Trickyh Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 I used 6 or 8mm builders ply on my Bak - Rak 16-18 quid from Wickes IIRC. If you look at my earlier pics, the ply isn't a strain bearing component... its just a convenient base to sit the motor on and screw things to... No need to go for the posh marine ply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted August 31, 2012 Author Share Posted August 31, 2012 I used 10mm for mine, but your're right- the beams on the Thule rak bear the weight. You don't need marine ply if you paint it or stain it. I would recommend something though, as water and dirt from the road would not be good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted September 9, 2012 Author Share Posted September 9, 2012 Just and update with the back-rack- Here are the further modifications I've made- Angle brackets added to the rear member to prevent the prop from spinning when in transit. Note that these are loosely fitted and not tight against the prop edges. There is minimal play between the prop-sock and the brackets to avoid any possibility of damage. 'No-step' warning. So far everyone that has seen the Thule Easybase system asks- 'how can a clamp on the towball support such a weight?', before proceeding to lift their foot and see if it can take their weight... This is just a friendly reminder not to even try it.... (Especially useful when I'm in the air and people stop by to look at it) GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_grover Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Hi - I've been lurking for quite a while. Finally got off the ground for my maiden flights last week under Steve Haze's watchful gaze... I bought a Thule Easybase last year as well as the 'Easy bag' - which up till now (because of the weather) I've used primarily for camping kit. Although a little wary at first I'm beginning to get more confident that it's not going to fall off the back. Bailey V5 without cage fits nicely in the bag and although I don't think it really needs it I add a strap round the whole lot secure it to the vertical bar. Seems to work nicely - completely water/dust proof. Just don't tell me "i told you so" when I report it lost on the M27! Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted September 10, 2012 Author Share Posted September 10, 2012 Nice Job! Congrats on your first flight too! Just out of interest- how long does it take to get the Bailey up and ready when you're at the field? You've got a great advantage there in the fact that the bag is waterproof, etc..? I also got a transport case with my Miniplane, but wouldn't like to be disassemling it everytime to get into the case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_grover Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Thanks Gordon - it was sure worth the wait! 4 flights and 2.5 hours now... feel like I'm on the way I'm still relatively new to it but from arrival to readiness I should say it takes about 15-20 minutes (especially as for some reason I'm fingers and thumbs when it comes to attaching the tank!). Think I could get it down a little but I can live with that. paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted September 10, 2012 Author Share Posted September 10, 2012 Good- Important thing is not to rush- building up the cage etc.. is a good time to spot any potential issues before your pre-flight check. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_grover Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 btw this thread has reminded of something I saw somewhere - (my hero: Alberto Santos-Dumont!) paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted September 11, 2012 Author Share Posted September 11, 2012 Great!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bingreed Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Time for an update... Having decided upon the Thule EasyBase, I have fiddled & fudged & sworn & skinned knuckles, but have created the following: As you can see, it can be used with or without the cage - depending on whether it's a 5 minute drive to my take-off field or a five hour drive up the A1. I carefully considered which way around to mount the engine unit, and while I was tempted to copy Gordon I found removing the harness and butting the chassis onto the EasyBase upright more secure. Sure, this means removing the seat/harness and storing it in the car, but that way I'll avoid a wet bum too! There is easily enough spare space on the platform to store the cage quarters, and potentially even the wing & a jerry can if desired. Nice to keep the petrol fumes on the outside of the car... I cut some holes in the upright so that the hangpoint pins can be used to secure the chassis. On reflection I'm not convinced this is such a good idea - sure, it's pretty neat, and I have no doubt the pins are up to the job, but regular long journeys might introduce stresses that damage either the pins themselves or even the chassis. Perhaps a simple strap securing the chassis to the upright might be a safer, more durable option. The last thing to do is mount a lockable stay, indicated here by a broom handle: This will offer some security against opportunist theft while I enjoy my Olympic breakfast, while reducing further the chance of losing the whole lot on the A14... The final step will then be a bespoke waterproof cover for the chassis/engine unit, plus small touches like Gordons "No Step" sign and a reminder of the torque settings for the EasyBase. It's not the perfect transport solution, but the Thule EasyBase sits ROCK solid on the towbar, and because I drive an estate the profile sits comfortably out of the wind when the cage is removed. With a little thought to security and weatherproofing there's now no excuse to leave my kit at home! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted October 4, 2012 Author Share Posted October 4, 2012 Looks pretty good! It's just a matter of customising it the way that works best for you- the Thule system is very flexible and there are plenty of ways of doing it. Good point on the mounting direction- I'd considered doing it your way too, but found that the machine is just easier to handle when the harness is pointing to the back. The fact that I really only fly in good/dry weather now means that there is reduced chance of the harness getting wet, so I'm not too worried about this. The Bailey is a much larger machine to start with- so I can see that this has been a challenge. I'm sure this thread will inspire a few more people and perhaps bring out more ideas. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinpa Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I've just made my own rack from a cycle carrier, that I got of ebay and chopped all the bits off I didn't want and put a patform on it. I used 15mm pipe clips fixed to the base to clip the frame into and then put a metal plate with a few wing nuts on the top to secure the frame to the base. It's rock solid and cost me about £50. I'll post an photo later. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted October 4, 2012 Author Share Posted October 4, 2012 I've just made my own rack from a cycle carrier, that I got of ebay and chopped all the bits off I didn't want and put a patform on it.I used 15mm pipe clips fixed to the base to clip the frame into and then put a metal plate with a few wing nuts on the top to secure the frame to the base. It's rock solid and cost me about £50. I'll post an photo later. Paul Looking forward to seeing this- what kind of motor are you carrying? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinpa Posted October 5, 2012 Share Posted October 5, 2012 Pictures of my rack for my PAP top80. Total cost £52. I normally use it when I need to seats car. Now I needt make a cover, that's a wet day project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted October 5, 2012 Author Share Posted October 5, 2012 Very nice. Why do you take the top of the cage off for transport? Drag?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinpa Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Not realy sure why I take it off, probably due to habbit when I used to put it in the car. I'll probably keep it in one piece now you mention it. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted October 7, 2012 Author Share Posted October 7, 2012 Just looking back over the complete thread there- this will certainly be useful for anyone thinking the same questions over the nex year or two... That's what forums are for!!! Excellent stuff guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidreckitt Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 still looking for some type of rack that will fit a T5 (VW transporter with barn doors rather than up and over) anyone fitted one and got pics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuartasutherland Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 This is mine but I am waiting on a Zenith. I'll knock up a new stand for going to the local field. Used a Thule easy base. Forgot to say, the doors don't open with this set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidreckitt Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 This is mine but I am waiting on a Zenith. I'll knock up a new stand for going to the local field.Used a Thule easy base. Forgot to say, the doors don't open with this set up. looks great are you selling this one? I guess youve got it on a tow bar - something Ill have to get I suppose... I have a parajet volution2 macro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuartasutherland Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Hi David, nope, keeping it as I use it for the bikes. I just knocked up a wooden base and used some straps. It took about 20 mins to make. For the Zenith I'll make something nicer but it has to be quick release so I can use the Back-rak for other things. They are about £150 online. You can take it on and off in under a minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazzaster Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 i did consider getting a back rack not to save a few seconds dismantling the frame each time but mainly to stop the inside of the car getting covered in oil and fuel, and although i have 20 years no claims on my insurance there is no control over someone going in to the back of me destroying my motor, has anyone managed to claim the extra 3-5k on top of the damage to there car for there motor in a car accident ???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 VERY interesting question indeed. I wonder if anyone has ever had a claim on the car refused 'because' of a Paramotor being strapped to the back?? SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon_dunn Posted October 17, 2012 Author Share Posted October 17, 2012 VERY interesting question indeed. I wonder if anyone has ever had a claim on the car refused 'because' of a Paramotor being strapped to the back?? SW Can't see how a paramotor on the back of a car would be classed any differently than bikes on a rack.... I'd say that there could be a reluctance for insurance companies to pay out on any damage caused to the paramotor, but they should cover the car.... in saying that.. most insurance companies would have a reluctance to pay out anything.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazzaster Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 i was mainly referring to the damage to the motor, if i had a rack on my car the paramotor would easily cost more to replace than my car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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