Forum Discussion

MartyW's avatar
MartyW
Explorer
Nov 01, 2014

Which valve stems for tpms ?

Hi to all,

We're replacing our TT load range C tires with load range D tires. Many thanks to the folks who helped with that decision. The wheel manufacturer (Series06) recommends using a stronger valve stem when switching from the 50 psi to 65 psi tire.

With the new tires & valve stems we will want to use a tpms, and two questions come to mind concerning the tpms and valve stems:

With the tpms, are folks favoring the new flow-through sensors or are the lighter original non-flow-thru sensors still preferred? The flow-through sensors seem nice but is the added weight a concern for valve stem stress or balance?

And with the tpms sensors is a metal valve stem recommended?

So far our tpms research is pointing to probably either TST507 or TireTraker but not positive yet. The sensors appear to be pretty much the same in several of the new units with the same replaceable batteries.

Thanks in advance,
Marty
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2014
    RCMAN46 wrote:
    X2 on the metal valve stems for the higher pressures with our without the TPMS.

    I tried the 507 TST flow through. When mounted I was concerned I would drag them off if I ever got into deep mud or snow. I returned them for the standard sensors.

    Metal valve stems also come in different lengths. For the TPMS get the shortest length you can.

    Well, not necessarily the shortest. I got some all metal stems put on at the tire store one time, and I just barely could get the TST monitor screwed on. Then the first time I needed to add air, I discovered that the air chucks would not fit on because the stem was so short! Not enough clearance next to the rim. I had to go back and get longer ones put on.

    I wrote to TST recently to ask if the high pressure valve stems would be ok for my 510 system monitors, and they said yes. The high pressure stems, if I understand correctly, are metal with a rubber surround for most of the stem's length (one can see the brass-colored metal for perhaps 1/4" or so near the outer end). The tire stores around here seem to all stock the high pressure stems, but often they have to run and get the all metal stems from some supplier warehouse, so the high pressures would be more convenient.
  • MartyW's avatar
    MartyW
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2014
    Thanks Rcman46 for the tip on the shorter stems and for the x2 for metal and standard sensors over flow-through.
  • RCMAN46's avatar
    RCMAN46
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2014
    X2 on the metal valve stems for the higher pressures with our without the TPMS.

    I tried the 507 TST flow through. When mounted I was concerned I would drag them off if I ever got into deep mud or snow. I returned them for the standard sensors.

    Metal valve stems also come in different lengths. For the TPMS get the shortest length you can.
  • MartyW's avatar
    MartyW
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2014
    Thanks to all for the input and thanks fj12ryder for the info on the sensors.

    I spoke with a fellow at the local tire shop this morning and he tried to talk me into the heavier design rubber valve stems. When I mentioned tpms sensors I don't think he knew what I was talking about. I had read here that metal was preferred and this thread firms it up for sure. Thanks. I'll look for metal valve stems online and take them to him along with the tires when its time for the swap.

    Thanks again,
    Marty
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2014
    Metal valve stems is the only way to go with the TPMS sensors. :)
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2014
    X2 on the metal stems. I'd even have them without the TPMS if I had a choice.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Nov 01, 2014
    I have the TST system with the flow through sensors, and if I had to do it again I would just go with the regular sensors. The flow through are very restrictive and adding air is a pretty tedious process. If I have to add more than a couple PSI I take them off. Which pretty much negates the advantages.

    However I would add metal valve stems no matter what system I used. I've had too many of the rubber valve stems go bad just due to age. I would never add a TPS sensor to a rubber valve stem, just on general principles.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,114 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 22, 2025