Looking for suggestions on the best tail wheel upgrade for our C180. Also feedback on the lockable tailwheel option. Tired of blowing out the little POS stock tail wheel.

I run the 10" tail wheel. I believe that it's from XP Mods, whom I believe is doing business under some other name these days. I had one blowout, but it was because of a crappy tire. The baby bush wheel is probably the best, but pretty spendy. I remember looking at Blackrock's setup on his Bearhawk, and thinking it looked really sturdy. Might reach out to him to see what he is running?

I've got the 14" XP Mod Tailwheel because that's what was on my 185 when I bought her.
http://www.thelandinggearworks.com/tailwheels/

I've opted to stay with this setup rather then go with the Baby Bushwheel because this area of Texas sees large cracks form in the earth during droughts which would swallow the Baby Bushwheel. The 14" XP Mod gives me a greater margin of safety.

I recently replaced the tire as it was dry-rotted which speaks to overall durability. The tire I went with was the Air Trac from Desser. Cost was $60.
http://www.desser.com/sta_airtrac.php

As far as the locking tailwheel, 185's came with them from Cessna. I find it handy when taxiing with strong crosswinds. And when landing with full rudder deflection (again strong crosswind) with it locked it's turn angle is restricted so setting the tailwheel down doesn't have as much "dartiness" to it.

If you're having tires fail, check your tire pressures....these little tires take a beating, and they need a lot of pressure.

Most of all, DO Not three point the thing on rough stuff....protect that tailwheel. Going to a bigger, more robust tailwheel may help, but they still break if abused.

Tailwheel locks were an option on the 185. I've flown both with and without. On Many of ours, the t/w lock was never connected, and on those, I can't recall ever missing it. I don't think I'd go to the expense of installing one....and you may have trouble getting it approved on early 180s.

MTV

is 'Dartiness' a technical term?

Wheelies and staying on top of tailwheel tire pressure help a lot. Also, make sure you're running a 6-ply tire. I've had one flat on the 6-ply, but I was probably running too low of pressure. The baby bush wheel with the "regular" tire seems like the ticket.

Go with an ABW baby bush. You wont be sorry... I love mine.

http://www.alaskatundratires.com/tailwheel.html

These work very well also. Abused them for years. Takes a field approval if you care. XP is a little heavy, the 14" really raises the tail. I bet the baby BW is a dandy too, never had one.

Scolopax wrote:I run the 10" tail wheel. I believe that it's from XP Mods, whom I believe is doing business under some other name these days. I had one blowout, but it was because of a crappy tire. The baby bush wheel is probably the best, but pretty spendy. I remember looking at Blackrock's setup on his Bearhawk, and thinking it looked really sturdy. Might reach out to him to see what he is running?

It is a ABW baby Bushwheels fork with a 6-ply tire that is the same width as the BBW. Tire costs like $60 vs $400 for a BBW tire.

The locking tailwheel parts had been removed from my 185 before I bought it, so had them put back in. Everyone has an opinion, I think it has it's place.

Steve

Keep your T.P. at 70 psi and the little tail wheel will never give you a problem, 95% of the time low pressure causes the problem. In the 38 years, 3,100 hours I've had the 185, I've had one flat, it was caused by a piece of saftey wire I ran over. I change it out while it still has a little tread. Two years ago I went with the 10 inch Scott, been wanting one for the last few years. Most of my landings are wheelies and that makes it easier on the tail wheel. Correct tire pressure is the key!
Ron