Liquid wheel ballast

[Dirty Steve]

Was looking at what liquid window washer fluid was available at Wally world. Nothing available for cold weather right now. I only use -25 or -30 washer fluid in our cars because anything else freezes. However there was -50 RV antifreeze. $2.58/gal. Is that usuable? Pros? Cons? OK in a tubed tire? What about tires without tubes??

[olds45512]

It will be fine with tubed or tubeless.

[darkminion_17]

I hear molasses is a good alternative.

[Dirty Steve]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

I hear molasses is a good alternative.

Um.... that could turn into a sticky sitse-ation

[Dirty Steve]

Bought the fore mentioned RV -50 antifreeze. Put 8 gallons in each tire/tube. Had a head slap moment as watched the one rubber style valve stem slip into the rim. Had to pull out a couple hemostats to go fishing. Patience paid off. Not without a fair share of Dirty words.

I was only smart enough to buy one tube with the steel valve stem with the nut which goes on the outside. Instead of waiting for a second tube with the steel threaded style valve stem I put a standard rubber style valve stemmed tube in. Won't do that again.

So those folks with fluid ballast in your rear tires, what air pressure do you run? My dad said usually run less pressure in a loaded tire?

[J-Mech]

I run about 14 psi (give or take). Remember, these aren't radial tires, so they can't squat like a radial can. Still need to run recommended pressures. On a radial tire, it's different. I tried running a set of these squatting before..... dang near ruined the tire. Don't do it.

On a loaded tire, you should always use steel (bolt on) stems. I did the same thing you did, bit now the non steel stem leaks. Fluid broke down the bond between the rubber and brass insert for the stem. Plus rotted the Schrader valve. I run CaCl2, so your results may vary.... but I'd still swap that tube.


You know to only fill the tire about an inch or so below the top of the rim right? That way the valve stem, when on top, isn't submerged.

[darkminion_17]

Good work on the stem re insertion, I like you method of getting fluid to the patient. You know you wouldn't be dirty Steve without a few dirty words.

[zippy1]

"Good work" there Steve.
Would it not hot have been easier breaking the bead on that side, and pushing the valve stem back up and through? (Just thinking outloud)

[Dirty Steve]

Originally Posted by zippy1

Would it not hot have been easier breaking the bead on that side, and pushing the valve stem back up and through? (Just thinking outloud)

I thought that was where it was headed until I figured I could snag the stem with some "instruments".

"You know to only fill the tire about an inch or so below the top of the rim right? That way the valve stem, when on top, isn't submerged."

Now you tell me

[J-Mech]

Drain some out. Unless you have a liquid air pressure gauge. Regular air gauges won't work with fluid. Tears them up and the won't read right.