Community Forums

s1njin · 04-22-2014, 06:48 PM

Hey All,

Okay so frustration number 1 for my new motorhome. I can't seem to check the tire pressure on the inner tire. I do have a braided extension clipped to the rim. My problem is as soon as I put pressure on the end of it by applying my tire pressure gauge, the extension starts to bend and I can't get a good seal on the gauge.

What am I doing wrong?

The outside tire with the valve pointing the wrong way is another issue entirely; though I did order a nozzle that has a 45 degree connector on the end. I'm hoping I can push it through the hole and than back it onto the stem and get a good seal.

EDIT:

Can I use these to just screw onto the end of the braid for the purpose of checking my pressure and filling up the tires? I'm thinking I could hold the long metal portion while I'm performing either maintenance, and than remove them and put them in the glove box for the next time.

http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Dualie...xgy_auto_img_b

s1njin · 04-23-2014, 05:55 AM

I can't be the ONLY one that's run into this. Anybody?

reitrof · 04-23-2014, 08:19 AM

You can use a truck type tire inflater that has openings on both sides.

I have the braided hose attached to the inner tire. I use the inflater and press on the opposite side to get a seal. I have a pistol type inflator with a hose like this.

Dual Chuck Tire Inflator with Dial Gauge

For the outer tire I have a cap installed that does not need to be removed.

s1njin · 04-23-2014, 08:24 AM

I have a similar inflator. I can't get a hold of the braided extension to hold it fast while I push on the end to inflate or get a reading. So I'm wondering if I attach a solid extension to the end of the braided extension just to check the pressure and fill, would it work? I can't see why it wouldn't. Of course I'll remove the solid extension when I'm done w/ my maintenance.

pcurt23 · 04-23-2014, 08:47 AM

You are not doing anything wrong. The motor home industry refuses to solve the tire inflation issue for rv owners so we are left to spend many dollars on various devices that allow us to preform the tire inflation task. Rant over.
There are extenders that can be fastened to the wheel cover to make it easier to check your tires. The outside dually can be fitted with a U shaped extender. There are also extenders for the front tires. The issue with extenders is that they can loosen and cause a leak. So when they are installed you should check the tire pressure frequently to make sure all is well.
There are many devices to "help" you manage your tires. You will eventually come up with the combination that you like.
I have 45degree angle extenders on the front tires. U shaped extenders on the outside rear and braided extenders on the inside that are fastened to the wheel cover. In addition I have flow through tire sensors. I also have a small compressor to fill the tires. It takes me 30 minutes or so to service the tires. I had the inside extenders installed at camping world.

s1njin · 04-23-2014, 03:05 PM

Okay, at least I'm not losing my mind. I'm staring at these tires going "I'm far from a idiot, what am I missing?" ....

CarlAda · 04-23-2014, 10:32 PM

You're missing the correct valve extensions. On my previous MH, I had the wire braided extensions installed and had similar issues trying to get a good reading. On my current MH, I have metal extended valves and adapters and it's much easier. I'd suggest taking a trip to a local truck tire shop and let them install metal valve stems and extensions. Any cost will be well worth the lack of aggravation you'll suffer down the road.

s1njin · 04-24-2014, 11:30 AM

FWIW, my solid extender on the end of the braided extender worked for checking the pressure and adding air.

I'll have to get it taking care of in a more eloquent way later in the coach's life.

cmalberto · 04-25-2014, 04:42 AM

Yes it is PIA is it not? I seem to repeatedly push too hard, forcing it to disconnect it from the tire mount connection thingy...the piece that keeps it somewhat in place/straight. I emphasize the somewhat.

That all being said...I just gave in and removed the tire rim/hubcaps. Problem solved with a little more effort.

The other issue I had was that I was constantly cutting my self on the hub caps while reaching into grab/hold the valve extensions that were in place.

Not a perfect solution - but at least now it is pain / cut free.

Steve N Sal · 04-25-2014, 04:47 AM

I don't have extenders on my read duals so I use a braided extension that I screw onto the valve and have it in hand. Then I apply the tire guage and get the reading. Works for me and make the job easy. I use the braided extension on all the tires.

CoCoDave · 04-25-2014, 05:36 AM

Here are a couple of items that I've found helpful. The holes in RV wheel rims often don't allow enough clearance around the valve stem to easily get the tire pressure gauge or air chuck into position. Not only do you need a "dual foot" end on both items but they should be "straight-in" and "180*". The "180*" part is difficult to find. This outfit has all manner of tire inflation implements.

Dual Foot 180* Tire Pressure Gauge

Dual Foot 180* Air Chuck

FWIW

charliej · 04-25-2014, 06:03 AM

My extension would pop out of that thingy holding it to the hub cap so I used several small plastic wire ties to hold it in place.

s1njin · 04-25-2014, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmalberto

Yes it is PIA is it not? I seem to repeatedly push too hard, forcing it to disconnect it from the tire mount connection thingy...the piece that keeps it somewhat in place/straight. I emphasize the somewhat.

That all being said...I just gave in and removed the tire rim/hubcaps. Problem solved with a little more effort.

The other issue I had was that I was constantly cutting my self on the hub caps while reaching into grab/hold the valve extensions that were in place.

Not a perfect solution - but at least now it is pain / cut free.

My hands are now cut up too - the stainless steel liners really are pretty sharp. I had managed to work unscathed until I dropped one of the stem caps while trying to unscrew - I knew it was going to happen eventually, just didn't expect it to happen as fast as I did. Real knucklehead move, and I paid for it digging out the cap.

Dr4Film · 04-25-2014, 06:33 AM

Suggestion #1. Get rid of the braided extensions. They will eventually leak and unless you have a TPMS you WILL have a tire disaster.

Suggestion #2. Purchase a new set of valve stems from Borg Tire Supply and have them installed.

You will never have anymore trouble with using your pressure gauge, TPMS, or anything with valve leaks.

Dr4Film ----- Richard