Inner Tube Choices

[Corton750]

Ive replaced a tube before on my Zenith Cruzer. Egads! $108 for an Air Classic! Bit the bullet and all has been well.

It’s Christmas list season, so I thought I’d put a tube on my list - just something to throw in the back to have on hand on x-c’s. Family members will balk at paying that price for a present so the thought struck: why not use a generic tube from Amazon.

ok. Nomex is now on for the scathing remarks. Let me clarify: this would be used only in an AOG situation when away from home base. It’s an experimental. One time use (well ok, may be a fuel stop or two to get home…).

Which got me to thinking: how foolish would that be? Why would it be foolish? I land at 50-55 mph, so it’s not like I’m landing a much heavier and faster plane. Aside from likely bleed down in pressure, what are the risks? Serious question; looking for knowledge to support future discussions.

 

[FORANE]

Don't know about your wheels but on my lancairs tiny wheels if the pressure bleeds down the tubes tend to pinch and fail. Avoiding the hassle of a flat is worth the cost of a better tube.

If you can order from vans they had cheap leakguard tubes last I checked.

 

[Daleandee]

I guess the question becomes ... why put in a cheap tube to get you home and then put in a high dollar replacement? If you need a tube might as well only have to change it once. BTW, here's a little better price for you (not certain what size you need): https://wingsandwheels.com/500-5-aero-classic-tube.html

 

[nauga]

BTW, here's a little better price for you (not certain what size you need): https://wingsandwheels.com/500-5-aero-classic-tube.html

That is a good price. I bought a bunch of stuff from W&W for the first go-round on my airplane, I guess it's time to give 'em a call again.

Nauga,
and time to spare

 

[Daleandee]

That is a good price. I bought a bunch of stuff from W&W for the first go-round on my airplane, I guess it's time to give 'em a call again.

Nauga,
and time to spare

Desser got 'em too: https://shop.desser.com/5.00x5-aero...tr-87-short-stem/ecomm-product-detail/333915/

 

[Corton750]

Those are good prices! I thought I checked Desser in the past; I wonder if they lowered prices?

 

[Corton750]

I guess the question becomes ... why put in a cheap tube to get you home and then put in a high dollar replacement? If you need a tube might as well only have to change it once.

yes, good logic. My main thought was that for something to hold onto just as a backup, with no intent to use, why spend $80-100?

 

[kyleb]

yes, good logic. My main thought was that for something to hold onto just as a backup, with no intent to use, why spend $80-100?

Especially for a tube that’s (hopefully) gonna sit in a box in the back of the airplane until you have to throw it away because it is dry rotted.

 

[Garee]

Those are good prices! I thought I checked Desser in the past; I wonder if they lowered prices?

At Oshkosh this summer, I bought 6.00x6 at Desser for $70