Hello y'all, I've been reading this forum for many years and I want to thank you all for the amazing information you post and for the time you dedicate to explain all you know about this amazing passion which is backcountry flying.

I have been reading every post I found in regard of C206 tires options, so I have an idea of the options, but I want to ask for some advice for my case:

I got a C206 and I will be using it 90% of the times for off airport ops (gravel bars, dry lake beds, grass lands, barely prepared gravel airstrips, etc) and 10% asphalt. I want to upgrade the tires it has on it right now (6.00" nose and 8.00" mains). I like the idea MTV always says, getting a smaller size on the nose than the mains, not only to make it less prompt to land nose first but also for a nicer look of the airplane in a more level stand and to keep the tail feathers out of the flying rocks (I don't like when the tail sits lower than the nose).

The fork no doubt should be an Aiglas, and the combination of the tires I have been checking are:

- 8.00 Goodyear nose + 8.50 mains
- 8.50 Goodyear nose + 26 Goodyear (I think it still sits a little bit tail low)
- 8.50 Goodyear nose + 26 Airhawks (I am not sure if they exist?)
- 8.50 Goodyear nose + 29 x 11 x 10 Airhawks (I think so far is the best combo to keep the airplane higher from the rocks). But I have to buy 10" wheels as well.

How much speed should I expect to loose with the different options? Now with 6.00" on the nose and 8.00" on the mains we see 135/140 knots.

I thought about having 29's "heavy tread" Alaskan Bushwheels on the mains (I know there is a HT option for the 29"s) but I am not sure of the durability of them on a heavy airplane like the 206, and they are expensive to replace often.

I already have a SuperCub with 35's and I really love the confidence the big tires give you to operate in new and unknown places. But I do not use it to travel (I operate the PA18 around 100 miles from my place), and maybe the C206 it will be used it from time to time to do some little bit longer trips.

Thanks in advance for your help.

DWM.

I run 8.50x6 mains and a 7.00x6 in a HD nosefork on my 206. For me it's the perfect setup. I land in cultivated fields, sand/gravel bars, and grass. I also spend a very limited time on pavement. I cruise at 135kts with the big 3 blade Mac. Not really set up for speed, but it does quite well.
If I was to change it up, I'd probably end up with 8.50x10s on the mains and an 8.00 o the nose with an Airglas fork. 29s would cost to much speed for what I do with the plane I think.

I’ve run 206s in a few different configurations of tire. The two I’ve flown most were:

Landes Airglas nose fork, with 8.00 x 6 nose tire and 8.50 x 6 main tires, all Goodyear tires. This airplane did a lot of gravel strips, a few mine strips, and gravel bars. A VERY capable airplane.

Second was similarly equipped with Airglas fork, 8.50 nose tire, 29 x 11 x 10 buffed tires, mounted on Gar Aero adapters. I’d take that plane ALMOST anyplace I’d take a 185. Other than the added weight of the tires, and a little more drag, it was a horse.
Today, it’s hard to get field approvals, so if the Gar Aeros or whatever they’re called today, aren’t STC’d, I’d definitely use Airframes Alaskas 10 x 10 wheels. In fact I’d use those in any case.

Both those planes had IO 550 engines, btw.

If I were doing what you propose now, I’d install the Airglas fork, with a Goodyear/Michelin nose tire, and a set of Airframes Alaska 10 x 10 wheels/ brakes, with Desser 8.50 x 10 tires. I’d consider using the smooth 8.50 x 10 tire to reduce debris thrown at that precious horizontal. That setup will give you a VERY durable arrangement, with tire diameter of about 26 + inches on mains. AND, quite a bit less weight than those big 29 x 11 x 10 tires.

I have the 10 x 10 wheels and 8.50 x 10 Dessers on my plane, do a lot of pavement, and love it. The Desser 8.50 x 10 tires are a lot lighter than Goodyears, as they have less ply’s, and seem durable.

MTV

A1Skinner wrote:I run 8.50x6 mains and a 7.00x6 in a HD nosefork on my 206. For me it's the perfect setup. I land in cultivated fields, sand/gravel bars, and grass. I also spend a very limited time on pavement. I cruise at 135kts with the big 3 blade Mac. Not really set up for speed, but it does quite well.
If I was to change it up, I'd probably end up with 8.50x10s on the mains and an 8.00 o the nose with an Airglas fork. 29s would cost to much speed for what I do with the plane I think.

A1Skinner, thank you.

How's the position of your airplane with the setup you have now when is empty on the ground? Does it have the tail level or slightly low? I am looking for a combination of wheels to get a "level" position.

I also have a HD nose fork, is 7.00 x 6 the biggest tire I can use there or can I also use 8.00 x 6? (now I have 6.00 x 6)

dwm wrote:

A1Skinner wrote:I run 8.50x6 mains and a 7.00x6 in a HD nosefork on my 206. For me it's the perfect setup. I land in cultivated fields, sand/gravel bars, and grass. I also spend a very limited time on pavement. I cruise at 135kts with the big 3 blade Mac. Not really set up for speed, but it does quite well.
If I was to change it up, I'd probably end up with 8.50x10s on the mains and an 8.00 o the nose with an Airglas fork. 29s would cost to much speed for what I do with the plane I think.

A1Skinner, thank you.

How's the position of your airplane with the setup you have now when is empty on the ground? Does it have the tail level or slightly low? I am looking for a combination of wheels to get a "level" position.

I also have a HD nose fork, is 7.00 x 6 the biggest tire I can use there or can I also use 8.00 x 6? (now I have 6.00 x 6)

It's pretty well level. Maybe just a touch tail low. 7.00 is the biggest that will fit in the HD fork.

mtv wrote:I’ve run 206s in a few different configurations of tire. The two I’ve flown most were:

Landes Airglas nose fork, with 8.00 x 6 nose tire and 8.50 x 6 main tires, all Goodyear tires. This airplane did a lot of gravel strips, a few mine strips, and gravel bars. A VERY capable airplane.

Second was similarly equipped with Airglas fork, 8.50 nose tire, 29 x 11 x 10 buffed tires, mounted on Gar Aero adapters. I’d take that plane ALMOST anyplace I’d take a 185. Other than the added weight of the tires, and a little more drag, it was a horse.
Today, it’s hard to get field approvals, so if the Gar Aeros or whatever they’re called today, aren’t STC’d, I’d definitely use Airframes Alaskas 10 x 10 wheels. In fact I’d use those in any case.

Both those planes had IO 550 engines, btw.

If I were doing what you propose now, I’d install the Airglas fork, with a Goodyear/Michelin nose tire, and a set of Airframes Alaska 10 x 10 wheels/ brakes, with Desser 8.50 x 10 tires. I’d consider using the smooth 8.50 x 10 tire to reduce debris thrown at that precious horizontal. That setup will give you a VERY durable arrangement, with tire diameter of about 26 + inches on mains. AND, quite a bit less weight than those big 29 x 11 x 10 tires.

I have the 10 x 10 wheels and 8.50 x 10 Dessers on my plane, do a lot of pavement, and love it. The Desser 8.50 x 10 tires are a lot lighter than Goodyears, as they have less ply’s, and seem durable.

MTV

Thank you MTV, I know you have a lot of experience.

So, If i am cruising now at 140kts with 6.00 (nose with HD fork) and 8.00 (mains) and my airplane sits tail low on the ground:
1) How much speed do you think I will loose with this combinations, and
2) Should I get the "level look" position on the ground?


A - Landes Airglas nose fork & 8.00 Goodyear nose + 8.50 Goodyear mains
B - Landes Airglas nose fork & 8.50 Goodyear nose + 29 x 11 x 10 buffed Airhawks
C - Landes Airglas nose fork & 8.50 Goodyear nose + Desser 8.50 x 10"


The Airframes Alaska "kit": Landes Airglas nose fork, Cleveland 6" nose wheel, 8.50 Goodyear nose tire, 10" wheels (without brake calipers), 29 x 11 x 10 buffed or none buffed Airhawks, and the Atlee Dodge STC is $9,000 (plus $1,600 if you want the calipers).


Thank you.

DWM

Finally something I can speak to with a bit of knowledge and experience. Probably 3,500 hours in Alaska in 206s. The 8.50 x 10 will do every thing you need. The 29s put you in a nose down attitude and you have to carry power or aft load to let the nose down gently.

I never got stuck in the sand with the 8.50 x 10s, but the guys using 29s get the nose wheel buried with regularity, and have even broken the nose struts. These are not inexperienced pilots.

The 29s cost more, wobble in flight at around 125 kts, and cost you airspeed.

dwm wrote:

mtv wrote:I’ve run 206s in a few different configurations of tire. The two I’ve flown most were:

Landes Airglas nose fork, with 8.00 x 6 nose tire and 8.50 x 6 main tires, all Goodyear tires. This airplane did a lot of gravel strips, a few mine strips, and gravel bars. A VERY capable airplane.

Second was similarly equipped with Airglas fork, 8.50 nose tire, 29 x 11 x 10 buffed tires, mounted on Gar Aero adapters. I’d take that plane ALMOST anyplace I’d take a 185. Other than the added weight of the tires, and a little more drag, it was a horse.
Today, it’s hard to get field approvals, so if the Gar Aeros or whatever they’re called today, aren’t STC’d, I’d definitely use Airframes Alaskas 10 x 10 wheels. In fact I’d use those in any case.

Both those planes had IO 550 engines, btw.

If I were doing what you propose now, I’d install the Airglas fork, with a Goodyear/Michelin nose tire, and a set of Airframes Alaska 10 x 10 wheels/ brakes, with Desser 8.50 x 10 tires. I’d consider using the smooth 8.50 x 10 tire to reduce debris thrown at that precious horizontal. That setup will give you a VERY durable arrangement, with tire diameter of about 26 + inches on mains. AND, quite a bit less weight than those big 29 x 11 x 10 tires.

I have the 10 x 10 wheels and 8.50 x 10 Dessers on my plane, do a lot of pavement, and love it. The Desser 8.50 x 10 tires are a lot lighter than Goodyears, as they have less ply’s, and seem durable.

MTV

Thank you MTV, I know you have a lot of experience.

So, If i am cruising now at 140kts with 6.00 (nose with HD fork) and 8.00 (mains) and my airplane sits tail low on the ground:
1) How much speed do you think I will loose with this combinations, and
2) Should I get the "level look" position on the ground?


A - Landes Airglas nose fork & 8.00 Goodyear nose + 8.50 Goodyear mains
B - Landes Airglas nose fork & 8.50 Goodyear nose + 29 x 11 x 10 buffed Airhawks
C - Landes Airglas nose fork & 8.50 Goodyear nose + Desser 8.50 x 10"


The Airframes Alaska "kit": Landes Airglas nose fork, Cleveland 6" nose wheel, 8.50 Goodyear nose tire, 10" wheels (without brake calipers), 29 x 11 x 10 buffed or none buffed Airhawks, and the Atlee Dodge STC is $9,000 (plus $1,600 if you want the calipers).


Thank you.

DWM

To tell the truth, I never paid much attention to speeds with various 206s. Lots of variables besides tires.

To me, what you’re talking about really hinges on two things:

1. How much real off airport stuff you’re going to do. And what type: Loose sand beaches, gravel bars, fields, etc?

2. How much money you’re comfortable spending.

I agree with headoutdaplane: 8.50 nose tire and 10 x 10 wheels and 8.50 x 10 tires would seem pretty ideal if you’re really planning off airport stuff. Not cheap, but neither are repairs in very remote places.

Now, if you’re mostly going to be on back country strips, 8.00 on the nose and 8.50 mains provides virtually stock on ground stance. A bit less $.

MTV

Headoutdaplane wrote:Finally something I can speak to with a bit of knowledge and experience. Probably 3,500 hours in Alaska in 206s. The 8.50 x 10 will do every thing you need. The 29s put you in a nose down attitude and you have to carry power or aft load to let the nose down gently.

I never got stuck in the sand with the 8.50 x 10s, but the guys using 29s get the nose wheel buried with regularity, and have even broken the nose struts. These are not inexperienced pilots.

The 29s cost more, wobble in flight at around 125 kts, and cost you airspeed.

Thanks Headoutdaplane. Which wheel did you use on the nose with the 8.50 x 10 on the mains? Did you remember the speed you got with that setup?

Air glass with 8 x 6. I always planned 120, but our flights were only 100nm legs. We ran beaches and gravel bars throughout the summer.

The 206 is an amazing plane!

mtv wrote:

dwm wrote:

mtv wrote:I’ve run 206s in a few different configurations of tire. The two I’ve flown most were:

DWM

To tell the truth, I never paid much attention to speeds with various 206s. Lots of variables besides tires.

To me, what you’re talking about really hinges on two things:

1. How much real off airport stuff you’re going to do. And what type: Loose sand beaches, gravel bars, fields, etc?

2. How much money you’re comfortable spending.

I agree with headoutdaplane: 8.50 nose tire and 10 x 10 wheels and 8.50 x 10 tires would seem pretty ideal if you’re really planning off airport stuff. Not cheap, but neither are repairs in very remote places.

Now, if you’re mostly going to be on back country strips, 8.00 on the nose and 8.50 mains provides virtually stock on ground stance. A bit less $.

MTV

Hi MTV, the answers are:

1. I do live in a ranch, quite far from the city, so I will operate from my gravel landing strip (it is in a quite good shape) or maybe from a grassland just by the airstrip (which can have some bumps or small shrubs but nothing "too" extreme). I don't think I will land loose sand beaches, I have a Super Cub for that, but probably I will do it in wet sand beaches, gravel bars or dry lake beds.

2. As much as I need to have a capable airplane, as fast as it can be, and make it look as nice and "level on the ground" as possible haha.

If I will buy the Airframes Alaska 10 x 10 wheels, then I will have to get the brakes, the landes fork, etc. A kit. That is gonna be good, but quite expensive and probably I will loose some speed (that's what I need to figure it out, how much).

The other option, faster and cheaper, is to get the biggest wheel I can use with my heavy duty fork (according to A1Skinner is gonna be 7.00 -now I have 6.00-) and the best combination for that on the mains 6" wheels, which I think is Goodyears 8.50's? What do you think?

Headoutdaplane wrote:Air glass with 8 x 6. I always planned 120, but our flights were only 100nm legs. We ran beaches and gravel bars throughout the summer.

The 206 is an amazing plane!

Yes it is!

If I want to try to keep the 6" main wheels (for now). What about the Goodyears 26" x 6?


And the last question:

Could be the reason for a "tail low" position the pressure of the front shock? (look at the scissor, looks quite extended)

[img]IMG_3037.jpg[/img]

The Goodyear 26 inch “blimp tires” are a little wider than a Goodyear 8.50 x 6 tire and a little larger in diameter. They are hell for stout tires, and have the advantage of no tread grooves.

From the sounds of your responses, I’d get a Airglas fork, with 8.00 tire and stick with 8.50 x 6 on the mains.

Much bigger on mains you’ll likely lose some speed. The nose is always what I worried about, and the Airglas fork offers better options there.

Or, stick with what you have and see how it works. You can do a lot with the standard gear.

MTV

mtv wrote:The Goodyear 26 inch “blimp tires” are a little wider than a Goodyear 8.50 x 6 tire and a little larger in diameter. They are hell for stout tires, and have the advantage of no tread grooves.

From the sounds of your responses, I’d get a Airglas fork, with 8.00 tire and stick with 8.50 x 6 on the mains.

Much bigger on mains you’ll likely lose some speed. The nose is always what I worried about, and the Airglas fork offers better options there.

Or, stick with what you have and see how it works. You can do a lot with the standard gear.

MTV

Thanks a lot MTV.

mtv wrote:The Goodyear 26 inch “blimp tires” are a little wider than a Goodyear 8.50 x 6 tire and a little larger in diameter. They are hell for stout tires, and have the advantage of no tread grooves.

From the sounds of your responses, I’d get a Airglas fork, with 8.00 tire and stick with 8.50 x 6 on the mains.

Much bigger on mains you’ll likely lose some speed. The nose is always what I worried about, and the Airglas fork offers better options there.

Or, stick with what you have and see how it works. You can do a lot with the standard gear.

MTV

I am checking the Goodyear 26's (looks like there is only a tubless option) in Aircraft Spruce and it looks like they are only for experimental? (no STC for Certificated aircraft). Am I correct or can I "legally" use them in a C206?

26 Inch Goodyears use an 850 tube. They are routinely field approved ( have them on a Taylorcraft). Getting an FA depends on where you are.

dwm wrote:

mtv wrote:The Goodyear 26 inch “blimp tires” are a little wider than a Goodyear 8.50 x 6 tire and a little larger in diameter. They are hell for stout tires, and have the advantage of no tread grooves.

From the sounds of your responses, I’d get a Airglas fork, with 8.00 tire and stick with 8.50 x 6 on the mains.

Much bigger on mains you’ll likely lose some speed. The nose is always what I worried about, and the Airglas fork offers better options there.

Or, stick with what you have and see how it works. You can do a lot with the standard gear.

MTV

I am checking the Goodyear 26's (looks like there is only a tubless option) in Aircraft Spruce and it looks like they are only for experimental? (no STC for Certificated aircraft). Am I correct or can I "legally" use them in a C206?

They are listed as tubeless because they are run tubeless in their primary application: The Goodyear blimps, which have wheels designed to run tubeless tires.

As noted above, in aircraft applications, they are run with 8.5 x 6 tubes

MTV

Too many replies to read them all. I had 8.50X6 on the nose, 8.50X10 on the mains using the 10 Alaska Bush Wheel. 135kts at sea level to 3000’ 23/24. Land about anywhere a 206 needs to go.

7GC wrote:26 Inch Goodyears use an 850 tube. They are routinely field approved ( have them on a Taylorcraft). Getting an FA depends on where you are.

7GC thanks a lot. I am in Patagonia (but I will ask).