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Topic: Steel Valve Stems (Read 4 times) previous topic - next topic
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Steel Valve Stems
Yahoo Message Number: 2923
- mylazydaze - Do you have an estimate on the cost to have steel valve stems installed? Is that just on the inside tires or all rear tires? Explain more about the stainless steel braided extenders on rear wheels. Is that on all 4 or only the outside? I had seen the truck type tire gage and thought that might be the way to go (what the previous owner used) but by your description it takes a fair amount of manipulation just to put air in the rear inside tires once they are checked, is that correct? I would rather have steel valve stems and extenders than frustration and busted knuckles.

I know Steer Safe has been talked about to some degree but I am wondering how many LD owners have installed this or a similar product? I did not experience any side wind (to note) when I drove my Baby Daze back from CA but am concerned about safety should a tire blow. What is the estimated cost of this product plus installation?

All input welcome.

- lovemyld -
Steel Valve Stems
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2924
In September 1998 it cost me $45 to have steel stems installed (including tire balance ) and the braided stem extenders bought at Lazy Daze installed. It was at a Firestone Truck Tire place in San Dimas, CA, a few miles from the LD factory. I, too, had the dual foot truck tire gage, but just could not manipulate it through the stainless steel wheel covers LD provides. I was told at the factory that Ford refuses to deliver chassis with steel valves installed and Lazy Daze does not have the heavy truck tire equipment to do it themselves. Tire pressure is critical to highway safety, and as laid out in your owner's manual, varies with load. It's important to load up your LD for a typical trip and then weigh it to get typical pressures for you. For long trips, where we really fill it up, I still weigh for the trip. Truck scales are common in almost any town - call your moving companies, gravel pits, etc. for their location. If all else fails, call your local police and see where they take suspected overweight trucks for weighing.

I can't help you on Steer Safe. I know I don't need it in the strongest of winds and suspect I wouldn't for a blowout.

Good luck

Gus Weber
Steel Valve Stems
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2934
My experince with steel valve stems. On my 1998 26.5 MB the wheels are a new style from Ford and the holes that you have to go through to add air are smaller than the older wheels. Although LD sells the extenders, they would not install them since Ford did not recommend using them. They likewise would not install steel stems. After installing the SS extensions myself, one of the inside rear tires, rubber stem broke and the tire went flat at 60 MPH and before I could get stopped the tire was ruined. This with less than 25,000 mi. We then searched all over Houuston TX. for steel stems, but could not find ones that fit these wheels just right. We had the best fit we could find installed and have had several flats and another ruined tire as a result. The only true fix I can find is to install older wheels with bigger hand holes so will go back to rubber stems and hire someone else to put air in when needed.
The LD is sitting in my carport with a flat from a very slow leak around the gasket of the steel stem.
Hope this helps.
Steel Valve Stems
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2936
John, thanks for the additional cautionary story.
I'm taking a wait and see approach, hoping that Ford has gotten their stuff more together since you had your problems. But forewarned is forearmed, as they say.

Bob
Steel Valve Stems
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2937
Hello Bothel, For pricing on the steel valve stems, call Tires Plus in Totem Lake. They are on 124th, about a block East of Larry's market. I'm looking at all four rear tires. The braided stainless extenders come in two types - one is always filled with air at pressure and the other is not - the latter has a plunger that activates the valbe stem schrader (sp?) valve when a gage or filler valve is pressed against the extender end. I believe both are sold at Camping World in Fife. A phone call to them should get you the current prices and a catalog mailed to you. If you have not been there, or have not joined Good Sam or the Camping World President's Club, I'd recommend both to you.

You are correct in your comment on putting air in the rear tires without the extenders installed.

I've had Steer Safe on our last Class C and will have it installed on our Lazy Daze for the reasons you mention. Every so often, Camping World has an installation special for 5 to 15 dollars - I'll wait for that. Again, a phone call will get you the current price. Joining the President's Club means at least a 10% discount from list.

Don McG
 
Steel Valve Stems
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2940
BigO is correct - our '99 26.5RB had the same challenge - a few additional comments - if you keep rubber stems make absolutely sure they are rated "High Pressure" as the passenger car stems will blow out - the round hand holes in the Ford steel wheels are a PAIN! - metal stems are available - go to a well stocked TRUCK tire shop - they will have the right ones - I like the Dicor brand extensions pkg of 4 for rear wheels only - kinda pricey at about $50 - I tried WheelMasters from Camping World and sent them back - the Dicor's include a nice bracket that goes under the cap nut of the wheel cover and makes a good fit - after installing extensions you should air up every tire to EXACTLY the same pressure then monitor the pressure regularly for about a week - any leaks usually show up - then just check pressures as usual (weekly in my case) - finally, once you have the metal stems you might think this is an easy do-it-yourself job ... well it is if you don't mind alot of jacking and torquing! Good Luck!