Tire suggestions?

[109JB]

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.

[WurlyBird]

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

[GWright6970]

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.

[4Hummer]

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

[109JB]

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.

[WurlyBird]

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…

[109JB]

In regard to Walmart having the Nanco N800 tires:

I placed an online order for store pickup on 1/12/2022. I received an order confirmation and then on 1/13/2022, about 9 hours after the order, received an e-mail saying the order is delayed. Today I did the online chat with Walmart about it and they could not tell me when the order might be filled. So, it looks like their website may have been wrong on that occasion and they might not have the Nanco N800s. I decided to leave the order open for a little while to see what happens but not hopeful.

[109JB]

In regard to Walmart having the Nanco N800 tires:

I placed an online order for store pickup on 1/12/2022. I received an order confirmation and then on 1/13/2022, about 9 hours after the order, received an e-mail saying the order is delayed. Today I did the online chat with Walmart about it and they could not tell me when the order might be filled. So, it looks like their website may have been wrong on that occasion and they might not have the Nanco N800s. I decided to leave the order open for a little while to see what happens but not hopeful.

Well, WalMart came through and I picked up the 21x12x8 Nanco N800 tires today. I see online that they now show "out of stock". FYI, even though I bought them through WalMart they had TireCo labels on them.

[WurlyBird]

Because this thread got me concerned about tires I went to the link I supplied above and put a couple tires in the cart and went to check out. I got all the way to paying with no indications of low stock, though shipping to Alaska was $400 for two tires. I emailed the service department about shipping and stock and was told the tires are in stock, ready to ship. They also said they fixed the shipping charge for me but I haven’t checked yet. If it’s reasonable the supply is about to go down by two just so I have spares.

[WurlyBird]

Okay, more searching revealed these tires that would fit. I’m interested because 21” honestly seems a little small but I don’t know how tread would work out. Anyone ever fly knobby tires? I bet it wakes you up if you land crooked.

Carlisle Knobby ATV Tire - 22X11-8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005O5QQ72...ing=UTF8&psc=1