virtue of the fact that my job means I move every 2 to 3 years.

With this in mind I have started to consider a number of options for a suitable means of moving my pride and joy. I believe that there are basically 2 options to consider if you are to use a trailer to transport an aircraft a) customise a ready made model or b) use a custom built trailer. The first option has a couple of advantages: time is not required to construct the trailer and there are a number of trailers on the market which might fit the bill. On the other hand a custom built trailer, although it might take time to construct, can as its name implies be customised to do what one wants. I am fortunate that when I move in a couple of months time, my aircraft is not yet at the stage where I need a special trailer. I would like to think, however, that in 3 years time when I may have to move again that I will have progressed far enough to require one. Therefore with approximately 3 years to go before I may need its services I have come up with a number of ‘doodles’ and questions which I have summaris below.

First question: which way do you have the aircraft facing? If you have the tail hanging over the back you will have a long overhang. If you have the aircraft facing backwards you will have a very long trailer - possibly 22 ft. This way round, how do you allow for problems with the stabiliser hitting the towing vehicle when turning? How much longer should the draw bar be? Where is the happy medium?

To ensure that the load is distributed evenly it would seem to make sence to position the C of G of the aircraft over the wheels. This position must be reasonably accurate to ensure that the whole trailer is balanced: not too much load on the towing tongue, yet enough to ensure that the trailer draw bar does not lift up. Is the C of G of the aircraft vastly different with both wings off? If so by how much? Where are the wings going to be stored: along the sides or under the aircraft? How will this effect the trailer’s balance?

Finally, what type of platform should be used? Should it be open with channels for the wheels and cradles for the wings or should there be a solid bed? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Is it worth putting a cover over the trailer to make a mobile hangar?

I’m sure there are many more questions one could ask, however one has got to start somewhere. Drawn below are some of my initial ‘scribblings’. I doubt that any particular one is going to be just right. The next thing is to decide whether to customise an existing trailer or to go the whole hog and build one from scratch. However, I’ll leave it there for the time being. I’d welcome any thoughts or suggestions. May be we can come up with a Zodiac trailer - or do you know if there is one in existence already? To be continued...