RV Tire Valve Extenders

Enjoyed the show this morning; (speaking about a live Webcast on 1/23/10). One question that keeps coming up and as of yet have not heard a definitive solution. Valve extenders for dual rear tires. I even saw the same question by one of the online viewers so; I know that I am not the only one confused. I know I have to switch to stainless stems but, what type of extender. I've heard pros and cons for woven and solid. I am just stumped. What do you recommend. I've also heard that if you use extenders, you are just adding more places for leaks due to abrasion. See my consternation? Help. Nancy, (San Francisco, CA)

Thanks for tuning in Nancy! I did see that question pop up on my monitor; I just didn't have time to get to it. This question comes up quite often and if you ask three different people, you'll get four different responses!

But I do believe the braided extenders are better than simple rubber. It's good you have the stainless stems; that will minimize the potential for leaks. Though no extender will be totally void of the risk of air leaks, the stainless braided type seem to leak less. Since extenders are almost a mandate for dual rear tires, I'd go with the braided stainless.

Here's what you can do....add a little thread sealant such as Lock-tite to the male threads of the stems before tightening the extender. And give the knurled knob of the extender a little more rotation...not too much, but perhaps 1/8 - 1/4 turn past finger tight. And be sure to check the air pressure quite regularly just to be safe.