A aviation & planes forum. AviationBanter

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Go Back   Home » AviationBanter forum » rec.aviation newsgroups » Soaring
Site Map Home Register Authors List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read Web Partners

Cobra trailer stuck closed



 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old June 9th 18, 12:42 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Auxvache
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 28
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

Anyone have any experience with the gas strut failing in the compressed position? My 2002 fiberglass top didn't quite open fully on its own in March, so I ordered replacement struts. Unfortunately, the next time out the top only opened a few feet, then progressively less as I tried to lower and then raise it. Now it is stuck closed and will not open even a crack despite two people hauling on it. Did I mention the glider is still inside? I can't get to the strut from the front door with the fuse and wing in the way.

So, I'm trolling for ideas on how to force the top open without damaging something. Thanks in advance.
  #2  
Old June 9th 18, 02:28 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 394
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

With zero pressure in the struts, you've got to lift the whole weight of the top and it's heavier than hell! I used a block and tackle from the shop roof. The rear handles were strong enough to take the load on a Komet..............Should be OK on a Cobra. Have 2X4's ready to prop it open and be carefull ..............its little more than a gilatine! Three man job, one on the hoist and two placing props.
Let us know how it worked out,
JJ
  #3  
Old June 9th 18, 03:20 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 774
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

Guillotine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillotine)

Agree with JJ. (but not with his spell-checker) Use a hoist to lift by the handles, but only far enough to put a couple of blocks under the lid. Then run a strap all the way around the trailer top so when you are raising it and working under it, you aren't relying solely on the handles and their attachment points.

Also, since it is now attached to the roof of your shop, and is at a serious angle, make sure to block the wheels, set the brake and use some method of securing the strap so it cannot try to slide off the end of the trailer top.

  #4  
Old June 9th 18, 03:34 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 774
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

Uh.. I forgot the glider is still inside, so JJ is correct- raise the lid all the way, prop it up and hope the handles hold while raising it. No way around it as far as I can see.
  #5  
Old June 9th 18, 03:44 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
son_of_flubber
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,550
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10:34:57 AM UTC-4, wrote:
Uh.. ... hope the handles hold while raising it.


Plastic handles on my Avionics Trailer became brittle and broke after minimal sun exposure.
  #6  
Old June 9th 18, 04:31 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
JS[_5_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 624
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

On a Cobra trailer for Duo Discus, I used a hoist in a hangar to the handles then ran a sling under the lid (heavy ratchet straps, could be adjusted to take the weight off the handles) while replacing a dead strut. Yes, heavy and above a height you'd want to lift to.
Requires pulling the wing out to easily access the hardware and remove/replace the strut.
Initially one strut had failed on this trailer, two were purchased but only one replaced. Suggest that if one strut fails, replace both as soon as you can.
This job is easy with the right tools.
The rod ends from the original struts may be needed for the new ones.
Jim
  #7  
Old June 10th 18, 12:06 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
AS
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 653
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

With zero pressure in the struts, you've got to lift the whole weight of the top and it's heavier than hell!

It may be worse than that: If the piston seals failed but the rod seals held, all the gas pressure is now on the annulus or ring-side of the gas spring thus keeping the rod from extending swiftly. Applying up-pressure on the lid and then waiting may do the trick.
Good luck!
Uli
'AS'
  #8  
Old June 10th 18, 02:21 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Steve Koerner
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 430
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

Uh-oh, someone doesn't understand how gas springs work:

It may be worse than that: If the piston seals failed but the rod seals held, all the gas pressure is now on the annulus or ring-side of the gas spring thus keeping the rod from extending swiftly. Applying up-pressure on the lid and then waiting may do the trick.
Good luck!
Uli
'AS'


  #9  
Old June 10th 18, 04:22 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
AS
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 653
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 9:21:30 PM UTC-4, Steve Koerner wrote:
Uh-oh, someone doesn't understand how gas springs work:


I do - I used to design similar devices....
Uli
'AS'

  #10  
Old June 10th 18, 09:25 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Jim White[_3_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 286
Default Cobra trailer stuck closed

At 03:22 10 June 2018, AS wrote:
On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 9:21:30 PM UTC-4, Steve Koerner wrote:
Uh-oh, someone doesn't understand how gas springs work:


I do - I used to design similar devices....
Uli
'AS'

It might help to unbolt the hinges and lift the lid evenly with two
winches?

 




Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wanted to Buy : Ka-6CR Closed trailer Tango Juliet Soaring 0 January 5th 15 02:31 AM
2013 Cobra trailer price list needed for TA trailer sale [email protected] Soaring 0 June 22nd 13 02:42 PM
Looking for closed trailer for ASK-21 or Grob-103 kirk.stant Soaring 0 September 23rd 12 06:26 PM
Cheap Cobra Trailer Lights 1998 Trailer on E-bay USA ONLY! flyingmr2 Soaring 4 November 16th 10 03:11 AM
WANTED (USA): Blanik L-23 Trailer (Open or Closed) CLewis95 Soaring 0 November 14th 08 10:23 PM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:01 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 AviationBanter.
The comments are property of their posters.