Valve Stem Extensions

[Valve Stem Extensions]

Our coach (2001 Aerbus 3550 BSL) had the braided stainless valve stem extensions on it when we bought it in 2004. I check the pressure before every trip and until last year had no issues. Last year I noticed the RH inside dual was low everytime I checked, losing about 5 psi per day and I thought it might be time to replace the tires. A local tire shop who handles trucks and motorhomes checked and found that it was the extension that was leaking where it had a pretty sharp bend and was touching the steel wheel. We couldn't find a set of new extensions at any of the RV suppliers, so we ordered them and the tire shop installed all four, figuring that if one was leaking it was time to replace them all. Checking my pressures during a subsequent trip, I found the inside dual leaking again. After returning home, I removed the shiny wheel trim ring and discovered that the tire shop had not properly installed the extension and crushed it against the wheel causing it to leak. It was a small detail, but a critical one. Obtaining a new single extension from the manufacturer, I installed it myself and properly aligned the wheel trim ring and have had no problems since. I like the extensions because they make checking the pressures easy. I use both a mechanical and digital tire pressure gage and always carry a 110v air compressor in the coach. Several times I have had to use it to inflate the tires of a friends coach during a camping trip, but fortunately have not had any serious tire trouble (yet) of my own.

[Towed Car Protection Shield]

We use the Protect-A-Tow. It is easy to install and cheaper than the car mounted. I talked to 2 other owners of a car mounted and they had rock dings on the rear of the coach. Indicated that they thought the rocks bounced off the shield.