26"s just werent enough...

[BobK]

This is what happens when you are wandering through the Alaska Airmens Show with some extra money burning a hole in your pocket...

29x13x6 AK Bushwheel Radial Airstreaks


I had planned on getting a Satellite phone, but my buddy convinced me that Id be much better served with some new tires... So I bought the tires, and a SPOT locator instead! I went with the 29" Streaks instead of the 31" BW's because they were substantially lighter.

For anyone even considering larger tires, its WORTH IT!!! The added prop clearance, the increased angle of attack, the reduced stress on the airframe in the rough, no more worrying about shearing a valve stem... And plus they look way cool!

Bob K.
Anchorage, AK

[joea]

Looks very nice! Pls post some more photos when you can, especially in interesting Alaska places.

[WWhunter]

Congrats Bob!!! Looks awesome. They sure make a difference on landings don't they? I have the lighter 26" BW on my Champ and it was night and day difference. Now go have fun.
http://www.joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2641

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Sweet!

nkh

[7ACDriver]

I am presently looking at some 31'' AK Bushwheel , they are 3 years old ( coming off a J3 that is for sale and I am trying to convince the owner to sell me the wheels, he said he would think about it and get back to me. I can already picture myself landing on the beach ). They are mounted on clevland rims for disc brakes,I have drums. I could always tranfer them on my rims. Idon't see any problem getting my mechanic to sign them off with the drum brakes. How much are they worth new and how much sould I pay him? Do I need a new STC or do I use his? What is the weight penalty?

These wheels get very tempting after looking at Bob's! I want to look cool too

[BobK]

New 31" BW's run $3400 + shipping.

31" = 32lbs each (vs. 26lbs each for the 29" Airstreaks)

I dont know about the STC requirements for used tires...

Good luck !!!

Bob K.
Anchorage, AK

[7ACDriver]

Thanks for the info Bob.
What engine do you have in that good lookin' Champ of yours?

[BobK]

No sweat!

Lycoming 0-235C1 (108/115hp)

As a side note, I currently have single puck Cleveland brakes, and they are adequate for stopping power. Id love to slap a set of double-pucks on for increased stopping power, but it isn't absolutely necessary. Most of the time the ground resistance of off-airport landings will slow you down as fast as needed with minimal braking, and you can always land shorter than you can take off...

Bob K.
Anchorage, AK

[Dusty]

You can get the STC from Bushwheels - I think they charge a few bucks.

There are 2 single-puck Cleveland brakes available, differing by piston size. I have the smaller (you have to take them apart to tell) and I would LOVE more brakes.

I can land shorter than I can take off too, but I can also move shit out of the way after I land!

I absolutely agree with your decision, Bob - those tires are likely to save you from needing the phone! Try letting some air out. I run about 4PSI most of the time, a little more if I'm going to be landing on steep sidehills, a little less for big rocks.



I didn't see - or feel - the invisible rock in my right tiretrack in this pic a few weeks back - it's steeper than it looks. Bouncing here - and I probably would have on smaller tires - could have been the start of an "interesting" ride.



And just a fun beach pic....