TNTraveller
Knoxville, TN
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Joined: 07/16/2010
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After owning our Tioga for 6 months I finally decided to check the tire pressures. The fronts were easy, but valve stems on the rear duals is not accessable.
In other postings some people have installed flexible extenders but there seem to be problems with them leaking and causing a flat.
Other people have installed Tireman solid extended valve stems. They are expensive though ($135 per set).
What are you doing to check your tire pressures?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
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kopy kat
reno, nv
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Joined: 07/30/2005
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bite the bullet---go for the solid brass units--makes checking/filling an absoloute snap--you will never regret it!!
2013 Flagstaff 8528ikws---"Camp MiMiPaPa"
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bldrbuck
one or the other
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Joined: 02/11/2001
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I use a guage and filler that has an angled head and do fine on mine.
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Gene in NE
Omaha
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Joined: 09/15/2003
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TNTraveller - I called a tire shop that sells to large trucks - the so called "18 wheelers". I asked them for advice. They stock numerous (I later saw the bins) steel and brass valve stems, both chromed and not chromed. All different shapes and lengths. Drove my RV to the shop "Midwest Tire". They pulled all 6 wheels "broke the bead" on one side of each rim to replace with their stems (cost $1.89 each). They knew exactly which ones to use. They did a fine tuning of each stem by slight bending with the box of a "box end" wrench. Total cost out the door - less than $75. I believe it was about $12 for the stems and $10 each for labor to install. No tax on labor in this state.
2002 Trail-Lite Model 211-S w/5.7 Chevy (click View Profile)
Gene
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j-d
Sunny Florida USA
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Joined: 09/04/2003
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Gene was very fortunate. I tried a couple truck shops and they didn't have anything very helpful.
What you CAN do is put a couple-inch long straight METAL stem in every position. THEN YOU need to have a truck tire air gauge that pushes straight onto the inner valve and has an angled face to pull back onto the outer valve. This gauge is usually very long. It'll also work on the front wheels, but it's possible you'll have to move the coach to push it onto the front valve.
The angled pocket truck gauges where the push-on connection is angled (relative to the gauge body) won't do it. The one I describe'll even reach through the holes in simulators.
THEN YOU need to have an air chuck that works the same way. Most gas stations and even truck stops do not.
I decided I wanted to be able to check and add air anyplace anytime with anybody's gauge and hose/chuck. The Borg Dually Valves and TireMan valves, and what Gene did all meet this standard. So do other misc. adapters and extensions but they can lead to problems.
But AT LEAST start with Solid Metal Valves!
God Bless, jd
2003 Jayco Escapade 31A on 2002 Ford E450 V10 4R100
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TyroneandGladys
Chandler AZ
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When we purchased new tires for our RV from Discount Tire they put metal valve stems on straight and angled at no charge. IMHO If you have a Discount Tire close give them a call and see what they would charge.
Tyrone & Gladys
26" 1986 Coachmen
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TNTraveller
Knoxville, TN
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j-d and Gene,
Thank you for the advice.
It looks like valve stem extenders are the way I will have to go.
Being able to check and air the tires is a safety issue.
Hope you all have a great 4th of July. We are campling at Hilton Head Island for the 4th.
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TyroneandGladys
Chandler AZ
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It does not take the place of checking tire pressure but at every fill up I use an infrared thermometer to check tire temps if the temp difference between corresponding tires, inside dual to inside dual, is more than 10 degrees I break out the air pressure gauge.
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Coalminer UG
Nakusp BC
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Joined: 09/21/2008
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I have 2 flexable extenders. I take off valve cap then install extender and take a reading or top up tire. When job is done i remove extender and replace cap. Its a bit of a nusence but works for me. I will sooner or later get it done right at a tire shop.
Ches
Served In Canadian Army 1PPCLI
Retired Underground Coal Miner (Gen Foreman)
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ksg5000
Oregon
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Joined: 06/30/2008
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I originally used the braided valve extenders but switched to Tireman -- no contest.
Kevin
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