Sidewinder (ultralight electric towbar)

[j3gq]

Hello,

Has anybody tried the Sidewinder electric tow (www.redline.com)

for his Mooney ? I'd be interested in your general satisfaction,

wrt. size, weight, performance etc. But also like to know how

well it works on snow and ice, over bumps, etc.

how long does this expensive battery last ?

Any comments welcome - AJ

[Piloto]

I have a 28V Robotow and I am really happy with it check www.robotow.com My hangar neighbor has also one for his B58 and works well in pushing the plane uphill into the hangar.

 José

[67M20F]

Anyone ever try to just build the robo, it looks like it could be easy.

[j3gq]

Quote: Piloto

I have a 28V Robotow and

[Piloto]

Quote: j3gq

 

Hello José, Very nice and even less expensive than the sidewinder. Can you tell me more ? what are total weight with battery, what's the size (folded) ? does it fit in the baggage comp of a Mooney ? AJ

[Piloto]

I looked at the Redline video and looks similar to the Robotow. Major difference is that the Robotow is a gear down direct drive to the nose wheel while the Redline uses a two chain drive to the nose wheel. The mechanism on the Robotow is simpler and safer (it is fully enclosed). Both uses the same 28V battery and control unit. I think both will work fine for you but don't let your grand daughter grab the Redline chain while towing your plane.

José   

[j3gq]

Thanks all, well I contacted both companies. The difference (apart from the type of mechanism of course) is weight and size. Don't know whether workmanship is any different, but the sidewinder is definitely shorter (a few inches) and lighter (about 10 pounds less). And only Redline confirms that it fits into the Mooney baggage compartment. Cheers AJ

[Piloto]

Quote: j3gq

Thanks all, well I contacted both companies. The difference (apart from the type of mechanism of course) is weight and size. Don't know whether workmanship is any different, but the sidewinder is definitely shorter (a few inches) and lighter (about 10 pounds less). And only Redline confirms that it fits into the Mooney baggage compartment. Cheers AJ

[kallend]

Quote: Piloto

I have a 28V Robotow and I am really happy with it check www.robotow.com My hangar neighbor has also one for his B58 and works well in pushing the plane uphill into the hangar.

 José

[Piloto]

Quote: kallend

 

OK, but the price is totally outlandish for what it is.