Forum Discussion

paullac's avatar
paullac
Explorer
Jun 02, 2015

Valve Stem / TPMS 101 Questions

I've had past problems with leaking valve extenders. Basically a trip interruption each of the last 2 years now. We are taking a 2 + week trip this year so want to try to minimize the risks as much as possible. Here's what I want to do. Am I missing anything?

- Replace the existing valve stem / aftermarket extender combination with an all in one system like Tire Man or Dually Valves. I figure going to an all in one system will take away at least some chance for leaks. Plus, I believe I need an all metal system for TPMS. That said, does anybody have contact info for Tire Man as I can't get their website to open?

- Possibly add a TPMS system as well. TST507 seems pretty well liked on RV forums. There's also the one below on Amazon that is rated a little higher & is a little cheaper as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Flow-Through-Sensor-Pressure-Monitoring-System/dp/B005JREMLM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1433251021&sr=8-3&keywords=rv+tpms

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions before I go down this road?

Thanks!
Class C
  • WesternHorizon's avatar
    WesternHorizon
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2015
    @it says to put the black rubber grommet (not sure the actual term) on the wheel itself

    Thanks. I checked the instructions and you are correct. I will add a note to the photo.
  • paullac's avatar
    paullac
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2015
    WesternHorizon wrote:
    I like TireTrakers which saved a friend from a serious problem. See details in this post:

    http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27901642.cfm

    Yes, just unscrew the silver "fill-through" caps that TireMan provides and screw the TPMS units on.

    Here is a picture showing the TireMan extenders, the two TireTraker sender units, and the TireTraker display:



    The labels mean left inside and left outside, to avoid getting them mixed up.


    WesternHorizon - OP here. I wanted to comment on your picture. I received my Tire Man kit over the weekend, was reading the instructions, & it says to put the black rubber grommet (not sure the actual term) on the wheel itself. I noticed yours is on the hubcap instead (down in the lower right of the picture). Just an FYI.
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2015
    Bordercollie wrote:
    Good point! Can TMPS tell you if a stuck brake caliper is causing a rise in wheel/tire temperature?


    Yes according to their How it works sheet

    "TireTraker™ TT400C tire pressure sensor sends a signal to the monitor detecting a difference in tire pressure from the baseline pressure, or an increase in tire temperature above 167° F, both a visual and an audible signal are transmitted. With a flashing tire position light, an audible beep, as well as the flashing tire pressure and temperature icons, the operator knows which tire is in need of attention.
  • paullac's avatar
    paullac
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2015
    OP here with an update. I ordered and received the Tire Man valve stems. I have an appt to get them installed this weekend. Hoping now that the tire shop knows HOW (correctly) to install them. The instructions are pretty detailed. And the guy who I talked to at Tire Man said make sure they do this, and this, etc. I now need to pick up a TPMS to put on once the new valve stems are on.
  • Bordercollie's avatar
    Bordercollie
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2015
    Good point! Can TMPS tell you if a stuck brake caliper is causing a rise in wheel/tire temperature?
  • sfischer's avatar
    sfischer
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2015
    How does that "checking with a tire gauge" help you rolling down the road when an air leak occurs?
  • Bordercollie's avatar
    Bordercollie
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2015
    I have long solid brass custom formed valve stems installed on our new rig in 2003 and have never had any appreciable air loss. Not sure if I need TMPS system but it would be nice to have digital read outs instead of checking with a tire gage.
  • WesternHorizon's avatar
    WesternHorizon
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2015
    I like TireTrakers which saved a friend from a serious problem. See details in this post:

    http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27901642.cfm

    Yes, just unscrew the silver "fill-through" caps that TireMan provides and screw the TPMS units on.

    Here is a picture showing the TireMan extenders, the two TireTraker sender units, and the TireTraker display:



    **NOTE / UPDATE** The rubber grommet is supposed to be installed on the wheel itself, not the wheel simulator as shown in this photo.

    The labels mean left inside and left outside, to avoid getting them mixed up.
  • paullac's avatar
    paullac
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2015
    Thanks for the replies.

    I called a local commercial truck tire dealer & he wasn't that familiar with what I was trying to do. I think he's more semi focused than class C motorhomes.

    I am probably going to go the Tire-Man route (kit 5-6-F which is $167 shipped). Then go to Tire Discounters to have them installed ($24.95 per wheel).

    Follow up question: Assuming I still add the TPMS, can I myself simply screw those onto the Tire-Man valves? Or is there something else needed?

    Thanks!
  • MobileBasset's avatar
    MobileBasset
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2015
    Something I learned while searching for a valve installer. Check your local commercial trucking tire dealers. They may be able to provide you with the similar custom brass valve extenders for 1/4 the price of those Tire Man sets. Mine did.

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