Cessna 185 (A-E), A185E, A185F

We’ve been selling these extended tip tanks since 1998. They carry 30 gallons total, 29.8 usable for the A185F and 28 gallons, 27 usable for the earlier 185’s .They are fiberglass tanks that bolt onto the end of the wing and replace the factory tip. The overall span is increased by 36 inches which results in a better climb and if you ever fly above 10,000 feet, we usually get reports of an additional 3 or 4 kts in cruise speed. The tank has it’s own filler cap and quick drain valve. We ship the tanks in gray primer so they must be painted to match the wing. Installation of this tank increases the gross weight to 3600 lbs. This higher gross can be used for additional payload if fuel is not in the tanks.

For installation, the close-out rib is removed and if you have strobes, the transformer is re-located to the inboard side of the rib. New holes are drilled in the wing skin and our tank/tip is bolted in place.

The next step is to run the fuel line inboard to the part of the wing where the strut attaches. The transfer pump is mounted here along with two check valves. The fuel line is then run inboard to the main tank. For rubber cell mains, the fuel enters through a tee fitting in the door post into the fuel line that runs from the mains down to the engine. For metal main tanks, a bulk head fitting is installed in the side or top of the main tank.

Gauge(s) and lighted rocker switches are then mounted on the panel, on the pedestal or over the doors. Apply the placards, fill out the 337 and you’re finished.

The final step is to replace 12 stringers with our heavier, extruded version. This takes an additional 20 to 30 hours. This is necessary to increase the gross weight. The weight increase on the early models is 400 lbs! On the A185F, the increase is 250 lbs. Again, this increase can be used for fuel and/or payload.

The kit is quite complete including tanks, caps, mounting and plumbing hardware, transfer pumps, check valves, fuel line, wire, switches, gauges, fuses, installation drawings and STC. You supply some PRC sealant if your main tanks are metal.

Local installers complete the job in 75-80 hours but if you have someone do it that has never done one before it will probably take longer. Again, not an exotic installation but, done right, it takes some time. The installation time does not include the time to paint.