No one wants to install the Crossfires

Air is 78 percent nitrogen. 20 percent oxygen, 1 percent water vapor. Trace amounts of hundreds of other gases make up the last 1 percent.

the benefits are, 1: lower seepage through the rubber cause nitrogen is a larger molecule. 2: pure compressed nitrogen does not go through add great a change in temperature so you don't have the fault hot cold hot cold fluctuation on the tire(you know how a tire feels hot when running on a hot day? Nitrogen doesn't get nearly as hot when used in tires). This adds to tire life and better fuel economy.

Another benefit is the absolute complete lack of moisture. Even in desert climates there is about 1 percent water vapor on the air. With true compressed pre nitrogen it is absolute zero. So no more aluminum rims corroding inside the bead. No more valve core rust or orings rotting out leading to flat tires.

The benefits are proven by science, that's not in question, but just because the benefits are real doesn't mean it's a practical solution for all of us.

Popular Mechanics did a very indepth article on this back when nitrogen was being pushed as a fuel saving device. What was that? About 2003?

 

the crossfires are a p.i.t.a. for anyone that deals with the tires, except the end user. For a while I ran crossfires, in combination with centramatic wheel balancers on my drives. Man that was real agony for the tire guys. The crossfires should come with 2 different mounting brackets, one for the hub, and another to mount behind a lugnut. Its far simpler to use the lugnut mount, because the hub mounted one has to be completely removed in order to remove the wheels, as the mounting tab gets in the way. the easiest way to install them, is with the outside tire not mounted, but sit on the studs, then you have all kinds of room for your hand and wrench to tighten them down.

 

I ran these for about 8 months when one day I looked at my tire and it appeared to be low, but the crossfire read good. I kicked it and it was definitely low so I pulled the crossfire off and checked it with a gauge...........50psi! And the inner was about 10psi low, why in the hell the crossfire read normal was beyond me but they were all thrown in the trash that day

 

They do come with both brackets. Or at least they did in the past.

The bracket on the lugs fit very tight. Almost have to spin them on. The last time I had a drive tire repaired the mechanic said I should mount them off the hub.

 

They can leak. If you're careless with them, they will leak.

Unlike a valve stem cap, you do have to use a tiny bit of care when using them. Clean the ends when you remove them. Replace the hose end if the nut doesn't spin freely on the end after you clean it. Inspect and replace the seals if they look less than perfect. Spray some all-purpose cleaner in the end before installing to lube the seal. Tighten them snug, usually about 1/2 turn past hand tight. Spray some cleaner on them after installing and look for bubbles.

It ain't brain surgery, but if you just throw them on and crank em tight, you might get away with that once.

I've been running Cat's Eyes (same concept as cross-fires, just look different) on all duals on two trucks/trailers for 5 years. In that time I've replaced lots of seals ($6 for a bag of 30), about a half dozen hose ends (stainless wrapped, about $20 or so each), and one center section when the pass through failed upon installation (attached inside hose first and the valve didn't close off).

The hose ends get damaged when over tightened. The seals do too, but more often when installed bone dry.

I've personally had two blow outs in that time on my own truck, one trailer and one drive. Both times they shut off the cross-over as expected, and I was able to get to a wide shoulder with the remaining good tire still at the shut-off pressure. Which is about 10% below the rating you buy. A 90 psi valve will shut off at 81 psi for example.

So for $300 per truck, less than half the cost of an average road service call out plus whatever tire they bring out, what did I get?

1. Totally eliminated any odd wear patterns, excepting one trailer axle that needs bushings. For what it's worth, the balancers eliminate offset air pressure as a cause.

2. What makes up for the extra hassle of installing during tire service? pre-trip tire pressure checks literally a walk around and look, versus taking the time to stick all 18 tires which very few drivers will ever do on a regular basis.

I get it. Checking tire pressure is a pita and takes 10 full minutes on a good weather day when you don't have to air any up. I walk around every time I stop, and put the gauge on them at least once a week just to be sure. That's even easier, since the balancers put the stem easy to get at and only one per position.

3. I buy a lot less tires and road service. They last longer due to balanced air pressure on the duals, and leaks/flats are detected on a walk around at the truck stop or terminal, instead of when the tire shreds itself a mile down the road. The ones that went down from a puncture can be patched, since they weren't run flat and destroyed.

Cat's Eyes have probably given me the best return on investment of any truck accessory I've ever bought. As the guy that has to pay the tire and road service bill, I'm a big fan.

Regarding shops complaining about them, the easy fix is just remove and install them yourself. I keep a 1/2" wrench (valve stem fitting) and a big crescent wrench (remove the center section from the axle stud) in my tool bag just for this.

PS: You probably don't have to loosen the axle nut. Most axle studs stick out enough you just buy another nut and put the bracket on top of the one holding the axle to the hub.

Having to deal with them at tire service sucks sometimes. On the other hand, I get peace of mind since I know they are in good condition and properly tightened and sealed when I'm done. If I don't feel like servicing seals or hose ends right then, I can take them off temporarily and repair them when I have the time and/or inclination.