Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

[KewFlyer]

Well. the annual is done but the IA has highly recommended a new set of tires....pretty bold tires. The IA signed off the annual with the understanding that in the next few weeks I would replace the tires.

My BC-12D currently runs on 600x6 but I would like to move up to the 800x6 4 ply[ Why? = just for looks !!]. In doing so, I would need a 337 for the deviation/change from the original approved equipment. Our technical resources show a 337 for a 850x6. Can I provide this 337 to my IA as basis for him to approve the change [ since the 800x6 is in between the 850x6 and the 600x6], make a log book entry and ....? what else?. I just want to be on the right path before I purchase and install the new tires and tubes. Does anyone have a 800x6 337 available? Can I get a copy? Thanks.

I understand from Dresser, that the 800x6 are 2" taller and 2" wider than the 600x6. Not bad. I did not get the increase in weight [to 800x6 from 600x6] from Dresser as of yet. The price difference is close to $ 100 per tire for the Air Hawks and $ 84 for the Air Trac... ouch...about $ 200 just for looks !!

Any advice and/or recommendation(s) is/are appreciated.

Ralph

[Pearson]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

Ralph,

If you do a lot of landings on rough unimproved runways, the larger tires would be a good idea. But if almost all of your landings are on nice grass runways or pavement, that is a lot of useful load and money to give up just for looks. I have a pair of 8.00X6 tires, but I don't know what they are worth. I also have a set of 8.50X6 that are worn on one side.

[flybikefarm]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

How much for the 8:50's? Do you have tubes?

[KewFlyer]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

Thank yuo for your reply, Richard.

Im with you on the $$$ for looks.

I would venture to say that landings are about 50/50 : paved runways/grass landing strips

How much are you looking to get for the 800x6? Tubes?

Thanks

Ralph

Ralph,

If you do a lot of landings on rough unimproved runways, the larger tires would be a good idea. But if almost all of your landings are on nice grass runways or pavement, that is a lot of useful load and money to give up just for looks. I have a pair of 8.00X6 tires, but I don't know what they are worth. I also have a set of 8.50X6 that are worn on one side.

[cvavon]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

Go to Alaska Bush Wheels and you will never go back I have the 26X12.50X6 air streaks.The difference in weight over 600x6 6ply tires and a tubes is 3lbs per tire or 6 lbs total. if i had it to do over i would have the 29 in ones they do more then look good the larger diameter raises the angle of attack so the plane wants to fly sooner they absorb a lot of shock that the bungees would have to take and they LOOK GOOD!!!

[Pearson]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

George & Ralph,

I sent you both PMs.

[KewFlyer]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

Thanks Richard.

[KewFlyer]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

Does anyone have any experience on "Retread Tires"?. Im looking at this option Vs New.

Thanks

Ralph

[KewFlyer]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

Thanks Chuck.
Although they look great, but the price is way out of my reach at this time.

Im looking at Retreads 800x6 6ply for $ 63 + 45 for the tubes/ each tire or $ 108 a pair + shpg, as another option.

I sent the 337 for the 850x6 to my IA for his review and possible use to get the 337 for the 800x6. Will see what happens.

Looking at a C-85 0-200....with 100 hrs.... maybe for next year, so i will be calling you for guidance.

Ralph

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

When I was doing HEAVY aircraft for DoD we did a lot of studies on the reliability of retread tires. We CONSISTENTLY found that retreads, done properly, were significantly more reliable than new tires because the carcass was already proven (there were virtually NO carcass failures). This was on Navy planes that were operating on and off carriers, which is a pretty nasty environment for tires, but when we did studies on trainers and transport aircraft the statistics were consistent.
The ONLY aircraft we couldn't use retreads on was the EA-6B because the diameter of the retread tire was a little looser and the slight additional diameter caused a tire to hit some hydraulic lines on a plane and scuffed them up. The wheel well was just a bit too tight if the lines were away from the wall and the tire was at the top of the size range, so we didn't allow retreads on the mains of EA-6Bs.
Bottom line is, from a reliability or safety view, there is NO reason to not use retreads. Most of them are even hard to see a difference visually.
Hank

I would use them on my planes, but NOT my cars. The automotive retreads are NOT built to the same quality standards.

[KewFlyer]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

Thanks Hank.

Your reply is consistent with articles on the matter ( AOPA has an unbias article) available on the net. It appears, that flight schools operators, fleet operators, and the like, are heavy users of the retreads tires. There is a company in Florida that is FAA approved retread tire facility who is one of the large supplier to the operators as well as to the Fed. Gov.

AND... the price is right.

Ralph

[Stumpy]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

43319 has 800x6 6 ply rubber...great for all-around use, although a bit more difficult to find than the 8.50...still I just can't bring myself to run the same thing the neighbor is on his Helio. If I have to buy them "new," I'll go with retreads next time...last forever, especially on hard surfaces.

[woodmw]

Re: Looking for 800x6 Tires approval and recomendations

Ralph...

Sent you pm