Yahoo Message Number: 68957 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68957)
Really a very basic question but what does everyone do to make checking and adding air to the rear tires, especially the inner one?
What about tire pressure monitoring systems, any suggestions and also can you add an extension on the inner dual to bring the sensor out to where you can again check and add air?
Getting new tires put on next week and would be a perfect time to make changes and/or add a tire pressure monitoring system.
Thanks again for all your help and suggestions.
Bob & Terry Stockholm
1999 Intrigue
Xenia, OH
Yahoo Message Number: 68958 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68958)
Bob,
The easiest way for you to keep the tires correct is teach the DW how to do it...
ROFL...
Sorry had to do it.
MIkee
Yahoo Message Number: 68962 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68962)
Bob, my arrangement of choice is Alligator Valves and a good trucker gauge with proper head . . . set parallel to the gauge body (Les Swaub in Junction City has them). We have Smartire but I don't know if they are still available. Avoid braided extensions which are prone to leak.
Others will have other options.
Lee
--
Lee Zaborowski
07 Intrigue 12153, Cat C-13
--
Yahoo Message Number: 68963 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68963)
Crossfire by Dual Dynamics
Lincoln, NE
http://www.dualdynamics.com/dualcrossfire.html (http://www.dualdynamics.com/dualcrossfire.html)
Good enough for the OTR truckers.
Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178
Yahoo Message Number: 68965 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68965)
Bob & Terry,
I use Crossfire; it makes it very convenient to air the duals. If you install them yourself, make sure you check for air leaks with a soapy water solution. Do this after installation and once a month. I also use Smartire for monitoring the tires.
Regards,
Jose Ferrer
03 Allure Cascade #30863 w/tag
03 Saturn L300
Yahoo Message Number: 68967 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68967)
Since you are going to replace the tires, it is the ideal time to replace the stems. Make sure the inners are the long, bent metal ones that will come right out through the outer wheel and be just as accessible as the outer wheel stems - except directly opposite on the wheel. Tire dealer should immediately understand what you mean. No extensions necessary - they are rather unreliable at best.
SmarTire is a popular system for remote monitoring of pressure and temperature - you can include the toad in the system too.
Mike Cebula
'95 Magna 5266
Yahoo Message Number: 68970 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68970)
I use an extended length straight head chuck with a pressure gauge to check the pressures on all tires, and I use RV Powershot (CO2) to top off the tires and SmarTire to monitor. Has worked great the last 7 years!
Steve 04' Inspire 51168
Yahoo Message Number: 68977 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68977)
I have been using the duallyvalve, duallyvalve.com,800-300-2674, for 2 years. So much easer to check and fill. No leaks such as you may have with extensions. "They replace the original valve stems and have no joints to come loose and leak. Their ends both point outward and are very accessible with just about any tire gauge worth using."
Also have been using Smartire for two years. May not be available, but check with Paul at (800) 257-8430), Les Schwab Tire. IMHO, this is/was the best system out there. The main reason I like the Smartire is that it measures the wheel temp. The sensor is attached to the wheel by a stainless band. None of the other pressure sensor systems, which are attached to the valve stem, actually measure the wheel temp. However, better then nothing because they measure the stem temperature. Problem is that for most the Smartire was too expensive compared to the others. Just my opinion.
Gil Bourdon
'05 Inspire
51322
I have no personal or financial interest in either co.
Yahoo Message Number: 68978 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68978)
I had the Tire Safe Gurad System installed on my '02 Magna, in Redmond last summer..... most of the time it works on all wheels but at the monent(2) are not working. . it gives pressure & temp. I have long valve extenders on the inside rear duals , on the outside dual they installed a U shaped extender( here lies a problem) IT LEAKS, i think when installing new tires the shop could turn the valve stem to the outside so the monitor could be out facing without the U shaped extender. This system has the flow thru so you can add air & check pressure. Also I can monitor my trailer tires. There are many of this type . on the market. If you go to the FMCA rally look around, but when you get your new tires ask if the outside rear stems can be turned to the outside... Just my $.02 IAM NOT RECOMMENDING ANY BRAND . Do your own looking around... Bob '02 Magna 6028 --- On Fri, 3/4/11, stephen brown wrote: From: stephen brown Subject: Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Rear tire valves - what does everyone do to make it easy to check/add air?To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.comDate: Friday, March 4, 2011, 8:21 PM
I use an extended length straight head chuck with a pressure gauge to check the pressures on all tires, and I use RV Powershot (CO2) to top off the tires and SmarTire to monitor. Has worked great the last 7 years!
Steve 04' Inspire 51168--- On Fri, 3/4/11, joserman1949@... wrote: From: joserman1949@... Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Rear tire valves - what does everyone do to make it easy to check/add air?To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.comDate: Friday, March 4, 2011, 1:45 PM
Bob & Terry,I use Crossfire; it makes it very convenient to air the duals. If you install them yourself, make sure you check for air leaks with a soapy water solution. Do this after installation and once a month. I also use Smartire for monitoring the tires. Regards, Jose Ferrer03 Allure Cascade #30863 w/tag03 Saturn L300
Yahoo Message Number: 68979 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68979)
Bob
You are asking for trouble with extenders.
They make longer valve stems that reach from your inner dual through the outer dual and you can put your tire gauge directly on the stem with no fooling around and there is nothing to leak. I use Pressure Pro and they work.
Dan 2006 Allure 31348
Yahoo Message Number: 68981 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68981)
We had been using the long, straight truck guages but usually just relied on the smarttire to let us know whether we were fine or not. That works well except when you want to top off a tire and then need to more rapidely be checking the pressures.
When we had our tires replaced last year (Les Schwab, Junction City - great), we ha dthem put in long solid metal stems -- not extenders -- that are supported in a rubber grommet in the outer wheel.
Now it is very easy to check/change pressure without worrying about an extender leak.
The only downside that I know of is that if a rock or some other object caught between the tires there is a risk that the stem could be damaged. Since we don't go off road we felt that this was not a major risk factor.
Yahoo Message Number: 68982 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68982)
I the same setup as Dan. The longer valve stems only present a problem if you change your own tires. I have an extra set of tires and rims. Winter driving (aggressive tread) and summer driving. You need to take into account that the longer valve stem extend beyond the inside tire and rim when taking off the outside tire so you need to be a little extra careful not to move it around too much. The outside rim gromet holds the longer valve stem in place very well. Well enough that I don't see how rocks big enough to get between the rims could damage the rigid valve stem.
The pressure pro system works great too. When I am sitting for a long period of time (over a few weeks) I just take them off to save the small internal batteries and put them back on the same tire later (30 seconds per tire). May only get two years from the batteries if you leave them on all the time and you can't replace just the batteries. You can screw them on to any tow vehicle too.
Dallas intrigue ovation 42' tag c12
Yahoo Message Number: 68990 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68990)
Bob & Terry,
I had a set of flexible stem extensions installed several years ago. The heads are mounted on the center hub. Others have complained of leaks from this arrangement, but mine never have and it's super easy to check pressure. Here is a link to a set just like mine.
Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043
https://www.rvlifestyles.net/ItemPage.aspx?id=929277&subcatid=2880000014971&GroupID=3070000023966&Search=True&Magic=C7GBVX0710140042277&DealerID=011000958547&GUID=8ed8ad34-47c2-44fe-b219-fbb4da2640aa (https://www.rvlifestyles.net/ItemPage.aspx?id=929277&subcatid=2880000014971&GroupID=3070000023966&Search=True&Magic=C7GBVX0710140042277&DealerID=011000958547&GUID=8ed8ad34-47c2-44fe-b219-fbb4da2640aa)
Yahoo Message Number: 68994 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68994)
Mike:
Anything can fail so rejecting connecting type extensions is somewhat meaningless particularly when compared to no tire pressure verification at all. Folks need to consider physical disabilities or even the funds to buy more expensive solutions. The Crossfire has worked for me for over 5 years. No leaks, no failures, I can check the pressure at a glance during a walk around and top off each pair with ease. They are a higher quality system than what is usually sold in RV parts houses; they are intended for, and used by, the OTR trucking industry, not RVs specifically. One of the reasons I bought them was seeing them installed on professional rigs. They also contain a safety valve so that if one line or tire fails the other closes to retain pressure in that tire. So I am the same shaoe as no extensions at all if one tire fails and ahead because of the information and ease of use they provide.
Anything which can make pressure verification easier is an improvement no matter how imperfect versus other systems. Comparing their reliability to the junk RV connectors isn't appropriate. Yes, they should be checked. The screw on TPMS that replace the caps aren't exactly the best idea either as they can leak and fail. For that matter the batteries in the internal systems can, and do, fail leaving you with no information putting you back with the hand held pressure gauge. The Crossfire has no batteries so one could argue it is more reliable in that respect. They don't need to be replaced every 5 or so years either since the manufacturers of the internal systems make it impossible to replace the batteries or more likely they change the design making that expensive system obsolete. If the Crossfire is damaged or fails it can be replaced without removing and dismounting a tire.
There are failure points and pros and cons of every system and not every system is for everyone.
Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178
Yahoo Message Number: 69009 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69009)
Hi all
I had my 1st Generation Smart Tire Monitor system replaced at Les Scwab Junction City in December on the way south.
Pleased with the new system.
Don't have to wait till we start to move to get tire pressure. Can monitor all tires evan toad.
Brand name of new monitor system is Tire safeguard.
Price was cheaper than original Smart Tire System When bought at new.
Bo & Kathy Lee
2000 Magna # 5896
Yahoo Message Number: 69019 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69019)
Bo, does the system monitor temperature? How long do wheel mounted unit batteries last? What's the price for a set with 8 positions?
Lee Zaborowski
07 Intrigue 12153, Cat C-13
Yahoo Message Number: 69021 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69021)
Dallas
I have heard that the new Pressure Pro system has batteries that can be replaced by the operator. I take mine off when I am sitting for a while and I have about three years on them so far. Wish I had the replaceable batteries.
Dan 2006 Allure
Yahoo Message Number: 69023 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69023)
Yes the new system regesters tire temps.
Battery life for wheels uknown.
Bo Lee
2000 Magna # 5896
Yahoo Message Number: 69032 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69032)
Very interesting system. Here is a link.
Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043
http://www.tiresafeguard.com/products.htm (http://www.tiresafeguard.com/products.htm)
Yahoo Message Number: 69034 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69034)
Dan,
As far as I know the Presure Pro system does not have replacable batteries but you can send them in and have them replaced for $35 without having to pay $50 for a new one.
I do note that there is another system out there that has the same concept that just added a replacable battery sensor. You can see it at this web site http://www.tsttruck.com/Product_List.html (http://www.tsttruck.com/Product_List.html) Doesn't look like they are interchangable receiving units though.
I still have my original smart tire (I) system installed and working along with the pressure pro system. My four drive summer tires have the smart tire system in them along with the pressure pro system and my winter tires now use the just the pressure pro system. I don't think I am going to change to the TST system since the cost recovery over benefit of going to a replaceable battery transmitter might not be worth it.
I hope you are right though. Would be nice for Pressure pro to feel the pressure that TST is producing a competitive product with added benefits. The TST sensor looks just like the PP system. The read out might be better too. If the batteries do not cost much then I would just leave my sensors on the valve stems all the time and not have to recheck the tire pressure in each tire before screwing them in and locking them down. That is the drawback to taking the sensors off.
Dallas 2004 intigue ovation tag c12 11688
Yahoo Message Number: 69035 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69035)
BTW, That TST system looks to be alot less expensive than the pressure pro system. http://www.tsttruck.com/Truck_Tire_Systems.html (http://www.tsttruck.com/Truck_Tire_Systems.html)
Dallas
Yahoo Message Number: 69042 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69042)
Mine are dying after 5 years.
Lee
Yahoo Message Number: 69050 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69050)
Lee
I assume you know that pressure pro will exchange the sensors for a reduced charge (less than the cost of new). I wonder if they will give a break on the new sensors assuming what I have heard is true.
Dan 2006 Allure 31348
Yahoo Message Number: 69053 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69053)
Hi Dan. Yes I was aware of the exchange - it used to be $20. I guess it is time to do that.
Thanks and safe travels.
lee
Yahoo Message Number: 68980 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68980)
I've had rear duals for over 15 years and in my 'humble' opinion, http://www.borgtiresupply.com/ (http://www.borgtiresupply.com/) has the best solution. You might also try the Tireman who I think is in Ridgecrest, CA. I fought with extensions for longer than I care to remember and had nothing but trouble. I have Borgs on all six tires and it was the best $100 that I ever spent!
Glen w/SOB
Yahoo Message Number: 68989 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68989)
pls would u tell me what are borgs? I am getting new Michelins on my 06 Inspire in a few weeks - is this something I should tell them to install or do they do that kind of thing when they install tires? obviously, this is my first time putting tires on my motorhome thank u all
jan
06 inspire 51898
Yahoo Message Number: 68995 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68995)
Jan: Borg is the name of the supply house that provides the valve extensions. Barrie Boas 94 Concep 5111
Yahoo Message Number: 68997 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/68997)
Resistance is Futile!
Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178
Yahoo Message Number: 69020 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69020)
Jan
Best thing you can do. Borg Equipment and Supply 818-352-3017. It takes away the pain of checking you tire pressure. The next step is a tire monitoring system. I use pressure pro.
Dan 2006 Allure 31348
Yahoo Message Number: 69104 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69104)
Hi Dan
thank you so much for the information -- I missed out on some of the discussion concerning this subject -- I have the tire pro system and have a truck tire guage - think I told everyone, I have only been in my coach for 6 weeks now and this is all brand new to me -- when I left Newport Beach for a trip to Arizona, Steve, from California Coach (who is such an awesome guy to do business with), whom I bought my coach from, came over to my coach and filled my tires off of the air system valve under the front of my coach.
Can u help me sort thru this please? thanks so much
Jan
Yahoo Message Number: 69109 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69109)
Jan
I am not sure how much you picked up.
One things I have learned is that you need to have an easier way to access the valve stems on the inner duals. Extensions are one way but a lot of people have had problems with leaking at the connection. The other way is to install new valve stems which come out through the holes in the outer wheel. There is a grommet that helps support the longer stem and there is no chance for leakage.
The second is that the onboard compressor is not capable of airing up the front tires to the recommended pressure of #120. The way I went was to purchase a device called a doubler from Les Schwabb tires in Junction City which provides the added pressure for me to top off my tires I have fabricated a mount which fits nicely in the front drivers side compartment where is resides. It may not be the cheapest solution but is compact and convenient.
Hope this helps
Dan 2006 Allure 31348
Yahoo Message Number: 69043 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69043)
Hi:
I gave up on checking the rear inside duel. I go to Les Schwabb and they check all of my tire. Matter of fact, I just went to Les Schwabb in Livermore, CA, yesterday.
Another question: I have not used my coach for awhile. I put clorox and fresh water in it. How long should I leave it before draining it to get rid of the clorox. I felt it was time to cleanse th tank. I have never done this before.
Bob
2007, Allure, 400
Yahoo Message Number: 69044 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69044)
Bob, an hour or two is enough. If you can take a drive to slosh it around, that would be good. Then run all your taps in the coach until you smell the chlorie in the tap water. Next wait another 1-2 hour. Then dump the tank. Finally run some fresh clean water into the fresh water tank, about 10 gallons or so. Run the taps again to flush out the chlorined water into the gray tank. Finally dump the fresh water . . . on the ground is OK.
Now you are ready to fill up with good clean water. Also put on a new water filter. There still may be a very slight chlorine taste but it is at a harmless level. If that's a concern, get a Brita or similar carafe with water filter.
Lee
-
Lee Zaborowski
07 Intrigue 12153, Cat C-13
Yahoo Message Number: 69045 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69045)
The way I check tire inflation:
1. Monthly while parked to check for slow leaks and possible valve failure - once so far for me.
2. After a trip when parking for the night (if there is a flat, gives me all night to deal with it).
3. Before a trip in the morning, every time (sometimes just bumping the tire to see it is inflated. You need enough experience to make a judgment call here. If you play the drums you already know the sound).
You are free to do as you wish, of course. I have some big rig experience, and have seen what a neglected $500 inside dual can do. If I was riding with someone that did not check their tires frequently, I would do it for my peace of mind.
Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue 11527
Yahoo Message Number: 69047 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69047)
I have a similar tire routine as Jack. We are not full timing, so I do my check manual check before each trip.
-Check and set all PSI's based upon my four corner weight, with a pad of 5 PSI on top.
-I have 3 different tire guages, all three have different readings. I took my larger tire guage in and did a test. 100psi is 102-103psi on that guage. Not a large enough difference to make a difference, but I do factor this when setting my cold PSI settings.
-I also checked my Smart Tire readings, after this setting, and I have a 4 psi reading difference, on average (some variations).
-At the start of each day driving, and every stop, and end of each day. I walk and check the visual appearence of each tire, and toad tire too.
-I have a tire temp reading gun. And two or three times a trip, usually while just pulling off the road for fueling, I read each tire temp. (Fronts run warmer then outside duals, inside duals run warmer then outside duals (with a slight higher reading on the inside driver side, my heaviest axle weight), tag's run between the fronts and outside duals on the temp readings.
-While on a trip, at the start of each day, as I'm slowly easing out of the place we were in. I check the Smart Tire readings. I do try to factor for cold temps, hot temps and altitude - using a judgement call, to determine if I want to stop and dual a manual check. Mostly looking for the odd ball temp being off more then it should be from the balance, based upon my normal settings.
-The Tag's are the one exception, as they do not have Smart Tire readings. Until I decide what unit I'll install for the Tag's and Toad tires. (May abandon the Smart Tire, as at 2004 age, they will stop sending sometime soon. And go with a full 12 wheel new system.) I manually check the Tag's at while staying over at a site for multiple days. I do not check it daily, while just going from place to place. With exception of the visual and temp readings.
I feel until I get full 12 tire monitoring, we are at some risk, so remain alert and do my visual walk arounds a noted.
Everyone does this differently. Some people I know never check, just have their repair shop check/set things when they take it in. The thing I think was noted here recently, whenever in for any kind of work, I always have to specify "Do not check or set tire PSI", as I run things my way. They always set it to the coaches/cars label settings. I don't want that, and consider it a PITA when someone does it without being aware of my 'no psi setting' request.
I tell my family and friends this about tires:
"No matter how good your brakes, or suspensio, or skillful a driver you are. The small little 'patches' of rubber on pavement, is what controls how safe you are. Always buy the best quality tire you can for the application. On cars, go AA, and sacrafice tire wear ratings, for extra safety." (In semi dry San Diego, I still always by the best quality All Weather tire I can find for the application. I specifically look for ratings on Anti Hydro Plaining (SP?).
Many of my friends do not care, and get the least expensive tire they can find for the application. One gent I know very well, I will not drive with due to how he does not take care of his car/tires/brakes etc. - I always drive, or meet him. Good friend, and I worry for him - but it is his choice.
Long post (again:)!), and not intended to be a soap box comment at all. I take tire, car, rig safety very seriously.
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017