Valve stems, How long do they last?

[Hairs]

Valve stems, How long do they last
Something I would think most Swaggers easily over look when preparing for a trip, no matter how short it maybe.
Walked out to the camper the other day and noticed that it was on a lean, flat tyre. Jacked it up, pulled it off and took it to the shed.
Fired up the compressor, started to pump it up, noticed that air was leaking out of the base of the Valve Stem, then it just broke off.
Popped the bead, not an easy task as the tyre had stuck to the steel rim  got the young bloke to put his arm in and retrieve the base of the stem.
I carry a couple spare valves stems in the tyre repair kit, so I stuck a new one in, pumped it up and all is good.

Afterwards, I got to thinking, How long do Valve Stems last?  We've owned the camper since May 09, the previous owner had
dragged it around the block twice, so he had told me. The tyres are Goodyear Wrangler MT/R 245 75r16, Going by the DOT code,
I would presume they were manufactured in 04(3304).
In the time that we have owned the camper it has been under cover, the sun doesn't get on the tyres at all(except for traveling & camping times),
but the previous owner had it sitting in the open, for how long, I don't know 
I was just wonder how often valve stems need replacing, especially on a camper or trailer? I've done a little reading about the subject and it is
advised that the valve be changed when a tyre is or if there are cracks visible on the stem. The cost is minimal so it shouldn't be a factor in replacing when fitting another tyre, unless the last tyre fitter didn't replace them when the tyres were fitted. Anyway, I've checked all the others on the camper, The horse float and my work trailer, all looks good.
Hmm Something to think about next time we are preparing for a trip, no matter how short.
Happy & Safe travels.
 

[dazzler]

How long do Valve Stems last? 

Forever.

[Mace]

Within reason, should last indefinately, unless smacked by a stick, rock, etc.

That said, when in the trade, used to put new ones on every set of new tyres we sold as an insurance factor. At 35 cents each, it was a cheap way of ensuring the Tyre stayed up.

[Taz64]

Rubber valve stems will deteriorate over time when exposed to elements such as sunlight, weather, salt water etc.

Metal valve stems will last forever however the rubber seal on them is still subject to deterioration.

I have never seen a rubber used as a seal/washer which will last in the elements forever.  If someone knows of one please let us all know as I'm sure lots of members would like to get hold of it.

I always change valve stems when putting on new tyres, that being said, many trailers don't do the mileage to match tyre change to valve stem change and may require valve stem changes more frequently than tyres.

Like Mace said, it's only 35c each, so for peace of mind why not change them prior to the 'big' trip or when purchasing a 2nd hand unit if they look at all suspect.

[dazzler]

Just to clarify, a rubber valve stem will outlast a tyre.  They are replaced when you replace tyres (or bloody well should be)