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Thread: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

  1. #1

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    Nov 2021
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    Default Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    Besides using a ladder, has anyone figured out a way to check your fuel tanks? I’ve seen a step and handle on the 172’s. Is there anything similar for a PA22?

  2. #2
    akflyer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    Put a fuel step on the gear leg. Big tires too. With 31s I can easily see in the tanks.

  3. #3
    JPerkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    Your stuck using a step ladder. Before I converted I looked into putting a step on the boot cowl like a spam can. Not really any good structure there for it and would require a field approval.
    I have a plastic toolbox that is rugged enough to stand on that was just enough for me to reach the gas cap to dip tanks or fill via jerry jug.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Stephen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    Quote Originally Posted by akflyer View Post
    Put a fuel step on the gear leg. Big tires too. With 31s I can easily see in the tanks.
    Yes, big tires and go for Trimmer's PA 18 gear with fuel step. You have all this for under $10k. Laugh.....this is what I did.
    "You can only tie the record for flying low."

  5. #5

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    May 2018
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    Portland OR
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    Default Re: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    I have a tripod step that the legs fold up on. Works well and fits under the rear seat.

    Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Gilbert Pierce's Avatar
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    Nov 2007
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    Default Re: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    I have a small folding two step wooden ladder that fits behind the rear seat.

  7. #7

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    Default Re: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    I used to be able to stand on my toes and open the cap and stick a finger in the tank. I could feel if it was full. Don’t think I could still do it though.


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  8. #8
    andya's Avatar
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    Default Re: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    I stand on the tire and can reach the cap easily.
    Made a fuel tank dip stick out of some small round clear plastic tube.
    Graduated it in 2.5 gallon increments found by adding gas and marking a paint stick starting at 5gals then 2.5gallon increments after that.
    Transfer the marks from the paint stick to the pvc, use a corner of a file to scratch the PVC, and use sharpie to mark the scratch.
    Sharpie ink sticks better on filed surface of the pvc.
    put the scale with appropriate quantities at each mark.
    Has lasted 20 years. suggest using a three inch long piece of hardware fuel line zip tied or fastened at the top end to prevent the
    dip stick dropping in the tank. It takes a while to fish it out, don't ask how I know

    https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...ickkey=8862049
    "Progress is our most important problem"

  9. #9
    Pacer42Z's Avatar
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    Default Re: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    When I have my 22" Desser tires on the Pacer, I can stand on the wheels and check the fuel. With 6.00 tires and wheel pants I use a small foldable two step that I keep in the luggage compartment.

    Juergen
    Pacer N3342Z

  10. #10
    Subsonic's Avatar
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    Mar 2016
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    Default Re: Getting to fuel tanks without a ladder

    I carry this. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Folding-Foo...e/282742663137
    It folds to about 1.2" thick or so in half a second.

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