18x5.5 Tubes

[JimC]

Michael,

You posted on FB about tubes...I don't have a FB account, so I'll reply here. I lost one 18x5.5 tube spontaneously last year.

The 18x5.5 isn't as rare as you've heard. It's on TBMs, King Air 200s, Beech 99s, Dash 8's, and the Lear 20 series...

https://www.goodyearaviation.com/sea...urnformat=json

[patrolpilot]

My interest was in tubes; Goodyear has dropped tubes in this size, as have other manufacturers. So we are left with Desser's Aero Classic. In the Goodyear series of 18x5.5-8s, the Flight Special was under $300, but it is no longer available. The Eagle (#185F88-6) is the single 18x5.5-8 tire listed in the link you included. What is noticeable about the current website list is that the reference to the C337 for this tire has been dropped.

My airplane has had the Goodyear Eagle (#185F88-6) tires run it for quite a while, I wanted to get back to the Goodyear tubes, but that is not an option anymore.

[JimC]

The tubes are definitely scarce. When I replaced my tube last year, I had so much trouble finding it I bought two - I carry the spare with me.

My shop scrapped my carcass - I wanted to send it to Desser for a retread.

I've seriously considering switching back to the "normal" tire size; but it's non-trivial. Everything but the gear leg gets swapped. Bearings, wheels, brake assemblies...it all goes.

Here are three sources for tires, all near $200 or less.
https://www.aircraftsupply.com/ab2a6.html
https://shop.desser.com/18x5.5-8-ply...detail/323311/
https://www.univair.com/tires-wheels...air-hawk-tire/

[patrolpilot]

So how has the service life been on the Hawks? You, keep track of landings.

[Timcote1960]

This is a good reminder to carry a spare tube and tire, for the mains at least. On a recent flight I had a blow out shortly after landing in a remote field in Kentucky. We had to scramble to find one and almost got stuck there for days. Gratefully, another P337G pilot had a spare and his plane was undergoing a long annual, he sold it to me for cost. The A/P said it was the only one in the whole state.

Going forward, I will carry a spare for the mains. Am told the nosewheel is much more common.

Tim

[mshac]

If anyone is interested, there is a brand new 18x5.5 tire available on Ebay for about $120 or so. Seller has it listed higher, but said in a message he would accept an offer in that range.

[JimC]

I had an 18x5.5 fail a few days ago with sidewall deterioration just like you've described. I landed normally, taxied to fuel, and filled my tanks. When I went to taxi away I found the flat tire.

It was very fortunate that I had a spare tube - even though it's the same brand. I'm ordering more spares even though I know they'll fail. I saw your note to Aircraft Spruce - have you contacted the manufacturer directly?

[mshac]

I was taught that when you put a tube in a tire, you cover the inside of the tire with talcum powder so the the tube can "slide" into the correct position inside the tire.

Its possible the tubes are binding in one area, causing the wear.

When you install these tubes, try the talcum powder trick. It can't hurt!

[JimC]

These have been talced. I'll upload photos of the tube later today. There's no wear on the outside; it's a manufacturing failure. I'll also cut it open to look at the inside.

Even if you don't talc it, the wear should come under the tread, not on the sidewall.

I found Goodyears for sale at Aircraft Spruce Europe (but they won't ship to the US) and here: $389!!!! These are bent valve stems; the Aero Classics are straight valves.

https://www.aircraftsupply.com/302-339-300.html