|
It seems as though every glider has its own specific set of towout gear created by its owner.
 The PW-5 has some unique problems when it comes to towing. The wing shape requires special consideration, as it is easy for the wing wheel to slip off the curved edge.
Also, the decision must be made as to whether you want to tow the PW-5 forwards, or backwards.
This is a choice not available to most gliders, but having the nose wheel permits the PW-5 to be dragged easily in both directions.
Do you drag backwards, with a towbar hook hitched to the boom at the tail end, or drag forwards with a bar connected to the wheels?
When I purchased my PW-5 it had a bar through the wheels to tow forwards,  but no wing wheel. Instead, the guy hung chains from each wing. They were equal weight to balance the glider, and just reached to the ground.
Strangely enough, this setup worked quite well, but although the chains were not too heavy I decided I didn’t like the stress placed on the wings by them.
I settled for retaining the bar for towing forward, but created my own wing wheel from an aluminium sheet and old bicycle parts (see the pics attached).
 I really like the concept of forward towing, as there is no stress applied to the boom. Instead all the stress goes where it belongs, on the wheels, which are strong and well sprung.
I’ve also attached some pictures of a PW-5 I’ve seen with the rear tow arrangement.
How do you tow your PW-5? |
