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Thread: Tire suggestions?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Bonita Springs, FL
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    28

    Default Tire suggestions?

    I need to upgrade my old stock 20x 7.00-8 Taiwanese tires, but looking for an alternative to the Desser Aero Classic 27.510/8. At 20.5 lb. each, they would be adding roughly 15lb. per side (if I go tubeless). Everything I can find is for a 6" wheel. I would really rather just put some new tires on my existing 8" wheels than change over to new wheels, brakes, mastercylinders, etc.

    I have found a couple of places which sell the stock size "Kitfox Tire" but with a 2-ply load rating of 195 lb. they sound even worse than what came with my project. Something like THIS would be good if only I could find it in an 8" wheel size.

    Does anybody know if the original Matco 8" wheel can be used tubeless?

    This is what my original right side tire looked like after some taxi testing and 1 flight. The pressure was spot on, and there was only a tiny patch of cord showing beforehand. It blew out while taxiing at low speed.

    IMG_7243.jpg
    Scot Trueblood
    Bonita Springs, FL

    Kitfox IV in Phase 1 Flight Testing

  2. #2
    Senior Member 109JB's Avatar
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    Mar 2019
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    Morris, IL
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    484

    Default Re: Tire suggestions?

    Those are not matco wheels. They are Douglas ATV wheels and can be used tubeless. You can put on any ATV, golf cart, lawn mower,etc. Tire on those. No reason you can't run one with knobby treads, or you could buff the treads off. Look at golf cart tires which can be found with less obnoxious treads.
    John Brannen
    Morris, IL
    Sonerai IIL (Single Seat)
    Kitfox 3/4 1050 - Rotax 582 (Back Flying and sold)
    Kitfox IV 1050 - Rotax 582 (sold)
    Kitfox IV 1200 Speedster - Rotax 912 UL (project)
    Piper Twin Comanche (Sold)
    Glasair 1 FT (Waiting to start)

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Lawrenceville, GA
    Posts
    180

    Default Re: Tire suggestions?

    My KF3 had trailer tires on those rims. They fit inside the Kitfox wheel pants. I liked them OK but they were very grippy on paved runways. On the other hand wear was not a problem.

    My KF4 project has spring gear but the same kind of wheels. If I keep the short wings then I'll put pants on too. If nothing else the pants keep the plane cleaner. There are two Carlisle 18x9.50-8 mower tires I think might work for me. The smooth one is part # 5109811 . The straight ribbed one is part # 518081. They both have a load rating of 1020 lbs and weigh 10-11 lbs each.
    Building a KF IV Classic

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    AK
    Posts
    62

    Default Re: Tire suggestions?

    I run Nanco Slick tires, 21x12R8. I used to buy them from Amazon but they don't seem to have them anymore. I did a web search and came up with this link, I am sure there is plenty more places that sell them. They look good and work GREAT, I love the "squish" they make on a wheel landing on gravel, and 10 lbs isn't bad.


    https://shop.gearworkstireandwheel.c...E-30151002.htm
    IMG_3349.jpg

  5. #5
    Senior Member 109JB's Avatar
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    Morris, IL
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    Default Re: Tire suggestions?

    Quote Originally Posted by WurlyBird View Post
    I run Nanco Slick tires, 21x12R8. I used to buy them from Amazon but they don't seem to have them anymore. I did a web search and came up with this link, I am sure there is plenty more places that sell them. They look good and work GREAT, I love the "squish" they make on a wheel landing on gravel, and 10 lbs isn't bad.


    https://shop.gearworkstireandwheel.c...E-30151002.htm
    IMG_3349.jpg
    They don't have them. They are not reliably available anywhere right now and are probably on a ship sitting offshore somewhere. I was able to get one pair a few months ago but while looking for another pair all avenues are coming up empty. Alternate size are available like 18x9.50-8 but the Nanco N800's are a bust at least for me.
    John Brannen
    Morris, IL
    Sonerai IIL (Single Seat)
    Kitfox 3/4 1050 - Rotax 582 (Back Flying and sold)
    Kitfox IV 1050 - Rotax 582 (sold)
    Kitfox IV 1200 Speedster - Rotax 912 UL (project)
    Piper Twin Comanche (Sold)
    Glasair 1 FT (Waiting to start)

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    AK
    Posts
    62

    Default Re: Tire suggestions?

    That is unfortunate. I hope they make a come back before I need new tires. I still recommend them if anyone can find them.

  7. #7
    Senior Member GWright6970's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Vacaville, CA
    Posts
    359

    Default Re: Tire suggestions?

    I had the Nanco tires on my Model IV-1200 during the entire build, but in the back of my mind, there was this nagging "is it TRULY SAFE" to fly with a set of tires rated for less than half the weight of your aircraft? I know people have done it for years, but....

    I ended up buying and now flying a pair of
    "Trac-Gard C/R" Model N777, in the 18x9.50-8 size. These are NOT bald, and have 8 each very shallow ribs for the tread. About $50 each.

    I run them at 10 pounds of air. These tires are EACH rated at 1,040 pounds weight capacity at 24 psi. They track beautifully and are excellent so far. I have them on the wheels that came with my original kit in 1993.
    Last edited by GWright6970; 01-12-2022 at 08:00 PM.
    Grover Wright
    Flying a KF IV-1200
    ROTAX 912UL

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    Kitchener, Ontario
    Posts
    127

    Default Re: Tire suggestions?

    Guys Walmart has the Nanco N800. $64.00 a Tire

    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nanco-N800-21-12-8/55346860


    They even offer shipping

  9. #9
    Senior Member 109JB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Morris, IL
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    484

    Default Re: Tire suggestions?

    Thanks. I have been checking about once a week many vendors. Last checked Walmart a couple days ago and they were listed as out of stock. Just ordered a pair.
    John Brannen
    Morris, IL
    Sonerai IIL (Single Seat)
    Kitfox 3/4 1050 - Rotax 582 (Back Flying and sold)
    Kitfox IV 1050 - Rotax 582 (sold)
    Kitfox IV 1200 Speedster - Rotax 912 UL (project)
    Piper Twin Comanche (Sold)
    Glasair 1 FT (Waiting to start)

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    AK
    Posts
    62

    Default Re: Tire suggestions?

    355 each is a little more than (not less than) half the weight of a 1050 lb plane (710 for a pair). I agree that it is less than gross and is cause for contemplation. THAT definitely comes down to the operator. I will run them and am not offended by differing opinion. When I was in school (college type, drop out) I remember learning that things like tires can’t be engineered, 3 axis variables plus time. They are designed, tested, destroyed, redesigned, underrated, and delivered. I’ll certainly be eating crow if I ball my plane up because of a blow out…

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