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Thread: Tire Suggestions?

  1. #1
    Senior Member
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    Default Tire Suggestions?

    Somebody mentioned cracking tires, and that was enough, I got the curse, and find cracking
    between treads ... So being as it's almost X-Mas think I'll buy some tires.

    Any thoughts about - AERO CLASSIC 21/800-6 4-PLY - TUNDRA FLOATION TT/FL TIRE

    Thanks,
    Jeff

  2. #2
    Senior Member PapuaPilot's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tire Suggestions?

    It looks like the load rating is 800# per tire, which means a pair is barely enough for a 1550# Kitfox.

    These tire are really nice, TSOed, a little larger diameter and hold up very well. They have double the load rating (1600#), but are twice the price as well: AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA FAA TSO TIRE 850-6 4 PLY

    Phil Nelson
    A&P-IA, Maintenance Instructor
    KF 5 Outback, Cont. IO-240
    Flying since 2016

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Tire Suggestions?

    I'm with Phil on this one Jeff, same tires on mine. I know not much need for tundra tires in Chicago ,but you sure will look cool. I probably do 75% turf /25% hard surface runways and after 3 years no appreciable wear noted. Only weigh 10 lbs per tire as well. They are a real nice match for our airplanes. Bruce N199CL

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Tire Suggestions?

    Yeah, you guys are right. I don't need them where I fly. Here's my normal flying:

    Cold, and wet time of the year (1/2-3/4 of the year) 100% pavement
    Warm summer months nearly every flight is to some turf airport. so 50/50 turf/asphalt.
    Off airport, or gravel bars ... This is something I watch in YouTube video's ...

    I have had two set's of Air Trac 6.00x6 tires, they wear fast on pavement, and the second
    set has cracking. They are a rough feeling tire on turf. So I honestly don't like his tire, but
    the size is good for pavement. Plus they are cheap.

    I have thought about getting a set of 15x6.00-6 4-ply Air Trac which should give me a bit
    more cushion on turf. Any thoughts?

    To be honest I hate Air Trac tires after two sets, but they seem to have the best oval profile
    which for a taildragger seems best. Is there any other brand/model (Condor, Goodyear, etc)
    which have a decent profile for tailwheel?

    If I could get a decent profile tire, that was better quality than Air Trac, that would likely
    be my choice for where I fly. Something in the smaller size close to a 6.00x6 or 8.00x6
    My web surfing for tires in leading back to Air Trac so looking like that might be what I buy.

    I did have 8.50's on it at one time, but they were heavy, and stiff, and every landing was
    an adventure on pavement so I sold them. They did look cool though.

    Jeff

  5. #5
    Senior Member PapuaPilot's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tire Suggestions?

    I don't know of any 600x6 tires that I would recommend. The tire we are suggesting is neither heavy or stiff. They are only 10 pounds each, not 15# like most others and they are "pillow soft". I have another set of wheels with 600x6 tires and they weigh exactly the same as my wheels with the AirTrac 850x6 tundra tires; 19.5 lbs if I remember right. I think these tires are going to last 1000 hours and at least 2500 landings (50% on pavement). If you are not opposed to having larger tires these are one of the best values out there.
    Phil Nelson
    A&P-IA, Maintenance Instructor
    KF 5 Outback, Cont. IO-240
    Flying since 2016

  6. #6
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tire Suggestions?

    I agree with Phil & Bruce. I've got those too... they're nice.
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
    EAA Lifetime
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  7. #7
    Senior Member PapuaPilot's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tire Suggestions?

    "All I want for Christmas is my two front tires"
    Phil Nelson
    A&P-IA, Maintenance Instructor
    KF 5 Outback, Cont. IO-240
    Flying since 2016

  8. #8
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tire Suggestions?

    Quote Originally Posted by n85ae View Post
    Somebody mentioned cracking tires, and that was enough, I got the curse, and find cracking
    between treads ... So being as it's almost X-Mas think I'll buy some tires.

    Any thoughts about - AERO CLASSIC 21/800-6 4-PLY - TUNDRA FLOATION TT/FL TIRE

    Thanks,
    Jeff
    Those are awesome tires. I run a set with my skis and if I didn't have the Airstreaks, I'd run them all year.
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
    912UL 105hp Zipper
    YouTube Videos

  9. #9

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    Default Re: Tire Suggestions?

    the 8.50x6 Phil and others mentioned are tricky to get right now, I ordered some two months ago, they were supposed to ship Nov 20th but now it's looking like mid December. Apparently there was a fire at the factory. I can't comment on how good they are just yet.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Tire Suggestions?

    Nobody has the Tundra tires in stock, and since I did have a set of Condor 800x6's sitting in the shop for another
    project, I stole them and put them on the Kitfox. Have to say the ride is much nicer than the AirTrac's both on
    pavement, and rough turf. The Condor's are a nice tire.

    Also in the picture, the observant will notice I have my light bar installed as well which can be used for spotlighting
    deer and playing havoc with night time drivers on country roads ...

    Jeff

    128831206_10224202562600989_2047033167118783806_n.jpg

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