Inner Dual Wheel Extenders Impossble to install.

I have the wire mesh extenders on my duals for years and many miles. I need them or the expensive long solid stems & stabilizers because I really like my TST tire pressure monitoring system and to install those sensors without extensions aint gonna happen. Never had a problem with leakage because of them either.

BruceMc wrote:
Just got back last night on a 650 mile loop down the coast to Crescent City Ca, then back up via Grants Pass/Rogue River... Fun trip in 2 1/4 days!

Wealthwise, not much I can do to help on your questions regarding the Willamette Valley; we live several miles northwest of Dexter, and have owned the same place for many years. We haven't looked at the market in a decade, at the least.

Regarding checking pressure, it takes a firm push and hold on the gauge to get a good reading. I'm pretty good at it, but sometimes I have problems getting a reading w/o losing a bit of air.

The short length of hose was my way of dealing with the cap. I didn't want to leave it off, and as you noted, there's no way to get in there with your hands. I initially thought I could reach between the duals, but quickly found out that it was not gonna happen.

I had purchased the extender kit from an outfit that was going out of business, but then decided against using them. IF I was to purchase another set, they'd have the stainless mesh covering the hoses. This process works well for me so I'll leave well enough alone.

Thanks for responding, so what's the consensus here don't use the extenders there is a risk involved or only if they are the ones with stainless mesh covering, I think that's what I have,but you don't use extenders, what are you supposed to do check and get air in there?

Just got back last night on a 650 mile loop down the coast to Crescent City Ca, then back up via Grants Pass/Rogue River... Fun trip in 2 1/4 days!

Wealthwise, not much I can do to help on your questions regarding the Willamette Valley; we live several miles northwest of Dexter, and have owned the same place for many years. We haven't looked at the market in a decade, at the least.

Regarding checking pressure, it takes a firm push and hold on the gauge to get a good reading. I'm pretty good at it, but sometimes I have problems getting a reading w/o losing a bit of air.

The short length of hose was my way of dealing with the cap. I didn't want to leave it off, and as you noted, there's no way to get in there with your hands. I initially thought I could reach between the duals, but quickly found out that it was not gonna happen.

I had purchased the extender kit from an outfit that was going out of business, but then decided against using them. IF I was to purchase another set, they'd have the stainless mesh covering the hoses. This process works well for me so I'll leave well enough alone.

oldbeek wrote:
Valve extenders cause more problems than they solve. Mostly slow leaks. Schrader makes a good truck air nozzle that will reach the inner tire stem. You can also buy stem caps with lead seals that are hex on the outside and a tool that will reach through the hole to install and remove these caps.

But I what if you can't get the gauge or compressor on the valve stem?

Valve extenders cause more problems than they solve. Mostly slow leaks. Schrader makes a good truck air nozzle that will reach the inner tire stem. You can also buy stem caps with lead seals that are hex on the outside and a tool that will reach through the hole to install and remove these caps.

BruceMc wrote:
Here's my kit:
Compressor, dual foot straight pressure gauge, valve extender, 11/32's length of stiff rubber hose, and a big square knee pad:

This helps a lot, now I get it, well as for the outers I don't seem to have problems with them, it's the inner ones, and I can't can't get the gauge on there to get a good reading, so from what I can see all I need is the fuel line hose to get the cap off and easier, I should be able to pick that up at Autozone, for me it's not a chore, it's impossible! Ok so it's for my 94 Allegro Bay, what extenders do I need for them? If the Dicors don't work.

I don't want to go Off Topic, but Bruce I noticed your in the Willamette Valley, were moving there in Oct. that's why I'm getting the RV geared up, were going to the Eugene area, but interested in finding something not to out of the way, but remote enough that it's rural without having to go all way to Dexter, any thoughts or suggestions would be great. So far we haven't found too much that's in our price range, preferably under 200k. We used to live in Corvallis and Toledo more than 20 years ago, but that's too far from Eugene.

Would you guys take a look at my other 2 posts and see if you can help,
1. is about HWH Jacks and a low battery
2 is about my Air Cleaner,should I change it?

Thanks
Ken

BruceMc

Pretty slick set up!

Here's my kit:
Compressor, dual foot straight pressure gauge, valve extender, 11/32's length of stiff rubber hose, and a big square knee pad:




I added short curved extenders for the outer dual, and added a small stiff wire brace to help with flexing. Dealing with the outer dual is as simple as a single tire:



For the inner dual, I have the standard rubber schrader values. I would have liked to had the metal style, but that's what's on it. Maybe next time when I get new tires, I'll get the metal valves, but these are servicable:



Using the short length of hose (3/8" may work better, this is what I have), reach in and press it over the cap:



Unscrew the cap, here's what you have: Easy cap control!



Then with the straight shaft gauge, reach in, center it and give it a firm press & hold to get the pressure:



If you need to add air use the extension. It's fairly stiff and the female end is fixed to the hose - it doesn't rotate independent of the crimp. Reach in, thread it on. You'll hear a little air escape, thread until it stops:



Here's what you end up with... the male end has it's own schrader valve:



Now attach your compressor and add the desired amount of air; mine has a threaded end. It's a little more difficult with a push on type - two people may be need. Thinking about this, a stiff extender about the length of the hose would be perfect:



It took me about 5 minutes to dig things out, setup and take pics. Checking and airing the tires is no longer a chore.

If no air is required, then all you need is the length of hose and gauge. I keep mine in my handy toolbox stored in the space under the fridge.

Please don't add weight to "rubber" valve stems, even the "high pressure" ones our RVs are supposed to have. By that I mean please use the metal valves that install as a threaded fastener, not a pop-in arrangement. The rubber valves themselves have failed on a number of us. Adding extenders to them (and leaving them installed and driving with them) is just too much for the rubber type.
From what I understand, we RVers got stuck with the "eight round hand hole" wheels for a dozen years or so. The commercial market (look at rental trucks) got four real Hand Holes. Finally, RV chassis get Four Real Hand Holes. Last couple years or so.