Valve Extenders - Idiot Lesson 101

[golden]

I needed to replace valve extenders on my rear duallys so I went to my RV store, picked out a set that specified for 22" inch and above wheels, took them to the tire store, had them installed, and took off. End of story, right? Uh, no. I found out the hard way that there are not only different materials that compose an extender, but they are also different lengths and widths. How do I know this? About a mile down the road I heard a "wump, wump, wump". I got out and my new extender was now sticking way out of the hole and it had no valve on the end and the metal guide was gone. I limped back to the tire store, they filled up the tires, went back to the RV store, bought the CORRECT extenders, took them back to the tire store, had them installed, and off I went. This time no problem.

So, for those who like me didn't know the difference between extenders, don't make the same mistake I did. Make sure you get the right size the first time and save (in my case) $55, the price I paid for the original TOO BIG extenders. I know they say live and learn, but I'm getting tired of it costing so much money to learn!

The really good news is that my Michelin OEM tires with a DOT date of 0336 are still in excellent condition and there is no reason to buy new ones. This according to the tire store owner who told me to save my money until they are about 9 1/2 years old. I knew I liked him for a reason.

[oemtech]

Some peoples kids.... I told him want to buy and he still got it wrong.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by golden The really good news is that my Michelin OEM tires with a DOT date of 0336 are still in excellent condition and there is no reason to buy new ones.

Wherre can I buy tires that last that long? I'm onboard!

[Dave Leeper]

I had valve stem extenders installed also. So i took my mh to our camping world so i would not have any problems. WRONG. The inside duals came loose and bounced around between the two wheels. The out side 90* they installed backed off and became loose, Making the out side wheels lose air pressure. Now i'm trying to find someone here in town to fix this problem, other than camping world.

[mahon1993]

My MH came with extenders. They leaked. I removed them and installed a chrome hex valve stem cover. I use a long screwdriver handel with a 3/8" socket on the end to remove and install the covers, and a long handel pressure gague to check pressure. No more problems with failing extensions.
Greg

[jimkate]

Sorry, but I don't agree with your tire store owner. I think that if the tires are seven years old or older, they might be OK if the coach is parked and won't be driven.

[Finhawk]

Saving money or saving your rig and possibly your life! My tires are gone at 7 years, period. I'm too old to try to wrestle this thing with a blowout!!

[oemtech]

A lot depends on how much UV light they get... Mine rig is inside so they were pretty good. But, was getting some uneven wear and just starting to see sidewall checking. So, the fact they 7 years + I decided to get new tires. 6 245x75x22.5 Sumitomo's mounted, balancing beans, new steel stems and tax $1,885 IIRC.

As for extenders. I have had both the long version and the short version. If properly installed they work fine. But, get the braided SS version. If I ever hink I will change I would look at Dually Valves.

[jimkate]

My coach sits indoors on concrete between runs. It is not parked outside, so there are no UV issues to tires or paint. The last set of tires were replaced at 5 years of age, looked like brand spanking new when they were taken off.

I'm not taking any chances with the structure of the tire, which is the inner cords that I can't see, the cords that are the spine of the tire, that keep the thing together.

I've had 'experts' tell me that I don't need to keep the tires 'refreshed' like that, but I don't know one of them that will be willing to hold my hand and take the wild ride with me when a tire blows out.

[Clay L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oemtech SNIP As for extenders. I have had both the long version and the short version. If properly installed they work fine. But, get the braided SS version. If I ever hink I will change I would look at Dually Valves.

I had DuallyValves installed last November when I replaced my seven year old tires. They sure do make checking the air easy. They also provide a stable connection for my PressurePro sensors.

[golden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimkate Sorry, but I don't agree with your tire store owner. I think that if the tires are seven years old or older, they might be OK if the coach is parked and won't be driven.

Disagree to your heart's content. It's worse for tires that AREN'T driven than those which are used. Besides, if both the manufacturer and a reputable tire man tells me I'm ok, that's good for me. They make their money in the tire industry, I don't.

[golden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finhawk Saving money or saving your rig and possibly your life! My tires are gone at 7 years, period. I'm too old to try to wrestle this thing with a blowout!!

Wimp!