Tire Extenders
This may be a dumb question but because the tires have to be checked regularly why wouldn't the extenders come standard on the tires from the manufactory?
Forum Discussion
Good summary! It is a frustrating and dangerous situation. Even after buying a TireMan kit the fun is not over.
My friend had a $90K Class C with rubber valve stems and no way to check air pressures. I did some research and recommended a TireMan kit and TireTraker TPMS.
We went to the local tire place, encouraged the counter guy to read through the TireMan instructions, and hoped for the best.
Two hours later we return and the guy hands me the Loc-Tite included in the kit: "Oh, we don't need to use that."
Right. The TireMan includes Loc-Tite for no reason.
After a few hundred miles we were back with two stems leaking. The Loc-Tite got used this time.
Episode 2. I bought a 19 yo Class C. Out of 6 valve stems, only 2 were usable. The others had damaged threads and/or various bizarre extenders.
Hoping to save some money, I called up a local heavy tire repair place. Oh sure, we can set you up.
I go over there and of course they have no U-shaped or long valve stems. I'll be back, I told them.
Went home and ordered the TireMan kit for $180. When it arrived I went back. The good thing was, this operation is mostly outdoors so I could participate and help with following the TireMan's instructions.
"This is not my first ro-de-o", the tire tech informed me.
"Well, this is MY first ro-de-o", I informed the tire tech, and said I would like to learn from him. And help follow the instructions.
The guy was good. He used the Loc-Tite with minimal grumbling. But he would not do the careful alignment in the instructions. The stems do not touch the wheels or wheel simulators, but the rubber stabilizers do not fit. I was not happy about this but decided to let it slide.
What about balancing? "I can't balance with that thing sticking out," the tech insisted, pointing to the long straight stem on the inner wheel.
This seemed odd. Again, if the TireMan says to do it...
But I figured I was not going to drive over 55 mph, maybe I would luck out on balance, and if there was noticeable vibration (?) I would come back.
So, I got set up but it was a frustrating and not entirely correct process.
It is amazing to be driving these expensive 7 ton vehicles with such a critical component not set up correctly at delivery. But that is the nature of a system put together from very different components, as the previous poster explains.
It seems ridiculous, but if you are anywhere near Ridgecrest CA I would seriously consider having the TireMan install his kit. You know, like on the North American land mass or perhaps anywhere in the Milky Way galaxy.
Joking aside, that won't be practical for many so at least insist on going over the instructions with the tech who will do the work. Politely explain that the Loc-Tite needs to be used. Does the tech have any concerns or questions?
Good luck! If you find a good place or know of one, please post.
My friend had a $90K Class C with rubber valve stems and no way to check air pressures. I did some research and recommended a TireMan kit and TireTraker TPMS.
We went to the local tire place, encouraged the counter guy to read through the TireMan instructions, and hoped for the best.
Two hours later we return and the guy hands me the Loc-Tite included in the kit: "Oh, we don't need to use that."
Right. The TireMan includes Loc-Tite for no reason.
After a few hundred miles we were back with two stems leaking. The Loc-Tite got used this time.
Episode 2. I bought a 19 yo Class C. Out of 6 valve stems, only 2 were usable. The others had damaged threads and/or various bizarre extenders.
Hoping to save some money, I called up a local heavy tire repair place. Oh sure, we can set you up.
I go over there and of course they have no U-shaped or long valve stems. I'll be back, I told them.
Went home and ordered the TireMan kit for $180. When it arrived I went back. The good thing was, this operation is mostly outdoors so I could participate and help with following the TireMan's instructions.
"This is not my first ro-de-o", the tire tech informed me.
"Well, this is MY first ro-de-o", I informed the tire tech, and said I would like to learn from him. And help follow the instructions.
The guy was good. He used the Loc-Tite with minimal grumbling. But he would not do the careful alignment in the instructions. The stems do not touch the wheels or wheel simulators, but the rubber stabilizers do not fit. I was not happy about this but decided to let it slide.
What about balancing? "I can't balance with that thing sticking out," the tech insisted, pointing to the long straight stem on the inner wheel.
This seemed odd. Again, if the TireMan says to do it...
But I figured I was not going to drive over 55 mph, maybe I would luck out on balance, and if there was noticeable vibration (?) I would come back.
So, I got set up but it was a frustrating and not entirely correct process.
It is amazing to be driving these expensive 7 ton vehicles with such a critical component not set up correctly at delivery. But that is the nature of a system put together from very different components, as the previous poster explains.
It seems ridiculous, but if you are anywhere near Ridgecrest CA I would seriously consider having the TireMan install his kit. You know, like on the North American land mass or perhaps anywhere in the Milky Way galaxy.
Joking aside, that won't be practical for many so at least insist on going over the instructions with the tech who will do the work. Politely explain that the Loc-Tite needs to be used. Does the tech have any concerns or questions?
Good luck! If you find a good place or know of one, please post.
