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Topic: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys (Read 289 times) previous topic - next topic
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Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Yesterday, while pulling away from a gas pump, I felt a "limp" in my passenger side duallys. It was a big rock.
I had to keep driving about 100 feet to a safe spot where I wasn't blocking other people and to work on removing it.

It was wedged tight. I couldn't remove it with my hands. I have a 3-foot level that just barely fit between the duallys and tried to push it out from behind. Didn't work.

Finally, I decided to deflate the inner dually in hopes I could pull/push/pry the rock out. I had to lower the pressure from 80 psi to about 40 psi before it would budge. All in all, it took an hour on concrete in the hot Texas sun to remove it.

After removing the rock (and giving it a new home out of the way of other vehicles), I used my Viair to re-inflate the tire and moved on down the road.

What a day!
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #2 –
I did remember there was some sort of solution with a tow strap. I don't have one so I used what I had with me (call it McGuyver). :-)

Thanks for the reminder to get a strap!
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #3 –
Deb
Glad you got the job done in the heat. It’s been a hot summer in most parts of the country..
And thanks to Rimrider for the reminder on the strap method, it is  a safe and effective solution.

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: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #4 –
Deb, keep the rock as a reminder to get a tow strap, then as a reminder for a great campfire story. Stay cool!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #5 –
Just ordered a tow strap......
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #6 –
Hi Debbie;  Glad you got that out.  A few weeks ago I was cleaning out my storage (passenger side) and found a tow strap. Couldn't remember why it was there.  Seemed like a good idea to keep it. Thanks for the reminder of why it is there.  RonB 
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
 
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #7 –
Good for you, Debbie, for getting it out by yourself. I had a similar experience some years back, only in my case the climate was at the opposite extreme: temperatures in the twenties F, with a stiff wind.

I did have a tow strap, but didn't learn about that extraction method until afterward. Instead, I hit the rock over and over again with a borrowed prybar until it finally fractured--not the best method, but it worked.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #8 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Deb, keep the rock as a reminder to get a tow strap, then as a reminder for a great campfire story. Stay cool!
I thought about keeping the rock *after* I left the area. It's about 1.5 hours away, not going back to get it. The pics will have to do.  ;)
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
Good for you, Debbie, for getting it out by yourself. I had a similar experience some years back, only in my case the climate was at the opposite extreme: temperatures in the twenties F, with a stiff wind.


Yikes, glad we both survived! I think I prefer the heat over the cold, my fingers would not have worked.

I have to admit, I think I was getting close to heat stroke. If I'd been thinking clearly, I would have put my awning out for shade. Afterward, I did go into the gas station store for the biggest cold drink with the most ice I could get before I drove away. I had a massive headache for a couple of hours.  ::)

Tow strap in the Amazon cart!
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #10 –
"I have to admit, I think I was getting close to heat stroke."

Sounds that way. I've been there, and have learned to stop and cool off (wet cloth on forehead, or whatever) at the first sign.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #11 –
Quote from: debinvenice  - 
Finally, I decided to deflate the inner dually in hopes I could pull/push/pry the rock out. I had to lower the pressure from 80 psi to about 40 psi before it would budge. All in all, it took an hour on concrete in the hot Texas sun to remove it.
Why did you decide to deflate the inner dually instead of the outer dually, or deflating both of them a smaller amount?
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Eric Greenwell  - 
Why did you decide to deflate the inner dually instead of the outer dually, or deflating both of them a smaller amount?

The valve stem for the inner is easier to access. The inner stem points toward me and the outer points away and requires me attach the hose from the viair between the tires to fill it. It's awkward.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #13 –
Deb, it sounds as if you would really benefit from Borg-style solid metal long valve stems. They make it easy to check and inflate/deflate both inner and outer tires.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
Deb, it sounds as if you would really benefit from Borg-style solid metal long valve stems. They make it easy to check and inflate/deflate both inner and outer tires.

I have Borgs (or at least some company's long metal stems).

The first image is the inside dually valve stem facing me. The second is the outer facing away from me.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #15 –
Hey Deb, this is how mine looks. The Tire Man extenders were installed by the original owner. I did modify one of the wheel covers with a Dremel tool to allow better clearance.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #16 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Hey Deb, this is how mine looks. The Tire Man extenders were installed by the original owner. I did modify one of the wheel covers with a Dremel tool to allow better clearance.

Does the outer stem have a hook or curve to turn it toward the front?

Sometimes, even Discount Tire has problems with my outer stems and can't fill the tire.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #17 –
Quote from: debinvenice  - 
Does the outer stem have a hook or curve to turn it toward the front?

Sometimes, even Discount Tire has problems with my outer stems and can't fill the tire.

Yes, that is the case.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #18 –
Thanks!

I'm looking at the Borg site. There seem to be several reverse mount valve add-ons that have the curve or j-hook to them. Unfortunately, I can't tell which one I should get.

If anyone reading this can direct me to the correct piece, please let me know.

BORG Equipment & Supply Corp. Inc. - Automotive Equipment & Supplies
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #19 –
You outer stems should have a 120 degree turn.
Hard to say which kit to get because of the aluminum  wheels, a non- stock item.
I would contact Borg directly and be ready to send photos .

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: Big Rock Wedged in my Duallys
Reply #20 –
I have a lot of documentation from the previous owner. I was told he was an aerospace engineer.

Anyway, I found this info:

RV Wheels

Std Ford wheel uses a .453“ Diameter hole for the Valve Stem. The gasket for metal stems comes from a TR 416 Valve stem.

Alcoa Hot Shot Wheels (Aluminum)
Front P/N 161261
Rear P/N 161262

Hopefully, this is useful.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty