Visit our Popular Forums

Tao · 07-04-2015, 02:46 PM

In prep for the arrival of my TPMS, Tire Minder A1A, on Tuesday, I was looking at the valve stems used on the wheels.

The front a metal and should do fine for mounting the sensor on the existing stem. However, the rear dually's leave a lot to be desired in my mind. The inner wheel has just a cheap plastic extender that is fairly short added to a flexible rubber valve stem. I can imagine the extender cracking in no time from the centrifugal force that the sensor will add - thus a flat inner tire.

Am I the only one who finds this a poor setup?
If I'm not alone, what have others found as the best solution?

Thinking of taking AI to a truck tire dealership and having metal stems installed.

gmillerok1 · 07-04-2015, 02:52 PM

This is what I replaced them with for my TPMS:

DL1SPAL Chrome Dually Valve Kit

Tao · 07-04-2015, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmillerok1

This is what I replaced them with for my TPMS:

DL1SPAL Chrome Dually Valve Kit

Looks like a simple solution!
BUT $120!! Is that correct?

joemikeb · 07-04-2015, 03:02 PM

FWIW I would not trust any but metal valve stems to put TPMS sensors on. I use the same ones as gmillerok1. The set has appropriate mounting for the steel inner wheels and aluminum outer wheels.

c21 · 07-04-2015, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tao

In prep for the arrival of my TPMS, Tire Minder A1A, on Tuesday, I was looking at the valve stems used on the wheels.

The front a metal and should do fine for mounting the sensor on the existing stem. However, the rear dually's leave a lot to be desired in my mind. The inner wheel has just a cheap plastic extender that is fairly short added to a flexible rubber valve stem. I can imagine the extender cracking in no time from the centrifugal force that the sensor will add - thus a flat inner tire.

Am I the only one who finds this a poor setup?
If I'm not alone, what have others found as the best solution?

Thinking of taking AI to a truck tire dealership and having metal stems installed.

Tao, you definitely want to go with G Miller's recommendation on the Dually Valves. They are around 120 bucks + another $75 or so to have them installed but they are a quality product that will properly handle the weight of the TPMS sensors. (use a quality tire shop that will take the time to properly align the inner tire stems).

I have used these on two Sprinter based rv's over the last 6 years with absolutely no problems.

gmillerok1 · 07-04-2015, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tao

Looks like a simple solution!
BUT $120!! Is that correct?

Yep. Supply and demand. This is the only solution I am aware of. I even had a MB/Sprinter parts manager refer me to them after I couldn't find any solution at all on my own.

Tao · 07-04-2015, 04:01 PM

OK, I'll order them Tuesday from the link in the post.
Thanks for the input/solution.

Just to confirm, the linked item will work on the AI Grand Tour Alcoa outside rim AND the steel inner rim?

PS: Anyone using the Centramatic balancers on the rear dual wheels? If so, impressions or just stick with a good tire shops balance of each dual wheel separately?

73shark · 07-04-2015, 04:23 PM

It probably wouldn't hurt to contact them if you're unsure of fitment.

gmillerok1 · 07-04-2015, 04:29 PM

If the wheels are the same size as the 2011 model, then yes. I think they are but you need to check with them or Airstream to be sure.

Tao · 07-04-2015, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmillerok1

If the wheels are the same size as the 2011 model, then yes. I think they are but you need to check with them or Airstream to be sure.

Will do on Tuesday.
Thanks again.

c21 · 07-04-2015, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tao

OK, I'll order them Tuesday from the link in the post.
Thanks for the input/solution.

Just to confirm, the linked item will work on the AI Grand Tour Alcoa outside rim AND the steel inner rim?

PS: Anyone using the Centramatic balancers on the rear dual wheels? If so, impressions or just stick with a good tire shops balance of each dual wheel separately?

I had the tire shop balance my wheels when they installed the Dually Valves and being as all 4 were out of balance I had them balance the fronts also. They were out as well.

nickcrowhurst · 07-05-2015, 04:21 AM

The Tire and Rim Association gives 65 psi as maximum pressure for standard rubber valves. Information on maximum pressure for various types of valves is here:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=208
I will only use steel valves on my truck, which has 80 psi maximum tires.
Nick.

Tao · 07-05-2015, 05:05 AM

Safe to assume most of going with 61psi that Airstream recommends?

scarletbison · 07-05-2015, 08:57 AM

Tao, I have used 61psi and it seems to work well for me

73shark · 07-05-2015, 02:52 PM

Ditto. Would like to use less in rear to improve ride but don't have the weight slips and the tire specs so will keep 61 psi.

jerhofer · 07-05-2015, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tao

In prep for the arrival of my TPMS, Tire Minder A1A, on Tuesday, I was looking at the valve stems used on the wheels.

The front a metal and should do fine for mounting the sensor on the existing stem. However, the rear dually's leave a lot to be desired in my mind. The inner wheel has just a cheap plastic extender that is fairly short added to a flexible rubber valve stem. I can imagine the extender cracking in no time from the centrifugal force that the sensor will add - thus a flat inner tire.

Am I the only one who finds this a poor setup?
If I'm not alone, what have others found as the best solution?

Thinking of taking AI to a truck tire dealership and having metal stems installed.

I had a problem with my inners after I added extensions to them. They broke the factory plastic extensions and both inner tires lost all of their air pressure. I was very fortunate the tires did not come apart. Which is why I installed TPMS. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240...te-131097.html

Protagonist · 07-06-2015, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerhofer

I had a problem with my inners after I added extensions to them. They broke the factory plastic extensions and both inner tires lost all of their air pressure. I was very fortunate the tires did not come apart. Which is why I installed TPMS.

One of the first things I replaced on my Interstate was the plastic valve extensions with metal ones. The plastic ones leaked from day one.

WendyW. · 07-07-2015, 11:58 AM

Just to be clear, are you saying that any stem on which a TPMS is to be installed should/must be metal and not just the inside of a dually?

joemikeb · 07-07-2015, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WendyW.

Just to be clear, are you saying that any stem on which a TPMS is to be installed should/must be metal and not just the inside of a dually?

I don't know that the stems must be metal but IMHO they should be. Although the TPMS sensors do not weigh much the additional stresses imposed at highway speeds can be significant. Personally I feel a lot safer with metal stems and think they are well worth the cost to purchase and have installed.

Boxster1971 · 07-07-2015, 06:43 PM

Most all makers of TMPS sensors that you attach to the valve stems tell you to use metal valve stems. Lesson learned: Advanced RV installs a TPMS on all their Sprinter van conversions. The just used the stock rubber valve stems at first until a customer had a flat in front tire caused by failed valve stem. They now install only metal valve stems with the TPMS they install.

- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter