Last fall I went to Costco and replaced all four of my rear MH tires. Costco said they were able to do it but really they didn't have all the proper tools and knowledge. But that is another story. When purchasing the tires and making the appointment I told the sales person (which happened to be the manager) that I had a slow leak in one of the tires. I also asked about valve stems and extensions. He said they had some and just bring it in. So I did. Tires were replaced and we headed south within a week to FL. Checked pressure daily as we travel and no issues. Parked for the season in FL and when getting ready to travel back north April 1 I checked pressure and the same tire was flat. Called Costco to talk about it and the same manager said that they did not replace any valve stems or extensions as they don't stock parts for tires that big. I asked about cars and he said they always replace valve stems on cars. I just got back to town where the original Costco is and they said bring it in and they will look at it. But if it is a valve stem or extension, they don't stock them. Question: Should valve stems and extensions be replaced with new tires?

Usually it's a wise decision and most tire places will give you a choice. But the question is if the valve stem you have is rubber or steel? If rubber that could be your problem using an extension especially if the extension is steel. You could spray some soapy water on it when aired up to see where your problem is.

Stop getting tires from the "5 and dime" and go to a REAL tire place. They'll change the stems, etc when they do tires

Valve stems come in different PSI ratings. Costco probably only had the low PSI ones and didn't want to ding you like WalMart did to the prior owner of the 5'ver that I own now :M. Prior owner had new tires install and they put in automobile valve stems. So far 3 out of the 4 have leaked. FWIW, I would always replace the valve stems, but make sure they can handle the PSI rating for that tire.

I took all my valve stem extensions off and tossed them. They are nothing but trouble and cause leaks. And yes I had the "good" ones that take the place of the shorter stems (not the screw on type) they are for sure trouble,so now I check my pressure the hard way. Although I bought a special kit for taking pressure on those inner rear tires. Works great.

valve stems and extensions | Good Sam Community

etrippe
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
et2 wrote:
Usually it's a wise decision and most tire places will give you a choice. But the question is if the valve stem you have is rubber or steel? If rubber that could be your problem using an extension especially if the extension is steel.

You could spray some soapy water on it when aired up to see where your problem is.

mine are metal and it looks like they screw right into a fitting in the wheel. Then there are the extensions that are screwed into that one. The inner tire of one of the duals is the one leaking. I can't get at it with out removing the outer tire. I have bought new braided metal extensions so when I take it somewhere I can give them that to fix it with (as long as that is where the leak is).
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Apr 13, 2014
shame on them , they could go down the street to a auto shop and get the right stems, always replce the stems ,they dry rot .
Sully2
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
donandmax wrote:
I took all my valve stem extensions off and tossed them. They are nothing but trouble and cause leaks. And yes I had the "good" ones that take the place of the shorter stems (not the screw on type) they are for sure trouble,so now I check my pressure the hard way. Although I bought a special kit for taking pressure on those inner rear tires. Works great.

Ive had extension hoses to my rear wheels for more than 15 years. I had a leak ONCE and that was MY FAULT! It only proves that you have to be smarter than the extension hoses.
artguys
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
donandmax is 100% correctemundo!!!!! always have the correct stem installed not extensions.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Apr 13, 2014
We had ours done at a truck facility. They have the correct valve stems and extensions for a motorhome.
donandmax
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
I took all my valve stem extensions off and tossed them. They are nothing but trouble and cause leaks. And yes I had the "good" ones that take the place of the shorter stems (not the screw on type) they are for sure trouble,so now I check my pressure the hard way. Although I bought a special kit for taking pressure on those inner rear tires. Works great.
John_Joey
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
Valve stems come in different PSI ratings. Costco probably only had the low PSI ones and didn't want to ding you like WalMart did to the prior owner of the 5'ver that I own now :M. Prior owner had new tires install and they put in automobile valve stems. So far 3 out of the 4 have leaked.

FWIW, I would always replace the valve stems, but make sure they can handle the PSI rating for that tire.
Sully2
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
Stop getting tires from the "5 and dime" and go to a REAL tire place. They'll change the stems, etc when they do tires
Don_Don
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
I do it.
et2
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
Usually it's a wise decision and most tire places will give you a choice. But the question is if the valve stem you have is rubber or steel? If rubber that could be your problem using an extension especially if the extension is steel.

You could spray some soapy water on it when aired up to see where your problem is.

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valve stems and extensions

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