Tire Valve Stems

From the old forum.

Tires/valve stems!

Printed from: Wildcat Owners Forum - wildcatonline.com
Topic URL: http://68.15.40.218/wildcat/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3358
Printed on: 04/09/2008

Topic:

Topic author: scfiremarshal
Subject: tires/valve stems!
Posted on: 03/22/2008 7:24:39 PM
Message:

Hey guys (and gals) I just wanted to post a bolo regarding valve stems. This has probably been discussed several times on here, just wanted to put my two cents in....i got the camper ready to take the kids up to Carowinds for the opening season. Hooked up the trailer to get it ready to leave the next day, haven't used it in four months. (by the way it's an '08 30LSBS, 8 months old). checked the air in the tires, a little low so i aired them up. Got up the next day to leave and found a flat tire! Got to checking close and found that the valve stem was cracked all the way around. Took the tire off to get it fixed and the tire store guy told me that the tires must have set up for a while before installation since the trailer was so new. I found the same cracking on all the stems. Just to be safe i replaced them all. Sad that this happens. I would understand if they were a couple of years old. Oh well glad it happened before i left. by tha by...camp wilderness at Carowinds is a nice place to stay. Nice people and freindly staff.

2003 Cummins Powered Dodge Ram 3500 Dually
With Just A Touch Of Help From A Bully Dog PMT
Performance Enhancement...WOW!
2008 'Cat 30LSBS

Replies:

Reply author: ezrider6298
Replied on: 03/22/2008 7:44:13 PM
Message:

Had the same problem, posted elsewhere in the forum. Changed all of mine (including the spare) to metal stems.

E.C.& Sandra Walker (AKA She Who Must Be Obeyed), and Baby (the "cat child", non-camping)

Reply author: Rhino
Replied on: 03/23/2008 12:11:41 PM
Message:

scfiremarshal did you put metal valve stem on the rims. If so what kind did they used because the same thing happen to me and the tire guy said he could not put metal valve steems in the aluminum rims.
Thanks,
Ken

2008 Wildcat 30 LSBS
06 GMC 3500, CC, Silver Birch, 2 Dogs

Reply author: jamesb
Replied on: 03/23/2008 7:29:20 PM
Message:

HOLY COW!! I just went out to check my valve stems, and all of them were cracked all the way around. I haven't had my WC a full year yet. And it is stored inside. Just adds another thing to put on the final warranty list to be fixed before it runs out. With diesel as high as it is, the trips to the dealership for Forest Rivers shabby workmanship,is sure getting expensive. I would like to thank all the great information posted in the forums. What a great website.

James & Vickie
Two Daughters One blk Lab
2007 Wildcat 29BHBP
2007 Chevrolet 2500 4*4 Duramax / Allison Trans. Prodigy B&W Companion
Boone, NC

Reply author: scfiremarshal
Replied on: 03/24/2008 08:08:57 AM
Message:

ezrider.....i did not put metal stems in as the tire place i went didn't have them in stock....i went ahead and installed rubber because i was ready to leave on my trip....my unit has steel rims....

2003 Cummins Powered Dodge Ram 3500 Dually
With Just A Touch Of Help From A Bully Dog PMT
Performance Enhancement...WOW!
2008 'Cat 30LSBS

Reply author: Rhino
Replied on: 03/24/2008 10:05:01 AM
Message:

Sure wish Forrest River would read this site and learn something what is going with their product. I'am sure $5.00 would not hurt them all if they would put metal valve steems in the rims first place. I guess we as customers have to take the 5er to a tire shop and get all new valve steems.

2008 Wildcat 30 LSBS
06 GMC 3500, CC, Silver Birch, 2 Dogs

Reply author: Rick A
Replied on: 03/24/2008 12:16:59 PM
Message:

Has anyone contacted FR regarding the issue to try and get them to foot the bill for replacing the vlave stems. I know it is not a huge expense, but I am tired of footing the bill for little things like this that should never have been an issue to begin with. So far it has cost me one tire, and I am sure others as well. It is going to cost me about $15 a tire to have mine replaced.

2006 Wildcat 31QBH
2005 F-250 SC 4X4 V-10

Reply author: Mike and Sheryl Cieslak
Replied on: 03/24/2008 1:04:14 PM
Message:

Rick A

We replaced our valve stems and contacted Rod at FR. We sent him the bill and he cut us a check for entire bill.



2005 F250 6.0 Diesel SB Lariat FX 4x4 crew cab
SB W/Reese 16k slider and
Demco Glide Ride Pinbox
08 32QBBS

Reply author: oldelmer1
Replied on: 03/24/2008 3:57:46 PM
Message:

I had to replace all 5 of mine too.

I doubt FR will replace them or reimburse you if your camper is out of warranty.

But hey, if someone would like to try, PLEASE DO SO!!! and let us know.

I would call Rod, but he still hasn't answered me from the 3 phone calls and 2 e-mails I have left him. Guess he doesn't like me

Tom & Sharon

North East, Maryland
2006 Wildcat 29RLBS
06' F350 XLT 4x2, 6.0 PSD, Auto, 3.73, CC/SB, SRW, Tow Command
Upfitter Switches, 6 CD Changer, Camper Package, Engine Block Heater
16K Reese Slider, Rhino Spray in Lining
KSH Tool Box/Fuel Tank Combo

Reply author: Tree
Replied on: 03/24/2008 8:48:42 PM
Message:

What's Rod's number, valve stems cost me a blow out and sidewall damage. The remaining four tires all have cracked stems!!!
Anyone using or used tire pressure monitors?
Thanks

Reply author: moo2613
Replied on: 03/25/2008 2:55:54 PM
Message:

Also, does anybody have pictures of where the cracks are occuring? I looked at mine, and they looked fine, but before the 5k mile trip I am preparing for, I would like to make sure I looked at the right area. Thanks

Brad & Danielle Darrow
Southwest Arkansas
2004 27rl w/Gooseneck adapter
2005 Dodge 2500 4x4 CTD SWB, B&W Turnover Hitch, Rokteck Sensor, Prodigy BC, Air bags w/ on-board air system

Reply author: oldelmer1
Replied on: 03/25/2008 5:35:57 PM
Message:

Moo,

They crack right at the base of the stem, where the rubber meets the road, um rim.

Tom & Sharon

North East, Maryland
2006 Wildcat 29RLBS
06' F350 XLT 4x2, 6.0 PSD, Auto, 3.73, CC/SB, SRW, Tow Command
Upfitter Switches, 6 CD Changer, Camper Package, Engine Block Heater
16K Reese Slider, Rhino Spray in Lining
KSH Tool Box/Fuel Tank Combo

Reply author: moo2613
Replied on: 03/26/2008 06:59:40 AM
Message:

quote:Originally posted by oldelmer1

Moo,

They crack right at the base of the stem, where the rubber meets the road, um rim.



Thank you, the best I could tell, they looked fine, but I think I better take a flash light and look at them real close.

Brad & Danielle Darrow
Southwest Arkansas
2004 27rl w/Gooseneck adapter
2005 Dodge 2500 4x4 CTD SWB, B&W Turnover Hitch, Rokteck Sensor, Prodigy BC, Air bags w/ on-board air system

Reply author: Gator Fan
Replied on: 03/26/2008 09:35:19 AM
Message:

quote:Originally posted by moo2613

quote:Originally posted by oldelmer1

Moo,

They crack right at the base of the stem, where the rubber meets the road, um rim.



Thank you, the best I could tell, they looked fine, but I think I better take a flash light and look at them real close.

Brad & Danielle Darrow
Southwest Arkansas
2004 27rl w/Gooseneck adapter
2005 Dodge 2500 4x4 CTD SWB, B&W Turnover Hitch, Rokteck Sensor, Prodigy BC, Air bags w/ on-board air system




If its like the ones I have seen, you will not need a flashlight!

2007 Wildcat 28RK
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax/Allison

Reply author: pmccook1
Replied on: 03/26/2008 5:11:06 PM
Message:

Mines a 07' and mine are cracked. They do look fine from just first glance, But you have to bend them over just a little and you will seem them cracking big time. I'm gonna squeeze a trip out of them this weekend , just a short 30min haul, and them change them out next week.

These must be some really really cheap valve stems.

MOO - just easily bend them over real lightly and you will see the crack at the base. I'd change them If I where about to do a 5K trip.



01' Ford 350 srw lariat
07' WildCat 32Qbbs
Lake Sinclair ,Ga

Reply author: jacandjan
Replied on: 03/26/2008 5:15:20 PM
Message:

Is this a problem on both East Coast & West Coast models ?

2005 F-250 CC, PS
2006 Wildcat 28RK

Reply author: billhjr60
Replied on: 03/28/2008 07:44:08 AM
Message:

WOW!!!!!!!!!!

I'm leaving on a trip next week. gonna check mine tonight.

BillH

Reply author: Texas Flash
Replied on: 03/29/2008 2:16:10 PM
Message:

Doggone it. Read these posts, took a look at mine this morning. All four cracked at the base. Well I wanted an excuse to get load range E Maxxis anyway. Now I can justify it to DW.

Mike & Marian
2005 Dodge 2500 CTD
2006 Wildcat 30LSWB

Reply author: oldelmer1
Replied on: 03/29/2008 3:16:35 PM
Message:

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THAT SPARE!!!!!!!!

Tom & Sharon

North East, Maryland
2006 Wildcat 29RLBS
06' F350 XLT 4x2, 6.0 PSD, Auto, 3.73, CC/SB, SRW, Tow Command
Upfitter Switches, 6 CD Changer, Camper Package, Engine Block Heater
16K Reese Slider, Rhino Spray in Lining
KSH Tool Box/Fuel Tank Combo

Reply author: Texas Flash
Replied on: 03/29/2008 3:58:30 PM
Message:

Make that five cracked at the base!

Thanks for the reminder Oldelmer1.

Mike & Marian
2005 Dodge 2500 CTD
2006 Wildcat 30LSWB

Reply author: tuxswildcat
Replied on: 03/31/2008 3:02:53 PM
Message:

FYI, when our Wildcat was only 4 months old we had a sudden tire deflation moments after pulling off the interstate and into a New Mexico RV park. This was at the end of a 500-mile day. Looking at the tire I observed that the valve stem was severely cracked around the base. I took it to a nearby commercial truck tire shop for repair expecting the crack to be the cause. Instead I was advised that the valve itself had temporarily failed possibly due to summer heat on the New Mexico interstate. The tech further advised me that the valve stem was for 35PSI automotive use and rated for a maximum PSI of 50lbs. 5'er tires typically require 60-65 PSI and absolutely require metal stems. Brass colored stems are correct for this application and chrome stems rated 100+ PSI can be used as well. The emergency repair cost us $20 and upon return home we spent another $40 and had all remaining valve stems replaced. I never did contact Forest River figuring they knew exactly what quality of valve stems were used. It would seem that they are at great risk of liability for any catastrophic failure though.If you haven't changed them yet and they are all rubber valves you should probably give some thought to repairs before any further travel.

Steve & Nancy

AZ Mountaineers
2006 Wildcat 27RLWB
2004 RAM 2500 Diesel 4X4

Reply author: maxum1989
Replied on: 03/31/2008 6:08:13 PM
Message:

I must have one of the only Wildcats with metal valve stems from the factory. I'll consider myself lucky on this one.

Craig

2005 GMC 2500 HD
2006 27bhwb

Reply author: huntr70
Replied on: 03/31/2008 7:35:46 PM
Message:

As was stated in a previous post here, the new allow rims do not allow room to use the metal valve stems.

I just had all mine replaced with new rubber ones.

Steve, Vicki, 1DS, 1DD
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 SB Quad CTD, Smarty JR, Magnaflow exhaust, monitored by Dashhawk.

2008 32QBBS, Fifth Airborne


Reply author: scott__z
Replied on: 04/01/2008 9:27:04 PM
Message:

Hmmmm, interesting. Has anyone come up with a theory as to why the trailer tire valve stems are cracking?

I currently have rubber valve stems on 3 cars and a pickup. The cars run as much as 40 psi and the pickup runs at 80 psi. I have owned many cars & trucks over the years and can only remember having metal valve stems on one of them. So, why have I never experienced a valve stem failure when there seems to be a serious problem with the trailers?

Not doubting, just asking.


Scott, Alta, & Kodiak (choc lab)
Rocky Mountains
2007 Wildcat 29RLBS
2000 F350 7.3, Auto, Lariat. John Wood modifications: transmission, Airdog, ITP reg return, AC single shot injectors, DP Tuner.

Photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/esz999

Reply author: KFD 1404
Replied on: 04/05/2008 11:28:02 AM
Message:

I had to replace the stems in my TV because of cracks. They replaced them with "high pressure" ones. Just my experiance but the metal ones reacted the aluminum and the clear started to peel off of 2 my the wheels. I don't know if it will be the same for the cats. My Chevy dealer replaced the wheels but stated the weights and stems where the cause not the wheel itself. Factory wheels where $600.00 each to repace from the dealer.(luckly they replaced them under my warranty)( I bought a ton of vehicles from them, I don't know if another dealer would have done this) Just ask your tire dealed if this is possible with yours.

2006 Silverado 1500 HD
2008 32QBBS
Matt,Jill,Tavin,Mattisyn

Reply author: Pickle
Replied on: 04/05/2008 5:22:10 PM
Message:

All mine seem fine (I'm sure I will eat these words!)



Reply author: skids
Replied on: 04/06/2008 7:15:03 PM
Message:

You just gotta love the owners forum. I checked the valve stems on my "new" Wildcat during my first trip this year and found all of the valve stems bad! As soon as I got home I took the WC to a trailer guy I trust and swapped them for new brass ones. People new to 5th wheeeling have a lot to learn so keep up the good work everyone!!!!

John and Kathy
'05 Wildcat 27rl
'08 F350 Powerstroke Diesel

Add another to the list of cracked valve stems. Does anyone have the contact information for Rod with FR?

All 5 of them :x

Just changed all of mine yesterday. All were cracked including spare.

Rod Batts
574-206-7609
574-206-2484 Fax
rbatts@forestriverinc.com

Forest River
Attn: Rod Batts
55135 County Road 1
Elkhart, IN 46514

Thanks Scott

Anyone have a picture of this "Cracking". I just looked at my 2008 31qbh and don't see anything unusual. The rims are aluminum, rubber base and brass upper valve stem. I moved the valve stem around a bit; rubber looks very pliable and did not see any cracking.

I still think this must be an issue with the wheels. I would be interesting to tabulate who has failed stems and what wheels they have. My guess is the white spoke steel rims are the problem, but just a guess. I don't know if I had a problem or not; my original rims are not on the trailer; guess I could go to storage and look at them if I get motivated.

I'm still curious why this is an issue on this trailer; don't hear about any other trailers, autos, or trucks doing it.

My trailer came with steel valve stems. The only problem I have is the rust around them when the sat around Oregon's plant prior to being installed.

We replaced the old valve stems with metal ones last fall. After taking the CAT out of winter storage, we were pleasantly surprised to find the tire pressures stayed the same all the way around as when we stored it. The old stems were notorious for slow leaks! Metal valve stems are the only way to go.

TC

scottz wrote:I still think this must be an issue with the wheels. I would be interesting to tabulate who has failed stems and what wheels they have. My guess is the white spoke steel rims are the problem, but just a guess. I don't know if I had a problem or not; my original rims are not on the trailer; guess I could go to storage and look at them if I get motivated.

I had several cracked ones, but it was okay because I was upgrading my wheels and tires. I went to Discount Tire and had the manager come out to determine a wheel fit. He went to the side where the tires were still up and one of his first comments was " those are the wrong valve stems for those wheels". During our conversation I learned that he had been in the tire business for many years, which may be why he recognized that instantly. I didn't think at the time to ask him how he recognized that but maybe I will call and ask. I replaced the wheels and tires on the Cat and and had him put new stems on the old wheels so I can sell them (the tires are still like new). Low and behold when I picked up the old tires and wheels there were metal stems on the wheel. My point being, I think the problem is not the stems or wheels but the combination not being a good match. Some one earlier mentioned high pressure stems and I think part of the problem might be that these stems may be rated for passenger car tires carrying up to 40. 50 or 60 lbs. max pressure but really designed for 32-40 lbs. while these tires carry approximately 65 lbs. of pressure. I know the two that failed on me failed after putting air in the tires; when I walked out the next morning the tires were flat. Stems underrated plus tires that are at near max weight capacity (D range) must be a problem waiting to happen. I wonder if a lot of blowouts on various trailers blamed on the tire manufacturer are not a result of this. When mine went they were just cracked but still allowing the tire to hold air until I hit it with the air compressor nozzle. The stems still look okay but may be cracked; as the tires heat up, they lose pressure and boom. I asked the manager about the 65 mph limit on ST tires and he said he had never heard that. Upon conversing further he stated with the tires running at near capacity they will heat up quickly as you gain speed. He also assured me with E Range tires running at 80 lbs. pressure I would not have any problems and could drive as fast I wanted. :hunter:

scottz wrote:I'm still curious why this is an issue on this trailer; don't hear about any other trailers, autos, or trucks doing it.

I have seen this problem talked about on some other rv forums, but I don't remember what type(s) of trailer they were, although I do remember there were other than Wildcats. Go to RV Net valve stem search and you will see that it is a widespread problem and a lot of tire professionals recognize it immediately. You will also see people griping about particular brands of tires and how they changed to a different tire and have had no problems. Amazingly enough most of them will also say they now use metal valve stems.

Forest River, for one, probably orders these wheels/tires already assembled from a vendor and the people putting them on the units at Forest River aren't aware of the stems being wrong, no one checks, the wheels and tires hold air as they are supposed when the unit is assembled and the disaster comes later. Blame it on the tires, let the tire manufacturer warranty the tire, guys replacing the tires aren't educated what to look for and it just goes on for a while because nobody puts 2+2 together. Just a LONG thought.

Sounds like what I was thinking. I have changed rims and valve stems, but mine are not metal. I have E rated LT tires on 16" rims. I assume Discount Tire installed the correct valve stems, but I will ask them.

I had one with a slow leak and took it in for repair. The guys at Les Schwab said they see these rubber stems start to leak over time because of the heat. I had all 5 of ours replaced with chrome metal high pressure stems. They charged me $6.50 for each one.

IBearBow wrote :
Anyone have a picture of this "Cracking". I just looked at my 2008 31qbh and don't see anything unusual. The rims are aluminum, rubber base and brass upper valve stem. I moved the valve stem around a bit; rubber looks very pliable and did not see any cracking.
lbearbow

IBear, if you have the metal stem's you should be fine. The one's with the problems are the plain rubber stems that look like they should be on a yard cart behind your lawn mower.

By the way , Welcome to the Forum.
Phillip

Trailer Tire Facts, from the Discount Tire - web site. Link , http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTrailerTireFacts.dos

You can read the whole story on Trailer tire Facts. heres the part about ST Trailer tire speed ratings.

Speed
All "ST" tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
As heat builds up, the tire's structure starts to disintegrate and weaken.
The load carrying capacity gradually decreases as the heat and stresses generated by higher speed increases

I've always understood from a lot of tire dealers that trailer tires are rated at 65mph.

Admin wrote:Trailer Tire Facts, from the Discount Tire - web site. Link , http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTrailerTireFacts.dos

You can read the whole story on Trailer tire Facts. heres the part about ST Trailer tire speed ratings.

Speed
All "ST" tires have a maximum speed rating of 65 mph.
As heat builds up, the tire's structure starts to disintegrate and weaken.
The load carrying capacity gradually decreases as the heat and stresses generated by higher speed increases

I've always understood from a lot of tire dealers that trailer tires are rated at 65mph.

Now that is funny, because this Discount Tire store manager and I had a long discussion and he said he had never heard that. He convinced me that these tires would be fine and assured me that I would have no problems, whereas I might have mounting problems if I went to the LT tires. He also told me that Discount Tire would not mount anything but ST tires on a trailer.

I will point his website out to him when I go back in the next few days to pickup the spare(they didn't have 5 in stock) or maybe we will do battle over the tires he sold me. I even told him that 16" wheels and tires are an option on the West Coast model of this trailer and his reply was that maybe they set that chassis up a little different...Yeah they change the chassis assembly line for that one option on that one trailer...DUDE! I just wasn't in a mood to argue and I was strained for time due to my work schedule next week and having a flat spare(cracked valve stem) and a low tire on the ground(cracked valve stem).

Thanks for the heads up Phillip, I seldom go over 65 but have on a few occasions hit 70 going down hills or on the toll roads. I still feel more comfortable with E Rated tires. Read my next post on my experience when I replaced my tires.

When I replaced my tires with E Rated tires and new shiny higher capacity wheels, I kept my old tires and wheels because they were still in good shape . The tires are like new so I decide I'm going to take them and sell them rather than donating them to the tire store and letting them resell them; I told the tire store manager to put the correct metal stems on the old wheels which they did for four of them. They didn't replace my spare because they did not have enough tires or wheels in stock. I came to pickup my camper and noticed the spare was still on the rack and flat so I told the manager about it and he sent someone out to pull the spare so they could put a metal valve stem in. I then leave telling them to just stack the tires and I will be back to pick up the five old tires/wheels as soon as I drop my camper. I return in about 20 minutes and there are four of my original tires/wheels with the shiny new metal valve stems in place and all aired up. I loaded the 4 tires in the truck and start looking for that spare only to find that the stem hasn't been replaced yet or the tire aired up. I stop one of the tire installers, show him the receipt and tell him they were supposed to replace that valve stem with a metal one and air the tire so I can take it away. Tommy the Tire Installer says okay, grabs the tire and throws it on the machine, replaces the stem and loads the tire in the truck. I drive home and the next morning, unload the tires and prepare to take photos of them. Wait, why does that one wheel look different? It's got a rubber stem, even after I specifically stated a metal one. I didn't check that one before I left because it was just like three minutes ago I told him to put on a metal stem and showed him my receipt. I didn't look when he threw that tire in the truck. I ASS-U-ME d he did his job correctly. I'm not kidding, this happened yesterday.

Now thats scary, Makes you wonder just how accurate they balance them to ..... Seems like the guys where just straight out lazy....

Have you ever bought new Disk Rotors for your truck and looked at the instructions in the box they come in ? IN Big RED Writing it says, " DO NOT USE A IMPACT WRENCH " , But when you go get your tires rotated and balanced you see that big Impact wrench come out and go to work on your new expensive rotors,,,,, I go straight back home and retorq ,,,,,,,,,
Says impacts can warp your rotors,,,,,

Admin wrote:Have you ever bought new Disk Rotors for your truck and looked at the instructions in the box they come in ? IN Big RED Writing it says, " DO NOT USE A IMPACT WRENCH " , But when you go get your tires rotated and balanced you see that big Impact wrench come out and go to work on your new expensive rotors,,,,, I go straight back home and retorq ,,,,,,,,,
Says impacts can warp your rotors,,,,,

I've actually had the warped rotors, but can't say specifically what caused it. I'm not even about to discuss car dealership services...I'll fill up all the drives and cause the forum to shut down.


Regardless of the speed rating I still think the valve stems are at the heart of the problem of this issue. Underrated stems, near capacity tires and heat cause the stems to crack resulting in a pressure loss, which in turn with the maxed out tires super heats the tire assembly. This results in a big ole Boom. I would never think about valve stems being the culprit because while I have had bad valve stems, I have never seen them crack like these do. Once you bring your tire up to the correct pressure, it get even worse because you are creating excessive pressure on these underrated, cracked, slightly leaking stems.

On some other forums several people have referred to them as passenger car stems and I certainly know my truck doesn't use stems like that.

I'll agree Timge, the stems look more like something on a go kart tire.

scottz wrote:From the old forum.

I hate to ask an OT question but what do you mean "old forum"? Is the other one being somewhat decommissioned?

I too have my valve stem story. Had the same fun about 3 weekends ago. DW and I went to storage yard to bring the tires up to snuff and as I began to fill the lowest one on the left side, the valve stem came apart in my hands. I went to the other tire and the moment I touched that stem, it too, started leaking. All in all, DW and I became friends with NTB and got all 5 stems replaced. The MAJOR upside of this event was that it forced us to work the procedures for tire changing while our baby (31BQH) was on level, covered ground with the tire store and home not 5 minutes away. Although we claim to be a "scouting family" we truly were not prepared had this happened on the road. The big thing was that we didn't have what we needed to get the lug nuts off from the dealer when they cinched them up a zillion foot-pounds. We had the jack, and the T-bar, but not enough "oomph" to get the wheel nuts loosened short of needing AAA. I now have Lynx Levers, Jack Stands, a 3 ton floor jack, and a cheater bar added to the trailer box.

David

Hi David,

Yes, there is an OLD FORUM. Its the www.wildcatonline.com forum that you joined not too long ago.

This one was started cause we wanted more features and the admin would never answer any of our notes. After this one was started, then he finally answered, figures, huh.

So, most of us bounce between the 2 forums, but most of us post mainly on this one. And answer questions over on the old one.

OH, and to THIS FORUM too.

dchaviland, Welcome to the new site.

I carry a 4 way lug tool, and a impact socket with a long 1/2" torque wrench. At home I put my own tires on and off with a impact wrench. I always just take the tires in myself for valve stems etc.... I believe everybody on here has changed out their valve stems. If not I hope they read these threads and take note...... before they find themselves on the side of the road.

I don't wanna get long fingered again but I am working with Discount Tire to resolve this issue. Just for funnies...when they got the spare in (and I went to do battle) they mounted the tire on the wheel and put the spare in my truck. I went to mount it on the carrier and whaddayaknow, the spare wheel they ordered is 5 lug. Here we go again! I gotta learn with these guys to check everything. BTW...the asst. manager at the store said that page that is linked above is just a general liability page from the manufacturers and he has never heard of the 65 MPH limit either. I said yeah it's that liability thing that worries me.

They supposedly ordered two wheels (Eagle Alloys) and tires (XPS Rib 235/85-R16) to do a test fit this weekend. I looked up the wheels on the wheel manufacturers website and it appears the wheels are rated at 1500 lbs. We will see when they get here. Man I'm getting tired of spending my Saturdays at Discount tire, but they seem like they are trying to make it right.

On another note, I talked to Beverly at Forest River (West) because I was trying to see exactly what Forest River uses on the 16" option and she told me the tire size but couldn't tell me the wheel width because she stated they order them as an assembly (wheels and tires). I mentioned the valve stem issues but I don't know if it is happening with West Coast models as much as it is the East Coast units.

After all that with Disc tire, I think I'd take my loss and move on to a local " real tire shop", You know the kind that looks like it was opened in 1920. a couple of greasy guys running around. Those are usually the guys that get it right the first time. And usually cost the same or less than the discount place......

I'm just not ready to take a $3000 hit, the tires and wheels I just bought and another set...OUCH. We will see what happens this weekend but it's gonna be tough because I'm working from 9 am Friday until 6 am Saturday. I'm gonna have to write stuff down to remember what to look for and questions to ask.

We had the valve stems replaced last summer when Jim took the 'Cat in for inspection. He didn't get the spare done, but plans on doing that before we take her out again.

Hate to ask a question that has probably been addressed elsewhere, but what is the step you take to safely jack up the side of the 5er to remove two wheels at once? I have driven up on blocks to change one wheel, but never both at once. I am probably change out my stems this weekend in prep for a long trip to the Black Hills in a week. I have a 12 ton bottle jack, 2.5 ton floor jack and stands. Should it be a pretty easy task, without bending or twisting the frame or axles. Do most of you leave the TV hooked to the 5er when jacking up one side? TIA for replys.
Mark

I would leave the tv hooked up and just use jack stands under the axles.

Carpe Diem wrote:Hate to ask a question that has probably been addressed elsewhere, but what is the step you take to safely jack up the side of the 5er to remove two wheels at once? I have driven up on blocks to change one wheel, but never both at once. I am probably change out my stems this weekend in prep for a long trip to the Black Hills in a week. I have a 12 ton bottle jack, 2.5 ton floor jack and stands. Should it be a pretty easy task, without bending or twisting the frame or axles. Do most of you leave the TV hooked to the 5er when jacking up one side? TIA for replys.
Mark

No. From my researching this when I needed to replace my stems, I found on my 31QBH that the axles are not to be used as a jack point or support point. I also noted wires going into the axle just behind wheel and it just appeared to be a bad idea. If I come across those sites again, I'll post them.

What I had to do when I was down two wheels, was that I had to crawl underneath the trailer with my 3 ton jack, find the clearance to actuate the jack and bring it up from underneath. With two dead tires, there wasn't enough space for the floor jack to get in between the two tires. There is enough space if you still have one good tire. The bottle jack would have enough room between two dead tires but you have to make very sure of the head position which may change as the trailer is lifted. I used the center point that connects the springs of both tires, which was also a recommended jack point as well as the lengthwise spars of the frame.

With two dead tires (sound like a broken record) you could also use the Trailer-Aid (http://www.traileraid.com/traileraid/) that may have been mentioned here, if not then on Camper Community. Also, you can do the same thing with a number of the Leveling Lynx and get one tire up about 4 inches will let get the other one up as well.

David