Chinook RV

Ok everyone. I called camping world today and they gave me a part #84730 for valve stem kit to fit 16 inch wheels older class C motorhomes. The size says 3.75x2.75 steel oval. On sale for$28.83. The steel oval is what has me concerned. My wheels have 2 inch round. Will these work?? The price is great. Is there any way to make them work?? I would love to get a set on the way but need advise. Everywhere else has been over $100.

Flame...if I were you, I would be suspect of getting that set from Camping World. You are correct that most other kits out there run over $100 (my duallyvalve kit was $110, I think), and in this instance I think you buy cheap, you get cheap. When ordering my kit, I had to specify the type of wheel (steel/aluminum) and holes (oval/round), as well as hole size and rim size. So, can't say for sure but I don't think a kit for oval holes will fit correctly with the round ones you have. To my mind, getting a reputable product in this instance (keeping air in tires) was well worth the money.

David

Thanks for the info, David -- much appreciated. I had my new front rims and tires Road Force balanced, and I plan to have the rears done too.

Last year I had a brand new Subaru Outback as a loaner car, and even with stock tires it was really a nice ride. Yours sounds nicer

Your Up North trip is going to be fantastic! Thanks for remembering that I wanted to see photos.

Yep, as already said, avoid braided flexible extenders! Some years ago I kicked myself for not upgrading to solid stems sooner when the valve extender bracket on a pound-on wheel simulator fractured allowing the flexible extender to whip freely, which in turn caused it to sever, resulting in a flat tire just when I really didn't need it!



Soon after I upgraded to Tireman stems, which were installed by Rubber on Wheels (an excellent, full service, mobile tire shop). At the same time I upgraded the wheel simulators to FE-88 bolt-on simulators from RVWheel.com.



I have Yokohama YK-HTX all season tires, and based on weighing the rig, consulting with Yokohama weight tables, a +10% contingency, and quite a bit of experimentation, I've settled on cold pressures of 60 PSI front, 65 PSI rear.

I'm sorry to have to say this, but my trust level in Camping World is low. Sure, they probably have some crack employees, but do you feel lucky? I have had them give friends of mine some very wrong information.

If you have the stock wheels, you should have what they call the "8 hand hole" wheels. These have 8 round holes. Thus, the rubber doughnuts that you put in two of the holes (to support the inner stems as they pass through the outer wheel) are round. The stock wheels are 16" x 6" wheels, btw.

I would buy either the Borg stems or the Tireman stems (they may not be available any more). You can look on Borg's website and find the part numbers (I would do that vs. trusting someone who thinks you have wheels with oval holes). If you need a hand with that just give a shout.

The minimum kit is for the four rear wheels. You can also get additional same-type stems for the front wheels. I have those too and like them because they are high quality metal stems; but they are not as necessary as the rear ones.

Update:... I took everyones advise on the valve stems. Turns out camping world does not even sell the ones I need for my 2 inch round hole any longer. Also, the brand they sell called Dually valve IS Made by Borg!! Regular price $97. Would have been a great deal IF they would have fit. I contacted a company in Washington state called 6 Roblee's and they sold me the kit part #DL1EC in chrome for only $98 +$12 shipping. That comes out to what you paid Blue. If you order it from Borg it is $120 +shipping. Should be here early next week. Thank you everyone. Just wanted to pass along the part numbers in case someone else is needing a set. 6 Roblee's phone# 800-275-7499. Next project:... checkin out all my water and holding tanks for any problems before we hit the road.

Flame, can you tell us how the install turns out when you got your done? I have the braided valve stems, and will be looking into getting the solid one when I get new tires.

I will keep everyone posted when I get them installed. It is the least I can do for all the great help I have already received on this forum.

Here is a thread that has a few pics and numerous posts from people who have installed the extended solid stems.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=20&hilit=tireman

BTW, I have a package of the Borg stems (friend sold rig and no longer has DRW but never installed them) and they look basically the same as the Tireman stems, but they are chromed instead of just brass.