Power Kite Forum

How do you transport your buggy ?

DAKITEZ - 5-2-2008 at 10:00 AM

I'm just trying to see all the different ways everyone transports their buggy to their flying spot. I currently put mine in the back of my truck, but my truck gets horrible gas mileage and my buggy spot of choice is about 40 miles one way. Lets see the creative ways we transport our buggies.

strictlycarved - 5-2-2008 at 12:35 PM

strap it on top of the car. that would be a funny pic.

DAKITEZ - 5-2-2008 at 12:38 PM

As funny as it sounds I'm really considering that. After I saw the pics. of popeys van I though it was a good idea. I have a s10 blazer that has a roof rack on it. I think it wouldn't be that hard to fab something up to hold it up there. :thumbup:

elkiter - 5-2-2008 at 12:42 PM

Heavy Duty Libre goes hitch mounted on a modified bike rack
Collapsible PL stays in the trunk.

e

DAKITEZ - 5-2-2008 at 12:59 PM

elkiter you gotta show me a pic of that. Better yet we still need to meet up and I can see it in person :thumbup:

strictlycarved - 5-2-2008 at 02:19 PM

i still think roof of the car. the problem with that would be clearance. and how far can you break this buggy down.

DAKITEZ - 5-2-2008 at 02:23 PM

Thats the thing I'm wanting to not break it down. By clearance you mean height? I don't think height will be an issue. I like the sound of this bike rack conversion. The problem I see with putting it on the roof is lifting it up there after a long day of buggying.

strictlycarved - 5-2-2008 at 02:37 PM

how much does it weight, that would be funny go bugging all day and then your so burned out that you could not lift it.

DAKITEZ - 5-2-2008 at 02:40 PM

I think its in the 50 lb weight range, but I'm not 100 % sure. I will have to weigh it. Its not that heavy, but after a full day of buggy time a soda can might take two hands to lift :smilegrin:

strictlycarved - 5-2-2008 at 02:44 PM

i know what you mean you could build some giant ramp to push it up their. and i think maybe you should build something for the hitch. that would probably be best.

KYTE SLINGER - 5-2-2008 at 04:00 PM

I had a flat bed P/U but it was a female dog to use if I brought every thing ... what ever I brought had to be carried with me to either into hotels rooms ,up the elevators or down to my flying spot... 6 buggys 2 boards full quiver of Ozones, misc. sport kites bags, SUL / indoor kite bags , revolution and other quad kites bags, SLKs and ground displays and poles and line bags


mini GMC cargo van w/ a vortex 6 that's easy on the fuel , the over night trips to the lake bed provide good shelter ample room to sleep in w/o having to pitch a tent

plus I can cull through what I want to bring to fly and leave the rest out of sight under lock and key

geokite - 5-2-2008 at 10:08 PM

On a tow hitch rack, see attached (hopefully)

Steve Bateman



DAKITEZ - 5-2-2008 at 10:33 PM

geokite
thanks for the pic. I like that idea also. Nice buggy by the way, did you make that? Excellent idea on the suspension.

strictlycarved - 5-2-2008 at 10:33 PM

i like it nice rack and even a better idea.

Sand-Yeti - 5-2-2008 at 10:55 PM

I carry mine on a trailer.

My Mrs. doesn't kite but likes to get into the desert and so I have to carry her 400cc Polaris quad as well.

See;
http://pic7.piczo.com/Popeyethewelder/?g=37125483&cr=7

I have been designing a new trailer for ages now just to carry two buggies. This post has prompted me to get on with the job to get it finished.

DAKITEZ - 5-2-2008 at 11:17 PM

nice trailer you did some work on that. that is truely one of a kind. I'm trying to stay away from a trailer because here in California if you are towing a trailer you can only go 55mph on the highway. Without a trailer you can go 70 mph.

ripsessionkites - 6-2-2008 at 12:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dlish89
California if you are towing a trailer you can only go 55mph on the highway. Without a trailer you can go 70 mph.


speed demon :thumbup:

DAKITEZ - 6-2-2008 at 12:05 AM

Thats the speed limit. I won't say how fast I drive. If the wind is blowing I need to get to the kite field fast before it stops. :thumbup:

strictlycarved - 6-2-2008 at 12:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ripsessionkites
Quote:
Originally posted by dlish89
California if you are towing a trailer you can only go 55mph on the highway. Without a trailer you can go 70 mph.


speed demon :thumbup:

its only illegal if you get caught..:lol:

DAKITEZ - 6-2-2008 at 12:12 AM

I think I came up with a plan. I found a rack like geokite's and I plan to weld a bar coming from the rack straight up to support the buggy instead of it leaning against my car. Plus the rack I found swings to the side so I will be able to swing the buggy to the side and get into the back of the car. After I see the rack i will have a better idea of if it will work or not, but I think it will.

ripsessionkites - 6-2-2008 at 12:36 AM

another idea is a roof rack ... the two bar system

you can easy find snowboard mounts. your rear axle can be strapped on and you just need to bung cord down the front end. only takes seconds

a few seconds + 70mph (minus speeding ticket) = at the kite field in no time

geokite - 6-2-2008 at 09:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dlish89
I think I came up with a plan. I found a rack like geokite's and I plan to weld a bar coming from the rack straight up to support the buggy instead of it leaning against my car.


That was my original idea also. But that is a PL Monster buggy, with a replacement downtube. The front end is heavy. About 30-40lbs. The whole buggy is 70lbs. I was very skeptical about a welded support holding that much weight, that high.

Very nice going down a dirt road to Superior not having to worry about it coming off.

Got the rack at etrailers.com

Steve Bateman

Sthrasher38 - 7-2-2008 at 09:11 PM

Well dlish you know me, I have a little Chevy HHR. So I have to drop the back seats take her apart and darn near sits in my lap with the bolts in my pocket.lol So I am glad its just a little rockville. But how ever I do it I'll find a way. Good luck. Geokites tow rack looked like a good idea. P.S. Be carefull in nevada speed demon. I hear the man there likes to write um up. (tickets):saint:

DAKITEZ - 7-2-2008 at 09:21 PM

I will have my rack similar to geokite on monday. The one I found swings out so I can still get into the back with the buggy on. Then alittle welding to make it look like something from mad max and I will be set. :thumbup:
I've been to NV before and from what I remember the speed limit is 90mph :rolleyes: You just have to watch out in TX when you cross the state line there are about 3 miles of different speed limit signs :puzzled: If you were female under 30 in the daylight with no rain in a suv the speed limit was 80 mph, but if you were male over 60 at night in a rain storm in a 80's pickup with bald tires the speed limit was 45 mph :lol:

Sthrasher38 - 7-2-2008 at 09:46 PM

Your spoiled! I cant keep up. Kites, buggy Gps, wind meter, Buggy rack. But I will go as fast. We have to race!

acampbell - 8-2-2008 at 05:37 AM

Using wood and hardware, I built racks for the front and rear of the bug that interconnect with the exisiting cartop roof rack. Takes about a minute or two to load.

Bug Rack 001.jpg - 81kB

acampbell - 8-2-2008 at 05:38 AM

Front Rack

Bug Rack 003.jpg - 69kB

acampbell - 8-2-2008 at 05:39 AM

Rear Rack and axle mounts

Bug Rack 005.jpg - 65kB

archkiter - 19-2-2008 at 11:31 PM

Here is my latest setup...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/archkiter/2279170724/

My old setup was similar to geokites but buggy and car were wrecked in a crash. (not that the accident had anything to do with how the buggy was being transported- it seemed like a very safe and secure way to travel).

I still have a bit of work to make the roof setup a bit better- primarily adding on a support and clamps for the back axle.

DAKITEZ - 20-2-2008 at 04:32 PM

archkiter do you have any pics of your old setup before it got smashed :( I had a rack lined up and I was going to modify it but he was another craigslist flakker. So I'm still searching.

Sthrasher38 - 20-2-2008 at 04:37 PM

Good to have ya back dlish.

DAKITEZ - 20-2-2008 at 04:52 PM

Thanks ... was I gone ? :lol:
I need to get this done before NABX so I don't have to take my big gas guzzler.

Sthrasher38 - 20-2-2008 at 04:55 PM

What do you plan on driving? I was thinking about maybe getting a ride out from the hotel to the lake bed.

DAKITEZ - 20-2-2008 at 06:07 PM

The little blazer. If I took the truck I could haul half the hotels stuff :thumbup: , but I can't afford to drive that thing that far.

archkiter - 20-2-2008 at 07:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dlish89
archkiter do you have any pics of your old setup before it got smashed :( I had a rack lined up and I was going to modify it but he was another craigslist flakker. So I'm still searching.


sorry, I can't find a pic of it, but really it was almost just like geokites setup. I bought the rack at GI Joes
(like this- link ) and then added some wooden supports to hold the axle. I strapped the buggy down to the rack and also ran a strap through the back doors of the car. (the straps running through the back doors did cause a bit of wear on the paint though until I started using a fleecy sleeve where they rubbed against the side of the car). I also used a dense foam pad (designed for strapping kayaks down to you car) to rest the top of the front fork on the back of the car instead of the tire in geokites setup.

DAKITEZ - 22-3-2008 at 07:08 PM

Nabx here I come :thumbup:

small buggy.jpg - 129kB

DAKITEZ - 22-3-2008 at 07:13 PM

Lets do work !!

bug small.jpg - 93kB

Sthrasher38 - 22-3-2008 at 07:33 PM

Hey, Good job! I thought it was going on the car? Are you taking the gas guzzler to nabx? Well at least you have all that room in the back of the truck for kites.

DAKITEZ - 22-3-2008 at 08:01 PM

Its going on the little blazer . The wife had the little blazer , so I was working on the rack behind the truck. All I need to do is slide the rack off the truck and slide it in hitch on the blazer.

Sthrasher38 - 22-3-2008 at 08:02 PM

Nice!

kullas - 22-3-2008 at 08:39 PM

Could i get a pic or 2 with some detail shots. something like this is what i had in mind

DAKITEZ - 22-3-2008 at 08:53 PM

kullas,
shoot me a u2u with your email again and I will get some pics tomorrow. I used a bike rack and made a couple quick and easy mods to it to hold the buggy. The best part is it will still function as a bike rack also.:cool:

sodfarmkiter - 22-3-2008 at 10:32 PM

I put mine in the back of my S-10 easy enough. now with those roof racks do the bugs get splattered all over?:frog:

popeyethewelder - 23-3-2008 at 09:43 AM

http://pic7.piczo.com/Popeyethewelder/?g=33354141

acampbell - 23-3-2008 at 10:13 AM

Just packed the bug (litle PL Comp XR) and kites/gear in 2 boxes totalling 90 lbs (41kg) & will ship to Vegas tomorrow. 2 more Kites in checked baggage. I'm psyched!

Sthrasher38 - 23-3-2008 at 03:39 PM

Packed up and ready to go I know you are!:singing:

acampbell - 23-3-2008 at 05:10 PM

Just re-checked the Continental Airlines web site and realized I can check two bags @50 lbs each, so in goes another duffel with the balance of the quiver.

DAKITEZ - 27-3-2008 at 09:11 AM

I have left it on the truck all week for a road test. I went down rough, bumpy roads all good and hit the freeway and I can guarantee it secure at 95mph. That should be good enough to make it to the desert.

Kullas pics finally sent ... sorry it took so long, but we have had wind the last couple days. I'm sure you understand :smilegrin:

Sthrasher38 - 27-3-2008 at 03:20 PM

When did you have wind? I went today but not to good. 15mph.and fluffy.W/gusts on and off. hard to buggy in. Bummed out I can't seem to get any time in the seat around here.:no:

DAKITEZ - 27-3-2008 at 04:12 PM

I've had wind the last 3 days ... no buggy time but lots of flying time. I've been practicing what the master told me to practice. In fact I just got back from flying again :thumbup:

Sthrasher38 - 27-3-2008 at 05:37 PM

I have been practicing too. I can almost stay balanced on two wheels sitting still for one min. It is good for balance but it will take some time to learn how to do while moving. I don't see how you can do it in your bug it's alot heavier than mine. Anything else I need to practice that you did not tell me about? Don't be holding secrets from your kiting buddy. I can't have you showing me up at Nabx. You know busting out some secret move or something;-)

DAKITEZ - 27-3-2008 at 05:43 PM

ahh young grass hopper ... be patient. slinger showed me some flying skills to practice without the buggy so they will be second nature when I get in the buggy. You have over a year flying time on me I need to catch up somehow.:P

Sthrasher38 - 27-3-2008 at 06:50 PM

You mean to tell me I just spent 25min on the phone with you (longer than a girlfriend in high school) And your still keeping secrets? That's it! Just you wait bro. Don't forget I will be at Nabx 2 day's before you. I should be pro by then. God help me! I have only had about 30hrs in the buggy! training lessons anyone? This is going to be a great one for me.:singing:

DAKITEZ - 27-3-2008 at 06:55 PM

2 days head start at nabx will be like 2 years of trial and error by ourselves. You will be pro by then. I'll show up and you will be riding backwards on 2 wheels or something. :lol:

Sthrasher38 - 27-3-2008 at 07:04 PM

Don't count on it! But I will be finding you when ya get there to give all the helpful hints I learn so we can go for a real ride!:singing:

firewirepl - 23-2-2009 at 02:07 AM

I have a 4 door sedan, so can I just use a trunk mount for my flexibug?

http://www.amazon.com/Saris-Bones-801R-3-Bike-Trunk/dp/B000B...

acampbell - 23-2-2009 at 06:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by firewirepl
I have a 4 door sedan, so can I just use a trunk mount for my flexibug?

http://www.amazon.com/Saris-Bones-801R-3-Bike-Trunk/dp/B000B...


If I were to use that, I would put my back axle on the bike hold-downs, then put the front wheel on the roof. Better for the front wheel would be a transverse luggage rack - like rain-gutter mount- to give something to lash it to. Then you could mount the buggy whole with no disassembly.

dylanj423 - 23-2-2009 at 08:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by firewirepl
I have a 4 door sedan, so can I just use a trunk mount for my flexibug?

http://www.amazon.com/Saris-Bones-801R-3-Bike-Trunk/dp/B000B...


Ive got a friend here that carries his bug on a bike rack like that. Its a short buggy, and it fits fine.

macboy - 23-2-2009 at 09:03 AM

Sounds like you might have your fix here already but if not - Mine goes on the roof racks and all Had to do was build little blocks that slide on the ends (back sides) of the rails with cups to hold the back axle. Front wheel resets n the front rack crossbar and it all lashes down with tie downs. Rock solid and super simple. The blocks are no bigger than 4" X 4 " X 8"? I'll see if I can get a good pic of them on the rack for you today. There are three basic functions of them and then the straps do the rest:

1) to cup the axle and hold the bug from sliding for/aft
2) to lift the back axle so the wheels clear the car roof
3) to slide the whole buggy back 1.5" so the front tire rests on the front crossbar, not the roof.

WolfWolfee - 24-2-2009 at 06:54 AM

Me, its easy I stick it in the back of one of my trucks...lol

BeamerBob - 24-2-2009 at 07:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by macboy
Sounds like you might have your fix here already but if not - Mine goes on the roof racks and all Had to do was build little blocks that slide on the ends (back sides) of the rails with cups to hold the back axle. Front wheel resets n the front rack crossbar and it all lashes down with tie downs. Rock solid and super simple. The blocks are no bigger than 4" X 4 " X 8"? I'll see if I can get a good pic of them on the rack for you today. There are three basic functions of them and then the straps do the rest:

1) to cup the axle and hold the bug from sliding for/aft
2) to lift the back axle so the wheels clear the car roof
3) to slide the whole buggy back 1.5" so the front tire rests on the front crossbar, not the roof.


We need some pics of your system to see what you came up with. I have pics of Angus's roofrack system but haven't gone to the trouble to put something together yet.

rdavis - 25-2-2009 at 08:34 AM

I use a bike rack that fits to my spare tire on my Jeep, works perfectly and can still transport a bike too!

IMG_1483 (Small).jpg - 81kB