Aluminum vs. Magnesium Wheels?

[Utah-Jay]

Is there a downside to Magnesium? I live in NE Utah so humidity is not a big deal but obviously snow is.

I am waiting out wheels to ship and at this point may be able to get the magnesium sooner.

Wait for the Aluminum or go for it?

I am unconcerned about the weight difference. My only concern would be rust/corrosion.

[jaredyates]

I would want to understand the possible fire concerns. When magnesium gets going it can be self sustaining. But I'm sure they have figured out how to not make it a problem.

[zkelley2]

It's a problem, but not on small airplanes that don't have the brakes to make anything hot enough to catch fire.

[Battson]

One is heavier, the other corrodes. That's about it, take your pick.

I couldn't get the one I originally wanted, so went for the other one. I have not noticed any difference or had any regrets whatsoever.

[Utah-Jay]

One is heavier, the other corrodes. That's about it, take your pick.

I couldn't get the one I originally wanted, so went for the other one. I have not noticed any difference or had any regrets whatsoever.

Do tell, which one did you want and which did you get?

[Battson]

Do tell, which one did you want and which did you get?

I originally wanted the less-expensive Aluminium wheels, which as you know are more corrosion resistant.
I placed my order and it went through, however they called to apologize - due to a stocking error they couldn't ship what I had paid for. They offered a 6 week wait, or a set of Magnesium wheels at the same price I had already paid. I didn't really need the corrosion resistance, and could not afford to wait, so I was happy to take the light-weight option of mag wheels.

[Viking]

I just got a set of magnesium wheels from Grove for my Patrol. They were $100 more for the set than the aluminum, and weigh about 1lb less each. The main deciding factor me was that it was an approximately 6 week wait for magnesium or 12 weeks for aluminum. I’ve worked on plenty of 50 plus year old certified planes with magnesium wheels that are still perfectly serviceable. The mag is definitely more susceptible to corrosion, but as long as you employ basic corrosion prevention practices, you should never have a problem. They came from Grove well painted, and I suspect it will be quite a while before they need any additional attention whatsoever.

[Battson]

Mine are 10 years old and have regularly been near water and occasionally salt water. No corrosion yet.

[Utah-Jay]

Thanks Battson and Viking

I will take whatever I can get based on your experience.

[Viking]

Here is one of mine with an 8.50X6 smooth tire mounted. They are as well made as the certified Clevelands.

[Utah-Jay]

Here is one of mine with an 8.50X6 smooth tire mounted. They are as well made as the certified Clevelands.

That is the tire I have sitting in my garage waiting on wheels.

[Viking]

I don’t know if you have already ordered wheels or not, but ACS has these Alaskan Bushwheels in stock for only very slightly more than I paid for my groves. If you don’t feel like waiting, they look like a good option. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...me06-02830.php

[Viking]

I mean… I certainly haven’t put them through the paces yet, but I’m happy with them so far!! They kinda look like tundra tires without costing an absolute fortune, and I think they will be plenty big enough for 90% of circumstances. Maybe someday I’ll get some 31s for Alaska, but for now, getting airborne in Georgia is the goal.

[Bcone1381]

Are these the 4 ply 850's? Thats the tire I've been leaning towards. I've never seen a complaint, but have wondered about the tires durability on the rocks...wondering about a 4 ply vs 6 ply tire.

[Utah-Jay]

Bcone1381 they are super durable, if you don’t need big tires, the Aero Classic 850 is a great choice

[rodsmith]

That is what I am going with as soon as they are in stock again. A lot of pilots I know use the smooth Aero Classics in various sizes on unimproved strips with good results.