Tire selection for the Bravo

[rocketman]

I know that tire selection is not something a lot of pilots talk about during hangar flying on a dreary Saturday morning at the airport. However, I am replacing my main tires for my '94 Bravo. The POH states they should be 6 ply but the tires on the plane now shows them as a 8 ply as installed by the previous owner.  Would it be OK to continue with the 8's or should I go back to the 6's as recommended by the POH. Any other recommendations about tire selections would also be helpful such as the brand (Goodyear vs Michelin), metal vs. rubber stem etc.

[rbridges]

You would be fine with 6 if the POH recommends it.  I believe ply ratings deal more with max load than any type of wear.  I just bought a Flight Custom III based on recommendations here and some internet research.  I almost went with a II, but since your plane is heavier than mine, I'd probably go for the one that will last longer. 

[FAST FLIGHT OPTIONS LLC]

FC III + Mitchelan air stop tube = winning combination on any mooney

[FoxMike]

The problem with tire selection on the Bravos is clearance in the wheel well.  The linkage for the inner gear door can cause interference with the tire during retraction.  I used Michelins for two replacements and switched to Flight Customs.  Flight Customs are slightly larger and need to be checked carefully during retraction tests (on jacks).  I have used Flight Customs for many years on my Bravo and other airplanes.  I think they are superior to Michelins but that is an unsupported opinion.  No matter what tire you decide to use carefully check for interference problems before you take the plane off the jacks.

[Danb]

I agree with the mich.airstop has been great on my Bravo

[PAMooney]

+1 mich air stop tubes

[FBCK]

I had Flight Custom 3 until recently and when I replaced mine I went with II, just for the wieght savings and I dont use the plane alot so I cant see wearing them out.  I will say the II dont have a lot of lateral support and I fine the plane is kind of sloppy on takeoffs and landing now.  Its kind of like driving a 75 Cadilac vs a sports car with the custom 3s.  Might go back to the 3s next time.

[carqwik]

Started with the Michelins topline tire (Airs?) + AirStops...switched to the FCIII and the Goodyear tubes.  I think the FCIII's are wearing better and much better air pressure retention now...