Fat tailwheel?

[N729LS]

Amongst the various tailwheel options for the RV-8 is the Condor fork sold by flyboyaccessories.com to be used with a 200x50 (8" diameter) pneumatic tire on a Matco hub. I am thinking of switching over to this and would like to hear from anyone that has tried it, pro or con. Thanks,
Andy

[rv8or]

I can see no advantage in this only it will be another place to get a puncture.

Just my 2 p worth

Rob

[RV3bpilot]

I'm guessing that you can see the runway better in a three point stance, taller tire. Probably smoother handling too. My solid rubber seems to turn into a piece of steel this time of year here in Minnesota, even with a mild temp of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, each little crack in the runway surface feels rough like pushing a pallet jack over a stone...

[Capt]

I like that analogy....."pushing a pallet jack over a stone"

[Greg Arehart]

I originally helped develop the Condor (was the test bed) and have used it for several years. Where I was based at the time (KRTS) the ramp cracks look like the Grand Canyon. The standard tailwheel rattled my teeth with every crack, not to mention shaking the airplane. Cracks were so big, one had to be careful to cross them at a right angle lest the wheel get caught and ripped off (well, a bit of hyperbole here but....). The Condor is much nicer on rough terrain (gravel fields) as well. Doesn't change (better) the visibility very much in reality. Downside is yes, there is a chance of puncture. Has not happened to me yet but the spare tube I carry is small and light. I originally tried using one of those foam-filled wheelchair wheels, but they ended up getting a flat spot if sitting for very long (in spite of the vendor claims that this would not happen). I would not go back to the standard wheel.

p.s. It may cost you 0.002 kt in speed since it's a bit larger.

[Pilot135pd]

Originally Posted by Greg Arehart

I originally helped develop the Condor (was the test bed) and have used it for several years. Where I was based at the time (KRTS) the ramp cracks look like the Grand Canyon. The standard tailwheel rattled my teeth with every crack, not to mention shaking the airplane. Cracks were so big, one had to be careful to cross them at a right angle lest the wheel get caught and ripped off (well, a bit of hyperbole here but....). The Condor is much nicer on rough terrain (gravel fields) as well. Doesn't change (better) the visibility very much in reality. Downside is yes, there is a chance of puncture. Has not happened to me yet but the spare tube I carry is small and light. I originally tried using one of those foam-filled wheelchair wheels, but they ended up getting a flat spot if sitting for very long (in spite of the vendor claims that this would not happen). I would not go back to the standard wheel.

p.s. It may cost you 0.002 kt in speed since it's a bit larger.

Is the 200x50 tire wider than the stock RV solid tire?

[David Paule]

Regarding flats, I've had one, count them, one, flat in the 8" pneumatic tailwheel tire for my C180, in about 1,500 hours. And I've flown into all sorts of strange places.

And that flat was at a paved airport.

Dave

[hgerhardt]

I used to use the Matco 6" pneumatic tailwheel. Loved the feel and ride, but would get a flat about once a month. The sidewall was just too short, plus the only tube available was a bit undersized, so the tube would split. And that was with being diligent at keeping pressure at 50 psi.

I now have the Flyboy 6" and it's a really nice-looking and well-made tailwheel. Unfortunately, it might as well be made from concrete, as that's how it rides.

[Jpm757]

I have one on backorder, can't wait to give it a try!

[Pilot135pd]

Originally Posted by hgerhardt

I now have the Flyboy 6" and it's a really nice-looking and well-made tailwheel. Unfortunately, it might as well be made from concrete, as that's how it rides.

I suppose you meant a Flyboy 8" and if so how wide is it compared with the stock RV solid tailwheel?