REDLINE SIDEWINDER POWER DRIVER

[GeneralT001]

Need to get a power tug. Is the Redline Sidewinder still a good option?

[GeeBee]

I like mine.

 

[GeneralT001]

Took the plunge...for better or worse

[FlySafe]

16 minutes ago, GeneralT001 said:

Took the plunge...for better or worse

For a portable solution the sidewinder is still the one to beat based on my recent due diligence.  All most all pilot reports are positive. Only limitation appears to be snow but by the time yours and mine arrives with their 6-8 week backorder status, hopefully spring will have arrived.  Its pricey, but from experience, generally if you go with the best product initially you will save money in the long-term and be happier. Take care

k

 

[N9405V]

I’ve got one and I love it. I’ve got a shoulder that has issues and it works great and doesn’t impact my shoulder.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Philip France 13]

I have one it works well : my advise, buy a second battery, and the charger. Easy to charge, with the second battery you will be able to exchange it when the voltage goes down. 

[LANCECASPER]

4 hours ago, GeneralT001 said:

Need to get a power tug. Is the Redline Sidewinder still a good option?

I've used a lot of tugs and the Redline Sidewinder is my favorite.

 

I even own own of their collapsible portable towbars. Extremely well made.

https://redlineaviation.com/ul-hand-tow-bar/

[exM20K]

There are two versions of the Sidewinder for the mooney: the original, which requires downforce on the handle to engage the roller into the front tire, and the newer style, which clamps down.  I chose the older style because it does not require a wheel cover change.  If I were doing it again, I'd go with the newer style.

For short distances and where there is no snow to contend with, it is a very good solution. I agree that a second battery is desirable.  

If going longer distances than just in/out of a hangar, something powered by dead dinosaurs would be my choice. 

-dan

[A64Pilot]

If you have the room for it and of course it’s not for traveling, but an electric golf cart makes a great tug, and can also be an APU too, and of course just good transportation.

[M20F-1968]

I have the Sidewinder and it works great.  I have not had problems in the winter but there is no upward grade into my hangar.  

I have never heard of the newer version mentioned above for the Mooney.  Perhaps someone can post pictures.

I have the "older" version.

John Breda

[ZuluZulu]

You might let @jgarrison know you're looking; that's how I found mine (used).

[ZuluZulu]

Their website doesn't really explain the differences between these.  Which one is better for the Mooney?  It's also off-putting that you can't select Mooney from the drop-down menu... should I order the "Bonanza" one or the "210" one?  Maybe the "Arrow"?  Could someone who has one please share which exact model they have?

https://redlineaviation.com/ul-hand-tow-bar/

https://redlineaviation.com/be-3-tow-bar/

[LANCECASPER]

7 hours ago, ZuluZulu said:

Their website doesn't really explain the differences between these.  Which one is better for the Mooney?  It's also off-putting that you can't select Mooney from the drop-down menu... should I order the "Bonanza" one or the "210" one?  Maybe the "Arrow"?  Could someone who has one please share which exact model they have?

https://redlineaviation.com/ul-hand-tow-bar/

https://redlineaviation.com/be-3-tow-bar/

I agree they should do a better job on that menu. I have the one in the picture, I bought it in new condition from a Mooney owner who sold his airplane. It's probably going to take a phone call to make sure you get the one in the picture. Well worth it though.

[ArtVandelay]

I use the aircraft spruce one:


Although as I get older I’m thinking of going electric.

[Guest]

8 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

I use the aircraft spruce one:


Although as I get older I’m thinking of going electric.

I find the Spruce versions are not welded at the correct angle, and will pull out quite easily.  I’ve fallen a few times.  Heat the tube with a torch and bend it a bit.

Clarence

[PT20J]

3 minutes ago, M20Doc said:

I find the Spruce versions are not welded at the correct angle, and will pull out quite easily.  I’ve fallen a few times.  Heat the tube with a torch and bend it a bit.

Clarence

That's a common problem even with some of the factory tow bars. Especially bad when wet. Always land on your butt. That's one reason I like the Redline product -- to locks into the nose gear tube. 

[ohdub]

I had been thinking for a few years about getting some form of power tug but was always to cheap to actually get one. Then I injured my shoulder last year and couldn't push the airplane back into the hangar on my own so I bought a Sidewinder. It works quite well but ice/snow are a problem. Overall I'm happy with it - and my shoulder has healed 

Steve

[EricJ]

16 minutes ago, M20Doc said:

I find the Spruce versions are not welded at the correct angle, and will pull out quite easily.  I’ve fallen a few times.  Heat the tube with a torch and bend it a bit.

Clarence

My factory tow bar was like that when I got the airplane and it put me on my butt a few times.   I just stuck it in a bench vise and bent it a little bit so that it didn't pull out any more.   Hasn't come out once since.

[Guest]

Adding a piece of heat shrink tubing helps keep the bar in place as well.

Clarence

[A64Pilot]

20 minutes ago, PT20J said:

That's a common problem even with some of the factory tow bars. Especially bad when wet. Always land on your butt. That's one reason I like the Redline product -- to locks into the nose gear tube. 

I fell on my back twice with a factory tow bar when washing the aircraft.

It’s what led me to knock up a tow bar out of 3/4 iron pipe and put a hitch on my golf cart, an electric golf cart has an astonishing amount of torque.

Well that and I’m cheap as i already had the golf cart

[ArtVandelay]

I JBWeld a 4” stub of threaded pipe and then thread a cap on to make sure it doesn’t come out.

[Ragsf15e]

57 minutes ago, PT20J said:

That's a common problem even with some of the factory tow bars. Especially bad when wet. Always land on your butt. That's one reason I like the Redline product -- to locks into the nose gear tube. 

Totally agree.  I actually had a small extension welded on my hand towbar where it goes through the nose gear so I can slip a large cotter pin through a hole and keep from ending up on my butt.  It’s poor form after you’ve just arrived at a new place.

[MikeOH]

Yuup. Slow learner, here.  Three trips to my butt, before I finally put the proper bend in my tow bar No soreness since.

[carusoam]

The redline people are great to speak with/ email…

I bought the manual tow bar with the lawn tractor extension…

The easy adjustment to lock it in place takes out the fear of it slipping out…

 

Dozens of the powered ones are being used around here…. Really good for use on the road…

Best regards,

-a-

[mooneyflyer]

On 1/15/2022 at 11:17 AM, GeneralT001 said:

Need to get a power tug. Is the Redline Sidewinder still a good option?

Love it and you can take it with you on a trip and use it at your destination