New tire valve extensions September 10, 2019, 07:55:29 pm I wanted to share this info regarding the replacement of our factory-installed tire valve extension hoses. Our tires are Les Schwab Big Country, about 2 years old with 9k miles. One of our inside dual tires was losing air the past few months - about 10 psi in 30 days while stored. I took it to Les Schwab today to have the tires rotated and I told them about the slow leak. They found that the both inside extension hoses had wear marks, and the one was actually leaking. They said that this has been a fairly common problem with these flex hoses after a few years. Their suggestion was a set of 4 new rigid valve extenders. The cost was $125. Two images show the original flex hoses , and two show the new rigid extenders that were installed. I like the appearance of the new ones - no need for the clunky clamps around the wheel cover hub. And, still easy to check pressure. BTW, we run 65 psi in the front, and 70 psi in the rear.
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #1 – September 10, 2019, 11:24:25 pm John,It’s good that you ditched the flexible valve extenders and didn’t suffer a roadside failure. I understand that many RV enthusiasts feel fine with these extenders but many others have found solid steel long valves to be far more reliable for the very reason you’ve mentioned. That being said, I believe that even the long solid steel valves can experience ware on the inside valve if it rubs against the rim of the outer dually. A rubber boot installed in the outer rim allows the inner valve to remain centered as it passes through the boots centered hole. This prevents contact with the metal surface of the outer rim and eliminates the potential for damage. Here’s a pic of the boot showing the inner dually valve stem protruding. The TPMS sending unit is seen attached to the stem.Like you, we’ve been using long valve stems on our ‘15 RB. I had Borg stems installed shortly after we picked up our rig. Since then I have made additional upgrades to the stems to increase their ease of use with our TPMS. Thanks for sharing your experience. A valuable tip for all who plan on upgrading the OEM valve stems.Kent 1 Likes
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #2 – September 11, 2019, 12:04:02 pm John, welcome to LDO! Thanks for sharing your experience. Good to know that Les Schwab works on RV's!
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #3 – September 11, 2019, 01:43:20 pm Our '83 had the factory-installed flexible extenders for at least 16 years with no problems. When I replaced them with ones purchased at CW at that point, they began leaking soon after, so I discarded them. I believe the problem is that the source for a quality part is gone, so the cheap junk is all that is available.Steve
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #4 – September 11, 2019, 05:01:52 pm It was mentioned above that the rigid stem, rubbing against the wheel cover hole, can abrade the stem. Here is a pic of a stem which suffered that, found before it began leaking.Ken F in WY
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #5 – September 11, 2019, 05:15:21 pm Quote from: Steve - September 11, 2019, 01:43:20 pmOur '83 had the factory-installed flexible extenders for at least 16 years with no problems. When I replaced them with ones purchased at CW at that point, they began leaking soon after, so I discarded them. I believe the problem is that the source for a quality part is gone, so the cheap junk is all that is available.Our 1983 had flexible extenders, for eight years, and so did the 2003 for its OEM tires, before being replaced with extended stems. The hoses required careful installation to prevent leaking and rub through. Where the hoses passed through the wheel and cover, they were covered with clear plastic tubing. Frequent checking prevented any issues but if given a choice, go with the extended stems.Even extended stems need attention where they pass through the wheel and the stainless steel covers. Our 2003's covers needed trimming to open the openings up enough to prevent rubbing and to provide the space needed for a TPMS sensor.A Dremel tool with a sanding or die grinder, with a carbide burr, will trim the holes in the SS covers.Larry 1 Likes
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #6 – September 11, 2019, 07:45:21 pm "Our 2003's covers needed trimming to open the openings up enough to prevent rubbing and to provide the space needed for a TPMS sensor.A Dremel tool with a sanding or die grinder, with a carbide burr, will trim the holes in the SS covers."----If one has access to a plasma cutter (the tool and/or the one running it!), that works great to enlarge the holes in the wheel covers. The grinder also works well, of course; the holes in my 2003's wheel covers have been re-shaped using both methods. And, as Larry stated, covering the valves with a length of clear plastic tubing - I think the inside diameter is 3/8" - provides a first line defense against a chance cutting of the valve. The snap-on wheel cover (2007 on, IIRC) is the one that cuts into the valve because it can rotate around the wheel; the bolt on covers used in earlier 8-wheel hole models doesn't rotate, and as long as the wheel cover holes are sufficiently enlarged and clear the valves, the chance of the valves being cut is slim.
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #7 – September 11, 2019, 09:56:08 pm Ken, do you know what the material is of the stem in your photo?
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #8 – September 11, 2019, 10:00:07 pm "...do you know what the material is of the stem ..."Would I be too crass to think that it's brass?
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #9 – September 12, 2019, 08:56:20 am Not mine, but I think it was brass.Ken F in WY
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #10 – September 12, 2019, 10:43:30 am So I’m thinking stainless steel might be the better way to go.
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #11 – September 12, 2019, 10:57:24 am Greg, the materials of the dually valve kits sold on "Your Tire Supply" are labeled brass and chrome; I'd think that if these valves were stainless steel, they'd be labeled as such, so be sure to check with the vendor for the actual metal under the "chrome". And, to make sure that the correct kit is ordered for the specific application. I have no idea what the wheel configuration of the 2020 E-450s will be; probably the same as current models, but who knows? I think you have plenty of time to figure this one out! 1 Likes
Re: New tire valve extensions Reply #12 – September 12, 2019, 05:30:01 pm The important thing is for material compatibility between the tire valve stem material and extension material and TPMS sensor threads, or between solid long valve stems and TPMS sensor threads. Too far apart on the galvanic series and you're asking for corrosion to occur at the interface (the threads between them).
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