By Kevin Siemonsen
Photos by Walter Sidas
There are two ways to get into large scale planes-the right way and my way. My way was, of course, a little impractical. My first large scale airplane was a 42% Edge 540, and had it in my thick head that it would fit in my Chevy Tahoe. Boy, was I wrong! The only way the Edge went to the field was in a friend's full size van, and it consequently spent a lot of time hanging around in my garage for the first couple of years. I was quite unprepared, and don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did!
PICKING A TRAILER
It has been a few years and several more big projects since my indoctrination to large scale planes. Clearly, it was getting to be trailer time! I spent a couple seasons checking out other pilot's trailers and asked a lot of questions to educate myself. What I found out was that there were a lot of "I wishes." "I wish it were bigger," "I wish it was lighter," "I wish it had a door over there," "I wish it towed more smoothly," "I wish I got better mileage when towing."
The barn-style doors open fully and provide
ready access without the risk of tripping
over a cable.
When choosing a trailer, there are several things to consider. The most important is to get the correct length. A ten footer is the bare minimum for a 40% plane. Step up to 12, and now you're talking! There will be a little extra room to store things in the front of the trailer. If you add a "V" nose option you will get an additional three feet at the center line of the trailer. A "V" nose doesn't just increase interior space; it improves the chassis rigidity, and your fuel economy. I think a 6-foot width is perfect. An 8-foot wide trailer is really big, and a 5-footer a little narrow for really big models. If you have any question, lay out a few models on your garage floor and start measuring. And don't forget your tool boxes.
This side view shows off a few of the important features I wanted in a trailer. The dual axle and v-nose provide smooth towing and reasonable efficiency. The forward side door is critical as it allows ready access to both sides of larger models when loading, as well as access to the storage area and cabinets in the forward section of the trailer. Finally, don't dismiss the importance of color. My white trailer stays remarkably cool when sitting out in full sun.
The number of axles is another consideration that has a huge effect on the trailer's ride. A single axle will do the trick, however the ride can be harsh. Single axle trailers have a greater tendency to sway and hop under tow. Add a second axle for a drastically improved ride and increased towing capacity.
Typically there are two loading door options, a ramp vs. barn doors. I have spoken to many people that have damaged their planes on the support cables of ramp style doors. Barn doors are a safer bet and require less open space behind the trailer to open. A small loading door forward of the axle reduces the need to crawl around and simplifies packing.
With the v-nose and sloped forward roof, this trailer is about as efficient as you can make a
big box.
Another over looked item is the material the chassis is made of. Aluminum is strong, corrosion resistant and lighter then steel. The difference in trailer weights between aluminum and steel chassis can be 250 to 400 pounds. Weight affects fuel mileage and with today's fuel prices, lighter the better! Finally, we can't forget the color. Go with white. It may seem boring but it really helps keep the interior temperature down on those hot summer days.
BRINGING IT HOME
I went with a Cargopro 6.5x12-foot V-nose trailer with tandem axles. The Cargopro brand has been manufactured in central Maine for well over a decade. Bill Cleaves, president and founder of Snopro, Inc. (manufacturers of the Snopro and Cargopro trailers brands), has developed a product line that speaks to a highly diverse audience.
Looking underneath reveals the sturdy aluminum box-beam construction that provides great strength at a lot less weight than a steel frame.
From smaller ATV and utility trailers, to 50-foot custom motorsports haulers, the Cargopro and Snopro brands offer consumers a solution to meet every towing demand. As far as Bill is concerned, there is no room for compromise while towing. A trailer that tows better will get the goods transferred safely and more efficiently. The Cargopro trailer line has been developed with these ideas in mind. Utilizing efficient design, talented craftsman and the industry's best materials and components, each Cargopro model that rolls off the production line delivers superior strength, versatility and unparalleled quality.
Cargopro all-aluminum trailers feature welded joints. Heavy duty extruded aluminum box-tube sections compose the main frame with rugged cross members and sub-frame materials making up the trailers skeleton. The .030 one-piece aluminum roof is leak proof. The exterior side walls are perfectly smooth without the traditional sea of screw heads you find on other brands. Every corner is reinforced with extruded aluminum stock. The tandem axles feature torsion arm suspension and electric drum brakes. The included "D" rated tires increase the tow rating significantly over less expensive "C" rated tires. Torsion arm suspension allows a lower floor height and a better ride over a leaf spring suspension.
My particular model came standard with 5/8-inch Advantech decking and 1/4-inch Luan side walls on the interior. The aluminum fenders, stone guard, and optional 15-inch aluminum wheels look great and maintain the trailer's clean lines. A heavy duty zinc plated coupler is simple to use and corrosion resistant. The 7-way molded plug wire is impervious to Mother Nature and rugged enough to withstand some abuse. All wiring goes through a terminal box and is meticulously run through the frame work and in plastic conduit.
MODIFICATIONS FOR PLANE TRANSFER
A new trailer is nothing more than a blank canvas. It must be customized by the customer to suit the specific task for which it was purchased. I started out by applying black and white vinyl flooring. It seems to me that a prerequisite for any sport trailer is the checkered flooring.
In its current configuration I can safely carry, and store, four large models.
Looking in through the forward door shows the cabinets and the amount of room that
remains for anything else that I want to bring along. The fueler rides just inside
the door, secured with bungee cords to a shallow tray that I attached to the floor.
Next was to install a platform for more airplane storage space. I ran 2x3 wooden rails horizontally down each interior wall, and laid three 30-inch wide interior doors across, sitting on the horizontal rails. The doors needed a few inches trimmed off to fit across. To secure the doors to the rails I installed threaded studs and wing nuts. The studs were installed so that each of the doors is interchangeable with each other. I drilled a series of holes in some lengths of aluminum angle stock then bolted them to the doors to give a place to attach bungee cords or rope, and to provide some additional stiffness. Using light weight interior doors makes it easy for one person to remove or install the platform and they have proven to be plenty strong.
The Gear Legs system from High Alpha Aviation makes transporting large models a dream.
Just position the arm against the landing gear and wrap with Velcro.
I bolted a couple sets of Aviation Hobbies' Gear legs down on the platform and the floor to secure the planes. Gear Legs are the real deal, and have held my planes down for thousands of miles without a single problem. They are designed to fit a wide variety of planes and lock onto the gear with Velcro straps. For wing storage I lay the wing bags across the floor and bungee them down to tie down loops.
Finally, I added some simple cabinets in the nose of the trailer to house folding chairs, transmitter cases, coolers, etc. I also added a high capacity 12-volt marine battery for charging duties. This is mounted in the forward cabinet, with a pair of 10 gauge wire leads run to the back of the trailer and fitted with jacks to power my chargers. I keep an inverter on board to power wall chargers and small tools. I mounted a removable table with folding legs that sure is handy under the awning.
My wife thought I might want a little heat while working on my trailer, and this electric
fireplace was much appreciated on a few cold days. I certainly lamented removing it when
the time finally came to install the platform.
THE VERDICT
The C6.5x12 tows like magic. I have towed a number of trailers and can honestly say that this one tows effortlessly. Most trailers constantly remind the driver that they are back there by transferring feedback through the hitch as the trailer hops or swings. The Cargopro trailer tows so smoothly you will likely forget it is behind you until you look in the mirrors. I have had several other friends in the driver seat and they unanimously agree that it tows like a dream. Is a Cargopro trailer worth the time and money? Absolutely! It is so nice to arrive at the field and have every thing together with an element of organization. Having a trailer means less clutter in the tow vehicle and fewer headaches. If you are like me and pride in having the best in model aviation it makes sense to transport it with the best trailer available on today’s market.
There are some key points about my Cargopro trailer that might seem unnecessary to some but in the long haul will pay for itself. The V nose and light weight aluminum construction can give up to 12% better gas mileage over a flat-front, steel frame trailer. I figure I saved $76 in gas alone on last year's trip to Joe Nall from Connecticut. The no-compromise construction boasts quality and longevity. Buy the right trailer the first time and keep it for the duration. The craftsmanship of the talented trade's people clearly shines.
As more time goes by I keep adding extra hold downs and shelves etc. customizing for my personal needs. I am real glad I took the time to research and find the best trailer for me. So far I have put over 5000 miles on my trailer with out a single problem and I am looking forward to putting on many more. See you at the field!
Links
Cargopro, www.cargoprotrailers.com, (207) 873-3340
High Alpha Aviation Hobbies, www.gearlegs.com, (870) 230-2350
