Rubber stems and TPMS?

[jlechmanik]

I was looking at TPMS for my new trailer before it's first trip in April. I noticed the tires have rubber stems. Not ready to drag it back to Camping world just for stem replacements. So wondering if anybody runs TPMS on rubber stems and which system...

[SouthCo]

There are some on here that do. I’ve read posts about it. They’ll chime in...

[John from Central Florida]

I'm running the Eeztire pressure monitoring system on my new camper tire valves, which are rubber. My sensors are incredibly light, and now after over 2k with them on I haven't noticed anything wrong.

[2nOZ]

I ran the tire minder on my 27DSRL for over 3000 miles with no problems. The tires had the rubber stems. I have transferred them to the new FW and expect no issues.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I don't trust rubber stems, period, let alone with a TPMS sensor on them. I've had rubber stems fail but never had a metal stem fail. I had one metal stem start to leak at the base several years (decades?) ago but a quick partial turn of the nut holding it on fixed that.

[Sundancer330]

I asked Discount Tire about rubber vs metal and they said they don't use metal anymore. The write up guy told me he uses a TPMS on his TT with rubber stems and has never had a problem.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by Sundancer330

I asked Discount Tire about rubber vs metal...

Horse feathers! I had them install metal stems when I got new tires about a year ago. Out of curiosity, I called the same store just now and they still carry and install metal stems.


Frankly, I wouldn't believe anything that write up guy told you.

[mmwhit]

I have used TireMinder TPMS for several years. I have used them on rubber and metal valve stems without any issues. Here is a link to the Tireminder FAQ that addresses the question.

TireMinder TPMS FAQ - Minder Research, Inc.

[REWahoo]

I also use a Tire Minder system on rubber stems - no problems.

[norty1]

I added them on my TSPS after I had a rubber valve stem start leaking due to flexing at highway speeds. I bought them at a local auto store and had a tire shop install them.

One less thing to worry about.

[ifallsguy]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

Horse feathers! I had them install metal stems when I got new tires about a year ago. Out of curiosity, I called the same store just now and they still carry and install metal stems.


Frankly, I wouldn't believe anything that write up guy told you.

Bet it depends on the choice of individual stores. His store may not use metal stems and your store may use them. So his comments could easily be true and your comment is off base.

[RAurand]

I have Tire Minder A1A's on rubber stems for 2 summers now. With this trailer (and 2 summers with my 26BH) No issues. I just make sure when I am twisting the caps on and off, I hold the rubber stems to be safe.

[robkelly]

I ran TST 507 for four years and about 24k miles on rubber stems and never had a problem.

[SouthCo]

Originally Posted by ifallsguy

Bet it depends on the choice of individual stores. His store may not use metal stems and your store may use them. So his comments could easily be true and your comment is off base.

It probably does depend on individual stores. Lady has some strong opinions and some funny sayings (horse feathers) that I’m sure are normal for her generation. Don’t think she meant to offend you. I’m sure OP appreciates your insight as well as all on this thread.

I took OPs original post as looking to see if rubber stems were ok at least for the short term and it looks like it’s fine. I’ve never had a rubber stem fail but I don’t hang tpms on them either. My diesel 2500 has rubber stems and tires set at 80psi and they have never leaked...

[ifallsguy]

Originally Posted by SouthCo

It probably does depend on individual stores. Lady has some strong opinions and some funny sayings (horse feathers) that I’m sure are normal for her generation. Don’t think she meant to offend you. I’m sure OP appreciates your insight as well as all on this thread.

I didn't take offense with her statements. Just to many general statements and fake information. Too many people think their store does it one way, so every store does the same. As many forum members would agree, there are varying ways stores, dealers and service center deal with customers, issues and repairs.

And the last time I saw horse feathers was a robin on the back of a pinto.

[SouthCo]

Originally Posted by ifallsguy

I didn't take offense with her statements. Just to many general statements and fake information. Too many people think their store does it one way, so every store does the same. As many forum members would agree, there are varying ways stores, dealers and service center deal with customers, issues and repairs.



And the last time I saw horse feathers was a robin on the back of a pinto.

This is a great forum with lots of helpful people and info but yes also a good bit of general statements and “if this is my experience it must be yours” too.

OP, let us know how you make out...

[TCNashville]

Well this is good news. I've been on the fence about getting a TPMS for the for the trailer. Last year I had new e-rated tires installed and balanced with heavy duty 80 psi rated valve stems which are rubber at the base and then some kind of metal [brass I think] installed as well. I didn't want to go through the hassle of removing/rebalancing to get all metal stems. Now I get to go spend some more $.

[ETCrockett]

I bought the TireMinder TPMS system and also the bypass valve stem so I don't have to remove the sensor. The valve stem says it is recommended for metal or brass valve stems only. CW wanted $160 to install the TPMS which included changing the valve stems to metal. I'm taking it to a local tire store where they will change the stems and balance the trailer tires for $22 a tire.