2011Montana valve stems blowing.

[lesmadding]

I’m currently on a trip. Had two valve stem failures today. So here is the scenario. 4 brand new Sailuns 16 ply. 110 psi cold. Factory aluminum wheels with new rubber valve stems. The failures occurred while on very bumpy roads. With my TPMS the tire pressures were about 118 psi and around 95 degrees temp, I’m thinking the pressures spiked while hitting the bumps from the weight of the trailer beyond the valve stem rating? Can metal valve stems be used with aluminum wheels instead of rubber? Can I buy higher rated rubber valve stems? The tires say 110 psi cold. Is this to high? What is the psi rating of the aluminum wheels? Maybe 110 and higher is to much? Any help would be appreciated. I hate tire problems and thot I wouldn’t have any…

 

[AZ Traveler]

Les,

You should have metal stems with 110 PSI tires. No issue with them on aluminum wheels. You should also confirm you have 110 PSI wheels if you have not already done so.

 

[lesmadding]

How can I tell if my wheels are rated at 110psi?

 

[AZ Traveler]

They will be stamped on the backside.

 

[lesmadding]

Okay thanks. Planning on metal valve stems to
tomorrow. Will check wheel psi and adjust pressure accordingly. I’ve been reading that 110 psi is Maximum and I may not need to inflate them that high.

 

[Carl n Susan]

Rubber valve stems are marginal at that kind of pressure. But the failure was caused by having TPMS sensors on the rubber valve stems. Guaranteed failure, as you discovered.

 

[AZ Traveler]

Les,

Here is a thread that talks about using lower pressure in your tires.

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74272

 

[bobbecky]

If the wheels on the 2011 rig are the original wheels, they will look like in the photo, and are rated 3750 lbs weight capacity, and are rated 110 psi. The rubber stems are only rated 80 psi, so anything over that pressure definitely must be replaced with all metal stems, regardless of whether TPMS sensors are used.

 

[Daryles]

Here's a picture of the stamp you are looking for on the inboard side of the rim.

 

[lesmadding]

First I want to say THANK YOU to all that replied to my post. I am sitting in Lusk Wyoming on my maiden voyage with the new truck and new to us Montana on our way to South Dakota.
Second: boy do I feel stupid. I never gave any consideration as to putting TPMS sensors on rubber valve stems. But this absolutely make perfect sense.
There is a tire shop right down the street and hoping they have metal valve stems. I will certainly look for the rating tag on the wheel during the changing off the stems.
Third: I love this site!!! Everybody is so helpful!

THANKS AGAIN!!!

 

[Joint Venture II]

Looking at the specs of your Monty I would suspect you don't need 110psi air pressure in your tires. To know for sure you need to weigh it. Empty weight is about 9870# and max loaded weight is 13,865#. If your loaded weight is closer to 12,500# you could easily run 90-95psi. Your tires are rated for 110psi @ 4060 pounds weight but if you are hauling less weight you can lower the pressure to help the trailer ride smoother. My old 2005 2955RL was 9800 empty but 12k loaded and I ran 90-95 and my TPMS never showed any excessive temps or pressures above 105. At 3960 pounds per tire 95psi is the rated pressure.

 

[-fall-creek-bob]

with 110 psi you almost must have metal stems