Tire Pressure Monitor System and the braided valve extenders

We have a 2910T about 3 years old and overall love the unit.  One problem i have had several times is a leaky tire valve.  This seems to be not unusual with the braided extenders but I have been unable to figure how to put on solid metal extenders to actually be able to access the inner dually tires.  Over the three years i have probably had three leaky extenders.  I have seen the very small metal extenders with various angles but this does not seem to help accessing the inner back tires.  So I am back with the braided extenders on all four rear tires.  Does anyone have a specific solution to this?

Secondarily i was considering a tpms (tire pressure monitoring system) to put on the rv and the towed vehicle. EEZ Tire TPMS seems to get great reviews and possibly Tire Minder A1A.  I would be interested in hearing from anyone using such systems and what they think of them as they are pricey.  Also I am not sure how well they will work if at all with the rear tire extenders.  I am concerned this may add too much weight and/or cause problems with the extenders.

thanks!

I struggled with the braided extenders provided by Phoenix.  With my portable air compressor it was difficult to add air and to also check pressure with the digital gauge I preferred.  I also had a slow leak in one of them.  I replaced the rear tire valves with Borg Dually valves http://yourtireshopsupply.com/product/273/dl1fc-chrome-duallyvalve-dl1fc


I also have TST pressure and temp monitors which I have been pleased with.  Running on tires with inadequate pressure is a sure way to tire failure which could lead to a loss of vehicle control.  The replacement valves and monitors have provided the convenience of knowing pressure when I start the day and continuously thereafter.  Not cheap but worth it to me for the extra layer of confidence they provide.

Seems to be a pretty common problem which would be easy enough to fix at the start of a new unit.  Thanks for your comments.
I did just look at the Borg dually units before...am i correct that these actually replace the tire stems so must be put on by a tire company removing the tires to install these units?

Yes those completely replace the PC supplied valves and extenders.  I think I paid a tire shop $40 to install the new Borg valves and rebalance the tires.


Camping World sometimes has the Borg valves on sale or they did a year or more ago.  If I recall correctly I paid $70 to CW for the kit to do the 4 rear wheels.

thanks very much for the information its a great help in deciding what to do.

Do you have a towed vehicle with the tst system and if so did you need the repeater to get the signal enhanced from the towed vehicle.

thanks again

No we do not pull a toad.   I did use the TST sensors when I had a small pull type camper and was able to operate without the repeater.  I would suggest contacting the TPMS tech support group for their suggestion if a repeater would be required for a toad.

We have the original stainless braided rear wheel valve extenders on our 2007.  No leaks so far in 11 years but I never disturbed them.  I will be replacing the original tires soon and possibly switching 4 of the 6 wheels to alloy.  For the rear wheels, I want to install solid formed extended stems, not stem extenders added to short stems.  They resemble what you would see on 18 wheel rigs.  I can't find the supplier right now.  I recall finding only one source offers them for the E-series dual rear tires.  They are expensive but feel they are worth the cost.  With 2 alloy outer rims and 2 steel inner rims in back, the extended rear stems need to accommodate both the thinner steel and possibly thicker alloy.

For PC owners who just want to change their stems.....
Tire shops with the right tire machine can change valve stems without completely removing the tires from the wheels.  They break the front bead and with a special arm on the tire machine, press down the front of the tire to expose the stem area to swap stems.  Doing so does not affect the balance of the tire.  I speak from experience replacing tire sensors and valve stems on typical vehicles.  I am a non-certified mechanic, volunteering at a non-profit.

Thanks Ron.  Isn't what you are recommending for solid form stems what was recommended above, the Borg valves?

Thanks Ron.  Isn't what you are recommending for solid form stems what was recommended above, the Borg valves?

It could be.  It has been too long since I researched it.

I'm  the process of installing a Tire Minder TM77 kit with Duallyvalve stems . I used a Bosch  1/4" aluminium oxide grinding point cylinder tool from  Home Depot to enlarge the holes in the rear wheel covers because my inner wheel duallyvalve stems are slightly off-center.  It was a  piece of cake with  a variable speed AC drill motor, but don't try it with a slower cordless drill. I  initially used duckbill aviation tinsnips then cleaned up the cuts with the grinding tool, but  the grinder would  have easily done the job by itself with much less effort.

I  put the RF repeater under the stove and wired it to the back of the 12V cigarette lighter plug that Phoenix provided for a 2nd television so it won't draw  any power when  the house battery switch is off.  It came pre-wired with insulated alligator clips so no soldering or splicing was  required.