Are Bushwheels Worth It???

At 6x the price of 8.50s, are Alaskan Bushwheels worth their price?
Be my wing man and join in the adventure: goo.gl/sW5J5o
For more of my adventures follow me on instagram: / trentonpalmer
The Gear I use:
My main camera - goo.gl/3SMGzb
The bendy tripod thing - goo.gl/n7wx14
My on camera mic - goo.gl/GNsHF6
Sony 4K Actioncam - goo.gl/9iQRyM
The headset plug to camera audio cable - goo.gl/E2QU93
The clamp I use for mounting cameras - goo.gl/g7iR1P
DJI Osmo stabilized cam - goo.gl/d5FcnE
DJI Osmo extension cable - goo.gl/9pyefZ
The drone I use - goo.gl/zMFeqz

[@moomtaz1]

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.

[@rcbif101]

+1 more tech footage. I don't really watch vlogs unless they have a good hard theme.

[@ginacalabrese3869]

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

[@TrentonPalmer]

Or float a river with them?!

[@MohammedAnsab3]

We do that with bus tire's tubes

[@unklekal7571]

Chew toy for my tiger.

[@AKfishNOOB]

Whenever we make a bad bushwheel we stab them and can take them home for crafts. I have about 10 of them holding up my dock in the summer lol

[@randomsnek]

@@unklekal7571 ok joe exotic

[@wiley0714]

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

[@TrentonPalmer]

And you’ll pay them off fast!

[@johnwadmaniii]

I lived and worked in Colombia for too many years. My two sons are Colombian by birth. Everyone wants to be a gangster until the gangster s**t starts. I used to not care about the cocaine trade and what people did or stuffed up their noses until I lived in Colombia. The innocent lives I saw ruined by that industry was a real wake-up call.

[@theependleton]

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!

[@TravisMThompson]

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 😀

[@blakewarrington8235]

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.

[@AkPacerPilot]

Blake Warrington, go find your self an instructor and go get an introductory flight lesson. Those intro flights are usually pretty cheap if not free. :-) just do it!!!

[@wendywhite5612]

At least solo it is one hell of a rush and a real confidence builder.

[@rogerbloxham5381]

Blake, You will never get that license if you don’t take the first step And go take that first lesson. You’ll find out real quick if you really like it. Go for it

[@ronpearson1912]

build your own plane you will save a bundle and get your repairmans cert at the end. No IA sign offs no nothing.

[@Prairie7777]

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!

[@rickybrown373]

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

[@kimgrassfield6706]

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!

[@h0ll1s]

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!

[@franklinbowie3317]

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.

[@TheFleetflyer]

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.

[@TrentonPalmer]

Haha, brilliant!

[@heidilear7222]

Or maybe only touch down one tire until u slow down enough to not tear up the side with the small wheel

[@simplyred6780]

Lol yeah😂😁

[@iesikhaty]

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.

[@alexharvey2000]

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!

[@TrentonPalmer]

Thanks man, trying my hardest to stay consistent with my uploads!

[@alexharvey2000]

Even if it's just simple videos such as this, it's great to keep the audience engaged in new content and you're doing a superb job of it!

[@bill-spec]

I’m an A&P IA (pilot too) that’s a total camera nerd 🤓. Would some high production value technical videos be something people would be interested in? I can cover pretty much everything , worked in many aspects of aviation maintenance.

[@TrentonPalmer]

Absolutely! I’d watch them

[@angelreading5098]

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

[@DNModels]

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

[@MikeBabsBC]

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!

[@knight907]

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.

[@shadow4280]

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

[@VentureNorthAviation]

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!:))

[@SuperCub150]

You're an excellent communicator, Trent. Thanks.

[@joeburns9478]

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.

[@everyone5724]

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.

[@mikercflyer7383]

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

[@c.j.6891]

Thx again Trent, great insight as usual!

[@edwinkania5286]

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

[@Mike7478F]

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 ✈.

[@SethAllison]

Thanks for the information. Really neat stuff!

[@waiex1]

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

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

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!!

[@juanjohnson7547]

Jennifer WhiteWolf it's not the size of your tire it's the skill of your flyer

[@bloodmoongrizzlythefirst6492]

@@juanjohnson7547 NO pretty sure size matters in this case LOL

[@Pulllaws]

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!

[@davedennis6042]

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

[@learysinsight5796]

Great info Trent, thanks!

[@nickmalone3599]

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

[@bill-spec]

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!

[@martinjnee3986]

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!

[@KevinRudisill]

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

[@gljim5908]

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.

[@slam854]

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.

[@Cherokie89]

1500-2000 per TIRE is insane. It's a wear item. Maybe I'm just poor. Sure wish I had some 31's though...

[@ImNotADeeJay]

Agree. These tires are great, but crazily overpriced. 2k tires on a Cessna Citation can make sense, but on a 60k plane... hardly

[@toadman506]

@@ImNotADeeJay It's a Niche Market, Unfortunately it's a factor of there not being a huge customer base. the Back-Country guys are a tiny percentage of GA, so stuff designed for the purpose is priced accordingly.

[@josephvandergraph1666]

Rather have 35s to match Jeep

[@suburbangorilla5515]

Definitely informational. Thanks!

[@johnburtt3001]

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!

[@TrentonPalmer]

I had a baby bushwheel at my house ready to bolt on but but then I realized how much weight I was adding and AOA I was losing and I decided not to go with it. It’s too much one something as small as a Kitfox in my opinion. But maybe I need to go with 35s and then I wouldn’t have to worry about my AOA 😜👍🏻

[@oleringstad6615]

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

[@baileyblack669]

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.

[@Pucksnetterson]

Great explanation. Love the channel Trent.

[@TrentonPalmer]

Thanks!!

[@jcnme2020]

Love your Channel and ALL of your Information Brother

[@walterbenson5275]

Thanks for the good information !!!

[@ajzman8123]

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

[@AkPacerPilot]

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.

[@shanemartin4861]

Andy Smitty i lived on anchorage and live close by still but never vist there i will have to do that thanks

[@StevenYoungcaptual]

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

[@fredstork]

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...

[@TrentonPalmer]

Yep, like I said, most of the time 8.50s are just fine

[@markthibault8579]

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.

[@TrentonPalmer]

There are other options that are tubeless, but you just have to be aware of running too low of PSI and burping the bead off the rim.

[@johnmahoney6663]

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

[@rcbif101]

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!

[@TrentonPalmer]

I’ve never heard of people getting headaches, that’s interesting... but I could definitely do one on the Rotax!

[@stuartkcalvin]

A very professional video mate.

[@markthesun2140]

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

[@Timless2]

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...

[@Death3duelsW-Adams]

Good information, thanks

[@jamesedington7903]

best channel love your stuff

[@thermalbug]

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.

[@TrentonPalmer]

Yeah! That was my friend flying at the time and on the radio, but that was us tinkering around over Moon Rocks. Would have loved to stop in and say hi. I’ll be sure to monitor 122.9 if I’m over that way in the future. I normally stay on RTS freq or am on fingers.

[@markthesun2140]

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

[@nothingtoseehere4026]

Good information.

[@buynsell365]

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.

[@JohnMGreiner]

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.

[@dochollowood5763]

excellent info - appreciated

[@reyesben]

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?

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

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.

[@SteveTheFordGuy985]

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.

[@jerrykew]

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

[@AmericanPrideHB]

Something people have to realize about the cost is quantity production. Car tires a manufacturer might do a run of the same size making 2 million tires. Where a production run of tundra tires might only be 5000. Also an insurance question,,,, are you covered for off airport landing? If so do they look at the set up you have? My goal is to start building a Kitfox this summer. I just sold one of my boats. I’m going to try and make a little extra $$ taking people out on my boat in San Diego this year. And do a little more droning on top of my regular job selling solar. Thank for all the great videos !!!

[@TrentonPalmer]

Yes and bushwheels are all hand made, like a guy actually lays each piece of rubber on it. So they are time consuming to make, and the fact that they have FAA approval for them is something that costs them a lot of money which raises the price on them. Awesome! Hope you are able to bust ass and get a kit this summer!

[@AKfishNOOB]

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.

[@claytondoty9512]

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.

[@roynelson7613]

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 💯👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👊🏽👊🏽🇺🇸😊

[@warsameadam5572]

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

[@bgpwrddy]

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 ; )

[@TrentonPalmer]

Oh man, I have very little experience with them, aside from a couple long days of digging one out of the mud when it’s nose wheel sunk. Turns out putting a tire (even a bushwheel) under the big heavy metal thing that makes the prop turn doesn’t work so well in the soft stuff...

[@bgpwrddy]

ROFL...I was kidding... : )

[@paulh3973]

excellent explanation

[@tracemitchell7358]

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.

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

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?

[@dkf2711]

"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

[@manofsan]

but do they produce a lot of drag?

[@ledzyz]

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.

[@johnwadmaniii]

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.

[@SuperAero]

That's a lot of AMUs. Did you also mention that they look totally sick?

[@TrentonPalmer]

That needs no mentioning, everyone can see that 😜😎

[@billhamilton2366]

there is no k on the word sic in this context.....time to go back to skool

[@evilbrat5376]

Alright, as a non flyer cept as passenger after military, I found this vid very educational. Who knew there were such differences in them thar arrr plane tires? I did not. Thanks for the enlightenment on them. Think I would spend the $1500.00 plus myself even if just for the mental safety enhancement they bring.

[@MrPetrvershinin]

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 !!!!

[@olivialambert4124]

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.

[@Frankestein01nl]

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!

[@scotth985]

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.

[@honorharrington4546]

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

[@JoeVanDyke4240]

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

[@repalmore]

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

[@robster129]

Hey Trebt! This is robster129 finally out of the hospital and back in front of my big screen TV. I so enjoy your vlogs & hope you will keep cranking them out!

[@TrentonPalmer]

Hey Rob! That’s great news!! Hope you are feeling a little better. Dealing with some less than ideal flying weather over here but I’ll be vlogging as soon as the weather allows!

[@cnoz7247]

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

[@TrentonPalmer]

My buddy Ty runs them and really likes them. They are definitely not as good as the bushwheels since they aren’t as soft of a compound but when ran tubeless at 5psi or so he seems to roll over things pretty well. Also on an 8in rim you have less sidewall so some of its stiffness is due to that. They do handle pavement landings way better and the value at that price can’t be argued!

[@wallybrown9509]

I fully agree Trent.

[@ronc3048]

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.

[@loganavery4951]

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?

[@tedcarl5382]

35’s for off-road are 1500 for a set of 4x. Wouldn’t the lower durometer rubber be better for cold weather so they don’t crack? I would think the plies would apply more for rigidity of the sidewall. Of course both come into play in puncture resistance.

[@charlesmckenna6164]

Sweet, bush wheels on the Mooney next week!!!!:)

[@call911forcookies2]

till you retract the gear xd

[@225mc]

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

[@bobyoung241]

Is there a way to add skies ? Or something like that . You know for the winter blues. I'm sure theres lots of caveats .

[@barackobama2722]

I love this guy!)👍