Actual stories of TPM systems

[davemitchell59]

Has anyone used/tried a Bluetooth TPMS with an Android app?

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by jeffba

Yes since 2017 Ford has an OEM TPMS and trailer backup camera ties the their Ultimate trailer tow package. From now on the UTTP is a have to have option. The camera/TPMS is a wired system so a bit of work and is extra. As part of the installation you set the desired tire pressure. It will alert you if the pressure drops.

I like it because less clutter on the dash. No monitor to make sure it is charged.

It does not read temperature is the only thing missing.

Thanks, sounds like Ram needs to catch up They may have it now, but I am not aware of it . Sounds like a nice option .

[Jollymon]

Good morning! How much are y'all paying for these systems? I've seen everywhere between $75 and $600. Any particular make/model is recommended or that I should stay away from? Growing pains.

Thanks!

Dan

[goodellj]

These systems are not cheap. Seven years ago I paid about $350 for a TST 510 system with 8 sensors. Since then I have replaced several sensors when their batteries failed which has cost $30 to $50 each (I remove the sensors from the tires when not in use which shuts them off and saves the batteries). I have also added a repeater in the 5'er.

You will see many much cheaper systems now on Amazon. I wonder about how reliable and durable they are. I recommend a system with replaceable batteries in the sensors and a dedicated display for your dashboard (which I guess could be your cell phone if it is mounted and displays the TPMS data continuously).

[Golfmedik]

Originally Posted by DQDick

Had a Goodyear 614 blow without warning on I-10 north of Tucson. When the tire came apart it split the TST on the tire behind it and both tires were toast before I could get off the road. So no warning and having one on the rear tire cost me another tire. That said I still use them and wouldn't feel comfortable without them.

Most know the story of my G614 blowout without warning, but still got an immediate response from the TST system. I carry two spares for the exact reason you mention. Still would not tow without a TPMS.

[BB_TX]

Originally Posted by Jollymon

Good morning! How much are y'all paying for these systems? I've seen everywhere between $75 and $600. Any particular make/model is recommended or that I should stay away from? Growing pains. ...

CW is currently advertising the TST 507 for under $200. The price is generally $300 or more. And the 507 does have user replaceable batteries unlike the 510.

[Petmoose]

Bought Tire Minder at National Rally 2 years ago. Had blowout on trailer last year. No warning, no notice, no alarm nothing ! Over $5,000 damaged to the Montana. Talked to Tire Minder company and their comment was, “sometimes that happens”, my question was with that then “what good is the system to me ?”, their none answer was very disappointing.

[jeffba]

There is what is called Polling of the sensors. What each manufacturer is I do not know. The correct answer is if a fast catastrophic failure of the tire (blowout) happens when the sensor is not being polled, there will not be an indication.

What you are looking for is for ones with the shortest polling time. That may wear down batteries sooner than some people would like.

I really doubt if you find one that is truly continuous

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by BB_TX

CW is currently advertising the TST 507 for under $200. The price is generally $300 or more. And the 507 does have user replaceable batteries unlike the 510.

Thanks for the info, on order as we speak. Comes with the color monitor, non flow thru sensors, which I want. I like the idea of being able to change the batteries, although the 510 last 5 years ,but you have to send them back to get replaced for a cost of 19.95. Seems like a no brainer to get the 507.

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by jeffba

There is what is called Polling of the sensors. What each manufacturer is I do not know. The correct answer is if a fast catastrophic failure of the tire (blowout) happens when the sensor is not being polled, there will not be an indication.

What you are looking for is for ones with the shortest polling time. That may wear down batteries sooner than some people would like.

I really doubt if you find one that is truly continuous

From everything I have heard there is no doubt when you have a blowout, can't see why you would care much at that point if your TPMS sounds off or not, you have had your warning just by the sound

In my case when I lost that Sailun, I knew when I looked in my mirror, hard telling when I would have become aware until then.

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by Petmoose

Bought Tire Minder at National Rally 2 years ago. Had blowout on trailer last year. No warning, no notice, no alarm nothing ! Over $5,000 damaged to the Montana. Talked to Tire Minder company and their comment was, “sometimes that happens”, my question was with that then “what good is the system to me ?”, their none answer was very disappointing.

Not sure what difference it makes at that point, unless you didn't hear the blowout ???. Damage is done. The big question did that tire get low on pressure then blew, or did it just blow at full pressure, in that case can't fault the TPMS . If it lost some pressure then blew without warning from the TPMS ,then sure you have a complaint.

Does the Tire Minder detect excessive heat also ??.

[jeffba]

Tire Minder monitors Temperature

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by jeffba

Tire Minder monitors Temperature

It is sounding more ,and more like TST is the way to go . It also monitors temp.

I would sure hate to have one heat up ,and then blow. I have to guess with a sudden blowout, there has to be some excessive heat involved , and TPMS should be telling you that, is their a warning beep or whatever with both air ,and heat on these systems ?

[jeffba]

For Tire minder it was a tone and flashing LED

[davemitchell59]

A friend sent me this link to an article on TPMS systems today. It seems relevant to this discussion. Obviously just one person's opinion, but it does list a few pros and cons of systems being discussed in this tread.

https://weekendrvadventures.com/best-rv-tpms/

[Dave W]

Yep, the TST TPMS 507 Flow Through system works, Saved a tire on our last and SOB when a valve failed - tire installer used cheap rubber valves instead of the required metal valves. That got into my wallet to change the valves out



Question to add to this discussion. Do you use the TST repeater (assuming you are using that brand)? I have had some inconsistant readouts from the rear, curbside tire. If you use that repeater, where did you mount it? In the 5ers front basement, using that 12V 'cigar lighter'plug or your truck. I'm running out of truck mounted receptacles.

[goodellj]

I wired mine into the front storage in the 5th wheel. TST has a simple set of instructions for clamping it to the battery, which I found unacceptable. I screwed it to the bulkhead wall (wood) and wired it permanently into the power supply for a nearby interior storage light, with an in-line on-off switch and fuse. I would not put it in the truck. Although the repeater has better antennae than the receiver, it just seems like better sense to mount it about half way between the receiver and the 5th wheel sensors .

[Dave W]

Originally Posted by goodellj

I wired mine into the front storage in the 5th wheel. TST has a simple set of instructions for clamping it to the battery, which I found unacceptable. I screwed it to the bulkhead wall (wood) and wired it permanently into the power supply for a nearby interior storage light, with an in-line on-off switch and fuse. I would not put it in the truck. Although the repeater has better antennae than the receiver, it just seems like better sense to mount it about half way between the receiver and the 5th wheel sensors .

Sounds like a plan to me as that is where I thought would be a good place for installation. There are a couple 12VDC lights easily accessed too. Thanks

[jeffba]

My Pick up sensor for mine is mounted in the propane compartment. I think you will be fine mounting the repeater in the front compartment

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by davemitchell59

A friend sent me this link to an article on TPMS systems today. It seems relevant to this discussion. Obviously just one person's opinion, but it does list a few pros and cons of systems being discussed in this tread.

https://weekendrvadventures.com/best-rv-tpms/

Thanks for the link. It appears the TST 507 is his top pick. The two cons were hard to read in the sunlight, and high price. Camping world with the under $200 offer for the four sensor setup on the 507 certainly made it more affordable .