Right now they look like this. The cub is on Dollie’s but it’s still tight. The 170 wingtip touches cub underwing.
I’m thinking of adding a 10ft extension for cub tail. Any other cleverer ideas out there?
Fitting two planes in a hangar
Thu Mar 20, 2025 3:19 pm
Fitting two planes in a hangar
Trying to work out how to fit two planes in a 40x40 hangar. 170B and Supercub.
Right now they look like this. The cub is on Dollie’s but it’s still tight. The 170 wingtip touches cub underwing.
I’m thinking of adding a 10ft extension for cub tail. Any other cleverer ideas out there?
Right now they look like this. The cub is on Dollie’s but it’s still tight. The 170 wingtip touches cub underwing.
I’m thinking of adding a 10ft extension for cub tail. Any other cleverer ideas out there?
- daedaluscan offline
- Posts: 1269
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 1:06 pm
- Location: Texada BC
Thu Mar 20, 2025 3:40 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
Can you go tail to tail, run one past the other on a diagonal orientation somehow, or nose to nose just offset a little bit from each other. Maybe to facilitate positioning get a set of the multi-directional wheel dollies that allow for lateral movement not just linear.
Thu Mar 20, 2025 7:05 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
Paper airplanes is how I did it (Twin Comanche and Bearhawk in a 50’x50’); high wing and low wing works a lot better, though. Any better with small aircraft in the corner? Are those paper airplanes to scale?
Thu Mar 20, 2025 8:19 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
How about one nosed in, the other tailed in.....in any case, a hangar that tight is a recipe for rash. 
Thu Mar 20, 2025 9:07 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
Yes everything is to scale. It’s the Hangar rash I’m trying to avoid, everything JUST fits now, but it’s inches from the walls. Never thought I would own two planes, should have built the hangar bigger.
- daedaluscan offline
- Posts: 1269
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 1:06 pm
- Location: Texada BC
Thu Mar 20, 2025 9:08 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
The 10’ building extension option sure looks a lot more comfortable if this is going to be anything but a very short term arrangement. I don’t like the idea that if a tire goes flat, planes could come into contact with something in storage.
Thu Mar 20, 2025 9:51 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
What type of construction is your hangar? Pics of inside?
I’d consider building a larger extension than just the 10x10. Like a full span lean to or go big and do a real extension with full trusses.
I’d consider building a larger extension than just the 10x10. Like a full span lean to or go big and do a real extension with full trusses.
Fri Mar 21, 2025 2:10 am
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
I like ASA's reply, if your considering a build-out of some sort just do the full width of the back wall or at least the widest span possible without getting into a huge load bearing issue.
Fri Mar 21, 2025 7:32 am
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
daedaluscan wrote:Yes everything is to scale. It’s the Hangar rash I’m trying to avoid, everything JUST fits now, but it’s inches from the walls. Never thought I would own two planes, should have built the hangar bigger.
Story of everyones life, should've built a bigger hangar, can never be too big. Haha. I would try nosing the back one in and see if that helps. Gonna be pretty tight no matter what.
I agree with Asa that If you can, just push the whole back wall out 10' rather then just making a small area. Be a bit more difficult to do that with a pole building, but if you are stick framed it shouldn't be that difficult, and probably not that much extra cost compared to the small extension.
Fri Mar 21, 2025 7:40 am
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
Another vote for making a tail expansion
One of my old jobs had that problem, built a good sized hangar, plenty big for a turbine helicopter or GA single or two, but not big enough for any fixed wing turbo props, they had to blow the back of the hangar out and change the opening to get the helicopters fixed wing replacement in.
These days building a hangar, my theory is it needs to fit a king air 200 / PC12
Doubt I’ll ever get one, but it makes it plenty for a couple piston singles, and if I ever rent it out the amount of rent you can charge for one king air, Pilatus, citation is vastly more than two 172s
One of my old jobs had that problem, built a good sized hangar, plenty big for a turbine helicopter or GA single or two, but not big enough for any fixed wing turbo props, they had to blow the back of the hangar out and change the opening to get the helicopters fixed wing replacement in.
These days building a hangar, my theory is it needs to fit a king air 200 / PC12
Doubt I’ll ever get one, but it makes it plenty for a couple piston singles, and if I ever rent it out the amount of rent you can charge for one king air, Pilatus, citation is vastly more than two 172s
- NineThreeKilo offline
- Retired
- Posts: 1679
- Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 8:16 pm
- Location: _
Fri Mar 21, 2025 8:37 am
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
A full width extension would be the intelligent thing to do, but I think I am going with the small shed for a number of reasons: time (I'd rather be working on the cub); I have a tool bench on the RHS, and a full height door on the LHS, so its complicated; Im intending just to knock it out fast and get on with life.
Wish I had simply built it 50 deep originally. Like a lot of older wiser pilots told me to do at the time:)
I bought cement yesterday, so Ill pour the slab first with a thickened footing around three sides.
Wish I had simply built it 50 deep originally. Like a lot of older wiser pilots told me to do at the time:)
I bought cement yesterday, so Ill pour the slab first with a thickened footing around three sides.
- daedaluscan offline
- Posts: 1269
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 1:06 pm
- Location: Texada BC
Fri Mar 21, 2025 8:49 am
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
Naturally the answer is bigger hangar.
Out of the box thinking - what size tires on the cub? Maybe 35's would clear the 170 wing?
I have a set of these, work pretty well for lateral jockeying
https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/jacks-jack-stands/vehicle-dollies/1300-lb-capacity-self-loading-positioning-wheel-dolly-64601.html
Out of the box thinking - what size tires on the cub? Maybe 35's would clear the 170 wing?
I have a set of these, work pretty well for lateral jockeying
https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/jacks-jack-stands/vehicle-dollies/1300-lb-capacity-self-loading-positioning-wheel-dolly-64601.html
- DreadPirateWill offline
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Wed Dec 06, 2017 10:40 am
- Location: Spokane
Fri Mar 21, 2025 9:19 am
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
How much ceiling space? Can you use a hoist or a lift?
https://hangartools.eu/products/hangar-lifts/#top
https://hangartools.eu/products/hangar-lifts/#top
Fri Mar 21, 2025 9:15 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
NineThreeKilo wrote:Another vote for making a tail expansion
One of my old jobs had that problem, built a good sized hangar, plenty big for a turbine helicopter or GA single or two, but not big enough for any fixed wing turbo props, they had to blow the back of the hangar out and change the opening to get the helicopters fixed wing replacement in.
These days building a hangar, my theory is it needs to fit a king air 200 / PC12
Doubt I’ll ever get one, but it makes it plenty for a couple piston singles, and if I ever rent it out the amount of rent you can charge for one king air, Pilatus, citation is vastly more than two 172s
If I build myself a farm equipment storage/hangar, I’m going to make the door big enough to fit a Kodiak. I doubt I’ll ever get one, but a guy can dream.
Fri Mar 21, 2025 9:27 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
DreadPirateWill wrote:Naturally the answer is bigger hangar.
Out of the box thinking - what size tires on the cub? Maybe 35's would clear the 170 wing?
I have a set of these, work pretty well for lateral jockeying
https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/jacks-jack-stands/vehicle-dollies/1300-lb-capacity-self-loading-positioning-wheel-dolly-64601.html
Both on Goodyear 26” the cub +6” gear, the 170 on 180 gear. The Dollie’s that I have borrowed for the cub have small casters and my floor finish is kind of rough so if I built higher Dollie’s with bigger wheels the 170 wing would fit under the cub wing fine. But I think punching out the back will mean I don’t have to lift the cub onto the Dollie’s and ultimately lead to easier flying and less hangar rash.
I may start forming tomorrow. Just have to get on with it.
- daedaluscan offline
- Posts: 1269
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 1:06 pm
- Location: Texada BC
Fri Mar 21, 2025 9:28 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
RC5280 wrote:How much ceiling space? Can you use a hoist or a lift?
https://hangartools.eu/products/hangar-lifts/#top
Probably have the height. Don’t have the budget to buy, or time to build anything.
- daedaluscan offline
- Posts: 1269
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 1:06 pm
- Location: Texada BC
Sat Mar 22, 2025 10:40 pm
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
thirding what mtv and A1 said try nosing the rear one in and then backing the other in. both angled some. that's how I do it with a 182 and a low wing euro plane. Though I'm lucky its high wing traditional tail and low wing t tail, but with any luck there might be enough height differences to make it work. I have a 40x40 too and its actually fairly comfortable with the only rash being from me being unacceptably clumsy.
- mathiasrust offline
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Thu Feb 18, 2021 9:10 pm
- Location: .
- Aircraft: C182A
Sun Mar 23, 2025 3:38 am
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ztc- ... gIEpPD_BwE
I have a set of these GoJack’s, they work great. Easy to use. We were able to get 2 Stearman and a Widgeon in a 50 by 50 hangar for winter storage using these, wasn’t easy but we did it.
Keep in mind, if the air leaks out of a tire there will be significant wing droop, this could cause significant damage to the wing depending on what is under it. It’s amazing how much a wing will droop even on smaller tires. As a rule I dont store things under the wings of my airplanes in the hangar.
Kurt
I have a set of these GoJack’s, they work great. Easy to use. We were able to get 2 Stearman and a Widgeon in a 50 by 50 hangar for winter storage using these, wasn’t easy but we did it.
Keep in mind, if the air leaks out of a tire there will be significant wing droop, this could cause significant damage to the wing depending on what is under it. It’s amazing how much a wing will droop even on smaller tires. As a rule I dont store things under the wings of my airplanes in the hangar.
Kurt
Mon Mar 24, 2025 10:41 am
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
I tried nosing one in, and its really close but the 170 tail wont fit under the Cub trailing edge. I think it would work if I put the 170 in first, but its heavier and harder to move as well as being the daily driver. Cub needs work and gets less flying. I poured half the pad out the back, and buying more cement today. Thanks for all the advice, I just needed a little motivation to do it. I know I will be happier with more room and less juggling/risk of hangar rash.
- daedaluscan offline
- Posts: 1269
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 1:06 pm
- Location: Texada BC
Tue Mar 25, 2025 4:25 am
Re: Fitting two planes in a hangar
G44 wrote:https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ztc-6313pr?seid=srese1&ppckw=pmax-tools&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1M_bn4CgjAMVG0n_AR38DiFVEAQYASABEgIEpPD_BwE
I have a set of these GoJack’s, they work great. Easy to use. We were able to get 2 Stearman and a Widgeon in a 50 by 50 hangar for winter storage using these, wasn’t easy but we did it.
Keep in mind, if the air leaks out of a tire there will be significant wing droop, this could cause significant damage to the wing depending on what is under it. It’s amazing how much a wing will droop even on smaller tires. As a rule I dont store things under the wings of my airplanes in the hangar.
Kurt
We squeegee a 150, Supercub and a Champ into a 48x40 each winter. The supercub is on home made Dollie’s and one wing overlaps a wing on the 150. We put those screw type camper jacks under the gear of the Cub which has saved our bacon a couple of times over the years even though I check the tire pressure on the Cub every couple of weeks. Luckily the Champ is the only one that flys in the winter. Interestingly we were planning on a 12’x10’ extension but decided to go 20’ full span in the spring. The hanger is a four way partnership so the pain in the wallet won’t be too bad.
Pete
DISPLAY OPTIONS
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests
Latest Features
-
Live to Tell
A Minnesota pilot is surprised to learn that the sudden asymmetric drag of an out-of-rig ski can…Read More -
Creators
Working in some of the Yukon's most beautiful and remote environments, photographer Simon Blakesley captures aircraft in…Read More -
Aircraft Ownership and Maintenance
Upgrading to big tires can make a huge difference in backcountry performance, but with those gains come…Read More -
Tales from Yesteryear
In this tale from bush flying yesteryear, Don Cogger signs up to help Atlee Dodge Jr recovery…Read More
Latest Knowledge Base
-
Destinations
A regional guide with ideas for winter camping destinations in California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.Read More -
Aircraft
Finding an affordable aircraft that can handle the backcountry for $80K or less? A challenge for sure, but with the…Read More -
Aircraft
01.29.2018 - Zane - Updated tire diameter graphic to add 8.50x10 Guide to tires for use in the backcountry and off-airport landing…Read More -
Pilots
12.22.2013 - Initial article format Operating aircraft on skis and negotiating a snow-covered landscape is an entirely unique skillset and environment.…Read More
