Two Flats today!

[bricknhank]

Headed from Northern IL to Denver. Taking our time over 5 days. This morning headed out I checked the Tire Linc and one of the tires was down to 17psi. So I put the spare on and fortunately about 8 miles away there was a great truck repair shop and they checked out the bad tire and the valve stem had a slit in it. They fixed it, swapped it out with the spare and late in the day we get within 20 miles of our overnight stop in Ogallala, NE and I see on the TireLinc a different tire, same side was very low. I pulled over at the next exit and tried to put some air in it to possibly make it 20 miles and air is leaking out of the valve stem. It looks like another slice or slit. What are the odds of TWO valve stems going bad the same day? Is this just bad luck or is this a known problem? The tires were aired properly, the temperature never got too hot and I don’t go over 65mph. Not that any of those factors should have anything to do with valve stems, IMO. 2023 Reflection 150 270BN, Goodyear Endurance, ST225/75T15, Load Range E.

 

[WhittleBurner]

It makes you wonder doesn't it. Could you have caught the tires on something sharp on entry or exit of a site? To have both go like that on the same side it had to caught someting. I'd hate to think someone did that intentional

 

[bricknhank]

It makes you wonder doesn't it. Could you have caught the tires on something sharp on entry or exit of a site? To have both go like that on the same side it had to caught someting. I'd hate to think someone did that intentional

Well it does make me wonder. There is absolutely zero chance that I caught any tire let alone two tires on anything. I don’t know what someone would gain from an intentional act.

 

[DougW9876]

If you were running the valve stems that came on the tires with the tire Linc screw on TPMS units, I can believe it VERY easily. I had 3 valve stems go bad, they are not strong enough to handle the extra weight of the PMS units. I found one was leaking and when I checked the others I found 2 more that had cracks in them and would leak if I moved them by hand. I had all 4 replaced with metal stems and have no problems since.

 

[bricknhank]

If you were running the valve stems that came on the tires with the tire Linc screw on TPMS units, I can believe it VERY easily. I had 3 valve stems go bad, they are not strong enough to handle the extra weight of the PMS units. I found one was leaking and when I checked the others I found 2 more that had cracks in them and would leak if I moved them by hand. I had all 4 replaced with metal stems and have no problems since.

That’s very good to know. Thank you

 

[Steven@147]

If you were running the valve stems that came on the tires with the tire Linc screw on TPMS units, I can believe it VERY easily. I had 3 valve stems go bad, they are not strong enough to handle the extra weight of the PMS units. I found one was leaking and when I checked the others I found 2 more that had cracks in them and would leak if I moved them by hand. I had all 4 replaced with metal stems and have no problems since.

I was going to mention the same thing. Has't happened to us as we have metal valve stems with the external TST sensors, but I have read the rubber valve stems can't last with external sensors.

 

[jleonard]

We were in Ogallala last month on our 4 month trip. Never heard of that town prior to that.
Now since we've been back home in Florida, It was mentioned several times in some western series and documentaries we've watched.
Strange.

 

[bricknhank]

I was going to mention the same thing. Has't happened to us as we have metal valve stems with the external TST sensors, but I have read the rubber valve stems can't last with external sensors.

Yep, since Doug mentioned it yesterday I’ve been researching and it’s a pretty common problem with the OEM rubber valve stems. Knowing how RV companies (and suppliers) are they probably put it out for bid, purchase them by the thousands, and use the cheapest ones.

Speaking strictly for myself, the learning process with RV’s takes a few years and several RV’s. Of course things are always evolving. A few years ago we didn’t have the weight of the TPM’s hanging on and spinning around with the valve stems.

 

[Wileykid]

Yep, since Doug mentioned it yesterday I’ve been researching and it’s a pretty common problem with the OEM rubber valve stems. Knowing how RV companies (and suppliers) are they probably put it out for bid, purchase them by the thousands, and use the cheapest ones.

Speaking strictly for myself, the learning process with RV’s takes a few years and several RV’s. Of course things are always evolving. A few years ago we didn’t have the weight of the TPM’s hanging on and spinning around with the valve stems.

What you can do now, is most auto parts stores, and some tire stores have a metal sleeve that will go over the rubber tire stem that will solve the problem. My last trailer, I had the same problem you did, but due to no one having a metal valve stem that fit the rims I had, put the sleeve's on, and never had a problem after that.

 

[mjguth]

Your signature states you have a GMC Denali 3500. My 1500 came with another set of valve stems that are part of the on board TPMS management system in the Trailer/Towing set up. Had them mounted on my 2500 RL and always monitor the pressure through the infotainment system. Check with your GM dealer about using the built in features. Really nice.

mjg

 

[bricknhank]

My truck did not come with a set of valve stems to install on a trailer. I would think that if any truck would include that an Denali would. However, all is well though because during our stay in the Denver area I had steel valve stems installed. We should be equipped to be problem free at least in the valve stem area for our trip home.

 

[L&CT]

Thank you for your post and the replies to it. I had a very similar issue this summer with two valve stems that were leaking and I believe I actually have a third that’s just a slower leak. Also using the Tire Link valve cap TPMS. I theorized that the added weight and centrifugal force and probably some odd wobble and vibration was affecting the integrity of the valve stems. Appears that was the case. Need to find the metal stems or sleeves as has been recommended. Thanks all!

 

[bricknhank]

Once in the Denver area I had steel valve stems installed. We are now back in IL and never had another problem. If we ever get a new trailer the valve stems will be the first things that I swap out.

 

[rjr2AL]

Headed from Northern IL to Denver. Taking our time over 5 days. This morning headed out I checked the Tire Linc and one of the tires was down to 17psi. So I put the spare on and fortunately about 8 miles away there was a great truck repair shop and they checked out the bad tire and the valve stem had a slit in it. They fixed it, swapped it out with the spare and late in the day we get within 20 miles of our overnight stop in Ogallala, NE and I see on the TireLinc a different tire, same side was very low. I pulled over at the next exit and tried to put some air in it to possibly make it 20 miles and air is leaking out of the valve stem. It looks like another slice or slit. What are the odds of TWO valve stems going bad the same day? Is this just bad luck or is this a known problem? The tires were aired properly, the temperature never got too hot and I don’t go over 65mph. Not that any of those factors should have anything to do with valve stems, IMO. 2023 Reflection 150 270BN, Goodyear Endurance, ST225/75T15, Load Range E.

I installed these myself (very easy) to eliminate the valve stem flex caused by the TPMS. You can see the mark on the rim from the TPMS flexing caused by the OEM rubber valve stems. Colby has OUTSTANDING customer tech support

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Glad you got it all figured out
I'm amazed your tire-linc functioned properly....mine never did.

 

[SGT ROC]

I installed these myself (very easy) to eliminate the valve stem flex caused by the TPMS. You can see the mark on the rim from the TPMS flexing caused by the OEM rubber valve stems. Colby has OUTSTANDING customer tech support

I put the Colbys on several years ago - and keep a couple as spares. Simple to install without taking the tire and wheel to a garage. They are every bit as good as - or better than - any others that require the tire to be dismounted.