Tie Down fitting ideas

[jcbarker]

I've been noodling over a couple of alternate solutions to the steel tie down ring called out in the plans. As been noted in another thread, these are not included in the kit.
Here's a couple of ideas:

[WildThing]

Off the top of my head: the removable 1st iteration will - lose the screw and be a pain to install (how to tighten the screw?) #2: the fairings with screw attach will get lost ASAP

Maybe just polish some standard stainless steel eye bolts and screw 'em out when you don't want them hanging out in the wind? Or maybe a spring loaded "cargo tie-down" plate/ring - it may be a little draggy, but nothing to remove.

[kiljoy]

I tried fitting a retractable ring tie down a la a 182 against the wing spar but it would require an entire new inspection panel.

[RV8JD]

If you hangar, leave the tie down rings off and store them in the airplane for when they are needed.

These are nice, but pricey:

https://www.cleavelandtool.com/produ...2fe9dd23&_ss=r

[esco]

Originally Posted by RV8JD

If you hangar, leave the tie down rings off and store them in the airplane for when they are needed.

Attachment 26236

And use something similar to a bumper clip https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Bumper...a-568793615266 when flying

[RV8JD]

Or just use a piece of tape to cover the tie down holes.

[N804RV]

Originally Posted by esco

And use something similar to a bumper clip (URL="https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Bumper-Shield-Clips-....) when flying

I have a roll of white 2" wide vinyl tape (the kind used by glider pilots for anchoring gap seals). It's ideal for covering up holes like the ones left when you remove your tiedown rings. It stays on till you remove it. And, 1 roll has lasted me 4+ years and is still not run out.

I'll bet its easier to remove than those plastic clips! ;-)

[KenB]

I know this probably sounds super ignorant on my part. But what is the reason for covering up or filling the holes when the tie down rings are removed?

[Darin Watson]

Originally Posted by RV8JD

If you hangar, leave the tie down rings off and store them in the airplane for when they are needed.

These are nice, but pricey:

https://www.cleavelandtool.com/produ...2fe9dd23&_ss=r

Attachment 26236

Perhaps not scientifically validated so expect YMETV

[N804RV]

Originally Posted by KenB

I know this probably sounds super ignorant on my part. But what is the reason for covering up or filling the holes when the tie down rings are removed?

To reduce drag and help prevent water intrusion. Whether it really makes a difference on your typical RV may be debatable. But hey, every little bit helps, right?