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Topic: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) (Read 4206 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #25 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156610
Required is too strong a word.  Ease of use is closer to the truth.  The hub cab that LD uses has too small a hole for easy access.   Maybe it could be just my large hands.  The valve extension for the inside dual was spring clipped to the hub cab.  The outside dual valve was located just inside the hub cab just close enough to cut my hand each time I checked for tightness.  This left me with the idea to enlarge the hole on the hub cap or remove the hub cabs.    By removing the hub cab I could access the tire valves without any extensions.
My plan now is to get new lug nuts and repaint the wheels.   (Smile) I'm thinking a red/white swirl with green chrome lug nuts.   I almost positive my wife may have some other ideas.

Glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #26 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156641
I have the TireMinder TM66 system and have the booster attached to the back side of the rear window shade valance. It's wired to a spst switch in the cabinet next to the entertainment center so I can turn it off when we're not moving. I don't like the green light shining in my face at night.

Maybe your valve extensions aren't threaded? I have threaded valve stem extensions on my front wheels with the sensors attached to the extensions and TireMan stems on the rears that don't need extenders. You definitely DON'T want your transmitters touching the wheel or hubcaps.

Hope that helps,

Charlie "Gandalf the Grey" '99 MB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #27 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156690
"I have the TireMinder TM66 system and have the booster attached to the back side of the rear window shade valance."

For what it's worth... with the PressurePro TPMS system, I haven't found a booster to be necessary. The monitor panel, which I've mounted above the cab's windshield, reads the pressures of all ten tires on my 26.5' midbath and my towed car without a problem.

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #28 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157961
Regarding the Tire Minder TM66 and Borg Valve Extenders.
 I have both installed on my 2015 RB. I also have the lug extensions that Todd at LD recommended. While the hub cap is a tricky fit, it is doable. I posted two photos of the installation.
 I used my Brake Adjustment Spoon to gently push the valve extenders (TM66 already installed) out of the way as I installed the hub caps. A little spooky, but it works fine.
 Where the TM66 Booster is concerned, I'm feeling it a must as Tire Mindeer states in the manual. While simply driving in town, the TM66 gave me false readings in both the pressure and temperature.
 This may be due to the monitors proximity to the dashes electronics (I currently have it placed in a space on the dog house). Still working out the finer details in monitor placement and where to wire the booster.

Any help with these two details is greatly appreciated.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #29 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158769
Hi Folks,
 Thought I would do a little update of my last post on my TM66 installation. I remounted the monitor above the rear view mirror in the cab. This was done to get it away from the electronics of the dash.
 Antenna Up...so says the Tire Minder Manual. So with that done, I headed for the hills. Not long after hitting the road, the monitor went off with pressure and heat warnings. I had filled the tires so felt confident the error was the lack of the signal booster. They were indeed fine.
 After reading the LD manual about disconnecting the coach batteries and cautions about the solar panels, I was reluctant to wire the booster there.
 Calling the TM factory confirmed that the booster needed to be hooked up somewhere either inside or outside the coach. I was also reluctant to mess with the truck battery or drill holes and mess with any coach wires.
 I decided to make a 12 volt battery of my own. Using 8 AA batteries and a plastic battery pack I picked up I got a green light from the booster. After researching battery life, I figured my set up should provide power for two to three weeks.
 I hit the hills again. And with the battery pack and booster tucked in the shelf above the rear window of my RB, everything worked perfectly. No false readings or alarms.
 After 2 1/2 weeks I changed out the cheap AA's for Energizers and I and very pleased with the results. I'll post a picture of the pack and booster so anyone interested can give it a try.

Enjoying the road. Hope you do the same.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #30 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158770
Would rechargeable batteries be more economical for your setup? Or a larger auto. battery jump starter?
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #31 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158778
I had considered a rechargeable lead acid battery at first.
 After speaking with the sales clerk at Fry's Electronics, I was told that they would not accept the battery as a return in the event that my project was not successful.
 Rechargeable lead acid batteries run around $125 plus $25 for the charger. Non-rechargeables run about $50. I decided to take the least expensive alternative to determine the viability of the concept. Total cost was about $6.00.
 Jump starter batteries might work, but are very large by comparison to either the AA battery pack or the smaller lead acid rechargeable battery. They also often have cigarette lighter styled plug ins which Tire Minder recommends against.
 Lead Acid batteries can store up to 12 amp hours. The TM66 booster draws about 25 mili-amps so the lead acid battery could last an extremely long time when compared to the 2 to 3000 mili-amp hour life of a AA battery.
 Rechargeable AA's might also be an option. Only time will tell which option I may end up with.

Thanks for your suggestion.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #32 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158779
In our class A we've installed the booster in the house battery compartment, above the batteries, connecting directly to the batteries for 12V with alligator clips.  This should work in an LD as well.  For long term storage, disconnect to prevent slow drainage of the batteries.

Dale
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #33 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158783
Hi Dale,
 Did you leave the booster inside the battery compartment? With my 27' RB, TM techs said I could have the booster under the hood if connected to the truck battery since I don't tow.

Thanks,

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #34 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158788
'After reading the LD manual about disconnecting the coach batteries and cautions about the solar panels, I was reluctant to wire the booster there. "

Kent

I must have missed something, what warnings are you referring too?

You have gone to great lengths to power the booster, with its own battery, when there is plenty of 12-volt power available through out the cab and coach, not to mention the hassle of replacing batteries.
I have never had problems wiring 12-volt devices to either cab or coach electrical systems.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #35 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158795
Thanks Larry,
 On page 48 of the LD owner's manual it states that any time the coach batteries are disconnected that the solar charging system is still providing power to the coach 12 volt system. It further states that the fuse in the converter fuse panel marked "Solar Panel" must be pulled. Additionally, it mentions the chassis battery Solar Panel fuse under the steering column should be disconnected. These are the cautionary notes to which I referred.
 TM states that cigarette lighter type 12 volt supplies are to be avoided due to the possibilities of a loose connection during travel due to vibration. They also state that "switched" connections should also be avoided as the booster should be running 24/7.
 When considering using alligator clips to attach the booster to the coach batteries, I was not certain of the 100 % reliability of such a connection. No doubt I am seriously over thinking this whole thing. But that's just me.
 When considering making connections to inside coach 12 volt sources, I dreaded the thought of drilling holes and running wires across the walls or floors. Perhaps the thermostat in the RB closet would be a good source? I'm not sure.
 As I am still getting use to my new LD, I wanted to get things moving along and after the TM66 seemed to need the booster I did what I could to get things going.
 I am truly open to suggestions and value everyone's input. I just really don't want to mess up my new baby.
 Your advice is always welcome and I totally agree that replacing AA batteries every couple of weeks would be a "drain" on vital resources.

Keeping it light.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #36 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158798
Kent,
 Yes, the booster remains inside the coach/house battery compartment at all times.  I simply disconnect from the battery when storing the unit.  Coincidentally, I did have a LD RB for 7 years & if I were in your situation I would install the booster in the house battery compartment, rather than under the hood: 1) easily accessible, 2) should run cooler than under the hood, 3) if you ever tow, this should work for getting the signal to the toad, as well.

Dale
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #37 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158801
Dale,
 Thanks for your input. Sounds like a perfect fit. Pure and simple and no splicing into coach electrical or strapping the wire harness to the chassis. Just the way I like it.

I'll give it a shot and see how it works.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #38 –
Got my Tireminder today. Kent, did you attach the booster inside the battery bank and if so what did you use, some high strength 3M strips or the like?

Thanks, Dave
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #39 –
Hi Dave,

Actually I cheated a bit. The subject was discussed quite a bit. It is common to use alligator clips to attach the booster to the battery bank and just leave the booster in the battery bay. Velcro (or something more industrially tough/duarble) may work. Perhaps large zip ties would be appropriate. However, I took a different approach.

Now I will go over what I did. I like its simplicity and it works 100% of the time.


I know my approach is somewhat unorthodox and some here may deem it silly but here goes.

I made a AA BATTERY PACK to create a 12 volt block. I purchased a plastic battery holder at Fry's Electronics. It holds 8 AA batteries. The pack has a clip on the end like the one a 9 volt battery has. I purchased the matching "clip" and soldered it to the Tire Minder Booster.
Simple, fast and very inexpensive. Total cost about $6.50 without the batteries.

Since I have a RB, I place my Booster Pack on the shelf above the bathroom sink.

The green power light is visible in the rear view mirror as I travel. It serves me well and the light reassures me that the booster is functioning.

I do not leave the battery pack connected to the booster when not traveling. I simply unsnap the connector and leave it where it lies.

Thirty minutes before I hit the road, I connect the battery pack to the booster then I go to the receiver and set it to scan each transmitter for tire pressure etc.

Tire Minder states that after sitting overnight, the receiver should be made to scan the transmitters prior to hitting the road. Depending on how long my LD will be sitting  I can disconnect the batteries as I see fit.

Leaving the "battery pack" connected drains the batteries and wastes money. As it is, the batteries are good for about 9-12 days if running continually. It's a given that while in a campground the Booster Pack and its batteries DO NOT need to be active.

A set of batteries last about 4 months this way when disconnected, maybe longer. Hooking the Booster to your coach batteries will last a great deal longer. But that's just me and like I mentioned I get to see the "green light" so I know I'm good to go.

I'm certain that however you get the "green light" and attach the booster you'll be fine. One day I may hook mine to the coach batteries, but for now I like it the way it is.

Hers a shot of my set up.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #40 –
Thanks. I think I'll zip tie it to one of the battery "handles" and see how it works.

FYI, the booster is much different today (see the pic).
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #41 –
The booster may change with the model. Mine is the TM66. Your monitor may well be different also.

No matter. They all function pretty much the same. CW advertises the TM66 all the time. So it's still current I would imagine.

Here's a shot from CW (not promotin' just showin')

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #42 –
Well,crap. The Tireminder sensors don't want to screw onto the Tireman dually extensions. Anyone run into this? I called them this morning and they never called back. Grrrrrr

Looks like I'll monitor the front wheels and the toad wheels. I carry an infrared gun so will just stop every few hours and shoot the sidewalks and treads on all the tires.
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #43 –
Dave,

This is indeed very odd. When I purchased my extenders, I picked them up directly from Borge out here in So Cal.

The Tireman has been doing this for years and folks here have been very pleased.

At this point, it appears that your Tire Minder transmitters fit the front tires but not the dually extenders. Can't imagine the Tireman not matching your rigs stems front to back. Hmmm...

Many people don't have a monitor system and simply use a "thumper" to see if the tires have air prior to travel. That and a decent pressure gauge (mine is a Tire Minder)  and a small 12 volt air compressor and you should be fine.

Check 'em in the morning before you hit the road. As for heat, I think they really only overheat if you are running them too low. Others here may have more input on the finer details.

Don't stress it. We have all done pretty well without the monitors. They're just really nice to have. Take care of it when you get back home and enjoy your trip.

As a side note...The Tireman isn't the only person who can install the extenders if he's too far away. Borge recommended Allen Tire to me and they (and others qualified) are local.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #44 –
Thanks. I have everything I need such as Viair air compressor and a talking tire gauge that has proved to be very accurate (thanks to Andy B!). Topped off the tires this morning to 77 pounds and the fronts at 62. We have a fair amount of stuff for weekenders but nowhere near "a lot" so although I haven't weighed her in forever I figure we are nowhere near 14,050.

Need to do the pre-trip stuff early in the morning; first for work and second due to the humidity. Holy cow, can't wait for 72 degrees and low humidity!!!!  ;D
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #45 –
If normal valve stem caps fit on both stems (inner and outer) the issue is with the TireMinder caps.  I got TireMan stems and have had no issue with the TPMS senders fitting.  I am not with the LD right now and can not tell you which system it is.  Oneday I will put the name in my phone so I can reference it. 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
 
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #46 –
I know that this subject has been discussed many times.  I have reviewed many of the posts that go back several years.  I am ready to purchase a TPMS for our LD.  From posts on file, I find that LD owners from several years back recommended a Pressure Pro system.  In recent years, it seems that the two most often used have been TireMinder and TST.  I have read the literature and promotions on these and, I find pros and cons for both.  One brand that is well advertised with videos is EEZ.  However, I find no posts by LD owners on this system.  If it is as advertised and illustrated, it appears to be a good value. 

I am ready to purchase and install a TPMS.  Before doing so, I would be interested in knowing if an LD owner has an EEZ system and what their experience is with it.  I want to go with a reliable and quality system first and foremost. 

Jim, NC
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #47 –
Quote from: James Irvin  - 
I know that this subject has been discussed many times.  I have reviewed many of the posts that go back several years.  I am ready to purchase a TPMS for our LD.  From posts on file, I find that LD owners from several years back recommended a Pressure Pro system.  In recent years, it seems that the two most often used have been TireMinder and TST.  I have read the literature and promotions on these and, I find pros and cons for both.  One brand that is well advertised with videos is EEZ.  However, I find no posts by LD owners on this system.  If it is as advertised and illustrated, it appears to be a good value. 

I am ready to purchase and install a TPMS.  Before doing so, I would be interested in knowing if an LD owner has an EEZ system and what their experience is with it.   I want to go with a reliable and quality system first and foremost. 

Jim, NC

Here are links to my original post on that system and then one year later. You may not have found anything on your search because the name is Eeze.

Adding TPMS monitoring to Toad

Tire pressure monitors - My 1-year use summary

It is now over 3 years since we switched and we remain happy with the system.

Jim
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #49 –
Good point on the sensors Ed. We got the flow through for the LD but not for the car since they are so long they would have looked very odd.

Jim