Thanks to Mark Mocho

[C2]

I bought a glider I had previously checked out and had it trailed to Moriarty, New Mexico so Fidel Ramirez could do a little touch up to the gel coat on the left wing. It is perfect now. I had also asked Mark Mocho to build me a wing wheel,(the one that came with it was substandard) and a tow bar before I had left to pick up the glider. They were also perfect. I casually asked Mark Mocho to check the trailer out.

Mark took the hitch / surge brake assembly apart and noticed the bushings were toast. Upon further inspection he noticed the surge brake plunger was bent and badly corroded. The plate that locates the surge brake and plunger was cracked on either side. Mark built from scratch the two bushing and a surge brake plunger. He completely rebuilt the entire assembly re-welding the cracks in the plate. For good measure I bought a new shiny hitch to replace the old rusty hitch which Mark re-engineered so it wouldn't over leverage the assembly. Mark also re-made and replaced the dolly track stops so the tracks wouldn't bounce around while being transported. He spent a day and a half making my trailer road worthy. He went above and beyond. Had I not been in Moriarty I doubt there would have the personnel with the specialized tools and knowledge to do the job.

When buying a glider we are too often blinded by the shiny glider. After spending time with Mark Mocho and Fidel Ramirez I'm in a better position to evaluate the condition of the glider and trailer.

Many thanks to the guys a Moriarty who care about equipment and have the knowledge and skill to repair trailers and gliders that others have ceased to care for properly.

Ryan Glover

[markm...@gmail.com]

Thanks for the kind words, Ryan. I'm glad I was able to help. To anybody preparing to purchase a glider, I second Ryan's observation to check the trailer thoroughly. While Ryan's trailer wasn't the worst case I have seen, it was still pretty bad and definitely unsafe.

Please don't neglect your trailer! It is an integral part of your aircraft system. Keep the lights and wiring in good shape, grease the axles and surge brake components regularly and if the rubber boot on the surge brake has deteriorated, replace it. If you need to do so, check the condition of the plunger and the bushings it slides in. If it is corroded and dry, it will wear out the bushing very rapidly.

If you have any questions, you can call me. My cell phone number is listed on my website www mmfabrication dot com.