flat tires & tire pressure

[namtao]

I put 2 new tires & tubes on my champ in September. I was told (and I took the advice) to inflate tires to 12 psi for no bounce landings, and I did. In October my left tire went flat, and when I took it apart, the valve stem was ruptured. I figured I might have pulled on it too much when installing it, and it finally gave way. Bought a new tube and installed it, and went back to 12 psi in the tire. Then last month the right side tire went flat, and when I took it apart, the valve stem was completely separated from the tube. So another tube went in, and before I flew it, I asked around about air pressure. It seems there are many out there that believe low tire pressure will cause the valve stem to tear from the inner tube.
Any thoughts or comments from Aeronca owners out there ??. It seems logical that with low tire pressure, the tire doesn't bond to the rim very well, and during braking, the tire could slip on the rim.
I used Dresser Air Trac 6 X 6.00, 4 ply with matching tube.

Tom O.
N83987

[bob turner]

Go back to recommended tire pressure, or do not use brakes. Your choice. Proper air pressure will also extend the life of your tires. The Cub uses 25 psi mains, 50 psi tail. Dunno about the Champ; I use 30 psi in the Decathlon 6:00x6.

[rkittine]

I run 18 psi in my Champ and did also in my Chief and did not have any problems. With students, the brakes get used too, though I try to brake them or the brake habit!

Bob

[Champ Dreamer]

I too dropped air pressure to 12 PSI based on suggestions of some folks who claim smoother landings with lower pressure. Had a valve stem depart, and the other one looked crooked. Replaced both tubes, put 18 PSI in the tires and learned to land better, rather than relying on tire pressure to compensate for bad landings I'm thinking about putting a placard on the panel that reads "Brakes are for Runups".

Brian Walker
7AC/DC

[namtao]

I have since been using 24psi, and landings are no different. Haven't had another flat either.

Tom O.

[Paul Agaliotis]

Tom,
Great to hear, that kind of stuff can get expensive. If you do a lot of grass or gravel landings you can lower the pressure to roll over the rocks. The tires tend to skid a little on these soft runways.
The pavement really grabs the tires and slip the tire on the wheel. It gets real bad with the larger tires like a 8:50x6.
Paul