In December 2024 I replaced the trusty 2008 LX Odyssey plane hauler. Because of the outstanding, reliable performance of the 2008 LX, it was an easy decision to go with a new 2025 Odyssey EXL model. I'm slowly configuring it for road trips for the wife and me in future years, in addition to local and long-distance airplane events. This time, the plane rack is made from black PVC to match the van's interior.
Mounting of the motor has been completed along with the initial fitment of wings, wing adjusters, stabs, and canilizer wing. Air inlet and outlet cutouts are done. This was done using a Dremel tool as a handheld router with BJ's provided templates. The main landing gear has been installed. Like the Anthem, I selected gear by PT. They are longer, and lighter than the stock gear and fit the original cutouts without modifying. I've also fabricated and installed my DIY tailwheel assembly pictured below. This assembly is low-cost and robust. It is made from common RC accessories and is fully serviceable and easily duplicated. Most recently the battery tray was made from carbon/lite ply sandwich panel and mounted in the fuse using Gator RC's removal supports. As a safeguard, the tray is also anchored with a screw to the landing gear mount. Rudder servo plus the D3 controller mounts have been created and installed.
