HOW TO: Inflate High Pressure RV Tires

UPDATE! After watching this video, check out how we improved our set-up even more, allowing it to be operated by one person: • UPDATE: High Pressure ...
UPDATE #2: We've switched to an even easier (and quieter) way of inflating our tires. Check out that video here:
• How To Inflate RV Tire...
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Accutire Digital Tire Pressure Gauge: amzn.to/2DYdBop
We demonstrate a clever and easy way to add air to high pressure tires on a diesel pusher motorhome using the on-board air system.
With lots of modern equipment, full-wall slide-out mechanisms, tile floors, etc, newer diesel pusher RVs are heavier than ever. The front axle in particular, supported by only two wheels, places heavier demands on tires, and often requires very high air pressures as a result.
Checking tire manufacturer's tire pressure charts shows that the greater the weight placed on a tire, the higher the air pressure needs to be.
Since the maximum air pressure available from a diesel air system is about 120 PSI, that can make putting air into your tires a challenge, mainly because the system does not STAY at 120 PSI. Truck and RV air systems are designed to routinely cycle up and down between about 90 PSI and about 120 PSI.
If your tires and weight require 110 PSI, and your air compressor is currently at 105 and not running (air pressure cycle is on the way down), there is no way to get 110 PSI into your tire from a 105 PSI source. It will let air OUT of your tire instead!
We demonstrate how to assemble a simple, elegant and inexpensive solution to this problem from parts available at a typical home improvement store.
The piano music is my own performance of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag from 1899.
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Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks.
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[@BlackDragonNationalPresident]

I am getting a ten year RV education in 12 minute video runs. Most excellent videos! Well done. Bravo Zulu.

[@RVgeeks]

+Black Dragon National President Thanks! Have a great holiday weekend! 😊

[@raymondmcdonald7085]

It's easy to assume everyone knows how to do this. I really think it's great you guys take the time to explain step by step this procedure. My Wife on many occasions has asked me to explain things to her as if she was a child when it comes to mechanical things. Nice job!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks for the kind words, Raymond!

[@BigDoba]

I have been so frustrated trying to do this. THANK YOU! Finally someone knows how to do this.

[@HartponderJr]

Out of all the great RV channels, you are tops!

[@RVgeeks]

Well you sure just made our day! :)

[@yescandles]

This was way over my head. Thank goodness for service centers for people like me.

[@vegasfordguy]

I understand. After watching all of your videos I must say that you give VERY good advice and it's all easy to understand. That's also one beautiful RV you have!

[@RVgeeks]

@BARRY STAHL Hi Barry! The valve stems on all of our wheels are rigid chrome, which came that way from the factory. Makes it very easy to use, since they stay so firmly in place when airing up. It's been so many years since we bought that chuck that we're not sure where it came from... maybe a truckstop... maybe a home improvement center in the air compressor section. Look inside the opening for the concentric circles. That's what holds it in place on the valve stems.

[@brakenut1]

Just a quick tips 1) run to your dealer and have your governor changed on your compressor. Your pressure is dropping to low You're falling below the SR valves pressure reducing setting for the park brakes.. have them install a governor with max pressure 135 PSI. Governors have a non adjustable 20 PSI delta P load to unload cycle.. so your cut in will be 115 PSI (+/- 4 psi). This change alone will address your concern of trying to fill tires while the governor (compressor) is in the unloaded mode. They are inexpensive and easy to change... Bendix 283657N.. don's accept any other part number but this one.. they may need to order.. but ..again.. inexpensive .. fixes your tire pressure issue but most importantly.. keeps the pressure above the spring brake control valve PR value... great video.....

[@derekredmond1610]

B

[@rhess10]

Great stuff, fellas. (And great honky-tonk piano.)

[@markschimke1542]

This is, about the longest ways around the block I've ever seen in a video. Wow.

[@RVgeeks]

@MrRules100 We bought all of the parts for the air line setup at Lowes, in the air compressor and plumbing departments.

[@DLTJR1959]

Great video. Good advice. I have an auxiliary compressor already onboard but I will install this to my air hose anyway. If I need to use the coach air if the auxiliary compressor fails then the bus air can be used...

[@marlenepineda1079]

Thank You very much. We have the same set up now in our RV. Great video. Very helpful.

[@RVgeeks]

It's the concentric circles inside the chuck opening that help it grip onto the valve stem threads.

[@jwlindem1]

Very good information. Awesome. Thank you, John

[@RVgeeks]

You are right on the money with that thought. In retrospect, there is never any reason to use the gauge without the chuck attached, so the release wasn't needed. I'm about to partially dismantle the assembly to add in an air release near the gauge, so that a helper won't be needed to fan the brakes any more. So I'll be making it more complicated instead of simpler. lol Stay tuned for a video update! :)

[@RVgeeks]

@christhebigfoot Thanks for the comment. We got the exact same suggestion from someone else, along with photos of how they set up their bleeder valve. This spring, we're going to assemble it, and add a video update. And you're right.... we are anal retentive! But we're working on it. lol I blame it on that damn air gauge. If it didn't show 1/2 lb increments, I wouldn't have even thought of it. ;-)

[@RVgeeks]

The battery died in this Accu-Tire brand gauge shortly after this video was made. Turns out that you have to ship it back to the factory to have it replaced! They also don't make it any more. Instead, I bought a new Accu-Tire high-pressure gauge, model MS-4021B, from Amazon for about $10 that I absolutely LOVE. It's better than the old one, yet simpler and smaller.

[@charleshoward9983]

very good information Great video. That will be a life saver.

[@RusticByNature]

Great tip

[@vahagnmelikyan2906]

That's why. Thanks for that info. My freightliner cascadia wouldn't pump air in inner tires. Even though it did on the other inner tires. So I was mystified what caused it.

[@RVgeeks]

I had the same idea after making this! Check out the new video I posted last month all about it. The video title is "UPDATE: High Pressure RV Tire Inflation". Thanks!

[@barry1438]

HI, your videos are great full of useful tips, knowledge. I have 2 question, (1) what kind of valve stems do you have on your rear duallys? (2) Where did you get the air chuck that stays on the stem by its self? Thanks Barry

[@robertestes4703]

RV geeks you are absolutely correct. Lowes truck to have air brake system are built for exactly that reason. The air brake system is also more responsive then hydraulic systems, that is added safety. The reason I know is because I have been to school and hold a class A CDL.

[@JimJohnsonCRS]

Thanks for the great video!

[@GtrPknMama]

I have a dual air gauge for filling the duals equally at the same time. Has the same type dial gauge mounted between both air lines. If I add the air relief valve, I should be good to go;)

[@Scintor]

Beautiful! Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

I'm pretty sure that every diesel pusher RV (with air brakes) has to have an air line at the front end, because if the RV needs to be towed, the tow truck has to be able to supply air pressure to the system to keep the parking brake released. Without air pressure applied, there is no way to release them (S-cam drum brakes are designed that way for safety, locking the parking brake in the event of total air loss). Finding it may take a little looking, and it may not have a quick release.

[@billkuhn9905]

So much easier than having a partner in at the dash, telling you when the system air pressure is above what is needed in the tire.

[@stmbaah]

Thank you!

[@tccmntccmn9621]

Great video, thanks! I presume you know that when the gauge reached 120 PSI with the chuck engaged, that the pressure in the tire was at about 120 PSI as well because the entire system would equalize. Also, you could have removed the chuck when the pressure was on the upswing and had reached the desired pressure.

[@RVgeeks]

We do indeed! Thanks. We don't actually fill our tires this way any more, but avoid idling the engine by using one of these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6vZZKyjg79osLM ;-)

[@kevinwilliamson7294]

Good for on the road. At home I just use my garage compressor.

[@jtnoodle]

I carry a bicycle pump and some extra patches. Won't catch me unprepared, no sir.

[@williamforsterjr276]

Thank you

[@guysadog]

Are there any sights showing how to change the engine coolant and parts needed, on a Cummins ISB-300 in a 2003 Coachmen DS 376

[@Mrmilbeijos1]

nice inline air gauge setup, if you dont have a helper just add one more t fitting and a petcock and release the air your self.

[@RVgeeks]

Love that you thought of that Tom! We did too! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGbJfGhqebCKhpI

[@RVgeeks]

Those systems are cool, and I'd consider it, except I already have an air compressor built in, and would hate to spend $350, plus all the work to install, for something I only need every couple of months. I'm also a full-timer, so space is at a real premium.

[@nathanieldemelo3204]

Do you know the part number for the lug cap covers as well the hub covers on the spartan chassis?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Nathaniel. We think there are a couple of different types, but your best bet is to look directly on the Spartan parts website for the right one. It’s now called Red Diamond Parts: reddiamondparts.com

[@joker22m]

Great video. Quick question though. I have 2009 Newmar, now I know yours is a little older but the layout of my air chuck next to the generator is exactly the same. However, I don't have that spare quick connector attached to my coach so I was wondering which type of quick connectors did you purchase to attach to the coach's air supply? Cant seem to find this info anywhere! Thanks.

[@RVgeeks]

+joker22m We got all those parts at Home Depot in the plumbing and air compressor compartment. If I remember correctly, the quick connect is in the compressor department.

[@donwat91]

Rvgeek, do you know if they put that air line on all chassis. I have a 2003 Fleetwood Discovery pusher with a freightliner chassis.

[@thorhammer6040]

Here is an improvement to your design, put a 130+ PSI working pressure 50 PSI cracking pressure check valve between the male fitting and the gauge. Air will only go into the tire and stop flowing when the air line pressure is below the tire pressure.

[@RVgeeks]

Interesting, thanks for suggesting that, Thor.

[@MrRules100]

Where can you purchase the air tool that attaches to the valve? Stu

[@wheelspin1000]

What kind/brand of tire valve stem extension is used on the front tire? Where do you get them? Thanks!

[@RVgeeks]

The chrome valve stems came from the Newmar factory, but if you're referring to the "fill-through" caps that allow you to add air without unscrewing them, we got them at a local tire shop. We've looked for replacements at various places, including truck stops and auto parts stores, but they're apparently hard to find. Sorry but there's no brand name on them. The tire shop just gave us a handful of them when we had a couple of tires replaced. I just scoured Amazon, and nothing. Just found them on eBay, but ending soon! Go to eBay and search "Schrader Valve Air Through Cap" and they come right up.

[@JayBazuzi]

Nice instructions. I would have skipped the quick release between the chuck and the gauge, making it a bit simpler.

[@markfjeld7352]

What is it that allows you to just clip on the air chuck. Tried searching for it but didn't come up with anything close.

[@RVgeeks]

Hey Mark. You need a head that locks on, like this one from Amazon: amzn.to/2XQx986 (you may need to adapt it to connect to your air hose/gun/handle)

[@RVgeeks]

@georgebarrera100 We originally got 2 of them at a tire dealer when we had two new tires installed. They just put them on without being asked. We liked them so much that we began looking for them at every truckstop and auto parts store we came to, but were unable to find them. We finally asked at a little tire shop where we stopped to get propane. The guy handed us half a dozen of them for the rest of our tires and said "no charge!" So I'd suggest that a tire shop would be your best bet. :)

[@georgebarrera100]

where do you find the valve caps?

[@vegasfordguy]

How about you just add a 5 gallon auxiliary air system rated at 150 psi? Hornblasters sells the complete kit for around $350 bucks. It's fully automatic and would eliminate many of the problems you're having. The kit has a air tank, 100% duty cycle compressor, pressure switch, gauges & fittings.

[@cmiekley]

Is that a special air Chuck please let me know I'm trying to build my unit

[@RVgeeks]

If we recall correctly, there should be a link to the correct one in the video description.

[@cmiekley]

@@RVgeeks I did not see a link is that a special Chuck to fill the air not to check the pressure

[@alanb.4660]

put a tee in the line with a valve to let air out and trigger the compressor to turn on would make it a one person job

[@RVgeeks]

You’re right on the money, Alan! We did just that very thing as a follow-up here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGbJfGhqebCKhpI

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

So what’s the deal with a higher air pressure in the front tires? Because I thought the rear wheels on a diesel pusher would need higher pressure than the front ones because of the weight of the Diesel engine over the rear axles.

[@RVgeeks]

The reason the fronts need more pressure is because they are each one single tire, supporting the weight all alone. The rears have four (or in our case, with a tag axle, six) total tires. Even though we have three times the number of tires on the rear of the RV (6 vs 2), the rear doesn't weight anywhere near three times as much, hence the lower pressure requirement.

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

RVgeeks ah since there’s only 2 tires on the front axle they need higher pressure to support the weight of the rig

[@TheOfficialWickedOne]

How does the chuck stay on the valve stem by itself?

[@RVgeeks]

The chuck we have has concentric circles/rings inside the opening that catch onto the threads.

[@bobmay9887]

Has anybody ever heard of a check value daa. Pressure will b what ever your compressor cut out is and u can adjust tire pressure if lower pressure is desired easy peasy boys

[@Max1Chase1]

Nice video, but A bit spooky of allowing the pressure going over 120psi in the front tire.

[@RVgeeks]

The round gauge on the air chuck doesn't actually read the pressure in the tire. It reads the pressure in the RV's air system. When the gauge momentarily reached 125 lbs, the tire was still below 120 (its maximum allowable pressure). When we remove the air chuck and take the reading, you can see that the tire was only at 111. It's kind of like going to the gas station and using a 75 PSI compressor to bring your car tires up to 30 psi. No harm, as long as you remove the air chuck before exceeding the max pressure of the tire.

[@bobwoerner8731]

..i currently have a 6x10 haulmark transport cargo trailer.reg says 2990 gvwr. it has 205/75d14 tires on it.,,,,,my problem is my garage door opening is 84 " high .but the trailer measure aprox 86 1/2 inches high. i was able to get it into my garage just barley by flattening the tire. but makes it very unpractical to use having to re-inflate and deflate with every use. have to keep it garaged due to HOA rules i'm thinking of changing the rims and tires from the 14 inch to a 12 inch in the homes of gaing the clearance i need to pull it in and out without messing with the tire inflation...... but can my trailer run safely on a 12 inch tire with a d rating ? also will the 12 inch give me the additional aprox i need to clear the garage height ?.......any thoughts or recommendations?

[@RVgeeks]

+bob woerner Hi Bob. Sorry for the delayed response. KZbin somehow just decided to notify me about your comment. :( We like your thinking outside the box as a way to solve your problem, but we're going to have to defer to a professional on this one. The combination of tire ratings, size, loads, etc may have consequences that we don't know enough about to say for sure. We'd suggest inquiring at your local tire and/or trailer dealer to see what they think. You might also try posting your question on the user forums on iRV2 to see if anyone else there knows. It's free to join and post at irv2.com/forums. Sorry we couldn't be of more help on this one.

[@jck9590]

I would look into lowering your suspension by a few inches before giving up tire weight capacity with a smaller tire. Alternatively, look for a lower profile tire that still fits the 14 in rim. As long as it still has the weight capacity. On my trailer, I just welded the spring hangers up a few inches higher up on the frame rails. I almost went with a lower profile torsion axle first, but then realized a cheaper solution at the last minute...

[@TF856]

That seems like a real hassle. Why not get out your screwdriver and adjust the restart pressure sensor on your compressor to a higher pressure. It's really easy, I have done it on several air compressors. Reset it to just above your desired air pressure. It may run more often but not as long each time. That way the air hose will always have more air pressure than what you need.

[@RVgeeks]

Kerry Wware Hey Kerry! Rather than tinker with our motorhome's air system (which we'd rather not do), we've switched to an even easier (and quieter) way of inflating our tires. Check out that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6vZZKyjg79osLM

[@RB-jv6un]

Clip the air hose onto the valve and have a longer hose so you can be away from the tire if it blows while you're filling it up, especially if the tire has been really low. If the tire goes when you're down there with your hand on the hose it would ruin your day.

[@1brotz2]

Use an ONBOARD TIRE INFLATION SYSTEM like the ones from SUPER-AIR Sales monitor tire pressure and have the ability to inflate on the go YOU DESERVE a GREAT VACATION ..... DONT BLOW IT ! ! !

[@georgeforall]

You can weigh your RV at most truck stop/stations for about $10

[@TaitGuy]

Thanks for the Tip! We pasted this video on our Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/RVForum/

[@kenbolden1706]

Thanks for the video. Well done with good info. Who makes the stem caps that you can leave them on and lock the air chuck on to?

[@RVgeeks]

Ken Bolden The "fill-through" valve stem caps can be difficult to find, but we located these at a tire shop. Not sure who makes them though. Our air chuck locks onto any valve stem, because it has rings inside the opening that catch onto the stem's threads. It was also a little tricky to find, since most chucks are smooth on the inside. If you look at tire chucks, check out the opening and look for the rings, and that type will lock onto any valve stem threads. Hope this helps!

[@domo8676]

I've been told tire dressing actually decreases the life of the sidewalls.

[@RVgeeks]

Anything with petroleum distillates does, and should not be used. Aerospace 303 is perfect... no petroleum distillates, plus UV protection.

[@juniorvinsonhill1898]

what about a check valve

[@th1alb]

I would love one of these RVs but they are so expensive. How are you able to afford this? I must be doing something wrong...

[@RVgeeks]

The only thing bigger than our RV is the mortgage on it. lol

[@th1alb]

Haha, fair enough!

[@RVgeeks]

Always great to hear from a fellow Newmar owner!

[@ourv9603]

WHEN you weigh your coach you need to know the MAXIMUM weight your coach will be when you are traveling SO, load it up as if you are going on an average trip. Fill ALL tanks, yes waste tanks too as they may be full as you leave a park heading for home. Full fuel and all that. Food, clothes, tools whathaveyou. Everything you intend to haul. THEN, weigh your rig. You want to weigh each wheel as well all 4/6 and front axle only & rear axle(s) only. Store these numbers as you will be referring to them from time to time for as long as you own this rig. !

[@wifebeater756]

buy a 4500 psi scba tank regulator and some fittings and top the tires off with that

[@user-tv8sm6so9y]

That is the most stupid factory setup ever put on a vehicle, It should just have a bypass where it is at full pressure On Demand Or just fit a small compressor in one of the storage lockers, This is a Great Video because so many people would never know this and think their compressor was broken, WTG.

[@PatrickCSullivan]

Wouldn't it of been a lot easier to of just put a one way check valve between the tire filler and the quick connect? Then the air could never flow backwards.

[@RVgeeks]

That's a good idea, Patrick. But I think that would only solve half the problem. While it would indeed prevent air from flowing out of the tire, the problem of trying to ADD air while the air system is at the lower end of its pressure cycle would still be there. We're since give up on this method of topping up our tires entirely, getting several benefits in the process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6vZZKyjg79osLM

[@gwendolyn899]

never air up a tire that has been ran low on air. the tire could have a zipper tear in the side wall.it could explode,also you should not use a short air hose valve to air up tires. Use a 6 ft line with a air fill chuck on the end farthest from the tire. Always stand off to the side away from the front of the tire. He is wrong to put gauge at tire end. Very dangerous.

[@bobob427]

genius

[@ding0925]

Honestly you need to toss that digital gauge in the trash , it detects pressure with diodes and small electronic that are very sensitive to temp and moisture as well as batt voltage in the unit . why would you risk a $600 Michelin tire on a gimmick? invest in a good mech gauge and have it tested at least 4 times a year..i would not be surprised that the gauge you used in the video is not off by 5-10lbs

[@RVgeeks]

Too late.... it died last year! lol It's already been replaced with a simpler one we like much better, that's also a lot smaller and only requires one hand to operate. We'll be showing it in an upcoming video about another way to fill high pressure tires without dealing with the ups ad downs of the RV's compressor.

[@montrez1988]

Ain't nobody got time for that in the morning or afternoon

[@RVgeeks]

Then maybe this would work better for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGbJfGhqebCKhpI Or maybe this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6vZZKyjg79osLM Take your pick! 😉

[@DawnNLN-ee2kh]

WHY do I need. Digital air guage? I drove truck for 42 years and checked my tires weekly, never owned a digital guage, so Why can't I just use my manual guage? Does my class A diesel pusher use DiGITAL air? LMFAO 😂!???

[@RVgeeks]

Who said the gauge had to be digital? That’s just what we happen to have. As long as it’s accurate.