Dual rear tire valves

[tony066]

I just bought my first dual rear tire truck and am wondering about the inner tire's inflation. I can't get my hand into the small opening in the wheel to reach the valve stem. Is there a tool to reach the stem and remove the cap? I am also looking at a valve extension but am concerned that the centrifugal force of the spinning wheel will exert undo force on the extension and possibly cause a problem with the valve stem. What is the usual solution to this problem? Thanks for any help on this.

[BigToe]

Like many poster's have said, it isn't a perfect world, and there may not be a perfect solution that suits everyone.

One thing to consider with installing longer replacement valve stems on the inside rear duals is that those wheels can no longer be used on the front, because the new longer rigid valve stem well stick out too far. Nor can they be used on the outside rear, because the valve stem will protrude back too far. The rims with the longer valve stems would be relegated to inside dual duty only.

I recently experienced a situation while towing on the highway where this would have been a problem. After a blowout where the spare tire was not available, I needed to use one of the rear tires on the front to get back to home base. So in addition to one of the rear duals having to go up front... the remaining rear dual needed to be in the outside position, as recommended whenever temporarily singling out a rear dually pair.

In both cases, I was thankful that all of my valve stems were the same, as it made all the wheels interchangeable in all positions.

This type of flexibility is likely not needed by everyone, but it is something to consider if you think you it might apply to you.

[tony066]

Well thanks to all of you. I didn't know there were so many solutions.

[Slated4Greatnes]

After trying every type of extention known to man I ended up having long brass valvestems put on the inside tires. This way you can carefully bend the valvestem to an angle that works best with your wheels. I have a TPMS that screws onto the valvestem so this is critical for me.

[PenMan]

I would not use extensions. Too many experiences with them leaking. I got new, metal valve stems from Tire-Man. They work great. Tire-Man

[larry_barnhart]

I didn't like our gray steel wheels on the 2001 dually until our first winter away from home I could see the problems others were having with their great looking wheels when airing up the rear tires. I decided gray would be ok and am on the 2nd truck with steel wheels. O-well nothing is perfect.
chevman

[45Ricochet]

I've used them for seven years now. I didn't realize I couldn't get my hand through the spokes when I got the after market wheels :M
Started off with some plastic extensions, bad idea. I then went with Alcoa. Work great, little expensive but they get the job done. They make several different sizes so get a measurement. You will have to dismount the tires to put em on as they are actually a stem not an extension.
In a perfect world I'd avoid them, but...

[fj12ryder]

I've had three sets of valve extensions on my rear duallies on my pickup and all three leaked to one degree or another. Two others rubbed on the inside of the tire almost ruining a tire before it was discovered.

I use a angled chuck, and an angled pressure gauge. This is the one I use:

[1492]

Moved from Forum Technical Support

[cekkk]

The valve should be centered in one of the openings when the tire is installed. I've found Discount Tire, Big O, etc., to be the best tool for easy pressure adjustments. I'm not a fan of extensions. Duals are a bit of a pain but well worth the trouble should a rear tire drop quickly while towing.

[michael8rc]

I have had my extensions on two trucks for over ten years and no leaks.

[mdamerell]

Cat's eye tire pressure systemThese have been used on semi's for years and they will work on systems from 60-125#. Depending on your tire pressure this might be an option. Keeps the two tires balanced and a quick glance your good to go.

[ken1961]

After having problems with extenders I removed them. I reach the inner valve stem cap with a rubber hose that the cap just fits into and twist the hose - easy off and easy on.

[noxinnhoj]

I hear the extensions leak?

[cableguy574]

clicky