CC's Fuelings steps vs. Atlee's Long Step

[Tom Jones]

I'm finally uping the gross weight on my L-21A from 1500 to 1750. I think I'd like to go with a 3" extended gear while I'm at it. I need to decide whether to use Cubcrafters gear with the fueling steps, Atlee's and add the long step, or even Cubcrafters adding the long step on the right side. I have 1 1/4 inch axles now and don't want to change, so the Airframes gear is out.

I'd kind of like the long step to make it easier to get in and out, but a search seems to indicate the Cubcrafters gear is a little better. Vera at Cubcrafters was going to email a picture with both steps to me but couldn't find one.

Anyone have a photo of a Cubcrafters gear with both steps or Atlee's gear with the long step so I can compare the two? Thanks.

Tom

 

[ag-pilot]

gear

I had the little clamp on fueling steps for years and they work if you get them tight enough. I love the A D long step. I have one on both sides. Atlee's Gear is plenty strong and while Cub Crafters may be better I'm not convinced its worth the extra price.
The long step on the right side works great as a step to get in the back seat also.
dave

 

[aktango58]

I have the Atlee long step...

I had the bolt on small step that cc copied... Hated them. Might have them in the shed if you want, and I can find.

Go atlee and long step if not airframes.

Get bushwheels for the other side 8)

 

[StewartB]

I've had 3" extended gear w/ 1 1/4" axles from both Airframes and FA Dodge on my plane. Both had Dodge long steps on both sides. Airframes and Dodge both make excellent stuff. I'm Alaskan. I won't look beyond them unless I'm forced to. You can see photos of the gear with steps attached in my gallery. I have no experience with CC gear or steps.

SB

 

[cubscout]

I've got an L-21B with 3" CC gear, Atlee Long step on the starboard side, whatever short step on the port side, and 26" Goodyears. So this is kind of a hybrid; I bought the plane that way, might have put a different combination on myself. I'm average height, and have no trouble fueling either side, but can't see into the neck very well; I use a ladder when available, which affords solider footing and a better view when fueling.

One thought with taller gear/tyres would be to leave the stock aft step on: Some folks of shorter stature have a difficult time making that first step up without it.

All said, this is a workable combination for how/where I fly; your results may vary (moderate backcountry operations). Both the CC gear and the Atlee Steps are good products in my opinion. Sorry, don't have any pictures handy, and still trying to figure out the picture upload thingie.

Thanks. cubscout

 

[Dick Williams]

fuel steps

I think this is an individual taste thing. I bought the long step and thought it was so ugly (and heavy) I couldn't put it on--sold it and re-used my old CC steps. I think they work fine, but I'm short and with 3" gear and 29" tires I can't quite see in the gas tank. Don't think I could with Atlee's either. You do need Something to see up there on top of the wing!

 

[StewartB]

If you like the long step idea but prefer it to sit differently on the gear, FA Dodge can make the spacing for the clamps to whatever you want with fairly quick turnaround. Mine are not standard.

SB

 

[5191H]

Here is Atlees step on the 14 with 31's, this is a great step for behind the strut loading and front fueling. It works great in winter with skiis and heavy boots in the snow.

As far as ugly...this is a well make step, powder coated and non slip on the top. Ugly...I don't think so you tell me.

 

[bob turner]

Ugly. But then, I like the looks of the stock gear with 8:00x4s.

I had some trepidation fueling the amphibian - the step is in the correct spot, but still had some balance problems, worsened by my ineptness when chilled. Got a hook and a strap for my wrist, hooked it to the lifting eye on the front spar, and was happy fueling ever after.

 

[Steve Pierce]

I like Atlee's 3" gear, long step on the right and fueling step on the left. Good price and always great service from Steve and the crew at Atlee's. We just put this on 39Y.

 

[ag-pilot]

steps

The little steps work fine when your on big tires but the long step shines when on skis. I agree with Bob, fueling a float plane can be tricky and even dangerous. I fell off- had to jump off Rhode Island Red several times fueling from cans then I figured out if I hooked my toe kindof between the lift struts I could stand on one foot and use the struts for balance without putting any weight on them.

Dave

 

[cub_driver]

Tom

I just looked at a set of new HD Atlee grear. It's much stronger then the HD gear I bought from Atlee 10 years ago. If you like they will weld the small step on the gear leg for you. The trouble I have with my bolt on small step is keeping it tightened down so it won't twist and bend. I have a long step I plan to remove, they are heavy that said looks don't bother me they are stable and functional.

Cub_Driver

 

[Tom Jones]

Thanks for all the input! It looks like Atlee's gear and the long steps are what will be best for me. I really appreciate everyone's help!

Tom