Does anybody have any experience with the AK Tundra tires (aka Gar Aero) versus the Bushwheels. It seems like the AK Tundras might be a little better on a 182 that will be operating at times on pavement. The price for the AK Tundras is about 30% less. Thoughts?

Pundy wrote:Does anybody have any experience with the AK Tundra tires (aka Gar Aero) versus the Bushwheels. It seems like the AK Tundras might be a little better on a 182 that will be operating at times on pavement. The price for the AK Tundras is about 30% less. Thoughts?

I presently fly a Husky with 31 inch Bush Wheels, but previously flew a C-182 with GarAeros on the mains and an 8.50x6 on a Landis nose fork. If I were to buy another 182, I would put GarAeros on it without a second thought. It is great on asphalt, and yet will get into most of the backcountry strips that I would want to try with a 182. The GarAeros will last for ever, but you will need to buy 10 inch wheels to mount them. I do have a friend that is in the process of putting 29 inch bush wheels on a C172/O360, but he will not be doing much flying on asphalt with that airplane. Here is a picture of my ol' 182 -- a great airplane and wheel combination:

Nizina wrote:

Pundy wrote:Here is a picture of my ol' 182 -- a great airplane and wheel combination:

I have bits of her in pictures from Chitina airport. Sorry for the drool I left on it back then

I had the GarAero mains/8.50-6 nose set up on my last Cessna 207, and they were a great combination. Good on asphalt, and a wee bit more flotation for playing in the mud.



Gump

Tadpole wrote:

Nizina wrote:

Pundy wrote:Here is a picture of my ol' 182 -- a great airplane and wheel combination:

I have bits of her in pictures from Chitina airport. Sorry for the drool I left on it back then

Indeed, she now resides at the Chitina airport. The woman that I sold her to has a homestead on the other side of the Nizina River from me and regularly flys in to Dan Creek during the summer time. It was a good airplane for me as I could haul a lot of material into my homestead here on the north side of the Nizina River. Of course I took the back seats out and extended the cargo area. It also has a bush STOL kit.

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Actually Gump, one of the biggest reasons I'm looking at these is due to springtime mud operations at the strip I fly to regularly, so I'm glad to hear their decent in the mud. That's a good looking 182 Nizina!

RobBurson wrote:Short answer. If money is no object real 31 or 35 ABW.

Just an observation to provide additional information for thought. If I were flying a 182 and wanted to go some place that might require 31 inch bush wheels, I might want to think twice about going in there for a landing -- what with the 182's penchant for bending the nose gear during rough landings.

You cessna guys talking about Gar Aero's, ABW has a lot better 10 inch rims then those glued on adapter wheels that Gar uses. ABW are lighter too, but use the same 29-11:00X10 tires.

When I used Gar Areo wheels, I had problems with the inside of the rims rubbing my gear legs (needed to make spacers), the ABW rims must be slightly offset, because they have plenty of room there. I am real happy with the ABW set up.

As much as I would love to see a pair of 35's on a 182 I think this might work better...

http://akbushwheel.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=91

I'm sidin with Patrol guy and Wup, once ya go Bushwheel, you won't go back. Plus they look MUCH better. If all ya want is floatations, I think the 26's are the same width???, so pretty similar floatation, probably a little cheaper than 29's. I wouldn't have 'em shaved if your around many sharp rocks.
Gary

I definitely like the look and the concept of the AK Bushwheel vs. the AK Tundra wheels, but we're talking at least $1k difference. Seems like if they can handle the abuse of a 207 that a 182 is hardly going to stress them.

Never mind

I just had a nightmare involving Gump and mud wrestling .

Pundy wrote:I definitely like the look and the concept of the AK Bushwheel vs. the AK Tundra wheels, but we're talking at least $1k difference. Seems like if they can handle the abuse of a 207 that a 182 is hardly going to stress them.

Alaska Tundra Tire 10" adapter pair $1,500 set of four
*Cleveland 6" wheel with brake rotor Required Not Included $1100.00




Alaskan Bushwheel 10x10 Wheel (With disk) $1800.00
*Cleveland 6" wheel with brake rotor Not needed..... $000.00





Now what was that price difference again?

You are going to have to do the math for me.

Hottshot, that's interesting info. I'm embarrassed to say that I did not get these quotes myself. My mechanic has looked into it for me, says he's talked to both companies and that AK Tundra is quoting $2,100 out the door with wheels and tires and BW is just over $3k. I already have the Cleveland wheels and brakes. Is there a possibility he's not comparing apples to apples?

Deleted

Pundy wrote:Hottshot, that's interesting info. I'm embarrassed to say that I did not get these quotes myself. My mechanic has looked into it for me, says he's talked to both companies and that AK Tundra is quoting $2,100 out the door with wheels and tires and BW is just over $3k. I already have the Cleveland wheels and brakes. Is there a possibility he's not comparing apples to apples?

Purdy-

I sent u a PM ..

Although both set ups can use the same tire, the net result is far from equal. The Gar is always a wider foot print and the BW is always a taller tire (for the same tires) This is because the Gar adapters make for a wider wheel and the narrower BW makes the tire 'stand tall'

With the Gar set up a small portion of the sidewall rolls over too far...Try pushing a Gar equipped 180 around with low tire pressure and you are going to blow a nut... And then you're going to call wup

The other piece that is far from equal is the quality... Nothing against AK Tundra tire.... but someone has to have the better product. And in this case it is AK BW hands down...

Although I would not recommend it, if you sold your Clevelands you would actually be getting the BW for quite a better deal than the Gars...

Take care, Rob

Now i have a question, how come it seems like the 29x11x10's are smooth? arn't they a tire with tread? Also where would one get double puck brakes? ( im still looking)

Thanks
Tom