Are Bushwheels Worth It??? 

When you're taking off from a shovel made runway in Colombia with 20 kilos of freshly cut cocaine, you will appreciate the bushwheels!

Man, Trent, really enjoyed the technical content. Don’t get me wrong, the epic flight footage you normally post is great, but this is a nice change of pace. You should do more of it.

You could probably pull the bushwheel behind a boat and go tubing when it wears out.

Thanks so much for the content. I just started working towards my private license this year and it got me wondering what your journey to Flight was like. I know you mentioned in previous videos that you had a fear of flying and wore the good undies haha, but if you’re grounded due to bad weather and looking for content, I know I and maybe others would love to hear more about your story into flight and bush flying in particular. Thanks again for the amazing content! Keep it coming!

And they look SUPER awesome! I always noticed the tires on your aircraft were larger. Very cool to learn why. How about performence on sand? Nevermind started typing and you said it lol. We mountain bike and we use bigger tires for sand or snow but that's a different beast than an aircraft. Great video. Although I did miss your signature B-Roll segments, you are a master at them 😀

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the difference between regular and bush wheels/tires. I'm sure many questions have been wondered about this very subject. I really like your channel and the information you present. Keep up the great work!

Trent, I found this vlog piece as good or better than a cool scenic flight cuz many of us who are not yet pilots are hungry for a good introductory technical education on LSA’s, STOL performance, bush planes, propellers, engines, you name it. So thanks for a great overview of wheels/tires. Much appreciated!

Thanx! You should make one for the airplane engine or cockpit or preflight. Or maybe your hanger. All the best!

Awesome video! I’m running 8.50’s and just asked this question on a Tailwheel FB page. Your explanation is much better. Thanks!!

Top tip - save money on bush flying by using a 29" wheel on one side and a stock wheel on the other side, and only takeoff & land along the side of mountains.

Nice video! Liked how you explained the pros and cons of the different tires and took what could be an aggressive question into a learning and reflecting opportunity!

Awesome video! I know it’s more fun to go flying but your equipment reviews are pretty interesting especially to those of us looking to get into the kitplane stol game. Keep pumping out the awesome content.

I dont have a plane or a pilots license, but that was very informative and easy to understand and watch. Maybe one day I'll be flying in the air. Keep up the awesome videos.

Very informative,you picked up on some interesting points there Trent,especially the bit about an engine out landing.

Your videos are my favourite to "smash" the thumbs up button! As far as engine out landing, it totally opens up lots of options running those Alaskan Bush wheels - a great comfort to have in the back of a pilot's mind. I stress over judging terrain surface that wouldn't flip a 172. Great topic to post on - I enjoy the conversational style.

You're an excellent communicator, Trent. Thanks.

Love this video, always wondered about tundra tires. It's nice that you do these info "talking head" videos as it's a nice, informative, contrast to your flying videos. I also really enjoyed your video on what camera equipment you use. Please keep these up, hope you are able to get back in the air soon!

Loving the consistent uploads! As a pilot, I like to see the "technical" side of things too, not just the flying part. Keep up the great work!

Trent, thank you for allowing me to fly vicariously through your videos.

Great video. It’s cool to see the component elements that make the flying you do possible, so we get to see both the process and the results. Thank you.

I'm a new subscriber to your channel and really enjoy your videos. I run a set of 29" BW's on my Super Cub up here in Northern MN and avoid pavement at all costs unless in a Class D with no other choice than pavement. They work well in fresh snow up to about 6 -7 inches and also work well on the HARD WATER this time of year. Assuming you enjoy ice fishing!:))

As an aspiring sport pilot I have so many questions that I don’t even know what to ask. These “ informational videos are fantastic. Don’t “apologize “ . Keep them coming. Some of us don’t even know where to look, for instance, do you spend the night on some of these if so do you have a tent setup and what do you recommend to bring along in case you do etc.

Not to mention it makes your plane look derpy and unique. :D I agree with your stance on bush tires. i was taught that there is no such thing as too much "headroom" or "room for error". The larger that headroom is, the better your chances are of getting on the ground with you and your plane in one piece.

For not being a pilot this was very informative and looking forward to your bush flying.

Anyone who asks if those wheels are necessary doesn't understand freedom. Great video. I love this info.

prop strike angle of attack rocks way cheaper than a crank and prop!!! but the vid with the sandrail tire is worth exploring!

Thx again Trent, great insight as usual!

angle of attack, prop strikes, rocks, way cheaper than a crank or prop. the sandrail tires in that one vid are worth exploring!

Thank you Trent for the video and feedback. I just hit submit to purchase the 29” Airstreak 2.0’s as well. It was harder to hit than what I thought but now that it’s over, I’m looking forward to getting them. Take care!

Hi Trent, Mike here from New Zealand and I'm new to your site. We enjoy. Thanks for info. So many benefits to bush wheels, and worth the cost v cosy of aircraft. Done deal! Safe ✈.

Thanks for the information. Really neat stuff!

That is a big help in understanding tire function. From an outsider point of view, I was always concerned with aerodynamic drag of 2 vs 3 wheels in the slipstream let alone a huge pair of bush tires. I live in Midvale, UT and having the capability to fly into unimproved locations is a door opener. You can tell I am an observer and not a pilot.

The bad thing about light Aviation is the market is so small that prices need to be high to recope the R&D. Keep up the awesome vids. Makes me want to get out and fly more!

Hey thanks for all the videos. Not to side track but I was wondering if you had any advice for getting comfortable with turbulence? I am finding it is really the only thing that gets me nervous when I fly (still a student in a sport cruiser). Thanks for any advice.

Excellent explanation. More videos about pros and cons of gear please.

I learned something today, New to flying and your videos are inspiring.

"Is $1500 too much for a wheel?" - If you plane is $35k it probably is too much for a wheel. If your plane is $300+ I think it's pretty reasonable. :D

I also worked with your Brother (Kevin), both are super smart. keep doing what you doing man

Thus ends the lesson! Great vid Trent. Keep em coming.

Great info Trent, thanks!

Nice video Trent! Would love to see something about the rules as you mentioned in the steep hill video about where you can land (I think you mentioned class g airspace and blm land). Loving the channel as always.

Hey, Trent. 👍 Nice vid. Curious about one thing though. The larger Alaskan Bush tyres, is there noticeable characteristic change to the acceleration of the aircraft on takeoff as the larger tyres have higher rotational inertia (more rubber at a larger diameter)? I've noticed on some vids of the lighter bush planes with big tyres that on touch down the plane pitches forward as the drag from the tyres having to be accelerated create a pitch moment for an instant. Have you had any observations of this since changing over, or does the higher angle of attack compensate somewhat for this? Thanks.

Another reason for the price is that bushwheels are 100% handmade! This is coming from a guy who makes them in palmer alaska. They take about 8-12 hours each.

Love your channel. Couldn't you make some Kevlar covers for the tires? They would be laced up tight on the tires that help protect them from rocks and also wearing them out on regular landings? I think it would work.

Hard to believe Trent no one had a video up, giving there real world experience with ABW. Thank you, I'm considering 29" for my Kitfox 4. They are cheap compared to floats :-). They really do extend the usability of your aircraft. Please of mind cannot be underestimated with landing on virgin ground!

I am glad someone said it before me.. "You should make one for the airplane engine or cockpit or pre-flight" and I would add maintenance of your aircraft. We understand those things are day to day thing for you but for us are things we wonder about. All your videos are excellent and what ever you have for us we will watch and enjoy. This one video was a knowledge video and it sure was helpful and enjoyable.

Thanks for the good information !!!

Of course they are necessary... there even some 35-36” tires out there now for the really rough stuff. Unless your a runway pilot.. then a nice tiny low drag tire is fine. Bush landing? Go for big! Big Tires means Big Options!😊🤣Big fun!!

With the low pressure bush tires, do you have to check and adjust the pressure for the different altitude landings you do? Temperature also lowers pressure. Have you started with low pressure and landed on flat tires do to atmospheric conditions?

Definitely informational. Thanks!

Love your Channel and ALL of your Information Brother

Mr. Palmer, very good and informative video! Thank you Sir. Best to you. The Norwegian.

does your range and cruising speed change any with them awesome super swampers!

Just out of curiosity, since the kitfox is running off a smaller engine (the rotax) do the bigger tires get you any change in performance, like lower airspeed, and/or any difference in fuel economy?

Worth it!!! love them! Thanks for the info, as always!

Great explanation. Love the channel Trent.

I'm interested on your view of bush wheels as a safety deal? I saw your video on an engine out doing a scared landing in an unknown area. Would the bush wheels be safer in that landing or would any wheel land and the difference is damage to the aircraft? Also is the extra cost worth it, or is the chance of landing on a bush-only area so low that the money could be better spent on training and/or better equipment? If you're busy I'm not a pilot so its not critical to answer. Thanks.

Great insight what’s the life span of these tyres or how often do you change tyres ?

If you put a ring of little fins on the rims you could spin up the wheels prior to a pavement landing. Break briefly before landing if you want the breaking effect of spinning up the wheel on touchdown

I’ve had 35” Bushwheels on my Super Cub since 2012. Wear/lack of wear has been fine. You need the Baby Bushwheel tailwheel and taller tail spring too!

Interesting discussion about tires, but you brought up a good point about flying. In what conditions do you choose not to fly? Given your plane and your skill level, what are your parameters. In another video you talked about a huge headwind. What doesn’t work for you. Of course, you love blue skies, but it is not always like that...

A very professional video mate.

Great video! Our local airport allows pilots to land in the grass between the runway and taxi way. Why not do that to preserve your tires?

Thanks Mr. Palmer...Very informative video. I was also wondering about tire size and performance and you did a great job of answering some questions that I had. Now how about talking about Nose gear bush planes and tires ; )

When you land at an airport do you have to land on the concrete? Seems like the grass next to it is perfect especially if it is chewing up your tires.

I don't fly, but this was still interesting. And as usual, it looks great. Keep up the good work.

Trent, you talk about the rocks, what types of rocks are the biggest issue for the tires?

Very informative. I wonder if anyone has explored a tubeless option, similar to what some folks run on their mountain bikes to allow for lower pressures.

Nice Video. I was teaching at airsailing over the weekend and I thought I heard you call in over the moon rocks. I was going to invite you to land and say hi but alas.. I was stuck with students anyway. Your videos have me wanting a Kit fox, unfortunately I do some long flights so I will need something faster and longer range. Hope to run into you some time so I can marvel at your awesome little ship.

I want so much to fly in this type AC from South Texas to Alaska and back (as PAX, I am not a Pilot) just take a Month off and have a blast. Is there a place / group / association / Company that does that kind of thing?

Had 26" ABW on my Carbon Cub-Expensive. Just ordered at XCub...ABW again. Good video!

what about the added weight and drag? do you notice it when flying?

Good information.

best channel love your stuff

Here in Anchorage, Lake hood is a dirt strip and has been forever, and Merrill field has perpendicular paved runways and a diagonal dirt strip. Just about every airport in Alaska has a dirt strip except in southeast Alaska because flat land comes at a premium since it’s almost all Fjords. But you’re better off with fiberglass wiplines in southeast than bush wheels since so many towns don’t even have a runway, just docks.

Great video, anyone who is ever in the Anchorage area, should take time to stop by birchwood airport and visit The bushwheel factory. Alaska airframes makes some other cool stuff too. If your not into spending 3 to 5k for bushwheels and looking for a next best, the Goodyear 26-6 tundra tires are so much better than any 850. Only downside is you can’t run them low psi like ak bush wheels.

Please do more tech videos. Maybe something about how Rotax engines differ from "standard" aircraft engines, along with related operation, maintenance, and performance. I've hear of people accustomed to the slow drone of a Continental or Lycoming say they got headaches initially from the higher drone of the 912. BTW - thank-you for not adding background music!

I totally get it, you made some very good sound arguments that in my mind 100% justify the expense of Bushwheels. Safety first and foremost for sure.

The Kevlar and the integrated tube is part of the high cost.

Not many big tires here in Yellowknife, except for the military’s Twin Otters. They go on the tundra a lot. Down here, it’s all floats and skis! Should come up someday. Sick old planes up here. We alternate between the air show and a float plane fly in each year. I used to ride fat bikes, and its phenomenal what high volume and low pressure can do. I even have fat tires on my boat for beaching and portages! Take care.

Good information, thanks

Can you "recap" these tires? Would it be possible to put a thin layer of harder compound where the tire hits the pavement?

I seem to recall you had your Bush wheels retreaded at one time. How did that turn out & who did it?

BY THE WAY , I'm old man (70) and made my solo when I was pretty green horn ( 15 ) , and have 9.000 hours in air now ... I "DEEPLY" enjoy all "articles" from Mr. PALMER !!!!

If you are having a tough time coming up with new video subjects, maybe you should do a landing challenges series where you land at locations suggested by your viewership? I have a few to suggest.

Great info. I’m a low time pilot looking for a reasonable Champ, Taylorcraft, Piper, Cessna 150/150 for backcountry flying. Already been through the build-a-boat-and-go cruising and build a van and go land cruising stages of my life and now at 65 with kids out of the nest I’m getting back into flying. Was considering realistic needs for the kind of flying I’d most likely do based on my previous life’s experiences. Wondering what performance an old Champ on 8.5s or 26s would have. Wish I could find one with a C90 or a 0200 crank conversion that would have a bit more oomph to carry those tires. Majority of flying would be NC but I have grandkids in KS and CA too. I wouldn’t think twice about flying a Chsmp VFR from NC to central CA with my gear in case of weather. Any viewers that have experience with a Chsmp for back country please pipe in and tell me your thoughts.

I wonder how the increased drag so far below the wing affects the stall characteristics and the speed and angle of attack on landing?

Not a pilot, but, would spinning up tires prior to landing help with the wear? No clue if it's been done at all, if it would help, i'd figure all airframes would have a "spinner" ;) (or take it a level further, hybrid kers system? ;) ) Have a great day!

So what’s the smallest/least expensive tire that you can get the side stem and integrated tubes? I’d like to try them out! :)

Brother I have to be totally honest those big tires to make that plain looks so much more aggressiveit sure does given an awesome look I love your paint job that thing is amazing I have never been up in my life but I love to watch videos and you got great videos my friend you're good at everything you do I seen your fixed-wing out the airplane video today that was awesome and I watched a few of your filming videos you've got it going on bro you and the better half you guys have a great one brother 💯👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👊🏽👊🏽🇺🇸😊

excellent explanation

Nice Videos mate! Is there much difference in cruise/max speed

Great video. Thanks. Weight is a consideration for me since I am flying LSA. The 29" bushwheel is 31 lbs each. , I will look up the standard tundra tire. Ok here is the weight on mine, just for comparison 21/800-6 4 PLY TUBE TYPE or TUBELESS LIGHT SPORT TUNDRA AIRCRAFT TIRE - 11 lbs. An extra 40 lbs probably isn't a big deal if your flying above LSA with lots of weight allowance and horsepower.

Great insight and good arguments - but I'll stay on my 850. I just put my skis on the plane and had to change back to my old 800 Carlisle turf glide (wheel penetrating skis) and they look soo small... You get a long way on rough ground with 850...

excellent info - appreciated

what spec is the tundra tire you showed?

Your opening song? What is it...Ilove it and it sticks in my head all day

Another good vid. Any comparison of the Desser 27.5 to the airstreaks? Or, know anybody that runs them and their thoughts?

Did the cheaper alternative workout when you had cords showing on the Bushwheels? In another video, you said that the guy claimed he has a substance to put on them to get more life out of them. Interested to hear more about how that worked out.

Imagine all those RV tail draggers out there with bush wheels? I'm in! 😀