X-Tra capacity tanks

[captain_john]

Fuel on the ground and runway behind you. Both are pretty useless to the aviator. I like to carry as much fuel as I can, no matter where I am going or what I am doing.

While reading about increasing the capacity of the standard RV tanks (http://www.mstewart.net click on "interesting" under "Super 8") via extending the tanks 2 additional bays, I got to thinking that this is a pretty good idea! Mike Stewart thinks he will go from 42 gallons to 60! He will need it if he puts the IO-540 in it, that is for sure!

Now, I am not planning a trip to Hawaii but... it is just a really good thing if it is possible.

Over the course of the next few weeks I will be examining the contents of my wing crates and loosely considering the complications.

The other option is the tip tank thing someone else does. Can anyone link me? What are your thoughts? Spike, certainly you would like better than the standard -9 capacity, no?

CJ

[nightflyer]

Nobody asked me, but here's my take on extended range tanks: There are a a few approaches, such as the "tube in the lightening hole" that these guys do:

http://www.hotelwhiskey.com/tech_talk.htm

Or, you can modify your leading edge as Todd Bartrim did:

http://www3.telus.net/haywire/RV-9/C-FSTB.htm

And there's the tip tank method CJ mentioned. ALL of these will change the loads on your wings. Since RVs are basically very strong aircraft, this may not be significant. But without doing a loads analysis, how can you be sure?

The main thing for me is that, after a couple hours in the cockpit, I'm ready for a break! I foresee a long cross-country in my 9A going something like this: Blast along at close to 3 miles a minute for 2, maybe 3 hours, land and take a break, refuel, and repeat as necessary!

Unless you really want to fly for 6 or 7 hours at a stretch, I can't see much benefit in extended range. The Jon Johansons of the world obviously need it, though!

[Spike]

Actually I wouldnt even consider it for a number of reasons. Im a big guy and right off the bat with myself and the wife and full fuel we will be at max gross. Another reason would be that I cant seem to stand more than 2.5 - 3.0 hours anyway without stopping. The last reason would be that I appreciate the work that Dick and his team have gone through to engineer these aircraft and I am in no way up to that standard. The idea of putting more fuel out in those wings without some sort of real analysis doesnt sit right with me.

-- John

[g_e_young]

The fuel in the wing tips with the tube running through tubes seems really complicated (read: preblematic and error prone) for the occasional time you want extended range.

I would prefer a 5 - 20 gallon tank that goes in the rear seat (of an and connects into the fuel valve that you can install when you need it.

I flew from Las Cruces, NM to Palo Alto, CA in a -6 and would have loved to have some extra range. When I'm at altitude, I prefer to stay there (and pee in a cup) than land for fuel.

Just my 2 cents....

gy

[captain_john]

Ya, what he said!

The tube tank thing is kinda hokey. Especially for the over ONE THOUSAND dollar (and then some!) pricetag!

I have been doing some web searching and haven't found the tip tanks yet. Jon Johanson has 'em and I think I like 'em. I think a syatem somewhat like the Cherokee 6 has is a good one. Either that or larger mains would do the trick. BOTH would really be slick for those long solo trips! Sign me up for one of those pee cups too!

CJ

[dicel87]

Mathew Brandes out near Kansas City is building an RV-9A with modified fuel tanks.

http://www.n523rv.com/

Scott

[captain_john]

Now that is a damn fine concept. Why aren't more people doing that?

It is all structural, all Van's parts (well, mostly) and looks like it grew there!

I would add a set of fill tabs (ala Cherokee style) to indicate "X" gallons remaining! That way when I have a FATTY on board (other than myself!) I can say to the lineman, "To the tabs, please!"

Hmmmm, something to think about!

Thanks guys!

CJ

[nightflyer]

Okay, okay... if extended range tanks are for you, at least lose the pee cup. Try something like this:

http://www.kantwate.com/

Much more civilized!

[Spike]

Okay, okay... if extended range tanks are for you, at least lose the pee cup. Try something like this:

http://www.kantwate.com/

Much more civilized!

Now thats the perfect reason to install an ejection port

[728GD]

I know 5 or 6 RV's which have been built with extended bays for the fuel tanks. I have one friend who has personally built three RV's with larger tanks. One, the first RV6 based "rocket" four seater. I think he held close to 80 gals. He currently has an 8A, actually just sold it so he can build a 10, but he holds about 80 gals in that also. He has had no problems that I know of. He always watches his weight and balance closely. In reality he runs them about half full anyway!

Personally, I don't have the gross weight to spare to carry that much fuel. I can pull about 4 hours out of the standard tanks so that gives me my own limit of 3 hours. Plenty of time to build up a need for a bathroom break. Besides, I'm 6' 5" and I need to get out and walk around after 2 to 3 hours of flying.

[Snap]

If I remember correctly I think that VAN's used to sell the Jon Johansen tip tanks there for awhile. I cant seem to find the link now.

They are a good idea. I Have a copy of JJ's book if anyone would like a read. Spike, CJ? It is a good read. Pass it around. As long as I know where it is and that I can get it back. I plan on getting him to sign it. I know someone that is good friends with him. It is good to have friends.