Larger Nose Tire

[Rodney]

Lots of good info on some folks going to the Dresser 8.5-6 tundra tires.

For those of us who prefer a nose gear - has anyone (for a SS7) - developed a different nose fork to accommodate a larger nose gear tire to compliment the tundra tires on the main gear?

Ya - I know - I'm hearing all the voices saying go learn to be a taildragger pilot :eek:- BUT - there are lots of good reasons to stay with the tri-gear.

Thanks
Rodney

[KFfan]

Not on subject but...
I'm a firm believer in "fly what you brought". ;)

[n85ae]

If you feel like learning tailwheel and getting the endorsement, then there
are lots of good reasons to have a taildragger.

If on the other hand you don't want to learn tailwheel, then there's lots of
reasons to have a tricycle gear.

Owning a Kitfox, AND having a tailwheel endorsement I can't see any
reason to have a tricycle gear.

The other airplane I fly frequently these days is a Piper Warrior, and to
be honest I don't even think about the differences. I simply fly the Piper
like a taildragger (i.e. I use my feet) and it works great!

Regards,
Jeff

[SkySteve]

Rodney,
I've been wanting a larger nose wheel for years. No joy! Just keep that nose wheel in the air when taking off and landing.

[Rodney]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I also talked to John and he said that to his knowledge, no one has tried to engineer a system for a larger nose tire.

I think this is worth looking into and worth trying.

Rodney

[BillCuster]

it’s funny how every time a tricycle gear question is asked the response avoids the question and talks about tail wheel. Look at all the great tricycle bush planes - 182s and 206s galore and very capable. The Zenith 750 is tricycle and will take off shorter than. Most kitfoxes stock vs stock. - anyway, I’ve seen nose wheel mods for bigger tires on the GlaStar - it can be done with some welding and an axle for a 6:00 if needed. If anyone is still interested I can post some pics. I’m having one made for a GlaStar now - to support 8:50 mains. With as light as the nose in on a kitfox the main consideration is maintaining the deck angle with larger mains. That’s what is needed IMHO is taller nose as much as anything wider.

[Norm]

I don't think it would be that hard to engineer a larger bracket to hold a larger tire. Find a good welder and explain what your looking for. Try to make sure the new tire and wheel is lightweight so as to not add to much stress the new bracket too much. If you do it, please post your improvements so others can benefit.

[BillCuster]

.....Owning a Kitfox, AND having a tailwheel endorsement I can't see any
reason to have a tricycle gear......

Regards,
Jeff
Jeff,
I'm going to respectfully assume your comment is sincere and share a different perspective to perhaps give a peek into the thought process of those who think differently from you. When we engage with others NOT like minded we have an opportunity to learn and grow.

Let me count the ways...
1. Safer - There are virtually no ground-loop accidents
2. Shorter take off - No added drag until the tail comes up
3. Insurance significantly lower.
4. Better taxi, takeoff, and landing visibility.
5. No landing anxiety in crosswinds (you know it's true).

Virtually every modern plane is tricycle gear because of these facts. The design is simply more practical and more forgiving. I see the reasons to choose a tailwheel as:
1. Better prop clearance is possible. (but do you really land on 18" tall objects?)
2. Larger (main) tires are possible for better flotation on soft / irregular surfaces.
3. The appearance is more rugged*
4. The thrill of the challenge in flying a more difficult aircraft*
5. Peer pressure (that's what all the cool kids fly)*

So, setting aside the emotional reasons*, this is why some of us look for ways to solve the bigger tire / more prop clearance question. As shown earlier, there are plenty of huge bush-wheel tricycles in service. In the words of John Maxwell "seek first to understand, then to be understood". Therefore I invite you to provide more education or expand on my reasoning above.

Looking forward to learning!
BC

[BillCuster]

I also have a GlaStar, which I'm selling to go with the Kitfox. The tricycle GlaStar has 5" mains and 4" nose gear. While owning mine I had a nose fork built to accommodate a larger 5" nose wheel. In studying that there is a good possibility. My Kitfox already has a 5" nose wheel but the incremental step is the same. Pictures to come...

[Eric Page]

1. Safer - There are virtually no ground-loop accidents
According to an AOPA Air Safety Institute video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzvJcuMTi-E) last summer, loss of control on the ground is the second costliest type of claim for insurance companies, and the problem isn't limited to tailwheel aircraft. See 1:59 in the video.

The point is reinforced in a related ASI video on Avoiding Loss of Control on the Ground (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0MDuaXicb0), posted last week.

[BillCuster]

Great videos! Thanks for sharing. The LOC-G accidents I've seen are things like taxiing off center and smacking runway lights, cutting corners etc rather than 'ground loops'. It would be interesting to see some examples of what the tricycle LOC-G incid are. The insurance rates I think are the tell on what is more likely to get into (expensive) trouble. Tricycle gear definitely allows a pilot to be WAY more sloppy on yaw control, which is why many of us (tricycle pilots) are. Tailwheel and glider flying will tighten that up, making the point that they are less forgiving. Though tricycle gear doesn't eliminate ground issues, it seems to help. I Learned from the videos. Thanks again!

[Eric Page]

You bet. The Air Safety Institute is one of the main reasons I've been an AOPA member for 30+ years. The research and education they do to improve aviation safety is second to none. Their advocacy efforts and the excellent AOPA Pilot​ magazine are icing on the cake.

[mike92104]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I also talked to John and he said that to his knowledge, no one has tried to engineer a system for a larger nose tire.

I think this is worth looking into and worth trying.

Rodney

Rans has an "Tundra" upgrade that allows you to put a bigger nose wheel on their S21. The only info I have seen is prom the parts list, but it looks VERY similar to the Kitfox fork. The PDF I attached are the relevant pages from the parts manual with some drawings. I've been very tempted to get some more info from Rans to see if it would work for a kitfox.

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