RE: [A/S] Metal Valve Stems

["David & Bret" <dtbw_1999@xxxxxxxxx>]

Jack,
Both the owner and the dealer called A/S's hand on the metal stem issue and
A/S indicated that they would pay to have the tires pulled and metal stem
installed. They had earlier, in an email exchange, indicated that the 28CCD
as well as the larger Safari and all the Classics came with metal stems.  I
suspect that since the 28CCD uses the same axles and tires and recommended
inflation pressures as the 19' Bambi, A/S took the easy way out and used
common stock.  It just amazes me that A/S would continue sending out ANY
trailer with tires recommended to run at 65PSI and rubber valve stems rated
at 65PSI.  There have been numerous late model 19' Bambi units that have
experienced valve stem failure as a result of this practice.  The latest
occurrence was with a new owner, first outing, and they lost control, and
totaled the Bambi as well as doing damage to the tow vehicle.  Fortunately
no one was hurt. They know it was a valve stem failure as the stem was gone
and the inner part was found inside the tire loose.  I was lucky (and I give
credit to Hensley) when the rubber stem failed on our rig, nothing other
than the inconvenience of changing a tire occurred.  It did cut the inside
cords of the tire when the rim ran against it before I could pull over, so I
put two new tires on as well as the metal stems once I got home, even though
the tires were only a couple of years old and with less than 7500miles on
them.  It was Discount Tire, where I bought the new Marathons that pointed
out the rubber stem rating issue.  Technically, I guess you could say that
the rubber stem should not fail, but there are just too many instances of
such with this combination of tire and inflation pressure to think they are
really safe.

david