I purchased a 7x14 by 8.5ft tall enclosed trailer to store/travel around country/shows. I had planned on using a Honda Pilot to pull the trailer and figured out quickly that wasn't going to work as I couldn't get above 55-60 without the Pilot shaking. The trailer on wheels is over 9ft tall so a lot of drag. I am going to test pulling with a F150 as they are about a head taller which should help cutout some of the drag. The other thing I am going to test is a high roof sprinter van. If you plan to travel short distances this trailer and most vehicles will pull it fine. For long distances I will be doing, not so much. I am thinking a really custom trailer with 6' sides with a 1' foot wide section in the middle at 8ft then having the 6ft side angle to meet up with the 8' middle would be way less drag. I am trying to talk my GF into taking gyro lessons so I can get a 2nd Nano and we can fly together. If that happens, I will most likely get a trailer made to fit 2 Nano's using the custom build above. More to come on driving test results. -I did put 280 lbs in the front of the trailer to get 10% tongue weight (my trailer weights 2700 lbs) and it did help but not enough.
Update: I tested with a F150 4x4 v8 and it pulled the trailer easily. At higher speeds you could feel the drag of the exposed trailer and lightly "wiggled" the truck some. High speeds being 65 'ish. The Ford Transit 250 high roof sprinter van pulled the trailer easily and the "wiggle" wasn't present 65-70mph. The high roof is nearly as tall as the trailer so the aerodynamics is much better. I am going with the high roof sprinter van as I can sleep in the back on long trips and it just is better at pulling the very tall enclosed trailer.
Art from Florida just finished with his open trailer and he did an awesome job. I asked him to join the forum and post pics. If he doesn't, I will do it for him. :)
I would try loading the Nano backwards if possible. The CG is very far aft with no pilot (person, not car) on board counteracting your added tongue weight which will cause trailer sway. As a rule of thumb, load 2/3 of the weight ahead of the axle and 1/3 of the weight behind the axle.
Sounds good. On another note I think I saw where an adapter is available to secure the nose wheel on open trailers.
Yes, i ordered one for art and myself. Fusioncopter really recommends the front brace they came up with to secure while trailering.
Here is a pic of the front brace Fusioncopter came up with.
Wow....very nice. A definate addition for anyone who plans to transport it on a trailer.
BTW Jeffrey....did you get any updated news about your delivery?
Sadly no, will be asking for an update tonight/tomorrow morning
Hopefully Fusioncopter will ramp up production and speed things up. It will be interesting to get a report of their backorders one of these days!
I know they are working hard. Starting a new manufacturing line with a global pandemic sure makes things harder, supply chains, shipping etc. I have confidence things will get sorted out sooner .vs. later for faster delivery but a lot of it is out of Fusioncopters control.
I can imagine. I think I read in the past that Fusioncopter manufactures a super sophisticated Gyro and decided to add the Nano to their line. I may be wrong but I don't think there are any ready to fly Gyros by any US manufacturer available other than kits? Could you imagine a Fusioncopter America subsidiary?
Fusioncopter has flown my Nano and it is ready to be shipped. It is being sent via Air so I should have this month!!! Very excited
I’m having trouble finding the post on the motomonitor.