Video Tip: Proper Care of Inflatable Tires

Video Tip: Proper Care of Inflatable Tires

Air filled model airplane tires are not steel belted or as rigid as automobile tires and can easily be over-inflated.  They are durable and can provide many landings and years of use if you take basic care of them.

tire

To inflate, acquire a small sports ball (basketball/football) hand pump (do not use a compressor or electric pump).  Slide a piece of medium sized silicone fuel tubing over the pump attachment that inserts into the balls for inflation.  On the other end of the tubing, insert the tire inflator.  Next, thread the inflator into the valve in the tire being careful not to push the valve inside the tire.

pump

Once complete, give 1-2 small bursts of air from the pump.  When complete, immediately pinch off the tubing to stop the air from leaving the tire and unscrew the inflator from the tire.  To confirm the tire is inflated properly, take all aircraft weight off the tire and measure the diameter. You should be close to the tire’s advertised size when properly inflated.

fitting

NOTE: For longest life, do not store aircraft with weight on the tires, elevate the plane so the tires are not holding the aircraft weight at all.

http://hobby.dubro.com/

Updated: May 8, 2018 — 10:37 AM

3 Comments

  1. I just this year started using the tires we can air up. My supplier did not show a inflating tool so I used the dubro fill nipple with fuel line like stated in the video, I bought a large syringe at the coop or vet supply and this works GREAT. small enough to go into my tool box with out taking a lot of room.. We use these same syringes to fuel control line airplanes so they will hold about 5 ounces of fuel.. (good size but about $3.00)

  2. Thanks Dubro. have 2 sets of these on different aircraft, and have been wondering how much to put in. Thanks again.

    P.S. didn’t see any inflation instructions in packaging.

  3. If you have a retract manual air pump that will work also.

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