850-6 inner tubes.

[Pbruce]

I’m shocked and appalled at the price of 8-50 tubes for my Patrol at Aircraft Spruce. I’m sure it’s not their fault, of course. I also feel like I paid double on wheels, and brakes (3-bolt Cleveland/Grove 6.00-6 clones with 2-puck brakes from Alaska).

I bought the cheapest 4-ply 850-6 smooth tires from ACS which were pretty dear too, but I kind of expected that. 850-6 ubes for a minimum of $360 Cdn each I found jaw-dropping though.

I’m soliciting alternatives. Are there any? This might be a really dumb question, but this group is generous, so I’ll ask: are there non-aviation alternatives? Industrial or ATV tubes or….? Thanks.
Pat

[jaredyates]

I'm right there with you and hope to hear some good news. I can't see that there is anything special enough about those things to make them so expensive.

[marcusofcotton]

I've known and heard of reports of folks using 8.00-6 tubes quite successfully in their 8.50-6 tires.

[alaskabearhawk]

I used 8.00-6 tubes in my 8.50s. Works fine

[Steve W]

18EDA599-B4E8-4DDC-A72E-535A712CA1E3.png Only hurts a bit less

[paulodonnell]

I was bugged by the same thing...tubes costing over $200 - I exchanged the Grove kit wheels for tubeless and ran Desser 8.50 tubeless tundra tyres which were pretty reasonable at about $250 ea. from memory. The slightly larger Goodyears were an eye watering $1750 each last year....strangely now seem to have dropped to $1197.00 Ea

[rodsmith]

For $1750 each, I would have bought 26" Bush wheels instead which are actually 26"

[rodsmith]

Good to know that 800-6 tubes work. Desser Tire and Rubber is significantly cheaper than AS for tires and tubes.

[Bcone1381]

A data point

https://shop.vseaviation.com/gl-8520n

[Steve W]

After the dust settles to purchase a 200$ US tube from south of the border will be a 300$+ Cdn purchase. Plus shipping which is a crime right now. Recently received a 4” X 8” soft pack from spruce. 20$. It’s almost cost prohibitive now for aircraft parts and material.