TPMS

[ChuckWmson]

I have seen several comments regarding the best TPMS for motorhomes.  My questions is which type to buy?  I belief that some units have internal sensors and others use sensors attached to the stem.  From a security stand point it would seem an internal sensor would be the better way to go to avoid temptation by others, or is this something I should even consider?

Does anyone have a recommendation for which way to go?

Chuck

 

[SargeW]

The majority of folks here use the stem mounted units, and I have never heard of one being stolen (including me). Nearly all of the systems I have heard of have been reliable. You have to look at the way the system works on the display monitor to find any real differences between them.  The costs are all pretty close as well.  The internal mounts work well also, you will just incur a lot more expense having them installed, and again if one fails or needs the batteries replaced.

It really comes down to which one appeals to you, which monitor you like, and how and where you plan on mounting the monitor display. 

 

[sluggermike]

I just purchased a system from Truck System Technologies.  I got the model 507 with six flow through for the RV and four non flow through for my toad for $500.  I was originally quoted $565, but I told them I had read on this forum that someone had purchased the system for $500.00.  Be aware that you may have to get two 45 degree extension for the front axle.  The hub cap opening was not large enough for the flow through senders.  I purchased the extenders from Amazon.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I'm with Sarge:  the technology is now mature and most of the systems work well and are competitively priced.  I see no real advantage to internally mounted sensors and a disadvantage if a sensor fails for any reason, including battery life.

People debate endlessly about the importance of user-replaceable batteries vs replacing the entire sensor and the need (or not) for temperature sensing, but these differences have not proven to be of significance either. Good for a campfire debate, but not a major consideration in purchase. If you feel one or the other is better, just follow your inclinations and don't agonize over it.

 

[Ken & Sheila]

I would like the following in a system, but haven't found one that "does it all"

A: flow through (at least for the motorhome)

B: The ability to read the pressures prior to departure ( some systems, such as TST require that you be moving to activate the system)

C: Replaceable batteries.

TST (and other using the same sensors) has A and C, but not B

Pressure Pro (my current system) has only B

Tire-SafeGuard has A and B, but not C, Although I am not sure the stationary system would work (C), because they state the when stationary the signal is sent only couple of hours unless the tire is low. (Pressure Pro only takes a few minutes to check all tires)

Maybe next year, 'll keep looking

ken

 

[Ned]

Unless your tires leak a lot, a flow through sensor is of little value, in my opinion.  My tires haven't needed air for over 6 months and 6000+ miles.  Replacing the sensors every 8-10 years, I think, is better than just replacing batteries and keeping the old sensors.  At $30 each (for PP) it's not a big expense.

 

[billwild]

If the internal sensors are anything like the ones on cars now a days, everytime you have to have tires changed, it is an extra expense because of the internal sensors. As far as letter B above regarding TST not giving a reading before starting out, I do not believe that to be true. My sensors give a reading shortly after plugging in the device while standing still, and I do have the TST system.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The tire companies are making extra bucks insisting that you need to "rebuild" internal tire sensors when installing new tires. For the family car, that is largely horse puckey, unless you manage to replace your car tires only once in &+ years.  On a motorhome or other low mileage vehicle that does not need new tires very often, the rebuild practice may make sense, since you may well have to replace an internal sensor battery before it is time to install tires a second time.

 

[Ned]

One of our tire sensors on our 6+ year old Canyon is failing and giving a nearly constant "Serv TPM" message.  I had our local mechanic check the sensors and one has a nearly dead battery.  GMC wants $78/each for new sensors but I've found them online for about half that.  When we get new tires sometime this year, I'll get 4 new sensors.

 

[NY_Dutch]

As far as letter B above regarding TST not giving a reading before starting out, I do not believe that to be true. My sensors give a reading shortly after plugging in the device while standing still, and I do have the TST system.

That's correct. The TST sensors continue sending as long as they're installed and the battery is good. The monitor does go into standby mode after period of no movement when running on its internal battery, and wakes up instantly when movement is sensed or an external 12-volt source is applied.

 

[SargeW]

I use a system called "Tire Safe Guard". They offer a flow through sensor which I did use with my 06' Meridian that I had for 4 years and really liked them.  But when I traded up rigs to the 10' Journey the slots in the wheels were smaller than were in the previous wheels so I went to the "cap" style sensors.  They work just as well, but they do have to come off if I want to adjust pressure in the tires. 

They do have user replaceable batteries now as well.  My 7 year old sensors did not, but the new ones I just replaced on the toad do have the replaceable batteries.  When I called my dealer to inquire about the new sensors for the Jeep (because one of the old ones was no longer sending signal) They replaced all four for 50% off.  Not a bad deal. 

 

[Becks]

We have been very happy with the TST system for MH and toad.

 

[hes4all]

Hey Sarge, have you ever heard of Coretronics of Idaho? They are in Eagle.  They also make a TPMS system called Smart tire. Just one more to look at before I buy one.

 

[SargeW]

Can't say I have heard of that one Terry, but that does' nt mean it's not a good system.  Since so many of them share the same functionality, it's really a matter of prefference.

 

[hes4all]

I will check them out in a few weeks. I have to go to Boise for some more surgery so i will swing by and check them out. They also have a few other items for RVing. I just thought it was cool to see that they were in Idaho. Here is a link to their site http://www.triptek.net/.
Thanks.

 

[Ken & Sheila]

Smart Tire no longer does RV's (per their website). I think this is because they stopped making the product for the toad vehicle. Their system is mounted on a band in the rim, this requires dismounting the tire. Also it does not report pressure until the rig is rolling.

 

[hes4all]

Went back to see if they (Coretronxs) still made a TPMS and i had the incorrect name for their system. It is called SmarTire RV. I will call them tomorrow to see if they still offer it and to get a little more information. Have a good day!

 

[Ken & Sheila]

Coretronics, Inc, of Eagle still shows that they carry Smartire. But unless they purchased the manufacturing rights and have taken over production the product it is no longer being made. SmarTire's website does say that some dealers may still have the product available, but you would be buying an orphaned product. Make sure you ask about future availability of parts.

I asked about Smartire at Dickman Tire (Les Schwab)in Junction City a few years ago and they told me they stop handling it because it was discontinued.

ken