Forum Discussion

paullac's avatar
paullac
Explorer
May 16, 2015

TPMS, Valve Stems, & Wheel Covers

Faulty leaking valve extenders on our Sunseeker have short circuited a trip each year now. So I'm planning to remove them altogether & replace with a TPMS. I'm leaning toward the TST 507 based upon what I've read on various RV forums (or one by Tire-Safeguard as it's ranked higher than the TST on Amazon).

Two questions:

- Can I, in fact, remove the valve extenders? I'd replace the valve stem with metal ones but it would just be the standard shorter length ones. I'd then install the TPMS directly on the valve stems. I'm thinking specifically about the inner wheels on the back. I know when I needed air on the inner wheels I'd have to contort my body some. I'm just trying to avoid another $150 for the Tire Man type longer metal valve stem / extenders.

- Also, do the flow through sensors "fit" on the valve stems with the simulated wheel covers still installed? I had read somewhere that because the flow through sensors are bigger they interfere with the simulated wheel covers.

Thanks in advance!
Class C

4 Replies

  • navegator's avatar
    navegator
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    If the valve stems are rubber those valve extenders tend to aggravate the problem, the rubber valves tend to vibrate and the extender helps to crack it.

    There can also be another problem, some cheap air pressure gauges, cheap ones tend to damage the valve internally and create a very small leak.

    If you can install metal stem valves they are better, no wiggle and try to purchase a good pressure checker, one made in the USA.

    There are gauges that are made for a dual tire set up, longer and the back end has a tighter arc so that it reaches behind the rim.

    navegator
  • Harvey51's avatar
    Harvey51
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    I have no problem with the inner duals. I just leave the wheel cover off and use a truck tire gauge.
    I used to need an extension for the outer wheels because the short stem didn't go past the hole in the rim and the gauge didn't extend very far backward. I had a failure to close after measuring with a metal extender. No trouble with plastic extenders in 6 years. When I got new tires at Costco last year, they put in a longer rubber valve stem and a 3/4 inch extender that appears to be rubber also. No problem so far. I have a small motorhome with only 60 psi.

    It is very handy to have some plastic hose that fits tight over an extender or valve cap. A piece about 6 inches long makes a great tool for removing or turning on a cap. I use it particularly on the car in the winter.
  • MobileBasset's avatar
    MobileBasset
    Explorer
    May 16, 2015
    The custom brass valves stems are sold for exorbitant prices by unscrupulous online vendors who see us coming. You can go to your local commercial trucking tire businesses and get the set for $30-40. In Orlando I used Gator Tires Commercial Tire shop. They can install and know what they are doing.
    Also depending on what you buy, your TPMS valve caps will hold batteries that need to be replaced so the extenders are valuable even with the monitoring system.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    May 16, 2015
    Can't comment on the monitors vs. the simulators other'n to say the stems like Borg and Tire Man will accept the monitors after the simulators are in place.

    I tried to avoid the cost of custom stems and hassle to install too. Got myself aggravated for years. People here told me "Get Them You'll Love Them." I finally did, and I really do.

    Don't worry about tire rotation on the rear duals. Hardly anybody does it nor does it seem to be needed. Some of us with spare tires rotate spare against the front two. If you have Ford wheels, I think you'll need longer than the standard metal valves to be able to get an air chuck, even an air gauge, onto them. There are custom 15-degree stems, but slightly longer is all you need.

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