Metal Valve Stem Recommendations

[kdinnar]

We have a 2017 Flying Cloud 27' with the stock 15" wheels. I would like to replace the tires and figure on changing the valve stems to metal so I can add a Tire Monitoring system later. Does anyone have specific recommendations on metal valve stems that have worked well for them?

[CRH]

I went to the auto parts store and bought a pack of TR416 stems and installed them. Not much to it other than figuring out the length you need.

[Mollysdad]

I've been researching the same items for my 2017 FC.
I haven't pulled a tire yet, but the rims have the stems at an angle so you can get a straight stem. I think 1 1/4" is what folks use.
Less length makes for less centrifugal force with the TPMS sensor.
Now the hard part. Depending on your rims, the outside may have a depression so the valve stem doesn't need to fit the entire thickness of the rim. People find the washer and nut from the standard metal stem won't fit in that hole. So they use stems that have the nut on the INSIDE.
I hear lots of different opinions, so I think Airstream used a variety of rims over the years.
I'd stay away from brass with chrome over and stick to stainless.
(garage monkeys overtighten and strip the brass)
Here's some I'll check out.
BTW, how do you plan on jacking up the AS?

[kdinnar]

I'll probably order the tires online, remove one wheel at a time using a Trailer Aid ramp, and have a garage nearby mount and balance the tire.

[greghoro]

If you are planning on purchasing a TST system, they have an internal sensor which attaches within the wheel depression via a band. Since you are already removing the tire, this is a viable alternative to an externally mounted sensor.

More expensive than the external sensor but would have to assume that the temperature monitoring would be more reflective of the actual internal air temperature than a sensor mounted outside at the end of the stem. Battery replacement requires breaking the bead, however.

See this thread for a picture and description on someone who went this route. Also, forum member SteveSueMac installed internal sensors, he may have some additional comments on their pro's and con's.



Greg

[greghoro]

However, to answer your question about metal valve stems, I suggest Dill VS902W


Greg

[Fred L]

Last year we upgraded to the 15 in Sendel wheels and ordered metal stems with them. My trailer is in storage, so I cant double check, but believe these are the stem valves that were sent http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/...rFBd0xFxPYthat.

[Milo1952]

those won't work. I may have to go with what Mollsdad suggested.

[Milo1952]

Mollysdad What are the details. brand, size , and website where they can be purchased.???

[Milo1952]

These are pics of my wheels.
Any suggestions ?

[Mollysdad]

I learn something every day.
The Sendel rims on the 2017 International are different from the Sendel rims on the 2017 Flying Cloud.
But the concept is the same, the valve stem is recessed in a machined area.
The good news is metal valve stems are relatively inexpensive, so a trial and error won't break the bank.
Here's the TR-416 I found on e-trailer. Looks to be Dill.
Watch the video, and skip to the 4:30 mark when he brings out the aluminum rim.
Don't think it's a Sendel, but it has the machined hole. He did get the ones with the exterior nut on the rim.
I'd prefer the exterior nut because I could check it without unmounting the tire.
You can get shorter stems (1") but it looks really short.

https://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Inflat...caArkuEALw_wcB

https://images.etrailer.com/static/i...M20906_web.mp4

[kdinnar]

I appreciate the responses given by everyone. I did get my new Endurance tires and had them installed on our 2017 FC 27FB. I bought both of the valve stems that had been recommended. The TR-416 stems did not fit the stock wheels that came with the trailer. The installer used the VS-902-W stems. I just ordered at TPMS and we'll see how that works out.

[Milo1952]

I believe my rims are sendel s20t.
Anyone using metal stems with these ??
If so which stems are you using ??

[glcmranger]

I'm at the same stage -- ordered Endurance tires and looking for metal stems. I have the S20T Sendel wheels.... Unfortunately, the stem hole is recessed right next to the rim. So after trial and error, I found out DON'T ORDER the metal stems that describe it can fit for .453 AND .625 universal stems. I wasted my $$ on the Americana which was also recommended on this thread (NOT!). The metal round cap is bigger and won't fit in the recessed hole. I ordered via Amazon, the VTR 1 inch metal stems -- make sure there is no reference that it fits the .625 holes. Wish me luck....

[rbs]

wanted to install steel valve stems, looks like Dill VS-902-W is recommended here, but wanted to make sure they would work on my wheels. We have a 15 Classic, factory installed wheels. Could someone confirm this is the correct part # and where you were able to purchase them?

Thank you, as always

[Crackerman]

Or... Most all tires shops have them, or should have them, in stock. For both types of wheel/valvestem hole
Typically only 3 bucks each.


Discount tire does for sure, as they sell many different types of wheels.

[rbs]

Actually, you might be surprised, most that I've talked with don't have them, or not what I need. The Dill product is virtually impossible to find, but I did locate some at Tire Supply Network, most likely the same as the Dill

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by rbs

Actually, you might be surprised, most that I've talked with don't have them, or not what I need. The Dill product is virtually impossible to find

Yes.
Dill evidently doesn't respond to retail customers.
The Dill 902-W was the correct fit for my '17 AS with Sendel T-2 rims.
I located mine from Discount Tire. They stock them, but call first.
The Sendel T-2 rim has a machined groove for the stem. I also tried the standard 416 stem, but because of the machining, the washer wouldn't even fit, forget a nut and socket.
The 902-W has a 'shoulder nut', where the part for the socket is raised above the rim.
The regular length is fine with a TPMS.