What brand/type of tires do you guys buy?

[DaV8or]

I need two new main tires. Wondering what has worked best for Mooney owners. Also, do you religiously change the tubes too?

[DaV8or]

I also was kind of wondering on how often should I change my tubes.  My tires look good, but when I have them filled at the recommend 30 psi they look way low.  I always keep them filled at 35 psi and visually they look a lot better.  I've never had a problem  I've always thought maybe I need to replace my tubes and perhaps my tires also.  Any Thoughts? 

 

Dave,  I've noticed when I post from my work computer your name and picture comes up.  When I post from my home computer I don't have this problem.  Sorry,  I don't know why this happens.  Kerry

[kortopates]

Some years ago, Aviation Consumer did a tire test and gave highest marks for the Goodyear Flight Custom III tires, which were an improvement on their Flight Custom II tires by adding more tread. Sacramento Sky Ranch provides more in depth detail on the design, benefits and history that what you'll find from Goodyear. See http://www.sacskyranch.com/faqaircrafttire.htm But you'll also find some people swear cheap retreads are the answer and some are critical of the Flight Custom because their heavier (presumably from that extra tread). They provide excellent heandling; especially on contaminated runways.

When replacing the tires, be sure to use the "leakguard" or butyl tubes rather than natural rubber since the natural rubber will leak air slowly and you'll be frequently adding air. I go virtually annual to annual without adding air, but your climate will have some bearing on it. Tubes will last the life of the tire but should be replaced with the tire. I get approx. 500 hrs on the main tires and more than double that on the nose tire.

[scottfromiowa]

Air Hawk tires rated well in the article in Aviation Consumer.  Less $ than Mich or Goodyear and perform well.  Back articles can be viewed online...

[knute]

I've got Desser retreads (not the "Monster"- just regular) and I'm very happy with them.  150hrs so far, and the tread still looks like new, plus decent traction.  I also second the opinion on Leakguard tubes-  they do great job of holding pressure!  With my old tubes, I had to top monthly.

Knute Ream

'66 M20E - N6066Q - KSQL

[scottfromiowa]

May 2004 Title: Shopping for tires...

[GeorgePerry]

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/lgpages/michAviator1.php

I'm a big fan of both Michelin tubes and tires.  Wear great, the tubes hold pressure forever and the tires have a nice tread patch long life.  Of course they cost alittle more.  I  Love'em!

[Shadrach]

Quote: knute

I've got Desser retreads (not the "Monster"- just regular) and I'm very happy with them.  150hrs so far, and the tread still looks like new, plus decent traction.  I also second the opinion on Leakguard tubes-  they do great job of holding pressure!  With my old tubes, I had to top monthly.

Knute Ream

'66 M20E - N6066Q - KSQL

 

[Jeff_S]

I splurged on the Goodyear FC IIIs last year, all the way around, with the leak-guard butyl tubes. Yes, they are more expensive, but they look great, and the tubes are awesome.  I have checked my tire pressure three times over the last year, even during the winter, and they haven't lost one pound of pressure.

[docket]

Condor tires

[lahso]

Quote: docket

Condor tires

[moodychief]

Condors.  When I ordered from Dresser they told me the Condors are made by Michelin.

[Mac201]

Just replaced my mains with Condors after advice from my MSC.  We will see how they do.

[flhelo]

Condors also, with the leak gaurd tubes.

[Parker_Woodruff]

I have used Condor in the past.  Seems like the best tire for the $.

[1970m20e]

Condors with new tubes.  $100 and $50.  So $300 for a pair with new tubes.  It's risk management.  Put in new tubes everytime.  Previous owner put a Goodyear on the front.