DX3 wheel question

RR1948

Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2023
Messages
12
Hello everybody,


I have a 2023 DX3 34KD. It came with the black aluminum American Racing Wheels (TM) and a TST tpms with flow-through sensors. The wheel is a handsome one, no doubt. My problem is the sensors and valve stems on the rear dual wheels. There is no way I can get my hands through the trapezoidal hand holes in the AR wheels to service the sensor batteries (sensor is mounted on the short stub of the inside dual valve stem with an extension through the outside dual’s hand hole), nor can I check or add air to the outside dual without removing the sensor—valve stem is pointed to the inside. Also, there is no stabilizer in the outside AR wheel for the long valve stem. I called TST to discuss this with them, and they referred me to Borg Engineering, the manufacturer of the valve stems. Borg recommends a stabilizer in the outside dual for a valve stem of greater length than 7-8 inches; these are longer than that. I asked them about a stabilizer for the trapezoidal hand holes of the AR wheels; even sent them a picture of the wheel. They have none, and don’t know of any on the market. So, since TST says the batteries in the sensors will last about a year, I am faced with going to the truck tire shop annually to remove the outside dual to replace the sensor batteries, and keep my fingers crossed that the long valve stems can withstand the vibration without stabilizers. Ideally, I’d like to have the tire shop turn the outside dual valve stem to the outside and move the inside dual’s sensor to the outside of the outside dual so that I could service the sensors, add air, etc. easily and not have to make an annual trip to the tire shop. Then I’d really need a stabilizer for that outside dual’s trapezoidal hand hole.
Has anyone else encountered this dilemma, and if so, am I missing an easy solution? Thanks in advance.


RR
 
Hello everybody,


I have a 2023 DX3 34KD. It came with the black aluminum American Racing Wheels (TM) and a TST tpms with flow-through sensors. The wheel is a handsome one, no doubt. My problem is the sensors and valve stems on the rear dual wheels. There is no way I can get my hands through the trapezoidal hand holes in the AR wheels to service the sensor batteries (sensor is mounted on the short stub of the inside dual valve stem with an extension through the outside dual’s hand hole), nor can I check or add air to the outside dual without removing the sensor—valve stem is pointed to the inside. Also, there is no stabilizer in the outside AR wheel for the long valve stem. I called TST to discuss this with them, and they referred me to Borg Engineering, the manufacturer of the valve stems. Borg recommends a stabilizer in the outside dual for a valve stem of greater length than 7-8 inches; these are longer than that. I asked them about a stabilizer for the trapezoidal hand holes of the AR wheels; even sent them a picture of the wheel. They have none, and don’t know of any on the market. So, since TST says the batteries in the sensors will last about a year, I am faced with going to the truck tire shop annually to remove the outside dual to replace the sensor batteries, and keep my fingers crossed that the long valve stems can withstand the vibration without stabilizers. Ideally, I’d like to have the tire shop turn the outside dual valve stem to the outside and move the inside dual’s sensor to the outside of the outside dual so that I could service the sensors, add air, etc. easily and not have to make an annual trip to the tire shop. Then I’d really need a stabilizer for that outside dual’s trapezoidal hand hole.
Has anyone else encountered this dilemma, and if so, am I missing an easy solution? Thanks in advance.


RR

I had the same dilemma when I bought my 32KD. I was told by TST that since the sensor is at the base of the valve stem, a stabilizer was not necessary. It is a pain to put air in the outer wheels, but I use both index fingers to get the valve dust cover off and back on. As for changing the batteries, I just remove the sensors with the tool, and then thread them back on. No need to pull the tires.
 
I installed these 42k miles ago on our Europa for the reason you state. You have different rims so it may or may not work for you. If they will work for you, just make sure the stem doesn’t touch the rim. Getting mine centered was easy so no rubbing. I’m sure there are other solutions but these work for me.

https://a.co/d/1JHsgGV


Hello everybody,


I have a 2023 DX3 34KD. It came with the black aluminum American Racing Wheels (TM) and a TST tpms with flow-through sensors. The wheel is a handsome one, no doubt. My problem is the sensors and valve stems on the rear dual wheels. There is no way I can get my hands through the trapezoidal hand holes in the AR wheels to service the sensor batteries (sensor is mounted on the short stub of the inside dual valve stem with an extension through the outside dual’s hand hole), nor can I check or add air to the outside dual without removing the sensor—valve stem is pointed to the inside. Also, there is no stabilizer in the outside AR wheel for the long valve stem. I called TST to discuss this with them, and they referred me to Borg Engineering, the manufacturer of the valve stems. Borg recommends a stabilizer in the outside dual for a valve stem of greater length than 7-8 inches; these are longer than that. I asked them about a stabilizer for the trapezoidal hand holes of the AR wheels; even sent them a picture of the wheel. They have none, and don’t know of any on the market. So, since TST says the batteries in the sensors will last about a year, I am faced with going to the truck tire shop annually to remove the outside dual to replace the sensor batteries, and keep my fingers crossed that the long valve stems can withstand the vibration without stabilizers. Ideally, I’d like to have the tire shop turn the outside dual valve stem to the outside and move the inside dual’s sensor to the outside of the outside dual so that I could service the sensors, add air, etc. easily and not have to make an annual trip to the tire shop. Then I’d really need a stabilizer for that outside dual’s trapezoidal hand hole.
Has anyone else encountered this dilemma, and if so, am I missing an easy solution? Thanks in advance.


RR
 

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Pic of 180 valve stem installed.
 

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Many thanks for the replies, folks.
DW_DX3, due to the size of my hands and the size of the hand hole, it's easier for me to remove the sensor with the TST wrench, add air, then replace the sensor. Also, I surmise your valve stem on the inner dual must be a tad longer than mine, as the TST wrench is not long enough to reach through the outer dual hand hole and around the sensor to the tightening nut. I do find it interesting that you and I received differing information from TST/Borg Engineering concerning valve stem length and stabilizer necessity...shrug...
Thanks for the tip on the 180 valve stem fittings, AZFoxes. I was unaware of these; looks like they'd be handy for such a situation.
Thanks again.


RR
 
For the reasons noted, I had the internal TPMS bands installed. Well worth the money and time. No more heavy sensor on the stem and no more leaks and issues. 24,000 miles so far, no problems.
 
Halla, don't those band batteries need to be changed every 4 years or so? Course, with that passage of time one might be beginning to seriously examine one's tires.


RR
 
I figured it would be about the same time the tires were dated out anyways, so new bands, new tires.
 
I ended up sticking some crossfires on my rear duals, it allows me to fill one valve and it equalizes between the two automatically. Best of all one tire will not ramp up in temp/pressure due to riding on the crown of a highway, etc. I just stayed with one of the TST monitors at the fill port of the crossfire and can easily add/remove air now.


Jim
 
Doesn't that mean if you lose one tire, the other one will deflate also?

On my Monaco I had extensions, and they were a real PITA to install.
 
Nope, if there is a couple safety features they have built-in:


Crossfire has a safety feature that automatically isolates the “good” tire in the event of a blowout. When a blowout occurs, the internal safety valve closes immediately with only a slight loss of pressure to the “good” tire.​
In slow leak situations, the valve isolates both tires after a pressure drop of approximately 10 P.S.I.​


Jim
 
Doesn't that mean if you lose one tire, the other one will deflate also?

On my Monaco I had extensions, and they were a real PITA to install.

No, the Crossfire brand has a check valve that will prevent significant air loss from the good tire. Their info also says for a blow out, it closes immediately.

I have had a slow leak before and it does prevent air loss after like 10lbs or so

They do keep the tires in balance pressure wise and is easier to fill one spot.

I use both the cross fires and a remote tire pressure monitor on the duals. Gives good info and can see the balance in pressure even with a difference in temp between inner and outer tire.
 
DX3 Rear wheel

Attached photo shows how to modify the valve stem for better access for checking and added air to the outside rear tire.
First remove the TST sensor, then loosen valve stem nut and swivel the stem out of the wheel hole. Tighten the stem nut and then put your TST sensor back on.
 

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I have used Crossfire units for years. Both on OTR rigs and my motorhome. IMO well worth the money.
I alsoo use tpms on the Crossfire units on my MH. Idividual monitor of the tires and single point fill.

On MH use the 95 psi version.
 
x3 on the 95psi Crossfires. Wouldn't ever have duallies without them. Here's a good YouTube on the system. I added the outer rubber protector as shown in the video. Unless you are pretty handy, I'd suggest having a shop intall them. And yes, I have the tpms monitors on both wheels. Very easy to access. No problems.
Available on Amazon, or many online retailers and truck parts stores.
Amazon.com
 
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