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Topic: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) (Read 3857 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #50 –
We have TPMS from Tire-Safeguard. Flow through for LD and not for toad. Have been very satisfied, especially with the telephone ;D  support when monitors got out of sync and technical spent about 1/2 hour helping to re-sequence. Kudos.
Tom

2015 MB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #51 –
We have TPMS from Tire-Safeguard. Flow through for LD and not for toad. Have been very satisfied, especially with the telephone support when monitors got out of sync. Technical (owner-?) spent about 1/2 hour helping to re-sequence. Kudos.
Tom

2015 MB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #53 –
We recently purchased the tiretracker system at a Rally in Indiana. It is a different system compared to one pictured in the link. We haven't installed it yet but plan to do so in the very near future, It was an expensive purchase but something we just felt we couldn't live without any longer. It has some features we liked including a notification when tire temp suddenly changes, alerting the driver to a potential problem. Jeff from RV safety came across as knowledgeable and credible at the various rally presentations he made on safety.
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #54 –
Having lived through the blow-out of one of my rear dualies. Have been looking at some of the new tire pressure management systems.  I own a 2003 30 ft island bed and was considering one of the wireless systems.
Does anyone have any experience with these? Any recommendation or cautions regarding these or specific brands?.
Thanks
Marc
Marc  👣
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #55 –
I would not be without one.  I have been happy with my PressurePro TPMS.  It has been on for 9 years now.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #58 –
Hello all,
I had the experience yesterday of having a tire blow out on my Lazy Daze 26.5.  It was the left outer tire that blew as I hit something on the way south on I95.  I saw it and had tried to avoid it but no luck.  My TireTraker system did exactly what it was supposed to.  It started flashing a bright red light and beeping loudly warning me that I was losing pressure very quickly.  I have a hearing loss and I was still able to hear it quite clearly.  I drove slowly to the next exit and had the spare put on the camper.  While the spare was being installed (for $25) we got to witness the Eclipse within six miles of the center of the path.

Fortunately I had ordered a Tire Traker system last week and had it installed the night before I had the tire problem.  This is the first trip I have made with the TPMS and I am sure glad I had it.  Being able to check on what pressure was in which tire and see the individual temperatures is very helpful.  I am now a believer in TPMS systems and their value to RVers.  Had I not known what happened I would have had to pull off to inspect the damage and the traffic was VERY heavy going south on I95 in South Carolina at the time.  Stopping on the highway would have been a very dangerous option but I did not have to thanks to the TireTraker system.

I bought a TireTraker because I had heard about it from some close RVer friends who have had one for many years.  In the latest issue of an RV magazine they reviewed all of the popular systems including the one I bought.  It was very easy to install as the manual was quite complete and easy to follow.  One of the reasons I bought this system is that the individual sending units attach directly to the end of the tire valve stem and weigh less than 1/2 an ounce.  I can add sending units when pulling a trailer.  No having to remove tire from rims or anything like other TPMS equipment I have seen.  The batteries are cheap and plentiful and can be changed without removing the sending units.  It is a well thought out system and I am sure glad I had put it on when I did.

When I purchased my system I was told by the representative of TireTraker that I would need their "Repeater transmitter" as our RV's have an aluminum skin.  That may be true with a trailer but the basic system worked just fine on my 26.5 LD and the signal strength was fine in my vehicle. 

This little device made a potentially bad experience into a manageable one.  It kept me from having to stop on a crazy busy road and risking an accident.  It protected my family and my dear little Lazy Daze RV.
That made it worth every penny it cost, to me.

I hope you never experience a blow out at speed as it gets exciting fast.  Having safety equipment like the TireTraker makes my confidence level go up a notch while cruising along at 70 mph on a busy highway.
Chris and Carolyn McCloskey
Fairfax, Virginia
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #59 –
Like you, I too have the TST 507 flow thru...I just this year replaced the batteries, even tho they were still working fine..just thought that nearly three years of use might be pushing it, and wanted to do the replacements before needed, at my leisure...grin.
I'm very happy with the system--and love the temp as well as pressure readings. Keeps me informed what temps are running especially when driving in the south west in 110 plus weather.
I just had a "loss of air" on the infamous inside passenger tire..the alarm told me instantly there was an issue..got me stopped asap.
The system has paid for itself several times over.
At 04:31 AM 8/22/2017, you wrote:

Quote

We have used this system for a number of years on two RV's. Works just fine.
I change the batteries each Spring simply to avoid having to change them on the road should they fail. Much easier to do at home at my convenience with all the tools I might need.
Quote

TST 507 Flow Thru Kit - Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems - Truck System...

The travels of Ed, Carol and Gopher the dog.
You can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply.
LDO Links:

index.php?action=notifyboard;board=3.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #60 –
Our Doran RV360 is still working fine after five years.
I wouldn't want to travel without it working.

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 #61 –
I have the RV 360 as well. This trip west is had trouble with two sensors intermently loosing contact with the receiver.  I called the company and they confirmed my belief the batteries are getting weak.  The sensor life can be prolonged by (being more diligent than I) taking the sensors off when the RV is not in use.  I've had the system for 4-5 years.  I purchased extra sensors for the Subaru. I need to get metal stems for the car before adding the car's to the system.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #62 –
RV 360 vs. Tire Traker ???

Convinced DH that this is probably a good investment.  Now to choose brand.

Queries from DH: 

How much space does the read out gizmo take on the dashboard?  He has a Scan Gauge up there now.
Can the sensors be put on if one has the air-thru filler valves, or do these sensors replace the filler valves?

Limited physical acuity will probably preclude self installation, unless it is really easy to do.  What sort of dealer (tire?) should we contact, if needed?

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today:  Finger Painting in Columbus, New Mexico
   ***********************************************
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #63 –
Queries from DH: 

"How much space does the read out gizmo take on the dashboard?  He has a Scan Gauge up there now."

Can't speak to all brands, of course, but the general answer to your question is 'not much'. Perhaps an area say 3' long by 1" deep. And it doesn't have to be right in front of the drivers eyes either, especially if there is a passenger to keep an eye on it now and then. I have a Scan Gauge, GPS and a TPMS and they  all get together just fine.

"Can the sensors be put on if one has the air-thru filler valves, or do these sensors replace the filler valves?"

The sensors replace the valve stem cap.

"Limited physical acuity will probably preclude self installation, unless it is really easy to do.  What sort of dealer (tire?) should we contact, if needed?"

As long as a person in your group can check the tire pressure now, they can install any of the TPMS systems. You just remove the existing cap and screw these in their place. However, sometimes, depending on the type of decorative wheel covers you have , the length of the valve stem and the size of the sensor, it may be necessary to enlarge the hole on the cover to accommodate the sensor. I had to do this to the two front wheel covers on my 2015. The holes simply were not large enough. Now I could have added a short extension to the valve stem to get it further out, but I really didn't want too. A drill with an abrasive attachment made quick work of making the hole larger. Plus I'm guessing that some of the metal I ground off would help offset the additional weight of the sensor.



The first set of sensors we had did not have the flow-through stem feature. Before every trip  I like to  get the tire pressures balanced because tires simply lose air over time. With the old system I had to take all the sensors off to do this.  Doable but a PITA. The ones I have now have the flow-through stem so before each trip, i just check the tire pressure with my gauge and use my pump to get everything just as I want it. A very convenient, time saving feature.

Ed





 Virtual hugs,

 Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
 Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

 Today:  Finger Painting in Columbus, New Mexico
 ***********************************************
[/quote]
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #64 –
"What sort of dealer (tire?) should we contact, if needed?"

Camping World, and possibly other RV places, usually install all products they sell.

Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #66 –
Quote from: Ed 111  - 
We have used this system for a number of years on two RV's. Works just fine.
I change the batteries each Spring simply to avoid having to change them on the road should they fail. Much easier to do at home at my convenience with all the tools I might need.

TST 507 Flow Thru Kit - Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems - Truck System...
Do you use a repeater with your setup, Ed?
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #67 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
Do you use a repeater with your setup, Ed?
Chris

No.
Not on our '08 MB and not on the TK. Never had a reception problem so far.
But I only have the sensors on the camper, not on the Jeep. The wheel style on my Jeep doesn't have holes large enough for the sensor without me adding an extension to each tire which I rather not do.
I just keep the rear view camera on while driving and watch for black smoke which might indicate a flat tire on the Jeep. 😱

Ed
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #68 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
Do you use a repeater with your setup?

We have the EEZ TPMS and tow a Subaru.  The monitor picks all 10 sensors within a few minutes and we've not lost a connection once it's turned on.  In other words, does not need a repeater.  This system gives us PSI and temperature readings for each tire with the capacity to change settings.  I'm liking this TMPS system more and more ... gives us peace of mind about tires especially for the Toad.
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #69 –
Quote from: Ed 111  - 
"What sort of dealer (tire?) should we contact, if needed?"

Camping World, and possibly other RV places, usually install all products they sell.



If one gets the type of TPMS that plugs into a cigarette-lighter-style 12V outlet, the only installation that might be required are all metal valve stems and toad.  The monitor for the TPMS can just sit in a drink holder or some other pocket that can be reached by the cord.  They alarm if there is an issue, so you don't need to have the monitor "front and center" to watch for problems. 

For the duallies on the coach you'll want to get the stems from someplace like Borg or Tireman, for the toad we used Discount Tire.  You do not want to attach the weight of the TPMS sensors to the end of a rubber stem or flexible extender; you want solid metal valve stems (and in the case of the inner rear duallies, you want the stems supported by a stabilizer as they stick through the outer dual rims).

We generally advise against Camping World touching anything on a coach (although there are a handful of CWs that we have heard aren't bad.  That hasn't been our experience).
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #70 –
"in the case of the inner rear duallies, you want the stems supported by a stabilizer as they stick through the outer dual rims"
----
The 'stabilizer' to support the long valve from the inside dual is a large rubber grommet that comes with the long valve kit from the Tireman; the Borg kit probably contains the same thing, but my experience is with the Tireman kits.  Tireman valve kits also contain complete and specific installation instructions; despite this, I have heard of a few installations being done without using the rubber support grommet (and not torqued to specs, and mis-aligned....), most likely because the installer didn't RTFM! Valve kits can be ordered from Tireman or 'Borg':

Tire-Man: Products

Duallyvalve Information

I suggest that the rig owner read and understand how the long valves should be installed and check the installation to make sure it was done right.

Ditto Michelle's advice on using Camping World for anything rig-related; maybe some have had positive experiences, but I suggest finding a good tire shop to do the work.

YMMV, as always.
2003 TK has a new home
 
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #71 –
Do you monitor the 4 Dually tires or all 6?
Rick and Melissa
2016 27ft RB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #73 –
I really liked how simple the TireTraker was to install.
I installed the batteries on the sensors and screwed them on in place of the caps on the tire valve stems.  Next I programmed the controller by identifying each sensor, it took less than two minutes to finalize the programming on the system.  I spent less than 10 minutes installing the entire system (including the repeater) myself and getting it setup.
My system uses a battery inside the receiver which will last for a month of every day use they tell me.  The kit includes a charging adaptor that uses the cigarette lighter or you can use a USB port to charge it up.  The receiver is smaller than my IPhone 6.  One negative on the TireTraker is that you cannot leave the system plugged in continuously, the instructions tell you to charge it regularly but don't leave it plugged in 24/7.  The battery can be overcharged and damaged if left charging continuously.
The kit has a dashboard mount but I used a piece of Velcro to hold it in place.  In the kit are included a set of locks to secure the sensors from thieves if you feel it is warranted. 
Overall I have been very impressed with the quality of the TireTraker kit and it works great!  I have looked at several of the competitors and they all seem to be very nice as there are several ways to get the same information.
I am handicapped and don't bend very well as I crushed five discs in my lower back.  Even with my limitations it was very easy to install and setup.
Having a serious hearing loss I had to find a device that would get my immediate attention in times of emergency.   The receiver has a little red lite that flashes very brightly as well as a loud beeper.  When it went off I was immediately aware even with my limitations.

Safety equipment is a "must have", and since I do most of the maintenance on my vehicle it had to be simple to maintain as well for me to buy one.  There are some nice systems out there and I came close to buying a system with the blow through sensors but decided against it as it would require shorter valve extensions or having pressure pushing on the extension mounts.  I really did not want to have to remove wheels to install parts.  The system I have made it as easy as checking the pressure, just change the caps and the installation was practically done.  The programming was easier than putting the sensor caps on.

I am happy with my purchase and feel it was the best option for me.  I hope that you folks that are in the market for a TPMS have an experience like mine has been.  Life should be so simple all the time.  Good luck and safe travels!
Chris and Carolyn McCloskey
Fairfax, Virginia
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #74 –
So I bought a tire pressure monitoring system at a Camping World on our current trip, but haven't opened it and still have the option to return it. I'm undecided about whether to do so.

I've never had so much as a slow leak from our LD tires in fourteen years and 100,000 miles of ownership through three sets of Michelin LTX tires, including trips throughout Alaska and Baja, and precious few tire problems on other vehicles. Then we have Larry's story of his recent blow out, preceded by tread separation unannounced by his TPMS.

Most tire problems I have experienced over the years (on cars and motorcycles) have been punctures leading to slow leaks.

I have a CO2 tire inflation system that makes checking and airing tires very easy. My routine is to check the tires on any morning that we are traveling in the LD. That takes less than 10 minutes and involves checking all ten tires on the LD and our toad and adjusting all tires to their correct pressure, usually just a pound or two one way or the other as a result of temperature and altitude changes.

It seems to me that this routine would catch most slow leaks and that tread separations would likely occur without warning from any installed TPMS, as Larry's did. That leaves rapid leaks as the main catastrophic possibility, something I've never encountered on any vehicle.

And I'm concerned that TPMS itself could become a bit of a distraction. I've read a lot of posts about false TPMS alarms, and people confused about what their TPMS is telling them, and I really don't need more data to distract me from driving as I roll along. Finally I'm worried that having  TPMS would militate against my manual morning checks and that eventually I wouldn't do them (out of concern for repeatedly removing the expensive and seemingly often problematic tire stem sensors).

TPMS is very "trendy" right now, and seems to be getting the hard sell from all those who market those systems. And of course it's hard to argue with another layer of safety. But I'm left wanting to hear from any TPMS detractors or skeptics to know the other side of the story, if there is one. On walks through campgrounds my casual observation is that most motorhomes don't yet have TPMS. Yet there they are, in camp, not off in the ditch somewhere.

So if you've decided against TPMS I'd be interested to know why. Thanks to all.

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV (currently in Columbus, MT)
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV