When I was racing, I towed a 26' enclosed trailer with a 1-Ton dually and had steel braided hose valve extensions. We ran about 78,000 miles with no problems. When I got my Class-C my first add-on was TPMS followed by steel braided extensions. With only 16,000 miles there have been no leaks or other problems.
Now there are TWO main things that I would consider a MUST.
First you need bolt in metal valves.
Second you need a hard attaching point on the outer end of the hose to prevent movement of the hoses. The hoses come in different lengths so you should run the shortest hoses that allow you to easily bolt the outer end down and you need to support the end of the hose when pushing on it with your tire gauge or air chuck.
I have seen a claim that a metal valve failed because of fatigue from the hose but without significant movement of the hose there should not be enough to stress the valve stem.
Metal valve stems should be replaced or at least have all the rubber O-rings and gaskets replaced whenever you change a tire. The rubber parts age just as the rubber on your tire ages. Replacing when you replace tires eliminates the need of keeping track of the age of the O-rings and seals. There is a rubber interior to the hose and this will also age, so when I replace my tires I will get new hose extenders along with new valve rubber parts.
I have seen spring clips that are supposed to retain the steel braided hose but they don't look too solid to me. I have not looked at the rubber "grommet" that fits the hand holes but have to wonder if they hold the braided steel line solidly. Clearly they do not support the hose end so there will definitely be some movement.
You can see in my set-up that I have the Wheel Master 8001 hoses firmly attached to my hub cap. I do hold the extender hose when ever using a gauge or air chuck.
I considered the valves like you discussed and others similar. I then discovered the solid tube fixed wheel mounted Dually Valves made by Borg Equipment and Supply Company. Dually Valves are sold online by Your Tire Shop Supply. Dually valves are made for front, rear inner and rear outer wheels. I’ve used these valves for two and a half years now without any problem. Learn more at http://yourtireshopsupply.com/category/9/valve-hardware.
ReplyDeleteWhere are the TPMS located as I don't see them in the photo?
ReplyDeleteA 90 Ford Chinook had the braided metal extensions and both were leaking badly. I won't trust them again, and I also had a set of schrader type caps that showed the pressure. They failed too leaving me in a bind.
ReplyDeleteNeither one never again.
Third Do not over or under tighten the extenders. Torque specs to attach to the valve stem is only 1.0 to 6 INCH-Lbs
ReplyDeleteWhile we are talking torque. Valve cores have a max torque spec of 5 inch lbs.
I find that tighten till air stops then do about 1/2 turn more is good. You can check with a spray of soapy water.
I have used Wheel Master brand
ReplyDeletefor 16 - 19.5" wheels I suggest Wheel Master 8101
for 22.5 Aluminum wheels Wheel Master 8110A
and 22.5 steel wheels Wheel Master 8004
I have concerns about the 'airless versions" working properly with TPMS.