Emergency Valve Stem Replacement…

[Dryfly24]

So I just recently learned about these: https://colbyvalve.com/ from another thread (Didn’t want to hijack it).

I already carry replacement stems and plugs but wasn’t even aware you could replace the whole valve from outside. Ive needed to replace the stems a few times and was glad to have them but I’ve never ripped out a whole valve. Nice to have that ability so I’m about to order a set.

Does anyone have any advice on which would be the preferred type? They have a temporary wing nut type that can be installed without tools or a permanent one that is installed with a 1/2” socket. I always have tools with me so either or would be fine. Im just wondering if the wing nut type would be as durable as the permanent. Seems a bit more convenient than the permanent one but also a bit more prone to further damage on trail with those wing nut extensions? IDK, I’m thinking the permanent ones would probably be better for a trail repair?

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[kevman65]

I wouldn't spend the money on the permanent one. You're going to have a TPMS unit bouncing around inside the tire. It won't last long and you're going to want a new TPMS installed that will have a valve stem on it.

 

[HooliganActual]

I wouldn't spend the money on the permanent one. You're going to have a TPMS unit bouncing around inside the tire. It won't last long and you're going to want a new TPMS installed that will have a valve stem on it.

@Dryfly24

I'll second this. I'm assuming you have TPMS monitoring which means your valve stem has the TPMS sending unit attached to it:

While it might be beneficial to have a spare standard valve stem to replace in a pinch, I would personally just swap the spare on. As @kevman65 said, putting a "temp" valve stem on, versus swapping in the spare, just means your TPMS sending unit is rolling around inside that tire and would likely be damaged. Save yourself the $20-$40 for the Colby Valve and the potential $30 for a replacement TPMS sensor.

Now, if you don't have TPMS then I would definitely consider a replaceable valve stem setup that didn't require breaking the bead.
Just my $0.02USD.

 

[fourfa]

I agree go to spare first, for your first flat tire. Tire plugs, Colby valves, GlueTreads etc are for your second flat tire. And third and fourth etc.

$30 is nothing compared to a second spare wheel and tire (there are some situations where this is warranted, and I've carried a second spare on a previous vehicle... no way with my current big Jeep wheels though)

And it's nothing compared to having to pay a recovery crew to rescue you in the backcountry (seeing how this spun out of the Matt's Offroad Recovery thread). They scraped a valve on a rock, mangled the threads, and started it leaking. So not a problem with the valve stem getting broken, or the seat popped into the tire, but not one that's easily fixable without a Colby valve either. Their duct tape fix wouldn't hold up for long (Matt says as much in the video)

 

[HooliganActual]

I agree go to spare first, for your first flat tire. Tire plugs, Colby valves, GlueTreads etc are for your second flat tire. And third and fourth etc.

$30 is nothing compared to a second spare wheel and tire (there are some situations where this is warranted, and I've carried a second spare on a previous vehicle... no way with my current big Jeep wheels though)

And it's nothing compared to having to pay a recovery crew to rescue you in the backcountry (seeing how this spun out of the Matt's Offroad Recovery thread). They scraped a valve on a rock, mangled the threads, and started it leaking. So not a problem with the valve stem getting broken, or the seat popped into the tire, but not one that's easily fixable without a Colby valve either. Their duct tape fix wouldn't hold up for long (Matt says as much in the video)

I'm all for redundancy and think the spare valve stem is a good back up, especially if you are waaaay out there.

Right after I bought my JTR in 2020, we did the Tabeguache Trail right outside of Grand Junction. I was still bone stock and I caught a rock on the inside of the rear driver tire just right and it bent the rim dumping all the air out of the tire. Had to go to the spare. Luckily, I was only about 1/4 mile from the end of the trail but I made a beeline into town to have that rim repaired.

I know this isn't the same scenario but my SOP is that if I have to deploy the spare, my wheeling is over until I have another reliable spare.

 

[Rusty PW]

Just ordered a pack of 2 red wing nut style. $34.00 total. Cheap trail insurance.

 

[Dryfly24]

@Dryfly24

I'll second this. I'm assuming you have TPMS monitoring which means your valve stem has the TPMS sending unit attached to it:

While it might be beneficial to have a spare standard valve stem to replace in a pinch, I would personally just swap the spare on. As @kevman65 said, putting a "temp" valve stem on, versus swapping in the spare, just means your TPMS sending unit is rolling around inside that tire and would likely be damaged. Save yourself the $20-$40 for the Colby Valve and the potential $30 for a replacement TPMS sensor.

Now, if you don't have TPMS then I would definitely consider a replaceable valve stem setup that didn't require breaking the bead.
Just my $0.02USD.

I do have TPMS. Man, I never even thought about that. Thank you for pointing it out…

 

[Dryfly24]

I wouldn't spend the money on the permanent one. You're going to have a TPMS unit bouncing around inside the tire. It won't last long and you're going to want a new TPMS installed that will have a valve stem on it.

I meant to quote you on that as well. Thank you for the response! ??

 

[Pickle_Bill]

Depending on terrain/situation, putting a colby valve in makes much more sense than try to get a spare on....quicker too.

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