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Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
[Modified topic title to be descriptive - Michelle]

So I read the dozens and dozens of posts about tire installations.....about letting the tire store and installers know that I've got extended valves (I used Chuck's)........check, check, check and triple check...let them all know at America's Tire...........%$#&^*&^.....if they don't come up to me with a broken brass extension...."sorry but our installer snapped this off".....I immediately was transformed to my university days where I played rugby...and proceeded to voice my displeasure using language used during those matches from a long, long time ago..........so good people....could one of you point me in the appropriate direction where I can purchase a single extension much like TireMan's (Borg, etc.)?

TIA......so pi$$ed.....

Bill
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....
Re: Unbelievable
Reply #1 –
Borg is easily the easiest place to get the parts you need. They ship directly to you and can answer all your questions. Just give em a call. Your Tire Shop Supply | Supplies for Tire Shops

Then there is Allen Tire Company who is recommended by Borg for their valve installation. Allen TC in Long Beach installed my set. They carry Borg valves so you may want to call one of their outlets and see if they can help you out.

Allen installed my Borg valves on the dually’s for $60. They are still working perfectly.

Kent

 
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #2 –
I updated the topic title to describe what the OP was actually asking
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #3 –
Discount Tire busted one of our extended stems, I sent them over to Borg Tire for a replacement.
Be careful when rotating the rear tires, the protruding stems are easy to damage.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #4 –
A mechanic at a Ford shop (a very contrite and apologetic mechanic) snapped the end off of the long inside dual valve on my LD 2-3 years ago; the valves had remained undamaged through three tire changes, but didn't make it through a rear brake service. The valves were the originals installed by Chuck right after taking delivery in 2003, and although the valves, washers, and grommets were all still sound and tight (except the valve now missing its threaded end!), I ordered the whole replacement kit, printed out the instructions (kept a copy of these in a file) and kept a close eye on the process as the mechanic installed the new valves.

Since that time, new tires have again been installed, again without removing the valves from the wheels. All the services involving the wheels, tires, brakes, and whatever else can be done without removing the valves from the wheels, but this requires that the mechanic or tire tech take care, avoid the "slam and whang" routine that too many seem to use as their usual MO, and pay attention to what s/he is doing to protect the valves, particularly the vulnerable long inside dual valve stem!

BTW, a valve core tool should be a part of everyone's tire kit; valve cores do loosen and may cause slow leaks. (Don't over-tighten and break the core.) Here are a whole lot of choices:

Amazon.com: valve core tool
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #5 –
Yes..had the same happen to an outside rear dually at les Schwabs, and an inside at Discount Tires..they paid for the replacement..I think it was $50, because they are usually sold in sets.
At 08:52 PM 5/31/2019, you wrote:

Quote

Discount Tire busted one of our extended stems, I sent them over to Borg Tire for a replacement.

Be careful when rotating the rear tires, the protruding stems are easy to damage.
Larry
Larry

2003 23.5' Front Lounge.  2001 Jeep Cherokee toad Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

You can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
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Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #6 –
I had flat tire via a slow leak a few days after new tires were installed on the rear. The cause was a slightly damaged end of one of the valve extensions. It had a small dent in it that prevented the TPMS sensor from sealing completely. I fixed it with a small, fine file, filing the end until the dent was gone.
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Unbelievable
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Borg is easily the easiest place to get the parts you need. They ship directly to you and can answer all your questions. Just give em a call. Your Tire Shop Supply | Supplies for Tire Shops

Then there is Allen Tire Company who is recommended by Borg for their valve installation. Allen TC in Long Beach installed my set. They carry Borg valves so you may want to call one of their outlets and see if they can help you out.

Allen installed my Borg valves on the dually’s for $60. They are still working perfectly.

Kent

This is excellent news for me, I've been going to Allen for years with my passenger cars, but I didn't know if they were to be trusted with that valve or if I needed to find someone else to take care of the RV tires.
Hi, I'm Jo!
My little red wagon is a 1997 23.5 TK
Re: Unbelievable
Reply #8 –
Quote from: squeakytiki  -  June 03, 2019, 05:54:40 pm
This is excellent news for me, I've been going to Allen for years with my passenger cars, but I didn't know if they were to be trusted with that valve or if I needed to find someone else to take care of the RV tires.

Whatever tire shop you use, inform the salesperson that the rear tires have extended stems and that stye require special care,
Make a big a point of it!    It's too easy to damage a stem.
If possible, I will even stand outside the work area and watch the installer. Many times the LD sits outside the tire shop and I can stand close by when they install the rear wheels, the installers always seem to need instructions on dealing the long inner stems and the grommets.
Glad we only have to deal with this every 5-6 years.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #9 –
I just had new tires installed at all positions.  Although I've had problems with extensions on other MHs, I'm thinking I may try again.  What brand, type, etc do you folks recommend?  Borg?  Or is that just a supplier?  How do you figure out what to ask for?  At a local RV shop, there were many options depending on how it had to be routed.
2006 31' IB
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #10 –
I had Chuck the Tire Man install the extensions on my first LD in 2002.  Everything was great until I had my first tire rotation by a truck tire place.  I think they broke one of the extensions on the inside dually.  They did not tell me this at the time and I did not find out until later when I had my tires replaced - by a different truck tire place.  I made sure that they understood about being careful with the extensions.  As they were replacing the tires, that's when they told me that the inside dually did not have an extension.  I called Chuck the Tire Man and had him ship me a replacement and had it installed.  Then I started getting random flat tire on the driver front tire.  Apparently, the place that put the new tires on did something to that extension.  I had them fix it and there was no more problems.  But I was always anxious whenever I had the tires replaced.  I had the LD for 15 years, so there we two more tire replacements done.  But no further problems.

Then in 2017, I purchased a new LD but did not have time to stop at Chuck the Tire Man to have extensions installed.  When I got home, I called Chuck and had him ship me the extensions.  I discussed with him the experiences I had with the previous extensions.  He explained to me the importance of giving the installation instructions to whoever installs them.  He also had a listing of places across the country that had previous installed "his" extensions.  The closest place to me was a place near Cleveland, OH.  One of these days I'll make the trip.  Also, after reading the posts about TPMS, I might have them installed as well.  Anyway, currently it's a chore to put air in the tires.  Sure was easier with the extensions.  Also, I think Chuck passed away shortly after I talked with him on the phone.  At that time, he was no longer installing the extensions. He said he liked to spend his time fishing.  He's a good guy and also funny. 
Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
2017 27' Mid-Bath
 
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #11 –
"Although I've had problems with extensions on other MHs, I'm thinking I may try again.  What brand, type, etc do you folks recommend?  Borg?  Or is that just a supplier?  How do you figure out what to ask for?  At a local RV shop, there were many options depending on how it had to be routed."
-----
Long and U-shaped valves are not extensions; the valves available from Borg (see the link below) replace the original valves in the wheels. Valve "extensions" are the rubber hoses, usually covered with stainless steel mesh, that attach to the original valve in the wheel and and are routed from the valve to the outside of the wheel cover; the extensions are often attached to the center of the wheel cover.

Many LD owners (and others!) have log ago ditched valve extensions in favor of the long/configured valves; if the valves are installed properly, they are very reliable, do not leak, and make checking and airing the tires a very simple job.

I definitely agree that it is critical that the installer read, understand, and follow the installation instructions, including using all the parts that come in the kit! Installation of the valves is not difficult, but it does require care and attention. I suggest that the rig owner do the following after ordering and receiving the appropriate kit before searching out/going to a shop to install the valves:

Check that the kit contains all the parts; there should be an "exploded" parts list.

Read all the directions so you will understand the installation procedures; make and keep a copy of the parts list and installation instructions.

If possible, watch the job being done; if you've read the installation instructions, you'll know if the installer looks bewildered when s/he picks up the large rubber grommet (support for the long inside dual valve as it comes through the hole in the wheel) , decides it's some stray piece that was put into the box in error, and dumps it! (No, I am not joking.)

Remove the wheel covers before going to the shop; this will make the installer's job easier, and you will not have wheel covers flying off on the road because the installer (and/or tire shop person) had no clue how to put them back on. (Still not joking.)

Inspect the installation before accepting the job.

See the information at this link:

Duallyvalve Kits for Ford, GM, Dodge - Class C

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Joan  - 

Duallyvalve Kits for Ford, GM, Dodge - Class C
Joan - I'm going to order from here (Thank you for the link).....since my original TireMan (2013 install) are still there on all but the passenger side dually, I should just have that one installed and keep the rest of the kit for future "issues", correct?
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #13 –
Thanks.  I've already checked out Borg and it seems to be the right place.  I've put in a call/email to them to understand what the parts are: two 7" long valves, and two angled valves.  I understand the long ones are for the inside duals; what are the short ones for?
Thanks again.
2006 31' IB
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #14 –
"I understand the long ones are for the inside duals; what are the short ones for?"
---
If by the "short ones", you mean the U-shaped valves, they are installed in the outside dual wheel;  the U-shape allows the valve to curve back through the hole in the wheel. The end of the valve presents to the outside of the wheel so it's easy to check and air.  
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #15 –
"...since my original TireMan (2013 install) are still there on all but the passenger side dually, I should just have that one installed and keep the rest of the kit for future "issues", correct?"
---
That's difficult to answer. My valves were the originals from Chuck in 2003, so when the mechanic broke the tip off of the inside dual valve a couple of years ago, I ordered the kit from Chuck and replaced all 6 valves. Everything was tight and the washers and grommets and all the valves (the ones without the tip broken off!  :( ) were still in good shape after about 14 years, but I figured that replacing the whole set was good preventive maintenance.

Your valves are only 6 years old, so you may want to just make sure that the washers and grommets are not worn or cracked and the valves themselves still tight and sound and not scored from the wheel covers and just replace the one. But, since your rig is 6 years old, I suppose that the tires are, too? If so, you may want to replace the tires and install a complete set of new valves at the same time, if you have a skilled and careful tire shop/tech!

I tend to replace parts before the "maintenance schedule" indicates, and/or don't replace "piecemeal", but  I realize that this does not work for everyone.  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
But, since your rig is 6 years old, I suppose that the tires are, too? If so, you may want to replace the tires and install a complete set of new valves at the same time, if you have a skilled and careful tire shop/tech!

I tend to replace parts before the "maintenance schedule" indicates, and/or don't replace "piecemeal", but  I realize that this does not work for everyone.  ;)

Joan - that's what started this whole experience for me...just got new tires installed (Defenders) last Friday and it was during this process that they broke one of the dually valves....even after all my warnings...ugh
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #17 –
Oh, sorry; I should have re-read your original post!  ::)  My mechanic was pretty red-faced about snapping off the tip of the valve, but he owned up; stuff happens. And, he knows that I check!  ;)  Let us know how this works out!
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #18 –
Another thing to watch for when having the Borg stems installed - make sure the technician balances the wheel with the rubber grommet in place.  The sad story is - the day after our recent factory delivery we took our LD to a reputable shop to have the stems installed. Unfortunately, I did not notice that the technician balanced the wheel without the grommet in place.  Instead, he installed the grommet after he put the wheels back on the coach (my mistake for not insisting he remove and re-balance).  As a result, we suffered a minor vibration between 55 and 60 mph most of the way to Cachuma Lake for the Lazy Daze get-together.  The shop owner of course agreed it was a mistake and offered to re-balance free of charge.  Doing so would have incurred considerable fuel expense, however as we store our coach in the Pismo Beach area.  The cheaper alternative was to pay another shop to re-balance the rear wheels.  I won’t make that mistake again.
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #19 –
Quote from: WhiteElk  - 
Unfortunately, I did not notice that the technician balanced the wheel without the grommet in place. 
How much do those grommets weigh? The ones on my stems look very light, lighter than the TPMS sensor I screw on to the valve stem, and the sensors make no noticeable difference in the wheel balance. After all, two wheels with tires must weigh 150 pounds, so a 1 oz grommet seems unlikely to upset the balance! I suggest it was something else causing the minor vibration.
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #20 –
I made a file copy of the valve installation instructions that came with Chuck's valve kit; there was no mention of balancing the outer dual wheel with the grommet in place. In fact, positioning and installing the "2 inch rubber stabilizer" (in the outer wheel hole) over the long inside dual valve and aligning both valves was the last step (both duals individually balanced after installing the valves) before re-installing the duals. The grommet (stabilizer) is necessary to support the inside dual, but I don't see how its insignificant weight might affect wheel balance and cause a vibration.

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #21 –
Eric Andrew and Joan, you may well be right. The vibration was only slightly reduced when I removed the grommets (they are back in now to protect the stems).  I will say that based on personal wheel balancing experience (my father co-founded the company that invented the electronic spin wheel balancer), a difference of as little as half an ounce, applied in the wrong spot can May a significant difference in a wheels balance.  I wonder if It may have been simply a poor balancing job.... 
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #22 –
"...based on personal wheel balancing experience (my father co-founded the company that invented the electronic spin wheel balancer), a difference of as little as half an ounce, applied in the wrong spot can May a significant difference in a wheels balance."
---
Good to know this, Warren! Thank you.  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #23 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
"Although I've had problems with extensions on other MHs, I'm thinking I may try again.  What brand, type, etc do you folks recommend?  Borg?  Or is that just a supplier?  How do you figure out what to ask for?  At a local RV shop, there were many options depending on how it had to be routed."
-----
Long and U-shaped valves are not extensions; the valves available from Borg (see the link below) replace the original valves in the wheels. Valve "extensions" are the rubber hoses, usually covered with stainless steel mesh, that attach to the original valve in the wheel and and are routed from the valve to the outside of the wheel cover; the extensions are often attached to the center of the wheel cover.

Many LD owners (and others!) have log ago ditched valve extensions in favor of the long/configured valves; if the valves are installed properly, they are very reliable, do not leak, and make checking and airing the tires a very simple job.

I definitely agree that it is critical that the installer read, understand, and follow the installation instructions, including using all the parts that come in the kit! Installation of the valves is not difficult, but it does require care and attention. I suggest that the rig owner do the following after ordering and receiving the appropriate kit before searching out/going to a shop to install the valves:

Check that the kit contains all the parts; there should be an "exploded" parts list.

Read all the directions so you will understand the installation procedures; make and keep a copy of the parts list and installation instructions.

If possible, watch the job being done; if you've read the installation instructions, you'll know if the installer looks bewildered when s/he picks up the large rubber grommet (support for the long inside dual valve as it comes through the hole in the wheel) , decides it's some stray piece that was put into the box in error, and dumps it! (No, I am not joking.)

Remove the wheel covers before going to the shop; this will make the installer's job easier, and you will not have wheel covers flying off on the road because the installer (and/or tire shop person) had no clue how to put them back on. (Still not joking.)

Inspect the installation before accepting the job.

See the information at this link:

Duallyvalve Kits for Ford, GM, Dodge - Class C



Ugh!!

I've been going through having the Borg kit installed this past week and I wished I read your post before I gave the kit to the installer.

I gave them the kit on Monday without opening and reading the instructions first. When I checked on the installation, I noticed that they hadn't installed the rear Dicor wheel covers. I asked about that and was told the the inner valve stems didn't align with the covers. So I called Borg and was told that they didn't read the instructions, so I had Borg send the instructions to me which I then read.

It was then that I noticed the parts about bending the stems with a pipe, torquing them at 40 foot pounds, and using the thread lock on the nuts so they don't come loose. Also about the spare grommets that I was supposed to have given back.  I went back to the tire  shop and asked to talk to the technician that installed them. Did you use the thread lock, torque them at 40 fp, save the spare grommets? Nope! So I told them that they would have to reinstall them correctly which they said they would. I left them with the Borg instructions and my email correspondence with Borg and left,.

 I work next to this shop, so I noticed my RV was taken to get worked on at about  7:30 am and that it was back out at around 9 am, so in an hour and a half they took all six tires off the rims, re-installed the valve stems correctly, mounted and re-balanced the tires AND took switched the spare tire with the front right tire ( which deserves an whole next post for that fiasco!). I noticed that the covers were on but the oval rubber supports were not installed.

I find it hard to believe that they did all of that work in 1-1/2 hours, so I'll be taking it to another shop to have it done correctly once the I get the spare grommets and thread lock from Borg. And I will make sure that I go over what I expect them to do this time. Never a dull moment around here!

Ron
2009 Island Bed
2009 31' IB "BoonDoggle"
2014 Honda CRV Towed
Re: Tire valve extensions (was Unbelievable)
Reply #24 –
Ron-

I went through a similar experience last week with our SOB (Some Other Brand) coach. I can only hope that the installation holds air over the long haul.

As far as balance goes, the shop said they don't spin-balance truck or RV tires/wheels. I didn't care as much about that, as I had them install a set of Centramatics balancers with the new tires and stems. Maybe they are correctly installed. We'll see.

On the grommet, when I got home I removed the wheel simulators and reworked the grommets so they applied less lateral pressure to the stem. I think the grommet design is poor, as the stems go through the grommets at about a 20-degree angle, rather than 90 degrees. That is now less of a problem after the rework.

I told a friend that my experience with the tire shop was not so bad I would never go there again, but not so good that I would go there again, given other choices. It is sad to find many companies or employees really don't go the extra mile in their work. When I do find folks like that, I hang onto them.

Mark H
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath