Powered Tow Bar video

[bcg]

I finally got a decent video of the powered tow bar in action.  First of these went out this week, hopefully the recipients will give us their impressions.  It's definitely made dealing with my plane a lot easier.

I don't want to be self-promotion guy so I probably won't make another post about it.  Several people asked for a video of it in action though, so I wanted to share one.  If you're interested in one, shoot me an email at bernie@graniers.com.  I'll need you tail number, shipping address and what brand of tools you use to build you one.  $500, plus shipping, I think there's been a big hole in the market for something like this that's reasonably priced.

It fits easily in the baggage compartment and weighs in somewhere in the 18 - 19 pound range.

 

[DavePage]

Looks like a nice piece of equipment.

Have you had a chance to try it out on a wet apron?

[bcg]

Just now, Coachella Bravo said:

Looks like a nice piece of equipment.

Have you had a chance to try it out on a wet apron?

I've used it on wet pavement and it worked fine.  There was a little slippage between the wheels initially but, both shed water pretty well once they get rolling and just a little extra down pressure on the tow bar increases the surface area enough for them to grab.  I don't know that it would work in a pouring rain but, I don't think I'd want to try it anyway.  The light drizzle we often have in the morning wasn't an issue.

[Fly Boomer]

On 5/17/2024 at 3:42 PM, bcg said:

fits easily in the baggage compartment

How about 3- or 4-blade prop?

[bcg]

How about 3- or 4-blade prop?

I test fit it on a J with a 3 blade prop and it was fine. As you know, there's not a lot of side to side movement in the nose wheel. I don't know about a 4 blade if a regular tow bar works, this one should as well.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[tim417]

I just got mine and can’t wait to try it out. 

[Pinecone]

1)  It looks like you nose tire needs air.

2)  You need to identify a carry bag that will fit it for carrying in the airplane

[bcg]

1 minute ago, Pinecone said:

1)  It looks like you nose tire needs air.

2)  You need to identify a carry bag that will fit it for carrying in the airplane

1 - That's just how that nose wheel always looks, I checked it yesterday and it was exactly 32 pounds, which is what the manual calls for.  I don't know why it always looks low like that, it bothers me sometimes.

2 - I could do it in a divided box, it would add weight and take up more space though.  A bag maybe isn't so great because the parts would be banging into each other getting it in and out of the plane, which would eventually tear up that nice powder coat finish.  I'll think on this some though, and see what I come up with, it's not a bad idea.

[Pinecone]

How about a divided bag?  A cloth partition to keep the pieces from banging into each other.

[bcg]

1 minute ago, Pinecone said:

How about a divided bag?  A cloth partition to keep the pieces from banging into each other.

Maybe, I'm not sure how well it would work.  Some of the edges may want to hang up going in and out which gets super frustrating.  I'll have to try it and see.

If I add a bag, I'll have to outsource the production which will necessarily increase the price, maybe more than having a bag is worth.  There's lots of little things that would be nice to add to it, they all add complexity and expense though.  I don't want this to end up being a $1,000+ tow bar, there's already a lot of options for that.  The biggest goal for me is to provide a quality product for a low price, which is going to inevitably sacrifice some niceties.  I'm not saying the bag is a bad idea, its actually a good idea, I'll just have to see what will work and how much of an impact it's going to have on the price.  It could always be offered as an optional add on so people can decide for themselves if it's worth having or not.

[Pinecone]

I was thinking to see if you could fine a bag that would work that is easy to get online. 

Not a custom one.

[bcg]

25 minutes ago, Pinecone said:

I was thinking to see if you could fine a bag that would work that is easy to get online. 

Not a custom one.

I hadn't thought about that, I'll look into it.  I guess a regular gym bag could work if it's got a divider in it.

Yours should be there tomorrow.  If you come up with something that'll work, let me know.

[DonMuncy]

bcg,

I think you are about to put me out of the tow making business. I have about as much in parts and materials in mine, as yours cost. I am not complaining. I think you have a better product for the price, or maybe at any price. Mine have a couple of advantages, but yours have more, especially in the portability. Congratulations on a good design.

[bcg]

2 minutes ago, DonMuncy said:

bcg,

I think you are about to put me out of the tow making business. I have about as much in parts and materials in mine, as yours cost. I am not complaining. I think you have a better product for the price, or maybe at any price. Mine have a couple of advantages, but yours have more, especially in the portability. Congratulations on a good design.

Thanks Don, it was fun figuring out how to get it all to work together.  I've just about got it figured out for Piper as well, there are a few people on a wait list for a Piper version.  My price is going to have to go up some soon, I'm not going to be able to keep up with orders much longer and will have to hire help before long.  I'm trying to get the process streamlined and all the back end stuff setup before I really start advertising in earnest and bring someone else in to help.

I'll be at RBD this week to go to a Dr appointment with my dad.  I'd have seen if you were available for lunch but, I don't think there will be time this trip.  I still want to meet you at some point, I may be able to make another trip in June just for lunch.  I'll let you know if I can work that out.

[DonMuncy]

I would like to meet, have lunch, etc. Just let me know when you will be here.