Copy all Smokey. Standing by.

Thanks
Mani

What have you guys found as the best source for the larger tires and what brand/series would you recommend?

I would like to put them on my -8 that is in progress.

Certainly some compromises that most folks might not want to make or everyone's cup of tea but works well for places I like to go. 21X8-6 4 ply

Any joy on the 380's Smokey?

Mani

Dragging out an oldie but goodie...
 

Looking at my first tire replacement and upsize...but unsure of what tube to use.
What tubes, size, type will work with the 380/150-5 (AKA 15/600-5)?
I would want air stop type.
Thanks!

I went with the 380's and could not find a matching tube. I was told to use the Michelin Air Stop tubes, standard size 500 x 5. Fitment is perfect and the tube rarely to never has to be topped off. Had other tubes previously and they always leaked off.

AirStop tubes
 

Not to hijack the thread, but +1 for AirStop tubes! Only adjust the pressure twice per year, once when the weather warms up and once when it cools off...bought spares 7 years ago when I installed mine--They're still sitting on the shelf.

Cheers,

Vac

Which mfg?
 

In the 380 size, who makes the best tire, grass and pavement? Dresser? Goodyear? Michelin? Pretty big price between all these, so before I order just checking the consensus. Who do you buy through? (wilkerson doesnt have any retreads right now, only new)

Thanks

380x150x5 6ply Aero Classic
 

Here are some pics for comparison to Vans Stock Tires.. I just mounted these up to grove wheels. They weigh 2.2 lbs. more than the stock tires. Both are Aero Classics

For what it's worth, I upsized to the Desser tire option about 2 years ago, having planned for it from the beginning by installing the wheel pants high for clearance, etc. As much as I liked the larger size for rough strips, the shimmy they created drove me crazy. Onset during taxi was about 20 knots indicated per GPS. On rollout, around 25 knots. The plane shook like a paint mixer. I added wood gear leg stiffeners that only helped a bit, experimented with tire pressures, etc.

Last month my OCD got the better of me while I was doing the condition inspection. Michelin Airstop tubes, Michelin 380/150-5 tires, 30 psi, full on OCD over the top balancing using my Marc Parnes (for my BMW motorcycle) balancer, shake is gone and the value of the big tires has finally been realized.