Top Maule modification recommendations

[HeavyLoad]

Hey there. New user here and looking to fill my brain with everything Maule all the time. I was wondering if there is one list of top recommended mods? if so I haven't found it. Maybe you maule owners could chime in and list your favs and why you like them?

From my research here is my top pics for a M5 after doing some research:

- observer full length window doors (#1352) currently $248 per door.
- flip up window kit (#9240) currently $442 per door
- micro VGs. currently $695 for kit
- super sky light (#9187) currently $925.00
- tail feathers gap seal? (not sure which kit to use)
- Shoulder harness

[maules.com]

NAS bolt kit for landing gear.
Airframes Alaska extended HD gear
Mac 3 blade 80" or 2 blade 86" prop
Revert from flap gust lock system to older flap travel stop cable
Re bush and bolt flap bell crank
Mod the flap lever with curve or replace with new style from maule
Double puck brakes if on 8.50x6 or larger

[DeltaRomeo]

Both posts are a good list.

Drifting a little; is the patroller door colder in winter climate than the stock door ? I would love to have the patroller visibility but we do spend some time flying when it's pretty cold outside.

[crbnunit]

Na, cold not a problem. I fly to -20 and it is still warm enough with both heaters going. Same with skylight.

You do want to take some time to kill all the drafts though. Mauls are leaky birds!

[maules.com]

The original interior door panel can be clipped back in if too cold or you have a squeamish passenger.

[HeavyLoad]

People who install the observer bottom windows and flip up window, does this require to use the kits supplied from maule inc? Not sure if it includes paper work needed? or can someone just scratch build it and have A&P make a logbook entry?

[gbarrier]

Dont be in a hurry if you order the skylight kit

[andy]

I got the removable panels with my observer doors but I've never had to use them. When Maule Flight rebuilt my MX-7-180, they sealed off the air leaks that made the cabin cold in winter. Now it's comfortable in cold weather with the normal heater.

[DeltaRomeo]

Jeremy mentioned the flap handle mod but the 20º - 40º flap ratchet mod is also a must.

[iceman]

10 inch wheels and big tires.....double puck brakes if you don't already have em...

[TomD]

I think the mods are pretty well laid out above. Since everyone has one , here is my opinion.

The best bang for the buck upgrades for my M-5-235C were as follow sort of order of importance or performance boost:

Performance:
Upgross kit
Elevator gap seal
Mac 3 blade 80"
Micro Vortex Generators
20-45 Flap Ratchet
Double puck brakes if on 8.50x6 or larger

Safety
NAS bolt kit for landing gear
Revert from flap gust lock system to older flap travel stop cable
Re bushing and bolt flap bell crank
Mod the flap lever with curve or replace with new style from maule
New brake lines.

I have no experience on big gear or big tires so only hear-say. If you are going to play in really rough fields Big tires all the way around, and extended gear might be a consideration.

My bird came with patroller doors and I love them, especially on floats. My M5 "exchanges" air quite freely and the radiant temp from the doors is minor compared to that.

[captnkirk]

New style door latches would be high on my list.

[Mauleflyer]

Can someone expound on "Revert from flap gust lock system to older flap travel stop cable"? What is that?

[maules.com]

Only apples to M5. The automatic flap gust lock mechanism is removed and a limit cable is fitted that restricts flap down movement in the case of a wind gust when not flying. The automatic gust lock often gets out of adjustment and causes problems, it also has a lot of slop and free play thus making it so one cannot get full flap settings.

[Mauleflyer]

Thanks.