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Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #75 –
I bought one 6 years ago and used it for about a year.  I spent A LOT of time fiddling with it and it never really worked well IMHO.  The sensors would display old reading (by design) when the device was first turned on in the morning, leaving me to wonder if I needed to double check the tires.  The valve stem monitors would lose connection with the main unit, and I reprogrammed the thing I don't know how many times.  I replaced the batteries many times, and I very occasionally the sun would hit the wheel simulators in a way that focused sunlight on the sensor (when parked).  This resulted in a warning signal and melted plastic on the sensors.  The vendor was very supportive, sending me replacement parts in an attempt to find the problem, but I just got tired of messing around with it.  I put the TPMS in a box and reinstalled my inflate-through valve covers. 

Maybe the technology has improved, or maybe I was just doing something wrong.  Either way, I seem to be happier without them. 

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #76 –
I used a TST507 flow through TPMS for a few years on 2 different coaches.  Never had a problem other than 1 inner tire valve was bad and gave me false readings.  Changed it and no further problems.
I plan to get another set once I have the tire valves all changed to metal ones. 
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #77 –
I put TPMS on our coach when we started towing - a 10 sensor readout including the toad. If you have a problem with the toad without them, your first indication might be the flames you see flickering up in your rear-view camera. We added that for towing too.

Prior to that, we did not use TPMS.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #78 –
This thread would be much more useful with manufacturer and model numbers, as well as coach and toad sizes.  :)
Not trying to stir things up, but I don't think we have to dance around specifics to retain website sponsorship and whatnot...

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #79 –
In response to Chip, the TPMS I purchased and am trying to decide whether to keep or return is a Tireminder Smart TPMS that uses one's phone for displaying tire data and alerts. It's a fairly new model.

The valve cap pressure sensors communicate with a Tireminder module that can be placed anywhere in the cab and which then communicates with one's phone via Bluetooth. Assuming it works, I like this approach because it means one less screen in the cab.

Also, the Tireminder module alone will signal an alarm with just a tone and a light. You thus can check the data on your phone only when needed, not having it as a constant presence, and distraction. This is much like how factory installed TPMS works on most cars.

Our LD is a 2003 26.5' Rear Bath and we tow a Jeep Wrangler.

Terry
Gardnerville, NV (now in MT and going out in a minute to check my tires)

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
 
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #80 –
I use the Tire Minder system.    Having worked as a Test Engineer in a past life I have a bit of understanding of lab vs real world situations.  I will not nor am I able to defend any company but having said that most folks don't read the spec sheets or have expectations of equipment that the company  will never met. 

For instance I did not install the wireless booster so I expect that I will lose signal from the transmitters.  Also there will be interference  from assorted other wireless transmitters that a boosterless system will not be able to overcome.    Having read the spec sheet I understand the system is accurate to plus or minus 3%.  In the real world on  my standard tire pressure of 75 it can read anywhere from 72 to 78 and still be within the range of 'normal'.  When you toss in the tire gauge itself you could have an error of another 2 to 5%.  If the 'errors' go in the 'wrong' direction you could have an error of 8% or more - meaning tire reading with your tire gauge could be  plus or minus of 6 pds on my standard 75 tire pressure  ie 69 to 81.

So the question is should I buy a TPMS.  Frankly I use my system because I'm lazy.    I will know when a tire goes flat - I'm very sure of that.  I use the system to 'check' the air pressure before I drive off.  Yes there is a cheaper way like going around with a tire pressure gauge but like I said I'm lazy.  This insures in my personal life I 'check'.  My recommendation --  If you don't have an extra 300 to 400 dollars and you ALWAYS  check tire pressures before you drive off save your money. 




personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #81 –
Mine was/is a TireTraker, the model with the receiver they don't sell anymore TT-400.

My biggest frustration was with the way they showed old data first thing in the morning.  I bought the system primarily to avoid having to check tire pressure manually in the morning.  From the FAQ FAQ's
-------
On the TT-400 system, as soon as motion begins, the monitor will begin to update the system data with the current pressures and temperatures within 20-30 minutes.
------

So - I would have to drive for 20-30 minutes to get updated data, defeating the purpose of avoiding morning  checks in the first place.

Rich
'03 MB in NC
 
2003 MB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #82 –
Other than the recent blow out, we have had a couple slow leaks.
I'm more concerned about our toad's tires, there is no way of knowing what is going other than the view from the camera.
I know several LD owners who had flats on their toads and never knew about it until they could see smoke or passing motorist flagged them down.
One toad burned to the ground. Preventing this alone made the purchase worthwhile.

One thing I love about the TPMS is NOT having to daily manually check the tire pressure, It takes about ten seconds to scroll through the ten tires, on the TPMS's monitor. It a real pleasure to use on a cold, rainy morning.
Not having to manually check the pressure prevent any air from being lost, during the checking, which can add up on a long trip and require adding air. I rarely add air while on the road.

I would not want a system that uses my cell phone as it's monitor, preferring it to be completely stand alone, so nothing needs to be done other than turning on the ignition. Make it as easy on yourself as possible is my logic. YMMV

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 #83 –
Our TPMS-Tire Minder TM66, has a wireless Signal Booster. Prior to setting up the booster when I originally installed the system, I got several "warnings" of both air pressure and temperature failures.

Since activating the booster, I have had no false warnings and one warning of a lost signal from a sensor (battery failure).

If the rig has been sitting in the drive way for a couple of weeks or more, I will check each tire manually. I use an analog tire pressure gauge manufactured for Tire Minder which is stated to be within +/- 1 psi accuracy. The TM66 itself is stated to be within +/- 2.7 psi. This would suggest that there could be a variance of +/- 4.7psi. Is it perfectly accurate? Probably as good as others, I suppose. I have no issues with the system other than those I have mentioned.

While traveling, I rely on the TM66 monitor to determine air pressure before hitting the road.

ONE THING: Tire Minder states that a Scan of the Sensors be taken prior to departure. The manufacturer states that if the rig has been stationary for more than 9 hours a scan is needed to update the acurracy of the TPMS. It's a simple matter of pressing two buttons on the monitor and waiting about 20 minutes before departure. Then I check each tires pressure/temp via the monitor. Easily done and part of my travel routine.

I am not certain if other TPMS's need a pre-departure scan but it would seem to be a prudent action to take. If for nothing else, a little peace of mind.

Kent  
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #84 –
Terry, I heard a similar argument from another LD'er a few years ago.  He towed a small, fairly expensive, customized sports car behind him.  He felt that he didn't need a TPMS because he checked tire pressures before he started out.  I pointed out that every time he puts a pressure gauge on a tire he risks the Schrader valve not fully seating due to a bit of dust or some such, and as soon as he moves his equipment he is at risk of a puncture.  I said that if he had a soft tire on his TOAD he would never know it in the rig.  He didn't see the problem. 

A few days later he left South Monticello Point, Elephant Butte Lake State Park, in New Mexico heading for Caballo Lake, 30 miles away.  He emailed me shortly after he got there.  His custom high performance right front tire was gone.  As in, no sign of rubber on the rim.  His custom rim was destroyed,  His rotor was damaged and had to be replaced.  Obviously, he had lost pressure soon after starting out.  He pulled the TOAD for those 30 miles, tearing up the tire, rim and rotor, and never noticed a thing.  He needed to order a new tire and wheel, both high end customized stuff, and had to wait over  week to get replacements.  I don't know what the story was with the rotor.  I do know that he said his final cost to repair was over $1500.

Later, I asked if he was finally ready to get a TPMS.  Nope.  He said, "What are the odds of something like that happening again?"

My TPMS, PressurePro, does not require a pre-departure scan.  Once I turn it on, it takes a few minutes before every sensor "logs in" to the monitor.  Once they do log in, any low values set off an alarm.  Pressures are subsequently checked by the sensors every few seconds.  If a pressure falls outside of the range, an alarm is immediately sent to the monitor.  If all is ok, each sends pressure information to the monitor every few minutes.  It is no distraction, unless an alarm goes off, but that is something I would want to know. 

In 9 years of fulltiming, I have gotten one alarm from a failed sensor, and I have seen a number of first thing AM alarms where a tire pressure is down a few pounds, due to the cold weather overnight.  The pressure in the low tire is displayed, allowing me to decide if I need to pull out my compressor, or if it is OK to roll.  Case in point, currently my TOAD pressures are reading 29 to 30 in the morning, and I usually take them up to 33.  So, the alarm goes off, I look at the readings, and I silence the alarm.  It will repeat in a few minutes if the pressure stays low, but usually a mile of driving brings the pressure up to my "OK" range. 

When you check the pressure in the morning before starting out, you travel, knowing ONLY what the pressure USED to be.  With a TPMS, you know what the pressure is, all the time.  For some, they see no need for a TPMS.  I would not travel without one.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #85 –
This is all great info.  We're due for tires before long, and I'll be looking at either internal or external sensor systems in the meantime.  Although external isn't as integrated (obviously) it means that replacing a bad sensor is a ten-minute job instead of an all-day, get-out-the-wallet ordeal.

The temptation is great to use the cell phone as display, but with it already used for navigation, itinerary planning, back-up/hitching camera, music, and oh, yeah, communications... maybe a dedicated unit is worthwhile.

We're currently trailering the toad du jour, but the selection may vary in the future.  Can aftermarket systems read OEM sensors?

Also, don't feel you need to stop the above discussion, if there's more to add...

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #87 –
We started using a TPMS (Pressure Pro) in 2011.  We had a situation earlier where we discovered low pressure in a toad tire that turned out to be a nail, and if we hadn't noticed the low-ish looking tire, we likely would have done damage.  That tire needed repair, and a TPMS would have showed that slow leak.

Our initial experience with Pressure Pro was frustrating.  One seal kept causing a tire to leak down.  We got new seals.  Another sensor failed bizarrely reading very HIGH pressures (in a construction zone.  In a torrential downpour).  The sensor continued to send odd readings even when removed from the wheel.  Tap it on the counter and the reading would change.  Pressure Pro had never heard of such a thing.

After replacing that sensor (and the seals in all the others), the system has been solid.  It actually alerted us to yet another nail in a toad tire.  We replaced all sensors in 2016 since a couple started failing (internal batteries).

At minimum we would always have a TPMS for a toad.  We also like having it for the coach.  Now, you do need to make sure you have one-piece metal valve stems on any wheel that has a TPMS sensor, and support any long stems with a proper stabilizing grommet (e.g. if you get Borg stems for the rear duals and they stick out through the holes in the outer duals).

Our research showed non-replaceable battery sensors were a little lighter than those with replaceable batteries, so that's how we chose our TPMS.  Less stress on the valve stems.  When the current sensors start to fail we'll revisit the TPMS options at that time.

N.B. - Valterra has purchased Minder Research, the makers of TireMinder.
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #88 –
I had to take off my TST 507 TPMS because one of my dogs is extremely noise phobic and anytime one of the sensors would beep - and they do beep for various reasons - she would have a full-blown anxiety attack. As you can see by the attached photo she is pretty relaxed now but it took a long time before she would willingly get in the coach
2007 MB
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #89 –
Quote from: colddog  - 
  I will know when a tire goes flat - I'm very sure of that. 

I used to think that, too, but after the third flat on the rear axle, I finally admitted to myself I had NO IDEA that any of those tires was flat while driving - every one was discovered by looking at the tires after stopping for other reasons. A flat on the rear simply does not affect the handling and feel of the coach like a flat front does. Also, it's unlikely the flat will be noticed by other drivers, so even they can't warn you. For me, that was a sufficient reason to get a TPMS, but I procrastinated until I had a tire blow on the trailer, and I finally installed sensors on both vehicles.


2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #90 –
Thanks for everyone's input. I decided to return my TPMS for now, since we were passing Camping World on our way home from our current travels and don't have one near us at home.

I'm going to focus on preparing for TPMS for now. We need new tires on our Jeep and will have metal valve stems installed as part of that, a good thing to do in any event. I'm also going to do a bit more TPMS research, though I like what I've learned about Tireminder. And I'm going to determine and prepare for how I would install the Tireminder signal booster that they say is mandatory (the lack of which or its improper installation Tireminder says is the case of most false alarms). At that point a TPMS install would be easy if I decide to go that direction.

I'm left in a quandary though. I have no disagreement with TPMS in theory but am leery of the complexity, and some risks, that it adds. Ten small individual sensors spinning around constantly out in the weather, repeatedly removed and reinstalled for manual air checks. The fact that the sensors depress the tire valve when installed, so you're relying on the sensors to keep air in the tires, instead of the tried and true tire valve and whatever cap you use. And then the fact that there seem to be as many stories of problematic TPMS, particularly false alarms, as there are stories of trouble-free operation.

I don't think TPMS is much protection against tread separation. And I think my daily morning manual air checks and observation and temperature checks at some stops during the day are likely to catch any slow leaks. After all, at least in our case, we're just talking about 6 hours or so on the typical travel day between leaving one camp and arriving at the next. That leaves rapid air loss due to some sort of puncture or damage as the main risk that TPMS might help with.

We hear stories of tire catastrophes but don't usually get many details, certainly not enough to know what really happened both before and during the event, so it's hard to know if any given story tells us anything about the risk we face given how we manage our tires. I continue to think prevention is the best strategy for safety. The best quality tires checked and adjusted every travel day with quality equipment for proper inflation and regularly inspected for problems.

But I suspect at some point in the not-to-distant future I'll add TPMS to learn about it first hand.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #91 –
Quote from: Terry Burnes  - 

I'm left in a quandary though. I have no disagreement with TPMS in theory but am leery of the complexity, and some risks, that it adds. Ten small individual sensors spinning around constantly out in the weather, repeatedly removed and reinstalled for manual air checks. The fact that the sensors depress the tire valve when installed, so you're relying on the sensors to keep air in the tires, instead of the tried and true tire valve and whatever cap you use. And then the fact that there seem to be as many stories of problematic TPMS, particularly false alarms, as there are stories of trouble-free operation.

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV

I don't understand why you would remove them for manual air checks? That is one of the main purposes for having them. In the case of the LD we use flow through sensors and they are never removed except to replace batteries. On the Subaru, we use the non-flow through so they are removed when we have to air up the tires. While we should remove sensors when parked for any extended time to preserve the battery we never remove them. So, for over 9 years now we have had TPMS on our LD.

On our previous model the Doran RV 360 we had battery failures which required the sensors be replaced. On the EEZ RV model we have used since Jan 2014 we have had one sensor fail to work properly that was replaced under warranty and other than that no air loss because of a sensor.

The only alarms we have had are the occasional beep if the monitor temporarily loses a sensor. That is partly my fault because I don't have a regular schedule for replacing batteries. Recently, I set up the repeater to see if that completely eliminates that from happening but have only used it once so can't comment on that.

For me, TPMS is just another form of insurance and convenience. In my case, I hated checking air pressures every time we headed out.

All that said, I agree, that they aren't perfect but it works for us.

Jim
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #92 –
A flow through tire sensor would solve at least one of those problems.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #93 –
I'm a relative newbie that has been enjoying our used 2003 30' IB for over a year with my wife and our kitty Yofi.   Having survived the trauma of a blowout of my left rear duelie and all the inherent damage to our coach (hole in black water tank, destroyed fender skirt and mangled wheel well and side of coach) we promptly replaced all six tires. Tread was great, no cracking or visable dryness of sidewalls. Only problem as we learned was the manufacture dates - all were original tires.  Now we know, replace tires after 8-10 years no matter how much tread is left, or how good they appear.
Now that we're a little wiser, I want to see what others think about these tire monitoring systems that give read-outs about temperature and pressure on a panel in the cab. The new wireless models seem easy to install and set up. Also interested in any recommendations of specific brands/models.
Thanks for any thoughts
Marc
Marc  👣
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #94 –
Hi Mark,
Big discussion on just this subject a little while ago.  Take a look at this thread.  Tire pressure management systems.  Several systems are used by people on this board.  I have one in my RV.  It does not measure temperature.   
Tire replacement likely should be toward the lower number, many here suggest five years. 
John
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #95 –
"Now we know, replace tires after 8-10 years no matter how much tread is left, or how good they appear."
---
The biggest 'tire killers' on RVs are underinflation and overweight conditions; tread wear is much less of a factor in RV tire failure than wear from heat, sidewall stress, and poor tire maintenance.

Even running the highest quality tires under optimal conditions and caring for them diligently, expecting an RV tire to be safely serviceable for 8-10 years is wishful thinking; IMO, owners should consider 5-6 years to be the outside limit of safety, again, depending on individual circumstances.

As ever, YMMV.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #96 –
Quote from: John DaCrema  - 
It does not measure temperature.  

Temperature can be a valuable indicator of tire problems, or an issue about to become one... BUT not when indicated by an externally mounted TPMS sensor. These sensors, unlike the oem internal ones that incorporate the tire valve, will respond to the external temperature too, which means they often read much higher than the tire temperature. Mine read temps, I wish I could turn that off. Distracting and almost meaningless.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #97 –
An addendum regarding TPMS systems - it pays to know your system and learn when the readings are valid. A short trip I just returned from three of the tire sensors on the rig never gave a reading, though the four on the toad did. When arriving at my destination, about a 45 min drive away, still nothing from those three sensors on the rig, but all four on the toad still read the proper pressure - despite the toad being parked in the garage back home.

The three non-reading sensors had bad batteries, and once power to the monitor was turned off, then back on, it no longer indicated toad pressure. This was all expected behavior - from experience.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Reply #98 –
Our Doran RV360 TPSM is almost five years old, with two of the sensors replaced due to failure.
It has worked, without failing, since new and has stayed accurate
A repeater was added early on after losing contact, at times, with the inside dual tires.

The biggest problems have been the difficulty of programing and the limited pressure differential range.
The Jeep's oversize tires often alarm low, on cold mornings, and can have a high pressure alarm the same day, if driving on a hot day.
I have compared the Doran's accuracy to several digital pressure gauges and the sensors are within a pound or two of being the same.
The Doran updates very quickly, even after being off overnight or days, useful for when adding air, which isn't very often.
Not losing air every day, while testing, and tight Michelin tires, lets us go for weeks or longer without adding air.
In fifteen years, I have never used our 12-volt compressor, on the road, ordinarily airing up at home.
I should plug it in sometime to see if it still works :-)

The Doran's biggest fault are the non-replaceable batteries. On the plus side, 8 of the 10 sensors are still good after five years.
I know folks, with TPMSs, that have needed to start changing their batteries after just a year.
It would be interesting to know how many sensors fail due to battery cap seal leakage, before and after a battery replacement.

If towing, I fully recommend a TPMS, along a rear view camera.
The piece of mind is worth the cost, IMO
No one ever said this was going to be cheap.

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 #99 –
I first used a Tire Tracker several years ago which quit working after 3-years. I replaced that with the TST which has given me no problems in the last 6-years of use. The only difficulty was with the programing of the unit. However, the TST people easily assisted me by phone to finish the task. The tire sensors have replaceable button batteries and O-ring seals. Very easy to do. I did opt for the repeater that I placed on the back window of my RB and powered it from the light fixture above the toilet. Easy job. The tire pressures are within 1-3-lb. of my gauge. I used non-pass through sensors that require a special security wrench to remove. Still easy to do. TST does offer the pass through sensors.
Mike, 2010RB
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'