Earthstar Forums

In an effort to stay light, I originally opted for the black plastic rims
for my mains. After several flats, I upgraded to heavier tires and inner
tubes from Aircraft Spruce. Monday, I had another flat on the left main.
I did seal the rim with silicone, per Mark's suggestion, to prevent ozone
damage, and every flat I had was along the split in the rim, but I'm not
sure ozone is the root cause. Maybe I pinched the tube when I tightened the
three bolts. But this time I was quite sure I did not.
I think the problem is that the rims distort. When I first got them, the
two halves met nicely, but now I see gaps of more than 1/16" in three
places (between the bolts). I think the inner tube gets pushed into the
narrow gaps and cracks eventually, silicone or not.
I never inflated past 20 psi, and I run the tires at 16 psi. But constant
pressure and a lot of heat from the sun could have led to some creep.
After upgrading to the heavier battery, I needed heavier rubber. Looks like
I might also need stronger rims. What are my options? Aluminum or carbon
fiber? Azusa? I'd like to keep the rubber (4.00-6).

Martin & the Quark

I've had really good luck with the high-quality aluminum rims. Haeger I
believe is the maker. I use high quality thick inner tubes and use "slime"
when appropriate. The extra weight isn't that much and is well worth not
being stuck someplace trying to repair a tire.

-Alan

Hi Martin
Near you is a company called Heager 4 and they make high quality go cart rims that are really light.
Buy the nearow 6 in diameter rims. And bearing hubs. They will have to be turned in a lathe to fit the brake drums.
You can send them to us to fit the drums.
Or we can supply you with a setup.
Did you get aero classic tires? There the best and are skinny for low drag.
Don’t order with our checking with us.

Happy Flying,
Mark

Sent from our iPhone

Thanks, Alan, Mark. A few Hegar wheels are sold at Aircraft Spruce, but not
in the form we use. Similar wheel assemblies (incl. bearings) seem rather
expensive. I did not see a website for Hegar gear. Azusa's aluminum wheels
cost around $50 each. Would those need to be modified?
How much of my current wheels will I be able to use (apart from the Aero
Classic tires and tubes)? Bearings? Brake drum?
Mark, make me an offer. You'll be up here in a week. I may also need a new
windshield (mine is getting rather crazed).

https://www.hegar4.com/

They are expensive but cheaper than sitting at an airstrip with a flat tire
;). They will last as long as your airplane.