What types of valves are available for inner tubes, and which one fits my rim?
The valve designation describes two things: the stem diameter — which must fit the hole in the rim — and the shape, i.e. straight or angled.
Only the bore matters for a proper fit: a valve fits perfectly only if its stem matches the bore in the rim. Whether it is straight or angled makes no difference — that is a question of accessibility.
An overview of the types:
| Type | Shape | Bore | typically used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TR13 | straight, rubber | 11.5 mm | Car and trailer wheels |
| TR4 / TR6 | straight, short | 11.5 mm | Small wheels, garden tools |
| TR15 | straight, rubber | 16 mm | Agricultural machinery, tractor rims |
| TR87 | 90° angled | 11.5 mm | Small wheels, solid rims |
| JS8 (DIN 7777) | 90° angled, same as TR87 | 11.5 mm | small wheels, solid rims |
| JS2 | Approx. 70° angled | 11.5 mm | Industrial and small wheels |
| V3-02-7 (TR75) | 100° single-bend metal angle valve with screw-on base | 12.2 mm | Commercial vehicles, lorries, trailers, agricultural and industrial machinery such as forklift trucks |
| TR218A | Straight metal air-water valve, two-piece | 15.9–16 mm | High-volume tubular tyres for agricultural and industrial use, tractors |
V3-02-7 in detail: Also known as ETRTO V3.02.7 and US designation TR75. Dimensions: Horizontal leg length 22.5 mm, vertical leg length 71.5 mm, total height approx. 91 mm. The valve base is screwed on, not pressed in — this makes it significantly more robust than a rubber valve.
TR218A in detail — the valve for water ballast: What makes this type special is the option for liquid ballasting: the hose is partially filled with water to increase the vehicle’s weight and thus improve traction — a common practice with tractors.
- Design: straight, robust metal valve, usually in two parts. Unscrewing the inner CH3 valve insert creates an extra-large opening — allowing for quick filling with air or liquid.
- Rim bore: 15.9 to 16 mm (0.625 inches).
- Length: typically around 38 to 48 mm total height above the rim.
- Mounting: a rubber base approximately 80 mm in diameter for vulcanising onto the inner tube, plus a lock nut for secure attachment to the rim.
Reducing sleeves: A TR15 valve does not fit into an 11.5 mm bore. Conversely, there are sleeves that allow a TR13 valve to fit into a 16 mm bore.
Whether straight or angled is not a question of fit, but of accessibility: with closed rims or small wheels, it is often impossible to reach the valve with a pump using a straight valve — in which case an angled one is used.
Not sure which valve is fitted? A photo of the old valve is all we need to identify it. Choose from: inner tubes, bead tapes and valves.
