Gunny wrote:Folks-

Its been awhile since I've seen discussion on this topic and nothing I can remember in one single thread. So, I thought I'd start a new one on it. I submitted a Field Approval request for my 180 for Goodyear 26's. If I get it I'll post the results and the application with Zane, so others can follow if desired. I'm not necessarily going to use GY 26's, but thought it would be a good thing to have in my logs.

So, first off requirements as I see them. Feel free to modify, or add your own. I've got a C180A that I want to use Backcountry, some of you may have seen my posts. Right now I'm running 8.0x6's... I've got 8.5x10's that I'm not totally happy with. Most of my flying here in Texas will be on pavement, it's just the way it is. Maybe 10-20% will be off airport. For Backcountry stuff it will have to be a road trip. So I'd like a tire that won't wear out so quickly on pavement, but still be useful and cushion those off airport, backcountry operations. Speed and weight are issues to consider. I would very much like commentary and field reports (to include tire pressures).

The options as far as I can tell right now are:

8.5x10's -on the stiff and heavy side, wear great. Do impact speed about 3-5 mph. STC and 10" wheels required. Very tight fit with
brake rotor and tire.
GY 26" -Field Approval required. Given the stated policy of the FAA to use previously approved 337's as Approved Data supposedly
easy. I'll let you know when I get the reply on my request. Weight seems acceptable and reports on wear and speed are
favorable. 6" wheel.
Desser 31" -not much in the way of reports. Weight seems good, unsure of the TSO status, whether a Field Approval will be required.
Interesting though. I do remember hearing about them coming out with a set of 29" as well.
Bushwheels -Require an STC, use 6" wheel and double puck brake (either required or recommended for all of the above). Weight and
speed penalties. Poor wear performance on pavement. A bit pricey, but the Gold Standard for Backcountry operations.

So, there you have it for my meager knowledge (I leave out Ramp Appeal as a requirement/ observation;). The question is what would be the best compromise tire for the C-180/185?

Thanks, Gunny

Bigrenna wrote:
29" airhawks are very heavy. Around 54lbs ea on ABW 10" if I remember right. In contrast, 29" ABWs on 6" 6 bolts are 38.5 llbs ea. For shits and giggles, the 8.5x10s on the ABW 10" are 45lbs ea and 8.5x6 on 3 bolts are about 25.5 lbs ea.

For me, there is no better tire than the 29" bushwheels.

corefile wrote:Are you running the "Heavy tread" ABWs ?

hotrod180 wrote:Who is it on board here that always says the 26" GY isn't any larger than the 850x6?
The photo in the last post is about how I have seen the difference.

SkyLarkin wrote:...maybe the installed differences change quite a bit than the uninstalled pictures?

DENNY wrote:I know the stock air hawk tires will wear well my question is how long shaved ones last?
DENNY

wingnut185 wrote:
8.50x6 Goodyear, 26" Goodyear, 26" Bushwheel

DENNY wrote:...so the plane is locking in on the 29" inch buffed air hawk.

flyingzebra wrote:Suffering from option overload here. Are there different models of the 26" GY's? Spruce sent me a photo of a guy measuring their Goodyear 26"x10.5x6 ($682). The diameter is slightly under 23", just barely bigger than my 8.50's. Is there an option that is actually 26", under $1000 each and reasonably suited for pavement? I tried scanning the internet in small, measured segments but am still not finding what I am looking for.