The RIGHT ANGLE to manage your i180 INFLATION
 

I’m on my second set of tires for my first i180. I wore out the original set by not keeping an eye on the tire pressure. I decided it wasn’t worth the effort because I occasionally had a hard time removing the spokes and I had a difficult time using my digital pressure gage thru the spoke opening. Now that I’ve bought a second set of tires, I’ve decided it might be worth going thru the hassle, but I don’t have to. I’ve found the solution.

I’ve installed two valve extensions on each tire. First there is a 1 1/4” straight extension and then a 1 3/8” 90 degree extension elbow. I’ve drilled a whole thru one spoke and installed a thin nut outside the spoke to keep the extensions from pushing in when using them.

The straight extension moves the elbow toward the center of the wheel. This takes advantage of the taper on the spoke and keeps the cap flush with the outside of the tire. The cap can’t be hit as easily if you rub up against a wall or something.

Each extension has its own Schrader valve and a seal to minimize leaks between each extension. I haven’t come up with a compelling reason to remove or keep the extra valves so I’ve left them in. The last valve must obviously be left in place.

See the picture below and tell me what you think.

Very nice !

Why INC sees the need to hide the valve is beyond me. Form over function.

Alan

Nicely done. Great pictures. This is where a valve stem belongs. This belongs in the new HOW TO forum. Now if somebody could just come up with a similar solution for the I2.

John

Can anyone think of a more difficult tyre valve solution than the i2?

Very nice, flyoguy! Could you please provide us with your source for these extensions?

Pam, could you please place this in the DIY thread as "Extending valve stems on i180" or something of that nature.

[EDIT] Thanks Pam! That was fast!

Compelling reason to remove stock valve...
 

If you use a Co2 infaltor, it's very easy to go a few lbs over your desired pressure.

Get that stock valve out, then overpressurizing won't be a concern.

later

ds

Part Numbers and Sources
 

I look eveything up today and try to have it posted by tonight.

Sources
 

I found the list of items at work so here it is early. Search for the part numbers to make it easier:

Rick's Automotive - www.motive-hardware.com
17-564 - 1 3/8" 90 deg tire valve ext
17-497B - 1 1/4" tire valve ext

McMaster-Carr - www.mcmaster.com
91862A518 - 5/16-32 thin nut

I also bought some 90 deg exts from Hill Top RV when I was trying to find the right combination of parts. These didn't work but they had a different cap on them that worked better. I bought another set later for my second i180 but they came with a third cap style that didn't work. Here's the info anyway:

Hill Top RV - www.hilltoprv.net
38241083 - 90 deg valve ext

One problem: There isn't enough thread to mount the thin nut and the cap on the last ext. The cap won't seat on it's seal. It isn't a big deal but I'm a stickler about that stuff. The cap on the 90 deg ext that I didn't use was shorter and worked perfectly. It was also flat so it helped keep the assembly flush with the tire. But like I said the second set I ordered didn't have the right cap. Maybe check a local tire store for one that works or file the cap shorter or leave it alone.

Good luck.

One more thought...
 

Drill the hole in the spoke oversize some to allow movement of the stem as the wheel bends. I don't remember what size drill I used but maybe just .030 oversize.

Also, I alligned the drill exactly with the two ribs on the inside of the spoke. The drill was sort of craddled in the ribs. See the 3rd picture on the original post. That was the perfect location for my setup. Yours may be different so watch it.

I've given you all the information to do this yourself but there may be some who aren't comfortable doing parts of this. If so drop me an e-mail and if there is enough interest I might be willing to make up kits both with and without the drilled spokes.

Have fun. It's easy and the spokes aren't that expensive if you make a mistake. You can do this yourself.

No chance of Catastrophe.
 

I think that is the beauty of this solution.