850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher

Post Reply
User avatar
rupertjl
Posts: 382
Joined: Thu Jun 17, 2004 5:29 pm

850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by rupertjl »

Has anyone tried out the Desser Tire Smooth Tundra tire yet? I just purchased the 8.50x6 4 ply to put on at annual and wondered what type of wear/ground handling PIREPs are out there.
1950 170A: N9191A s/n 19366
User avatar
falco
Posts: 210
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 5:44 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by falco »

They're soft. Not much experience yet. put them on a couple weeks ago - about 8 landings on asphalt and a couple on dry lakebed. The increase in sidewall flex is noticeable, and was a little weird on the first cross wind landing.

There were a significant collection of 170s out on that lakebed (I counted 8 -- google High Sierra Fly In) and about half were sporting these tires. Talked to a couple of the owners and all were pretty happy with them. They look cool too. And I haven't noticed any change in speed from the 8x6 tires. I'm sure I lost some speed but it wasn't much.

cheers,

Pete
User avatar
rupertjl
Posts: 382
Joined: Thu Jun 17, 2004 5:29 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by rupertjl »

any notice to rubbing on the sidewalls of the brake calipers? Also, what PSI are you running?
1950 170A: N9191A s/n 19366
counsellj
Posts: 420
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:58 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by counsellj »

I just put a set on my airplane. Standby for an article in upcoming editions of Assoc Magazine. Bottom line. I like them
User avatar
falco
Posts: 210
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 5:44 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by falco »

24-26 psi looks about right. No rubbing on the calipers (single puck Clevelands) but it does look pretty close.
Might warrant a spacer.
I'll try a little lower pressure next time and report back.

Pete
counsellj
Posts: 420
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:58 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by counsellj »

I am running around 12-15PSI. I did shave my brake brackets just a little. I have seen signs of very minor rubbing. I have had them in some very rough and soft conditions and very pleased with them.
Grizzley
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2018 10:30 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by Grizzley »

I have read what I found on the site, but need a bit more info.
I am seriously considering ordering a pair for my 170B, but would like an idea of wear compared to 8.00 or 8.50-6 6 ply.
My plane has 180 gear legs with P-Ponk and an 80" prop pitched at 40.
I fly out of an asphalt runway (Cornwall, Ontario) and my landins would be 50% hard top and 50% grass, gravel or sand.
I would apreciate the better ground clearance and lighter weight, but with Flint tanks, Horton STOL and the prop, it is not a "hot rod" and that is fine by me and generally, I am under gross, but I would apreciate feedback from those who have experience with them.
Thank you,
Grizz
User avatar
rupertjl
Posts: 382
Joined: Thu Jun 17, 2004 5:29 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by rupertjl »

I've been flying for about a year now with these and return home after every flight to pavement. I have seen no appreciable wear and absolutely love them on the grass or gravel!
1950 170A: N9191A s/n 19366
Grizzley
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2018 10:30 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by Grizzley »

Thank you Rupert.
I'm coming up to annual and will pull the trigger on a set.
Grizz
User avatar
Joe Moilanen
Posts: 596
Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2003 5:45 am

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by Joe Moilanen »

falco wrote:24-26 psi looks about right. No rubbing on the calipers (single puck Clevelands) but it does look pretty close.
Might warrant a spacer.
I'll try a little lower pressure next time and report back.

Pete
I made some 1/4 spacer rings to put between the inner wheel half and the brake disc, no more worry about caliper rubbing.

Joe
4518C
Byocum
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2018 11:42 am

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by Byocum »

Is there a STC for these on a 170? Field approval? I’d like to try them on for size my self. I need to buy some tire so I’m thinking the 8.5-6.00 tundras or the legal 8.00-6.00 4 plys. Just shedded my wheel pants for summer. And she looks like a ape on a basketball.
User avatar
TFA170
Posts: 132
Joined: Tue Jan 26, 2016 3:18 am

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by TFA170 »

Byocum wrote:Is there a STC for these on a 170? Field approval? I’d like to try them on for size my self. I need to buy some tire so I’m thinking the 8.5-6.00 tundras or the legal 8.00-6.00 4 plys. Just shedded my wheel pants for summer. And she looks like a ape on a basketball.
F. Atlee Dodge has an FAA approval letter on the FAQ page of their website here:

http://www.fadodge.com/wp-content/uploa ... rcraft.pdf
hilltop170
Posts: 3481
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:05 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by hilltop170 »

And they are TSO'd
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
User avatar
bgiesbrecht
Posts: 95
Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2019 10:51 pm

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by bgiesbrecht »

I currently have 8.00 but would like to add these soon...

I get minor rubbing on one side from the caliper so I'm thinking of adding the 1/8th spacer (I have Clevelands) especially if going to these tires. Is there a p/n for the 1/8th longer bolts I'll also need to use?
Former owner of:
1953 170B
N1977C
s/n 26122
User avatar
TFA170
Posts: 132
Joined: Tue Jan 26, 2016 3:18 am

Re: 850-6 4 PLY AERO CLASSIC SMOOTH TUNDRA TUBE TYPE (AA4K5)

Post by TFA170 »

I've got some - mostly grass landings and I run about 15psi usually - I like them so far - only had them on since about August, but not a lot of landings between then and now.
Post Reply