HOW TO: Spare tire extension hose - check the pressure without lowering it

[John E Davies]

This is a simple mod, I had a 30” one in my spare parts box. Any length over about 10” will work.

EDIT 12/12/25 If it came with a metal valve cap, toss that far away and install a plastic one that can’t corrode and seize. You could also add a tiny dab of anti-seize compound to the nut that screws onto the valve stem, but that part is not nearly as exposed as the one hanging down...

Here is one possibility.

https://www.amazon.com/AUTOHAUX-Extension-Inflator-Universal-Motorcycle/dp/B0BSNSBVYT/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?crid=XOJNH76BJ30W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lls5pWE7-elpUdZrtYBcJvDRj-NijOppLIxNjakz55L2w5f6ZMNy703XJdrxnZrtfSdY_wabSVR13k328uyLW2GReMkOQFk_W6ufS5uKdWLhFMCKe2qmAKfB9hX2UxNxMSoyBsd6IEPOuNFuWhXEPj06pYWnEG6FDBJU3BZK-ZNpQJXZfy-acy4HwMZfZ_5sw7gjSKRm9Le1UQbzCm1IV_c_Y0OsEQCcMV7_oDTA8KovOvPJerPlzOjwcCTJ1TjraWniyir4l8yaGf97M2yYiPzJxKRqURXxUyj4tr2Xogo.AH2dx_Y__w-Om_PzlRTkxzL267D_q7ah_rzgXs5jAfw&dib_tag=se&keywords=schrader+valve+extension&qid=1719947018&sprefix=,aps,153&sr=8-11-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

My Raptor spare wheel still had the silly 50 mph max sticker on it, that has to come off. If you have a temporary tire, then you should maybe leave it alone. The hose sticks up above the tire sidewall, so it is important that it be positioned as shown, in a gap between the two support crossbars, and also away from the plastic funnel for the winch handle. I marked the tread with a silver Sharpie, so I could easily get the stem where it needs to go. The tire spins as you lift it back up. Make sure that there is a few inches of hose sticking down, but not enough that debris flying off the front tires could damage it.

I have done this for countless vehicles, I have found that the hose may start to leak a little after five or six years, if you start to notice that the pressure is dropping, it is time for a new one.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

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[Brito]

This is just plain smart. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Dean Nelson]

Yes, thanks, clever, indeed!

I just got my RR last week, and I have gathered some parts that will be going on next week, and this is one thing I will do while the truck is up on the lift. I was going to try it with these 90º extenders to get the hose to hug the rim more.

https://www.amazon.com/Extenders-Universal-Extensions-Motorcycles-Recreational/dp/B0D6VYZ96T?th=1

 

[kayakss]

I did something like this on my 2002 F-150 and it was so convenient. Thanks for reminding me I need to do this on my current RR.

 

[Dean Nelson]

I did something like this on my 2002 F-150 and it was so convenient. Thanks for reminding me I need to do this on my current RR.

IMO, resurrecting some of the old threads to let new folks know about stuff is a good thing.

 

[embedded rock]

One can simply look at my spare tire and determine it is flat. Filled it once and it went flat again. Some day I'll take it down and see why the spare won't hold air.

 

[got3fords]

On my 5G, I just flipped the spare over. Free, took just a few minutes.

 

[Loudpa]

I rember in our old 88 ranger wife got a flat so I drove to change it. Could not get bolt off of spare. I had to drive home to get a breaker bar.
I'd say apply anti seize or take the tire down once in awhile to check pressure and free up moving parts

 

[Dean Nelson]

On my 5G, I just flipped the spare over. Free, took just a few minutes.

Seems exposing the valve stem to damage during off-road driving wouldn't be advised.

 

[John E Davies]

One can simply look at my spare tire and determine it is flat. Filled it once and it went flat again. Some day I'll take it down and see why the spare won't hold air.

If it is completely flat it will not be supported by the sidewalls and it will flop around and alert you over every bump.

If you do add extra parts to the extension hose, remember that every extra connection adds the possibility of a leak, it is best to stick with just a single hose. And toss any aluminum valve caps, those will seize after exposure to road salt, use plastic ones only! You could use anti-seize with the metal cap, but that makes it very messy when you check the pressure, it gets on your fingers and gauge….

And yes, lower the spare at least every other year to make sure the winch works, to clean off the top of the wheel, and to lubricate the moving parts.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[got3fords]

Seems exposing the valve stem to damage during off-road driving wouldn't be advised.

It's up out of the way enough. I don't go off road.

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