wrongway john
Well Known Member
Barring any miracle of finding a good deal on a used RV-4 kit this month, I will be ordering my empennage, wings and fuselage from Van?s towards the end of the month. I?ll decide on the finishing kit later on. I would appreciate some feedback on their options. I have my mind already made up on some, and not sure what to do with others. I will list them all for the benefit of others who are faced with the same decisions on what to do, and hopefully we can make some wiser decisions because of the feedback.
Empennage options:
It?s the simplest since there is only one option. The electric elevator trim for $305.00. It mentions weight comparable to the manual trim. I think I?ll go manual here, but for others wanting this option, are you pleased with Van?s quality, or opted for another source you?re pleased with?
Wing options:
The Phlogiston Products wing spar option looks great, and lots of good feedback with that. Anybody have a good ball park figure of what this would cost? It?s not listed on Van?s order form since it?s another company that makes them.
It also mentions the ?capacitive fuel sending units? for $60.00. It mentions it will not work with resistance gauges. I don?t have a clue yet what my gauges will be or what is needed so any help would be appreciated on what you think I should do here.
?Float Fuel Sending Units? are listed for $54.00. It says two supplied, and will work with Van?s gauges and other resistance gauges. I know I need them, so unless others have had bad feedback with the quality, I?ll probably go with this option.
Fuselage options:
Rear seat rudder pedal kit for $135.00. I definitely want rudder pedal kits, or others happy with Van?s, or did you make your own?
Forward baggage compartment for $60.00. I have no idea if I would like this or not. Any way W&B issues could be helped or hindered by this option or is it too insignificant a weight to matter in this area? What did you do?
Electric Flaps for $495.00. Ouch! I think I can live with the manual flaps, but curious if the manual flap handle poses much of a problem by being in the way? I?m only 5?10? and 155 lbs, so maybe that helps. If anyone already has pics of this, I?d love to see it. I?ve been having trouble finding one.
Static air kit for $19.00. Did most use Van?s?
Manual aileron trim for $16.00 or electric for $285.00.
That?s it. You don?t have to go through all of them if you don?t want to. Any feedback or comments on any of these options will be appreciated.
Empennage options:
It?s the simplest since there is only one option. The electric elevator trim for $305.00. It mentions weight comparable to the manual trim. I think I?ll go manual here, but for others wanting this option, are you pleased with Van?s quality, or opted for another source you?re pleased with?
Wing options:
The Phlogiston Products wing spar option looks great, and lots of good feedback with that. Anybody have a good ball park figure of what this would cost? It?s not listed on Van?s order form since it?s another company that makes them.
It also mentions the ?capacitive fuel sending units? for $60.00. It mentions it will not work with resistance gauges. I don?t have a clue yet what my gauges will be or what is needed so any help would be appreciated on what you think I should do here.
?Float Fuel Sending Units? are listed for $54.00. It says two supplied, and will work with Van?s gauges and other resistance gauges. I know I need them, so unless others have had bad feedback with the quality, I?ll probably go with this option.
Fuselage options:
Rear seat rudder pedal kit for $135.00. I definitely want rudder pedal kits, or others happy with Van?s, or did you make your own?
Forward baggage compartment for $60.00. I have no idea if I would like this or not. Any way W&B issues could be helped or hindered by this option or is it too insignificant a weight to matter in this area? What did you do?
Electric Flaps for $495.00. Ouch! I think I can live with the manual flaps, but curious if the manual flap handle poses much of a problem by being in the way? I?m only 5?10? and 155 lbs, so maybe that helps. If anyone already has pics of this, I?d love to see it. I?ve been having trouble finding one.
Static air kit for $19.00. Did most use Van?s?
Manual aileron trim for $16.00 or electric for $285.00.
That?s it. You don?t have to go through all of them if you don?t want to. Any feedback or comments on any of these options will be appreciated.