The International Cessna 170 Association

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.

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

any notice to rubbing on the sidewalls of the brake calipers? Also, what PSI are you running?

I just put a set on my airplane. Standby for an article in upcoming editions of Assoc Magazine. Bottom line. I like them

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 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.

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

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!

Thank you Rupert.
I'm coming up to annual and will pull the trigger on a set.
Grizz

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

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.

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

And they are TSO'd

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?

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.