Is there such a thing a decent valve extender?

I used the Borg Dually (one piece) valves on our previous coach. They worked OK, but two of them would always have a very, very slow leak that we could never figure out. It was a slow enough leak, was not a real problem, was just annoying to have to keep putting air in every so often,

Eventually, I switched to using braided extensions and the problem went away. The trick is you have to find ones that are AIRLESS. Meaning, there is no air pressure in them normally, so it doesn't matter if they work loose, you will not lose any air. Only time there is any air pressure in them is when you put a gauge or air compressor on them and press on the Schrader valve.

Have been using those extensions for many years, on two different coaches. Have never had a problem with them, yet.

Scooby, will have to see if I can find some of those valve caps. I rarely get pulled over or go thru dot scales. This has not been a BIG issue. When I do go thru etc, it's usually just weight per axle, extinguisher, voltage on trailer brake battery, lights working etc. Probably due to local usage vs OTR.

Marty

Not a valve extender but an extended valve

Dually valves.

I have the right inflator head and 2"metal stems on all 6 but it still helps to have extensions on the outer duals. I have very old 3/4" plastic extensions and they are made with thick, strong plastic and they're doing fine. The best extensions are the metal, double sealed, cap, extensions. Sometimes the extensions don't flow W.A.S. and I'm careful not to break my good flowing plastic extensions. Craig

I've had 6" solid extensions from Amazon for 2 years and no issues. I did use a support for them through the hand hole in wheel.

blt2ski wrote:
You could get yourself a gauge that is around 18' long, has a straight end, and the reverse at an angle. This is what I have found to be and easy way to check my DW rigs going back to 89 when I bought my first one. I also have a fill up end for my compressor that makes it easy too.
Don't get the gauge/fill type with both ends angled. If you have small openings like I do on my Navistar dump truck, you cannot get the gauge into and check the back tire very easy. Then again, the small openings make it hard to get one's hand into the hole to remove the cap too.
I have never heard good things about any of the extenders since buying my first DW rig, thirty plus years ago!

Marty

I often wonder about the idea of valve stem extenders. Started working around duels in '60s and have owned hundreds of sets, on class 3, 5, 7 and 8 without extensions.

Marty, when I got my first set of Pete wheels with small holes I grabbed my drill index and a scrape of wood. Found which size bit gave a slight press fit for metal cap. (Never use plastic cap. Heat of brakes can melt cap, and that plastic can let air out of tire.) Use that bit to put hole in end of piece of broom handle. Worked until I discovered the DOT approved (Yes RVers, CMV can be ticketed for not having valve caps) caps that you can check/air thru. Ask your tire shop.

You could get yourself a gauge that is around 18' long, has a straight end, and the reverse at an angle. This is what I have found to be and easy way to check my DW rigs going back to 89 when I bought my first one. I also have a fill up end for my compressor that makes it easy too.
Don't get the gauge/fill type with both ends angled. If you have small openings like I do on my Navistar dump truck, you cannot get the gauge into and check the back tire very easy. Then again, the small openings make it hard to get one's hand into the hole to remove the cap too.
I have never heard good things about any of the extenders since buying my first DW rig, thirty plus years ago!

Marty

The extensions on mine have been there for almost 6 years now and have never leaked. I do have the tires inspected every year.

My extentions have been on for more than 5 years without any problems. custom made to fit from Wheel Master in Vancouver Washington

my flex ext have been on 4years not a leak ,but next tires will borg,s.