Alaskan Bushwheel Tail Spring • 2 leaf setup • Recommended for 3200 & 3200B tailwheel

[txcub]

I have the standard tail spring on my 2013 Carbon Cub with AOSS gear, 3200 Tailwheel and 8.50 tires. I see on new orders that it recommends the Alaska Bushwheel Tail Spring (2 leaf setup) for use with the 3200. Any feed back as to whether it provides any improvement or advantages?

Jon

CC #293

[Tahoe Cub]

I made the switch about six months ago. I am glad I did. The ABW two leaf spring is stronger and provides better tail wheel vertical axis alignment improving steering and reducing wobble. The stock spring begins to sag over time. Since this degradation is gradual over time it is not something that jumps out at you. But if you look at the clearance between the rudder and the tail wheel you may be able to see the effect. Mike

[txcub]

I made the switch about six months ago. I am glad I did. The ABW two leaf spring is stronger and provides better tail wheel vertical axis alignment improving steering and reducing wobble. The stock spring begins to sag over time. Since this degradation is gradual over time it is not something that jumps out at you. But if you look at the clearance between the rudder and the tail wheel you may be able to see the effect. Mike

What did the ABW two leaf spring cost and is there any different hardware to install that one? Thanks for the input!
Jon

[Tahoe Cub]

Jon, Sorry I do not recall. Adam at Cub Crafters can give you the details. It is a kit that includes some replacement parts for the mounting bracket, too. Overall stronger assembly. Mike

[40m]

Jon,
If you do find out more including cost and installation particulars would you kindly post them.
Thanks, Glenn

Jon, Sorry I do not recall. Adam at Cub Crafters can give you the details. It is a kit that includes some replacement parts for the mounting bracket, too. Overall stronger assembly. Mike

[txcub]

Jon,
If you do find out more including cost and installation particulars would you kindly post them.
Thanks, Glenn

Glenn

Just talked to Adam in the store and the kit P/N is ABI-PA18-CC-K and the cost is $210.

They are waiting on some to come in next week so I am planning on ordering the kit.

Jon

[Tahoe Cub]

That was a truly enlightening video. It is amazing how much deflection occurs in the tail wheel structure. Thanks for posting.

On a separate topic, why is the tail wheel steering system removed?

Mike

[Dan L]

That was a truly enlightening video. It is amazing how much deflection occurs in the tail wheel structure. Thanks for posting.

On a separate topic, why is the tail wheel steering system removed?

Mike

Hi Mike,

The free-castering tail wheel has two benefits. As you can see in the video it allows the tail wheel to freely pivot when it hits a bigger rock or hole. This is easier on the airframe, especially the tail section. I run about 12 pounds in the baby Bushwheel. With bigger rocks and bumps it shines more.

The other benefit is a very free-feeling rudder in the air.

I like it but it isn't for everyone. Ground handling is different, as I'm reminded of when I go to skis in the winter and use chains and springs again on the smaller 3200 tail wheel. Steering is mostly with brakes. Landings are almost always wheel landings for me except on skis. Taxi work in a cross wind can be slow because you're riding one brake.

The advantages are all off-airport. If I were confined to paved runways or mowed grass strips for most of my flying I wouldn't do it.

The reason I used the GoPro for this initially was to see when I was spraying rocks towards my tail feathers. I poked about a half dozen holes in my horizontal stabs on the gravel bars.

IMG_0374.jpg

All fun.

IMG_1074.jpg

This one didn't make a hole but it was loud enough I heard it with a noise cancelling headset on.

IMG_0316.jpg

There is a fist-sized hole under this. Hitting the rib kept it from going all the way through. There's a price for this kind of fun.

[Dan L]

Watch how much flexing takes place with this Pawnee spring during taxi on this relatively smooth gravel bar.

(have a little patience after the second landing. I was running the camera with my iPhone and dropped it. I'm too poor of an editor with the GoPro to cut it out.). You can also hear the AOSS working. It is the squeaky plastic sound.

[Cubrath]

Dan,

Is that Pawnee spring a four leaf spring?