Tire Valve Extensions

[TLRegister]

In preparation for our next trip, I took our MH to get a few things topped off (fuel, DEF, propane) and to get the air checked in the tires. Two different RV dealers in West Houston did not have the time to assist me with the tires. So, I went to a commercial tire service shop down the street.

The service technician was extremely helpful. He checked and filled all of my tires, as needed.

My two inner rear tires have valve extenders so that the valve protrudes through the outter wheel. These extenders have a rubber spacer that keep the extender from moving around. The spacer for one of the two wheels was missing... which resulted in the valve extender knocking up against the wheel when in motion.

After a few thousand miles, the valve extender had a flat spot on it which soon would result in a leaking valve. This would result in a flat... NOT GOOD!

I share this with you all so that you're all on the lookout for this potential hazzard.

Terry

[sdennislee]

Thanks for taking time to share your safety tip, much appreciated

[bmcfaror]

The tire shops I have talked to say these valve extenders will all leak at some point and recommended removing them. This was after we ended up with 2 flat tires due to leaks....luckily not while in motion.

[AFChap]

Few rvs have the good solid metal extensions, and few that do have the rubber stabilizers ...with them, solid metal extensions should be trouble-free just as mine have been for 9 years and 60k + miles.

[Fred and Bonnie]

Even though my extenders are braided metal, I split plastic tubing, placing it over the extenders, long enough to prevent running where they go thru the wheel simulators. Electrical cable ties secure the plastic tubing. I have used this system over 8 years with no problems.

fred

[Jim_HiTek]

Bought the solid brass extenders several years ago and I'm happy with them but I did have one lose it's seal one time. Didn't care for that, but I was parked when it happened. I've heard many more horror stories about the braided style then the solid extensions though.

[FleetMan]

Our MH came from Winnebago with plastic like extenders on the rear inside tires. They absolutely have not leaked down in the six years we have had the coach. They have a Winnebago part number which I do not have handy but I picked up a spare set from Litchen (sp) in Forrest City, IA should I ever need them. I also use the air through "Alligator" caps and love them.

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by AFChap

Few rvs have the good solid metal extensions, and few that do have the rubber stabilizers ...with them, solid metal extensions should be trouble-free just as mine have been for 9 years and 60k + miles.

X2. Mine have never had a problem in 60,000 miles.

[reitrof]

Where can you buy the rubber stabilzers? Do these fit in the hole in the rims?

Thanks

[AFChap]

Originally Posted by reitrof

Where can you buy the rubber stabilzers? Do these fit in the hole in the rims?

They fit the hole in aluminum rims ...different sizes/shapes. Check a big truck tire place, or internet search for "valve extension stabilizer" or similar. Both Alcoa and Accuride make them, so it may help to add o e of those names to the search. You'll need to know the shape and size hole in your wheels. I prefer the Alcoa version even on my Accuride wheels.

[reitrof]

Originally Posted by AFChap

They fit the hole in aluminum rims ...different sizes/shapes. Check a big truck tire place, or internet search for "valve extension stabilizer" or similar. Both Alcoa and Accuride make them, so it may help to add o e of those names to the search. You'll need to know the shape and size hole in your wheels. I prefer the Alcoa version even on my Accuride wheels.

Not running Aluminum rims but steelies. Do they make them for steel as well?

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by reitrof

Not running Aluminum rims but steelies. Do they make them for steel as well?

They do, but they are springs or steel bands, not the rubber biscuits.

[George Lewis]

I had the braided extensions on my inside rears. One broke somehow at 5:00 pm on a Dallas freeway @ 60mph...the inside blew and took the outside with it...talk about 20 seconds of terror...I was all over the road but no one hit me...my tire service guy said don't use them, go to a 18 wheeler shop and get the brass extensions the pro's use....I did!

[cutrell01]

Originally Posted by reitrof

Not running Aluminum rims but steelies. Do they make them for steel as well?

Goggle valve extension stabilizers and you will find rubber ones and wire ones for steel wheels.