Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Why Colby Valve is a Must-Have for Off-Roaders

Colby Valve Review: The Best Emergency Tire Valve for Off-Road Recovery


Colby Valve Emergency Valve Stem
Colby Valve Emergency Tire Valve System

When you're off-roading, your tires take a beating. A popped bead or torn valve stem can leave you stranded in the middle of a trail. That’s where the Colby Valve comes in—a game-changer for emergency tire repairs.

I learned this the hard way during one of my adventures. Now, I never hit the trails without a Colby Valve in my recovery kit—and here’s why you shouldn’t either.

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My Trail Mishap: The Lesson I Learned the Hard Way

My Tire when I popped a bead.
Trying to repair my popped bead. 

During my Fall 2019 adventure on the Homecourt Trail in Kingman, Arizona, I tore a valve stem while crawling up a rock. My tire went flat, popping the bead in a precarious spot.

The Problem:

  • My Jeep was stuck on the rocks with a flat tire.
  • The position made a traditional tire change dangerous.
  • A torn valve stem meant I couldn’t just air up and go.

Luckily, a fellow Jeeper had a Colby Valve, which saved the day.

My tire with a popped bead and torn valve stem.
Off-road mishap when I popped my bead of my tire

Watch my real-time trail repair:
⏩ See how I fixed my torn valv stem at about tht 22 minute mark of this video 


What is the Colby Valve, and How Does It Work?

Colby Valve is an emergency tire valve replacement that lets you fix a broken valve stem without removing the tire from the wheel. Unlike traditional valve stems, which require dismounting the tire, the Colby Valve installs in seconds.


Why It’s a Game-Changer:

✔ No need to remove the tire – Just screw it in and air up.
✔ Durable brass construction – Stronger than standard rubber valve stems.
✔ Reusability – You can remove and reinstall it as needed.
✔ Works with all off-road tire pressures – No need to worry about leaks.


Quick Install Steps:

1️⃣ Remove the damaged valve stem.
2️⃣ Screw in the Colby Valve by hand.
3️⃣ Tighten with a socket wrench (12-16 ft-lbs torque).
4️⃣ Air up your tire and hit the trail!



Why Tire Placement Matters: Avoiding Valve Stem Damage

My Jeep getting fixed on the trail after a torn valve stem.
Wheeling in Arizona - Homecourt Trail.

Since tearing my first valve stem, I’ve learned that watching your tire placement is critical when rock crawling.

Pro Tip: Adjust your side mirrors downward so you can see your rear tires. This helps prevent valve stem damage when navigating rocks.


Rear tires in the side mirror.
Use your mirrors to watch your rear tires.


My Experience:


Three valve stem mishaps over the years.
Installed Colby Valve Permanent Stems after my Rubicon Trail trip.
Learned the importance of torquing valve stems properly—don't overtighten!


Installing Colby Valve Permanent Valve Stems.
Replacing my valve stems with Colby Valves. 


Permanent Colby Valve in my tire.
Adding the Colby Valve to my tires. 



Colby Valve Permanent vs. Emergency: Which One is Right for You?

Colby makes two main types of valve stems:

🔹 Emergency Colby Valve – Great for quick trail repairs. Keep one in your recovery kit!
🔹 Permanent Colby Valve – A long-term solution that’s stronger than OEM valve stems.


Colby Valve Ultimate Extra Short Valve
Ultimate Tire Valve System

My Setup: After tearing another valve stem on the Rubicon Trail, I upgraded to Colby Permanent Valve Stems when I got back to Colorado.

Should You Get the Ultimate Extra Short Version?

If you do a lot of rock crawling, the Ultimate Valve (Extra Short) might be a better option—it’s designed to be less exposed to rock damage. I’m now considering switching to these.


Final Thoughts: Is Colby Valve Worth It?

Absolutely! The Colby Valve has saved me multiple times on the trail, and now I won’t wheel without one in my recovery kit. If you’re an off-roader, overlander, or even just an everyday Jeeper, this is a must-have piece of gear.

 Best Off-Road Recovery Gear You Need


Have You Ever Torn a Valve Stem on the Trail?

Drop a comment below! Let’s share our off-road lessons and keep each other prepared.



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