Brent, most RVers have added flexible valve extenders to the inner dual. Camping World carries several different types, and I am sure others will answer your message with all types of personal choices. My extenders are covered with wire braid and I added plastic tubing over the braid to protect the extenders where they pass through the wheel simulators. I added short angled extensions to the outer dual and front wheels to make things easy. Meyers tire supply makes a nice extension hose/pressure gauge combination for easy servicing. The Remove Inflation Gauge http://www3.myerstiresupply.com/myers/display_coupon?pass_cou_id=230&cart_id=jipy1230
allows you to service the duals without placing yourself in a dangerous position should the tire explode. (Split rim wheels have been known to fail and explode.)
Fred and Bonnie
Frankie & Scarlett, (The Cats)
2005 Dolphin LX 6375
2006 Saturn VUE
As I've Matured... I've learned that artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
I had this same frustration about checking and airing up my duals. Since my truck is still under warranty, I took it back to Dodge and had a chat with them. I told them it was ridiculous to sell me a truck where I had to take the hubcaps and the tires off to check pressure. The tried to dismiss me until I told them to give it a try. They tried and then installed valve extenders at no charge.
I had heard some stories about valve extenders causing problems, so I figured I'd let Dodge install and keep things under warranty.
With my Ford duallies it is a pain in the you-know-what. I can get in there with a dual angle tip guage, but inflating! Have to squeeze my big hand through the wheel, and then get it out.
Wish I woulda done what bjm did. Come time to buy new tires I'll get it done right.
There can be problems adding extenders. I believe the valve stem should be metal rather than rubber, or the extender bracketed, otherwise you might get leaks. Here's a good long valve extender discussion.
We had an extender that was on from the factory pull off and yanked the valestem out and we lost the tire on the way to Vegas.
As cmoehle said. The steams should be metal.
I took them off and use a dual angled filler which has a metal shaft so it is stable when pushing through to the inside dual. Kind of a pain and I couldnt use it with our DC compressor.
I don't check tires every day - usually only before a long trip, or if the RV has been sitting for a couple of weeks. My system is this:
We bought the rig (used. One of the first things we did was to put 6 new tires on it from a truck service center near us. They said they would be happy to check the pressure any time we wanted. And that's what we do - drive it to their center and have them check and inflate. It does get around the extender problem. Someday, I'm sure i will have to come up with a better system.
Mitch, Amanda, and the cats.
29' Class C, Winnebago Chalet
"Inside every older person is a young person wondering what the hell happened."
Hi Mitch,I just want to pass along to you,checking tire pressure should be done with the tires cold.If you drive more than 1/2 mile to the service center you are going to get a tire reading that is not accurate.always check pressure and air up when tires are cold
*This Message was edited on 14-Jun-02 01:30 PM by The Milkman*
Brent,
I had the same problem as you. I found a new gauge that has a straight end port on the tip and an angled port on the side as well. It cost about $20.00. You should be able to find them at most truck stops. I have seen them at several locations now. They also have air inflation heads configured exactly as this gauge. The gauge and air inflation heads work on my motorhome. My wheels are 22.5 inches with standard inward/outward valve stems. Hope this helps.
When I was new here I read about valve extenders. Had my dealer put them on. Read the package. They clearly say not to use them with rubber & brass valve stems - the kind rims come with from the factory in most cases.
$100 wasted (extenders plus labor to install) later I just removed them myself before my trip. Don't want a blow out like Don had on his new rig. And when the valve stem goes you loose the air fast.
And when the dealer installed them he got one a little loose. They can leak slowly if not tight.
I am going to find another answer. I *may* use them again with steel valve stems and some lock tite.
Meanwhile I can measure the pressure fine but I need to find one of those chucks to use to fill the tires and some kind of adapter to make it work with a portable compressor.
-Jim
*This Message was edited on 15-Jun-02 07:39 AM by HiTech*
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