PerfTech
Well Known Member
... We mount, true & balance, and machine for bearing upgrades several aircraft tires and wheels daily and perhaps we can shed some light on this subject. Most front tire flats on RVs with the small tire are tube issues rather than punctures. Always have a good look at the tubes to determine the type and cause of failures if possible. Always use tire talc and don't use it sparingly. While tire if off the wheel, blend a small radius on the stem hole inside to remove sharp edge. Always keep the tire inflated to 50 PSI. This helps keep the tire from crawling on the rims bead and helps protect the tubes. The 50 PSI also maintains a smaller contact patch on the tire vastly reducing strain on the nose gear leg for some added safety. Another useful addition is to add about six or more (minimum three on each side) small screws through the wheel lip, into the tire bead. This stops the tire from slipping on the wheel when initial contact is made with the runway (primarily if tire pressure drops). This movement will kill the tube and usually shows up as a hole in the sidewall of the tube with no evidence on the tire. The screws also keep the tire from flopping away from the wheel beads in the event of a flat from a puncture. When this happens it can damage the wheel pant, wheel, tire and tube as well. As for a quality tube, there are several available from other sources than aviation suppliers. Contrary to popular beliefs, aviation tires and tubes for this nose wheel application are not magic or manufactured to some high standards better than other applications. There are several manufacturers offering tires and tubes in this size category that are very inexpensive and far superior in quality and durability. One supplier is "Northern Tool" who offers specialty tires for various equipment like large commercial lawn mowers, tractors, trailers and various other equipment. We have several customers that use these very thick, high quality tubes exclusively and swear by them and their results. We hope this will help clarify some of the questions, and if we can be of service or you have a question we may be able to answer, please feel free to give us a call. Thanks, Allan...
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