RV-10 Front Tire/ Tube Issues

rv6ejguy · #1 09-01-2007, 06:03 PM

Upon trial assembly of my front tire and tube to the fork assembly, I find that the valve stem hits the fork and seems excessively long. I've read where some people have exchanged for a different wheel to solve the problem. Is it possible to just get a tube with a shorter valve stem?

TSwezey · #2 09-01-2007, 07:43 PM

It is pretty stupid isn't it! I think it clears without the cap. I think that whole front wheel assembly doesn't seem right.

How's the plane coming along?

bcondrey · #3 09-01-2007, 07:44 PM

Here's the link where the issue was discussed. In essence, Matco will exchange the wheel for a different version that has the valve stem exit in a different location and works great.

http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopi...ighlight=matco

Makes a huge difference. If you call Van's (I did) they will tell you "leave the valve stem cap off - that's what we do in ours".

Bob #40105

Dprestonsr · #4 09-01-2007, 09:09 PM

HOW DO U TELL PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY WHICH WHEEL U HAVE??
THANKS,
DOUG

PJSeipel · #5 09-02-2007, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dprestonsr

HOW DO U TELL PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY WHICH WHEEL U HAVE??
THANKS,
DOUG

If you have the one from Van's, you have the wrong one. It is a WHLNW501.25, and I believe that is on the label.

What you want is a WHLNW511.25. Exchange cost for me was $18.62 + S/H.

PJ Seipel
RV-10 #40032

Jim & Julie Wade · #6 09-02-2007, 12:11 PM

Bend the valve stem!! It is long and easy to bend. Just bend it the opposite direction of rotation.
Jim
40383 120hrs

rleffler · #7 09-02-2007, 12:35 PM

Out of curiosity, why doesn't Vans believe their wheel is wrong?

It would appear to be a no-brainer to me, so it doesn't make sense why Vans doesn't switch to the other model.

Rick S. · #8 09-02-2007, 12:52 PM

I bent the stem using a tubing bender. I had already mounted the wheel so I didn't exchange it. I did talk to Van's about it at the Sun N Fun banquet. It was the third time I asked a question on this build and felt that my self esteem was running way to high that night and I needed to be put back in my place so I fielded the question and took me chances.

The well thought out and engineered fix that I was given to this question?

Don't put the valve cap on....

So in this case...third question was the charm. Leave off the valve cap, boy do I feel dumb!!

bcondrey · #9 09-02-2007, 02:19 PM

According to Matco, the reason Van's doesn't use the other model of wheel is due to parts commonality with the 2 place planes - the nose wheel on the -10 is the same as the main gear wheel on them. Matco has tried to convince them to switch but Van's isn't interested.

Either will work - if you use the stock wheel, just leave off the cap. If you switch wheels you'll gain a lot more clearance even with the valve stem cap on.

Bob #40105

rvbuilder2002 · #10 09-02-2007, 03:26 PM

Another thing to consider...

If you choose to use the different wheel so that you can put a valve cap on, you will need to remove the nose wheel fairing to add air. If the cap is not in place, a moderate sized hole (5/8") in the sdie of the wheel pant is more than large enough to get a stem extension engaged to add air.