Metal Valve Stem Extensions - opinions?

Rocket Heart · 04-23-2008, 08:30 AM

Pardon the rhetoric but need some experienced advise. I mentioned in a previous post that I was going to put the braided metal valve extenders on. Another forum I am on a few of the members seems to dislike like them and say they end up causing more harm then good.

I had them on my last coach and did have problems with one in the front - just replaced it and everything was fine.

Opinions please

Rocket Heart · 04-23-2008, 08:30 AM

Pardon the rhetoric but need some experienced advise. I mentioned in a previous post that I was going to put the braided metal valve extenders on. Another forum I am on a few of the members seems to dislike like them and say they end up causing more harm then good.

I had them on my last coach and did have problems with one in the front - just replaced it and everything was fine.

Opinions please

FrontRangeRVer · 04-23-2008, 08:37 AM

3 motorhomes ago, we had them....lost air in two duals due to them not being on tight enough....threw them in the trash!!

John Hilley · 04-23-2008, 09:59 AM

When I put new tires on I went with metal stems from here Tire-Man, he only lists a few kits and my F53 wasn't one of them. Talking to him got me what I needed. Some simulators need to be filed a little, mine didn't. Another source is Dually Valve Stems - Borg Supply. Either of these products gives you an all metal valve stem and brings the stem for the inside dual out to the same place as the outside stem. They are well worth the cost when checking air or filling.

ichn2go · 04-23-2008, 11:45 AM

I too have heard the cons about the extenders.
I have had them on all three of the Moho's I have owned and while they have caused me trouble, I would not be without them.. They have to be installed properly and very tight.

I am vertically challanged and don't bend very well so they are a life saver for me. Good Luck

Rocket Heart · 04-23-2008, 11:55 AM

Thanks for the input guy's - appreciate it. I am going to have my dealer install them and even pick out the right set - he say's unless their installed correctly they can cause problems.

I too am a little challenged with mobitlity and frankly don't know how anyone could check their air pressure without them?

JWatkins · 04-23-2008, 03:53 PM

I am wondering if a little dab of Loc-Tite blue would help solve the tightness issue? They should stay where you put them until you use enough force to break that grip. Normal wear and tear shouldn't do it, I wouldn't think.
Joe

ChasA · 04-23-2008, 04:54 PM

I keep asking the question, but nobody answers. How much do tire dealers charge to install the dually valve stems???????? i.e. remove outer wheels,remove inner wheels, unmount inner tires from wheels,install dually valve stems, reinstall everything removed.

ichn2go · 04-24-2008, 02:43 AM

ChasA, I don't remember what it costs. I am sure it would vary place to place. They did have to notch the rear wheel covers to mount the braided ones. They mount on the covers and are readily acessesable. The loc tite sure couldn't hurt. Maybe we can get a better idea of price after Rocket installs his. Good miles

Hikerdogs · 04-24-2008, 04:41 AM

We've had braided steel extenders on our coach since it was new in 01. I don't know the brand beacuase the dealer installed them before we picked it up. In over 7 years, 60, 000 miles and 2 sets of tires we've never had a problem.

One thing the dealer did tell us is to make sure the o ring (in the end that seals to the valve stem) is lubed properly when installing them. A little dab of dish washing detergent applied with a Q tip should do the job.

When properly lubricated the o ring will seal against the valve stem not bunch up as it's tightened. Don't use any petroleum based lubricants as they will attack and deteriorate the rubber.

John Hilley · 04-24-2008, 04:52 AM

Tire dealer here charges $25/tire to unmount, install new valve stem, balance and reinstall.

Rocket Heart · 04-24-2008, 05:48 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ChasA:
I keep asking the question, but nobody answers. How much do tire dealers charge to install the dually valve stems???????? i.e. remove outer wheels,remove inner wheels, unmount inner tires from wheels,install dually valve stems, reinstall everything removed. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was told by my dealer it's around $70.00 but I 'll bet it's closer to $100.00 - I'll let you know Monday.