Check those rubber valve stems... - Montana Owners Club

Thunderman · 07-27-2005, 07:05 PM

I have a 2955RL made in April 2003, I bought it new in Feb. 2004. Have put about 8,000 miles on the Monty. Keep it parked at home, yesterday I went out to do something in the storage area. While there I noticed one tire was flat. The rubber stem had broken in half. The tech at the tire store said those rubber stems are heavy duty. I think that is in referece to a tire that is inflated to 50 or 60 pounds. The Monty has E rated tires and we always inflate to 80 pounds. Went ahead and replaced all with the metal stems.
Weldon

Bill and Ann · 07-28-2005, 12:20 AM

Seems to be a common problem lately.

Montana Sky · 07-31-2005, 03:21 PM

I just got home from the lake and had double checked the tire pressure and valve stems. To my surprise I already have metal valve stems from the factory installed, and the tires are still holding 80psi. I do have the upgraded wheels so maybe that is why I have the different valve stems.

8.1al · 08-01-2005, 06:28 AM

My valve stems just look like metal. Upon closer inspection it looks as though they are just rubber stems with a chrome sleeve

Thunderman · 08-01-2005, 09:19 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

My valve stems just look like metal. Upon closer inspection it looks as though they are just rubber stems with a chrome sleev

8.1al,
That is the same stem I had and it broke off close to the rim. When I checked the other stems, 2 were noticeably soft to the touch. I do not think the stem is supposed to be used in tire with more than 60 lbs. pressure.

8.1al · 08-01-2005, 10:53 AM

Thanks Thunderman, I think maybe I should get those replaced.

sreigle · 08-02-2005, 05:53 AM

If someone finds differently, please let me know. I have to think Keystone, or any business, would use valve stems with the proper ratings. Otherwise they are wide open to liability lawsuits and I just can't see any business leaving themselves that open to save a few pennies. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Is anyone finding valve stems they know for sure are not rated for the tire psi max?

jackw87 · 08-02-2005, 08:05 AM

I posted a page called metal valve stems a while back and talked about rubber stems breaking and in so many words I was told that I had no idea what I was talking about so I guess every one will live and learn I use the ones that are attachec to the rim with a net and are chrome plated

8.1al · 08-02-2005, 10:27 AM

I did some searching on the net and couldn't find anything that really spelled out exactly how to tell if a valve stem is rated for 80 psi. I'm with Steve, I'm sure Keystone wouldn't knowingly use the wrong valve stems but the fact remains that some of these seem to be failing and it would behoove all of us to keep a close eye on ours.

Thunderman · 08-02-2005, 11:40 AM

Steve,
I believe some stems are rated for higher pressure. The one's that were in my tires (E) were marked HP 60 on bottom. As you know most of us carry 80 lbs. in E tires.
While I was waiting for the tire co. to finish installing the metal stems, another employee showed me a different HP stem made of rubber. He said the heavier stem was used in ford F-250 and F-350 trucks. It
was considerably larger than what came from the Montana.
I have no doubt the other rubber stems in use on the Montana would have deteriorated to the point the tires would have gone flat.
I consider the new metal stems well worth the $45. fee for installation.

Thunderman · 08-02-2005, 11:42 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by jackw87

I posted a page called metal valve stems a while back and talked about rubber stems breaking and in so many words I was told that I had no idea what I was talking about so I guess every one will live and learn I use the ones that are attachec to the rim with a net and are chrome plated

I am with you jackw87....be safe not sorry!

sreigle · 08-03-2005, 04:47 AM

Weldon, I tried to find something on HP 60 and came up with nothing related to valve stems. Also tried to find something about valve stem ratings but haven't come up with anything yet. Good thread.

Thunderman · 08-03-2005, 05:08 AM

Steve,
Steve the HP 60 on the stem can be seen if the tire is disassembled. You may want to refer to a past post "Tacoma Tires" for more information. Masonsand posted comments in reference to stems July 9th. Then donlinda posted July 9th and August 1st. In the post of August 1 he indicated Keystone had offered reimbursement for the cost of stems and a tire. Interesting..
Have a good day!

Weldon

Charlie · 08-03-2005, 09:45 AM

Just because I read this thread does not mean it has to become contagious. This morning I was in the garage changing oil in my mower when I heard a loud POP AND HISSSSSS. The left front tire on my F-250 had the valve stem completely seperate into two parts and blow off outside the wheel. The truck had not been driven in several days so the tire was not hot. Since I was staying around here I had dropped the pressure in the tires to 55# and know that it was not over pressured. This is the first time in my 50+ years of driving that I have had this happen.

Thunderman · 08-03-2005, 11:12 AM

Charlie,
I hope it is not contagious as well because I have those rubber stems on my F-250 as well. You can bet I will be watching them close.
I had not used my Monty in roughly 2 weeks when the stem in question went bad. It was in the back yard.
Have a good day, Weldon

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