Airing DRW trucks-hard to get too

[kennethwooster]

I've aired tires on truck most of my life, and usually no problem. Bought a 2014 F350 and finding I can't get my fingers in the small hole to get the cap off, and check tire pressures. Went to local tire shop for help and he also had problems. I've seen several kind of extensions and some say they loose air when using them. I've seen one that is flexible, and bolts to the outer rim to hold it in place. Just wanted to get some opinions.

[fj12ryder]

Hmm, that dual head pressure gauge looks pretty cool. I wonder how the heads interchange, as it doesn't look like there is any kind of locking/sealing mechanism.

Have you used one or looked at one in person? This looks like something I'd have to have some more info on.

On edit, I went back and looked a bit more and it looks like there are two heads with the same angle gauge. When I first looked I thought it had both angles, but after looking closer it looks like they are the same. Bummer.

[Hank85713]

http://www.minderresearch.com/tireminder/digital-dual-head-pressure-gauge-for-5-150-psi/

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/XTS0/157569/N2373.oap?ck=Search_N2373_-1_2656&pt=N2373&ppt=C0337

[Winged_One]

Same truck, same issues. My results.

To check air on all six tires: Milton offset head guage S976 S976

I do not have to remove the flow through valve covers using this product.

To fill your tires, get the Milton dual head inflator S506 S506

Again, you do not have to remove the flow through valve covers to add air.

I modified my inflator with a 12 inch brass stem (replacing the 6 inch brass stem that comes standard). Makes it easier to get air into the inner wheel. You can get it direct from Milton or purchase a Milton S690, and swap out stems. S690

These are quality, American made pieces that will not give out by next year.

[Hank85713]

I got a digital (battery operated) gauge that has the straight head design (also comes with the offset) at Camp world. About $30. Oriellys has a chuck that is straight and also has an off set to air the tires up with Think it was less than $10.

I could not get the offset gauges to work due to small wheel holes thus the straight gauge. As I said I run the 4inch extensions on the inners, while the outer aluminum wheel has a 45Deg which is still awkwarde, thus I run the 90 deg extensions to get them so the chuck and guage will work better. Just took 4000 mile trip no leaks.

[kennethwooster]

I have metal valve stems, but when you look at the inside wheel the valve stem heads toward the outside wheel, which makes it really hard to get a gauge on in, even if I leave the valve caps off. May have to take back to Ford and let them get the valve stems lined up so a gauge on the stem. Anybody else had this problem?

[C_Schomer]

Extensions made the airing go extremely slow so I put in longer metal stems that don't need any extension. I leave the caps off and they have never leaked. Craig

[RICKIM]

Been there done that with the flexible extensions and what not, they would throw the balance off, leak...a real PIA.

This is what I ended up doing.

Clicky

These people make an excellent product. I've had them on multiple set-ups and never had a leak or a balancing problem.

Easy access to checking and airing up or down.

Good Luck
Rick

[KCFDCapt]

Old firefighter trick. Just leave the valve stems alone without extensions on them. Grab piece of 3/8 fuel hose or clear plastic hose about 8 inches long. Poke the tubing through the slot in the wheel and over the valve stem cap. Unscrew the cap and the cap will remain in the hose. Use you gauge or inflator/gauge to check and adjust the pressure. Poke the tubing back through the slot and screw the cap back on.

[fj12ryder]

I've tried 2 different sets of flexible extenders. Both leaked. I now use the correct angle pressure gauge, and air chuck. I just leave the caps off. No issues for over 4 years.

[Hank85713]

camp world has the 3 and 4 inch extensions that screw on to the original stem. If you have metal stems use them for the inside tire, I have aluminum outer wheels so I use the 4 incher. NO LEAKS

[Robin1953]

I bought the braided flexible extensions that bolt on the outside hub. been on for over a year including a trip to TX last winter and no leaks.

[WyoTraveler]

My MH came with those extensions. Works for me.

[enblethen]

Get the proper angle solid valve stem extenders.
Make sure they are for your style of wheels.