NHTSA Complaint #740307 — 2000 FORD E-450

TIRE VALVE STEM NOT ACCESSIBLE ON OUTER REAR TIRES ON DUALIES: WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DELIVERED TO THE CUSTOMER, THE OUTER TIRE VALVE STEM IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR CONSUMERS TO CHECK FOR PROPER INFLATION. YOU HAVE TO HAVE VALVE STEM EXTENDERS PUT ON THE INNER AS AN ADDITIONAL PARTS. MANY PEOPLE WHO BUY A NEW RV DON'T THINK ABOUT THE FACT THAT THE CURRENT ACCESS TO THE INNER TIRE VALVE STEM IS INADEQUATE. THE OUTER TIRE VALVE STEM FACES BACK TOWARDS THE INNER TIRE AND IS BEHIND THE RIM. FLEETWOOD (MOTOR HOME MANUFACTURER) AND FORD (CHASSIS MANUFACTURER) AND OTHER VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE TIRE VALVE STEMS ACCESSIBLE FOR OBVIOUS REASONS OF DRIVING SAFETY AND TIRE CARE. THIS PROBLEM/OVERSIGHT SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO CONSUMERS TO ADD ON ADDITONAL FEATURES TO MAKE MONITORING THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE EASIER.*AK