Tailwheel - Tire and Tube Size

[8359]

My turn to play this game.

My tailwheel tire is looking pretty old, so I want to replace it. The tailwheel has "Maule TW-100, SFS-P8A" on it. The tire is a McCeary 2.80x2.50 4 ply. When I looked up this tire on Aircraft Spruce it gave me the same spec, PN#06-08000 for the tire and 06-08101 for the tube (link). This is the same PN as the Specialty Tires of America Tire/Tube which is also 2.80x2.50 4 ply.

I ordered the tire hoping it would be a match but it looks very different, taller and thinner. I don't think it'll fit fully inflated. Looking closer the wheel is stamped with "TW-31-D." This appears to be the Maule wheel/tire combo that Aircraft Spruce sells here. Should I be safe in ordering that as a replacement? It's actually cheaper than the tire/tube I ordered, but I want to make sure I'm replacing it with correct part.

Any input? As much as I'd like to upgrade the tailwheel to something better like the 3200, I really don't need it at this point. This tailwheel doesn't give me any issues.

Here are a few photos to help visualize what I'm working with:

[6643]

It's the right tire and, unless it's made wrong, it will fit.

the wheel is stamped with "TW-31-D." This appears to be the Maule wheel/tire combo that Aircraft Spruce sells here.

That wheel has a 10" tire on it, even bigger...

[8359]

Thanks John, I'll give it a go. I guess it will probably reshape as it inflates. Just wanted to double check before I mounted it and couldn't return it.

[7896]

I feel your pain!

In the end, I replaced the odd-ball pneumatic tire with a solid tire and bearing (Aircraft Spruce Part # 06-00410). The replacements fit perfectly, so I'm guessing they are the correct components.

IMHO the pneumatic tire had a much better feel on hard surface runways. The solid tire is noticeably louder when the tail-wheel makes contact during landing.

I suppose the change has forced me to be more precise when landing. There is an upside to everything..........

Cheers,

[8359]

^Glad I stuck with the pneumatic wheel, I agree the solid is a bit too hard.

The hardest part was separating the two halves of the wheel.

[6643]

Much better!