retread size

[laz]

I know this has been beat to death, but My 8 will need new tires soon, (300+ landings) and I am planing a trip to Alaska and want some advise.

My 8 came withe Aero Classic tires. I have no complaint other than they had to be rotated because of excessive wear on the outside. My wheel pants are a tight fit.

here are my questions.

1. Are the Dresser Retreads going to be larger than the Aeroclassic tire ?

2. Friend uses Airhawk what is the latest word on that.

3. The Retreads come in a 5 ply and "monster"10 ply rated tire.

4. What tube to buy ?

My 8 uses sam James wheel pants and they are a tight fit so size does matter. A lot of post say they use the retreads, but there are a couple on Dressers sight.

Thanks

[Bavafa]

My experience with retreads has been that they are definitely larger and I had to open up my wheel pants on the 7A to make sure there is enough clearance. they are also heavier but last much longer.

[Jpm757]

Going to Alaska-get the bigger 380?150 tires!

[laz]

those are little big for my 8. I plan to try and stay on pavement. Maybe buy some bush flying time in a supper cub or something.

I just want a decent set of tires. Not trying to save money. I just want something better than the Aero Classic. Its not bad but thought maybe there was something better.

[Jpm757]

If you don't want to save money get Michelins, great tires, but pricey$$$.

[rongawer]

Monster 500x5 retreads are 10/32" vs the 8/32 on standard tires, so you do need to open the forward and aft ends of the wheel pant a little if you have them.

You might also consider Wilkerson Tires; I used to get my tires from Desser, but they tend to be out of 500x5 retreads a lot, whereas Wilkerson offers free shipping and about the same price with very friendly service. Wilkerson retreads are 10/32 as well and a very hard tread that lasts a long life. For reference, I got about 450 landings on my last set.

[laz]

Those dimensions are of the thickness ?

[Bavafa]

Originally Posted by laz

Those dimensions are of the thickness ?

I believe those dimensions are of the depth of the groves in the tire. But the sets that I had received in the past were more than 1/8" taller than the original but once I opened up my wheel pants, it worked for the following pairs after that. So, it is a one time thing deal.

[rongawer]

Originally Posted by laz

Those dimensions are of the thickness ?

It’s the tread depth. At 10/32 vs 8/32 OEM tread depth, the overall height would be 4/32 taller than OEM tires, so yes 1/8” larger tire diameter

[laz]

Thanks to all for your help.