8.5 x 6 Tires

[robert.p.bowen]

Why would you own any Plane you couldn't go off the asphalt with

Just curious whether bigger tires are much of an improvement. We flew the L-19 from muddy strips, on tall grass fields with standing water, out of wet cow pastures and on sandy beaches. It weighs about the same as our 170's. I never saw any tendancy for it to nose over, or even raise the tail, no matter how boggy it was. It has the Scott 3200A tailwheel and, of course, quite a bit more power (derated to 213HP 0-470).

So wonder if there are any facts to support the need for larger than 7:00-6 tires, or is this just "bigger is better?"

[n3833v]

Trickair skis require 8.50 for the protrusion. I was also wondering the differences in diameter.

John

[GAHorn]

...So wonder if there are any facts to support the need for larger than 7:00-6 tires, or is this just "bigger is better?" Bob-

SOOOOooooo..... YOU are the "Bob" we see on the male-enhancement ads!

[robert.p.bowen]

......or is this just "bigger is better?"

SOOOOooooo..... YOU are the "Bob" we see on the male-enhancement ads!

Ouch! Guess I led with my jaw on that one!

[doug8082a]

......or is this just "bigger is better?"

SOOOOooooo..... YOU are the "Bob" we see on the male-enhancement ads!

Ouch! Guess I led with my jaw on that one!

that's ok... as long as you're still smilin'

[futr_alaskaflyer]

Why would you own any Plane you couldn't go off the asphalt with

Just curious whether bigger tires are much of an improvement. We flew the L-19 from muddy strips, on tall grass fields with standing water, out of wet cow pastures and on sandy beaches. It weighs about the same as our 170's. I never saw any tendancy for it to nose over, or even raise the tail, no matter how boggy it was. It has the Scott 3200A tailwheel and, of course, quite a bit more power (derated to 213HP 0-470).

So wonder if there are any facts to support the need for larger than 7:00-6 tires, or is this just "bigger is better?"

I think it would be relative. What can 7.00's do that 6.00's can't?

Could 8.50's done a better job with those missions that you described even though the 7.00's pulled it off?

[robert.p.bowen]

Could 8.50's done a better job with those missions that you described even though the 7.00's pulled it off?

As I've thought about it further, the big difference is probably that the L-19 uses a climb prop, and has lots more power. Our 170's are so power limited and usually have a cruise prop, so they likely need all the rolling help possible to operate off soft surfaces. I still believe 7:00 tires are entirely adequate for grass runways, but if your game is sandbars or muddy fields, bigger could be better.

The Army experimented with Tundra tires and a dual wheel arrangement, but didn't adopt either for the 0-1 because the 7:00-6 was optimum for its purposes.

I wish there was scientific data through side-by-side tests of the 7:00 vs. 8:50 tire on a soft surface.

[N2865C]

I still believe 7:00 tires are entirely adequate for grass runways, but if your game is sandbars or muddy fields, bigger could be better.

IMHO Cessna got it right. The 6:00's work fine for anything that most of us would consider a runway (grass, dirt or otherwise). The planes were designed when there were not a lot of paved runways and were often flown off farmers fields. For serious back country work I can understand the need a larger tire, otherwise I think it's overkill, like driving a Hummer to work in Los Angeles.

[BVRAIR]

Why would anyone own a tail dragger if they weren't flying into sand or gravel bars?

Dave, Man does 87B look good. Great job. Looks different than when I owned her. I agree that there is more to owning a 170 than flying pavement to pavement and seeing how fast you can get there. 87B and I have been in some interesting places in Ak, but also managed to fly the Alcan down and back to the LOWER 48 two times to visit family and friends. Never had a handling problem with 8.50's on any of the five 170B's I've owned and you don't give up that much speed. The places you can go far makes up for any negative issues. (picnics with family by a remote lake or stream). By the way, are those the same 180 gear legs and the 80" prop? (If I remember correctly, I was the first or second person to install the prop). I retire next year and look forward to making it to a Petit Jean fly in with new bird. A 55B with 180 lyc which I'm restoring from wheels up. Never did find any documention or info on the inspection panels on 87B. Gary

[MeeksDigital]

i put 8.50x6's on my 170A shortly after I bought it - I just changed back to 7.00x6 tires because I felt like it, but otherwise i LOVE flying with the 8.50s. You lose about 3mph cruise, but the ground handling is fantastic. I found it maybe a bit easier to land, especially in crosswinds, and off-field landings are smooth smooth smooth of course! unless you're somewhere where you really worry about getting ramped, don't sweat the approval - it's easy to put the tires on, they shouldn't rub on the brakes (unless you have insanely fat 8.50s) and they are just niiiice. try it, you'll like it. all the cool kids are doing it

honestly though, since converting back to the 7.00x6 tires, i am convinced they really are the perfect match for the 170 on dirt, grass or pavement. it's just a matter of personal preference.

[N2865C]

I found it maybe a bit easier to land, especially in crosswinds, and off-field landings are smooth smooth smooth of course! unless you're somewhere where you really worry about getting ramped, don't sweat the approval .

Frankly, I'm more concerned about the insurance not covering me if I have a mishap with such obviously unapproved parts. Having to total a 170 without any coverage would be a fairly significant financial event for many of us.

[MeeksDigital]

Frankly, I'm more concerned about the insurance not covering me if I have a mishap with such obviously unapproved parts. Having to total a 170 without any coverage would be a fairly significant financial event for many of us.

of course, i wasn't necessarily talking about insurance, and i'm with you 100% on that - but if you're just flying with them temporarily around your home field, again, i wouldn't really sweat it. i love my 7.00s, i'd much rather use those in the long run than the 8.50s.

by the way, see you at watsonville fly-in next month!

[AR Dave]

[jrenwick]

Beautiful, Dave! Congratulations!

John

[Green Bean]

Nice "V" Brace, also.