My tailwheel tire is looking pretty old, so I want to replace it. The tailwheel has "Maule TW-100, SFS-P8A" on it. The tire is a McCeary 2.80x2.50 4 ply. When I looked up this tire on Aircraft Spruce it gave me the same spec, PN#06-08000 for the tire and 06-08101 for the tube (link). This is the same PN as the Specialty Tires of America Tire/Tube which is also 2.80x2.50 4 ply.

I ordered the tire hoping it would be a match but it looks very different, taller and thinner. I don't think it'll fit fully inflated. Looking closer the wheel is stamped with "TW-31-D." This appears to be the Maule wheel/tire combo that Aircraft Spruce sells here. Should I be safe in ordering that as a replacement? It's actually cheaper than the tire/tube I ordered, but I want to make sure I'm replacing it with correct part.

Any input? As much as I'd like to upgrade the tailwheel to something better like the 3200, I really don't need it at this point. This tailwheel doesn't give me any issues.

Here are a few photos to help visualize what I'm working with:

It should fit. The tire will get fatter and smaller as it inflates and seats.
John

hardtailjohn wrote:It should fit. The tire will get fatter and smaller as it inflates and seats.
John

I thought this might be the case, but as soon as I mount it I can't return it, so I wanted to double check.

Worked great, thanks. The hardest part was separating the two halves of the wheel.

That looks better!! The old one was wearing nicely! Doesn't look like your fuselage or spring are twisted at all! I've seen some doozies in the past!
John

hardtailjohn wrote:That looks better!! The old one was wearing nicely! Doesn't look like your fuselage or spring are twisted at all! I've seen some doozies in the past!
John

Yep, everything seems nice and straight! Like I said, I'd love to upgrade the TW, but this one has been doing just fine for now, so I don't think it's necessary. We'll see how long this tire lasts!