Reflection on the trailer

After taking the trailer for a test drive in the dark last weekend, I realized it needed some help with visibility...

This new reflective tape on the rear beam should really help with visibility from the back.  I also cut one-foot strips ready for the sides (after finish welding is completed, since the tape might melt).

The new trailer lights are now installed.  The broken one was thrown away.  LED lights are brighter.

I also tidied up the wiring by installing several more TC105 zip-tie mounts to hold up the wires.  A couple colleagues and I are having an argument about the relative merits of ETFE Ty-Rap zip ties (which are on three Mars rovers!) versus using wax lacing cord.  It might be fun to try both on the trailer to figure out which lasts longer.  FAA 43.13 Chapter 11 prefers lacing cord, of course.  Trying something new can be hard.

Also notable, I installed an anti-rattle clamp thing to hold the hitch tighter into the receiver.  It was previously quite loose and made lots of noise while driving around.  I'm sure this will be significantly quieter.

My target for the next few days this weekend is to bolt down the decking, figure out how to tie down the wing panels, and then go for a drive to a friend's house.

Trailer to do's are now:

• remove the diagonal truss bar elements
• grind and sand the surface flat again
• buy new diagonal truss material
• cut and bevel new diagonal trusses (12x for the sides, 2x for the ends)
• tack weld the diagonal trusses
• buy replacement lights (I broke one this weekend)
• install replacement lights
• install additional TC105s and zip-ties
  
• buy reflective tape (DOT-C2) for higher visibility
• add reflective tape on the back
  
• trim decking plywood
  
• put more air in the tires
• add an anti-rattle hitch stiffener of some variety
• bolt the ply decking to the floor
• figure out how Goat parts sit in the trailer
  
• take all of Goat for its first trip around the neighborhood
• finish weld the vertical elements
• add reflective tape on the sides
• install and wire running lights on the sides
• epoxy-coat seal the ply decking
  
• create a rear door that can be quick-pinned in place
• figure out front/side/back walls
  
• dream up a top lid

For the first-flight:

• backyard final assembly and thorough pre-flight check, including weight & balance
• re-weld the tow hitch release (I'm now doubtful it had good penetration) 
  
• replace the nose tube (done)
• buy tow rope, weak-links, and end rings
  
• buy/borrow radios (1x airborne, 1x car)
  
• find a place to fly
• travel
• fly

After the first-flight:

• add leather patch to wing tips where will rub the ground
• install leather patch guides for elevator control lines
• paint trim color
• install wing root kiss seal
• build a wing tip dolly
• build a wing wheel
• jury strut fairings
  
• main strut fairings (after flying to figure out the right angles)
• emergency parachute
  
• real variometer (LXNav with a TEK probe is my intention, if it is sensitive at low speed...)
• dogue chute