1cowboy
Oklahoma
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Joined: 11/07/2008
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Okay, I know this has been discussed before, but please bear with me since the RV service place I've used for years doesn't seem to understand my ??? and problem. Maybe I'm using Swahili. But here it is: I've a 2002 class C on a Ford E450 chasis. Have had braided dually tire extenders. On recent road trip, discovered one inside tire flat. Problem: Leakage apparently due to improperly installed braided extender. Questioning some old timers (translation: more experienced)about this problem I learned many advised against using this type extender.They suggested using METAL stem extenders. In relating my road trip problem and what I learned from others and requested installation of metal extenders, the RV shop owner didn't have a clue what I was talking about! Okay, so who out there can tell me if I'm blathering in Swahili and don't know beans? But more importantly, your views pro/con on using braided extenders. Whew! Thanks for taking time to read this mess.
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heavyputer
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 09/13/2004
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Some folks on here claim to have had excellent service from valve extenders, but, having been in the tire business, I can tell you that the majority of tire air loss and failures with valve extenders have been caused by leakage. Not valve failure, just plain extender leakage. There is no really dependable extender in my humble opinion. Sooner or later they all fail (read leak). The proper way is to have long truck tire metal valve stems installed. End of problem....There are many standard types on the market and even some specially bent for smaller duals. I have seen ad's in Motorhome Mag and Trailer life for specially bent stems for this purpose. Expensive yes, but a lot cheaper than a tire failure in the boonies....works for me.....
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you!!!
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RJsfishin
Winston Or.
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Joined: 10/16/2007
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Have had braid for 15 yrs, never a problem, wouldn't be w/o them.
Rich
'98 Flair, 454, Onan Microlite 4k, Intel PD 9155 w/ wizard, Sta-power 1500 watt Inv, 2 6v batts, ammeters, KingDome/sat, Oly Catalytic Heat, hauling 2 Bent Bikes and sometimes towing a Tracker F&S boat.
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RonAllen
Florida
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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I just went through having valve extenders leaking... used them to connect the tire pressure monitors to. Monitors have been removed... valve extenders have been removed, now checking tire pressure the old fashion way with no extenders and no tire pressure monitors installed.
I would like to find the valve stems that fit a 19.5 dually so that I could check the tire pressure without having to get DW to take the caps off... my hands will not fit the space. Ron
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA USA
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Joined: 01/05/2005
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Good Sam RV Club
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Wheel Maters makes a complete line of rigid valve extentions.
http://www.wheelmasters.com/extenders.html
I had the braided valve extentions from Dicor. They didn't work that great and had flats on the inside duals. Seemed there was enough vibration to cut through the braid and internal line.
Bud
Suzuki XL7 pushing Pace Arrow
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DAS26miles
San Fernando Valley, California
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Joined: 10/11/2003
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I had rubber valve stems and replaced them with metal ones. Then I tried the metal screw-on valve extensions from CW. They leaked. I am currently using the braided extensions that the MH came with. But will switch to these when I replace my tires nest time. These won't ever leak. Tireman
and Borg Tire Supply
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Bordercollie
Garden Grove, CA, USA
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Joined: 03/07/2002
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There is an ongoing language problem here. "Extenders" are devices that screw on to stock valve stems and are relatively cheap but subject to leakage causing tire failure. Long custom bent solid metal (brass or steel) valve stems cost around $200 installed on all six wheels including front wheels. They do not leak and make checking and adding air easy. Truck tire shops usually have these and can install them properly. You can also order them and have them installed. Once installed you cannot rotate tires which is not recommended for motorhomes anyway.When people spend 60K for a motorhome, a $200 investment in convenience and safety seems reasonable.
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Nobuck$
Nor Calif.
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Joined: 10/23/2008
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I use the "Tireman" valve stems, never a problem!
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joanne0012
Boston, MA
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Joined: 02/01/2005
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Nobuck$ wrote:I use the "Tireman" valve stems, never a problem!
And a vote for Borg, here. Their sets are just the 4 for the rear wheels, I paid about $100 and had them installed with new tires. As noted above, you want long stems, NOT "extenders".
Joanne
1994 Lazy Daze 23.5' TK
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Alf_and_Me
San Diego
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Joined: 06/11/2008
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I installed Cat's Eye Pressue Maintenance System to alleviate three problems at once. First, both tires are pressurized from one, easy-to-reach valve and two, pressure is easily checked by looking at the indicator and 3) a check valve keeps both tire evenly pressurized. The system was installed directly onto the original rubber stems and I haven't had any leaks or other problems.
Lee
www.thedigitalphotoguy.com
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