All,

I don't do much "rugged backcountry flying" as in gravel bars, sand etc. About any place in Idaho, Montana etc. I currently have a Scott 3400 locking tailwheel. I've spoken to TLGW folks and they have a 10" fork I can use along with my hub. I'd need the fork, axle, tire and tube. I think my current tailwheel is 6".

Honestly, would it be with the time, money, and effort to upgrade? They look so cool! I'm currently running 8.50x6 tires on the mains. I use a good mix of pavement, grass, and fields etc.

Thanks for you thoughts.

MW

Probably not. More weight, more money, more drag. Match the mod to the mission.

Kurt

I run a 10” on my 180, any smaller seems tiny. I have had even the 10” sink in soft ground.

Like you I have the stock locking tail wheel. Had it get stuck in soft tar of an expansion joint at Stead fuel island once and needed help to free it. Occasional sinking in sand or soft dirt. Works well enough most of the time with no shimmy or other issues. I lust over the 10” setup but it’s not worth it in my operating realm.

Also interested in building up a 10” locking tailwheel. Trying not to break the bank at the same time.

I think the stock 185 is a 8" tailwheel . One disadvantage of a tall tailwheel/tail spring setup is it hurts you AOA on takeoff. I find it a lot easier to push the 180 around when I am off tarmac with a Bushwheel fork and glider tire. No right or wring just what the mission calls for.
DENNY

Thanks for the input. Exactly what I was looking for content wise. I think I'll just stick with what I have and enjoy.

MW

My last 2 airplanes had 8" 3200's,
my 180 has a 10" 3400.
I guess that the 10" probably rolls over stuff a bit better,
but I don't know that I notice all that much difference.
IMHO if you get your t/w stuck with an 8", you'd probably do the same with a 10".
But if you decide that you do want to upgrade, it's not too spendy a proposition:
a 10" fork from Airframes Alaska is about $342,
https://www.airframesalaska.com/ABI-342 ... 23-01k.htm
and a 10" tire & tube is about $100 from the usual sources.
So less than $500 total.
FWIW TLGW's stuff seems to be more expensive than AA.
But I think they offer a locking t/w option where AA does not.

Thanks for the input and info Hotrod!

MW

I put the “glider tire” on my Bearhawk because that seemed to be the thing to do and the BH has a very heavy tail. IMO it is pointless and only hurts performance except for a few very specific missions. There isn’t a public airstrip in Idaho that requires a big TW so I took it off. I now have less weight, less drag, better AOA and less shimmy.

If you need it for your mission or want it because it looks cool then get it. But be aware of the effects.

Whee,

Those were the exact points I was pondering. I really appreciate the input from everyone. I'll love the one I'm with and avoid any problems unless mine breaks.

MW

In between the 2" larger diameter (& about 1/2"wider) tire, and the taller fork, I figure
the tail would be raised up about 1-1/2" by changing from an 8" 3400 to a 10".
Is that gonna decrease the AOA enough to be an issue? I dunno.
It will roll over stuff a bit easier & provide a bit more flotation in the soft stuff,
but enough to make much of a difference? Again, I dunno.
My 180 was upgraded to a 10" tailwheel by the previous owner. I like it, but I dont know if I'd bother if it still had an 8" tw.