Flow through or Regular sensors?? - Montana Owners Club

mach111 · 10-20-2013, 02:22 PM

After doing some homework I am ready to purchase a TST 507 System. I do want user replaceable batteries in the system. I would like opinions whether to buy flow through sensors or regular twist on sensors.

I do realize the convenience of flow through sensors allowing to air tires w/o removing sensor but are they theft proof? I do like idea of tool used to install and remove other sensors. Are you using flow through sensors on TV also?

bncinwv · 10-20-2013, 02:49 PM

With regards to your question about the flow-through monitors versus the regular user replaceable battery type I will only add my experience. We have the user replaceable type and have never had to take them off to put air in the tires (rig or TV). The caveat to that may well be that could be because of the G614s. We use them on the rear duallies as well and have seen the same results. I would imagine that even the flow through type require the "special" wrench for installation and removal but I do not know that personally.
Bingo

mach111 · 10-20-2013, 02:53 PM

thanks Bingo.

**DQDick** · 10-20-2013, 04:06 PM

We have factory internal sensors on our TV. We use the flow thru on all four trailer G614's. If, like us, your covering temperature extremes and altitude changes on trips you make you'll appreciate being able to add or subtract air without taking the sensor off. Our flow throughs have replaceable batteries and are locked on with an allen screw. If they come with the right size allen they could steal them, but I had Pressure Pro before we got these and I could get them off with stuff from my tool box if I didn't have the special wrench so if they want to steal them and come prepared they can steal any type. My advise, which is also what I did, buy what fits you. For us it was the flow thru TST's.

mach111 · 10-21-2013, 02:32 AM

Thanks Dick. With the temp swings we have in the south I may need to change pressures so I was thinking of flow thru. I am not fully sold on the flow thru on the TV. The outside valve stem points in so airing could be tight. May have to turn that stem outwards. Have already installed the longer metal stems on inside wheels with rubber stabilizer holding stem in place. With all the Dodge duallies in service I was hoping for some input on this rear valve situation.

Mudchief · 10-21-2013, 04:43 AM

Bingo, I think you are right about the G614. Prior to the G614 I always seem to be removing the sensors to add air. Now I don't.

Irlpguy · 10-21-2013, 05:48 AM

For sure you want the ones with replaceable batteries. I installed the TST507 without the flow through stem. My thoughts were the extra strain on the valve stem when traveling.

My display is sitting on my desk beside the computer at the moment, I turned it on 5 min ago and all my G614's are reading 104 lbs at 46 degrees. When installed the temp was around 85 degrees so I have lost about 6 lbs in the 40 degree temperature change.
Don't forget the sensor can be out as much as 2 lbs + or - they are not 100% accurate. I have the booster transmitter which I mounted in the street side propane compartment and put a small red light on the outside of the front wall so I can see that it is on from the truck.

I do not feel the need for them on my 2012 Dodge dually, a smaller rubber hammer tells me all I need to know. They also have a built in TST system which does not activate until the tire is quite low, I think around 25 lbs, again that satisfies my concerns. Whatever one is comfortable with.

Tom S. · 10-21-2013, 05:56 AM

Having had the old style, I can only say that I love the flow through and wouldn't them any other way.

jlb27537 · 10-21-2013, 12:29 PM

I have the 507RV system. I did not want the flow thru sensors. It would have required me to change out the valve stems on the 5th wheel. The OEM stems on my 2014 will support the 507RV style. I did change out the stems on the second trailer.

The sensors can be removed as easy as a valve stem cap so what is the benefit? in a flow thru system?

My 2012 Ram DRW does NOT have TPS sensors. Only the SRW trucks do here in the US. I only run 55psi in the rears and a hammer tap is good enough for me.

I double tow and needed the repeater to keep the 2nd trailer signal from dropping out. In my 3150RL I installed the repeater in the cabinet over the couch it can see out the back window and is over the trailer tires. I did not need the repeater for just the 5th wheel tires. They say 35-40' is the distance where you need the repeater. I am 66'6" overall.

Jim

mach111 · 10-22-2013, 03:42 AM

Thanks guys for your input. JLB, I really like the Dodge since my Dodge is a twin to yours

. After twenty years on road as a 18 wheeler driver I hit enough tires with a tire billy to know when one is flat like others have said. The system I am looking at comes with 6 sensors so I thought I would go ahead and equip the TV also. A tire billy is good but seeing the temps and pressures give me a piece of mind.

I need all the input to decide what works best for me. I do value all the info I read on this forum. Sometime one just needs the info of someone else experience to make a better decision. This is why I have decided on the 507 system not that the other systems are inferior.

jlb27537 · 10-22-2013, 04:46 AM

Randy, you can buy the 507RV system with any number of sensors. I would not even consider a 507 sensor on the rear of a DRW truck.

To remove on the trailer, you just put the tool on the sensor and remove it. On my RAM, the outer wheel (alum) has a metal stem and the inside (steel) is the normal rubber type. Just putting the sensors on the DRW tires would be bad enough.

I got the 6 sensor system because of the 2nd trailer. Just get a 4 sensor system.

Try it with out a repeater, you can always add one if you get drop outs.

A 4 sensor system is $239. A 6 sensor is $299.

http://shop.greatrvproducts.com/TST-...sories_c29.htm

You can also buy direct from the Mfg in Ga. but they are more expensive.

http://www.tsttruck.com/Product_List.html

Also the 507 system has a different monitor and mounting system over the 510 system. You can always buy extra sensors as you need.

Jim

mach111 · 10-22-2013, 10:35 AM

thanks Jim for the link. Your words make sense to me. I do idea of saving a few bucks. Like you said I can always purchase more sensors later.

Irlpguy · 10-22-2013, 12:40 PM

When I bought my TST507 system I found the best price I could on the internet, I then called the factory and they said they would meet the price I had found and they did just that, as well I received free shipping to me in Canada. I have also phoned them twice to ask questions and they have been the best, friendly and helpful.

As mentioned I would only buy those sensors needed for the trailer. IMO we likely would not be considering buying the system if it were to go on the TV only, it is because of the RV that we are at all interested in the system.

jlb27537 · 10-22-2013, 02:45 PM

Guess it is just me. I do not like to play the game of we will match your lowest price. The guy in Or. had the lowest price. The OEM guy was higher, but would lower his price to one of his dealers. Not fair to his dealer.

I bought from the guy in Or.

To me that is trying to screw his dealer base..

Jim

JandC · 11-04-2013, 08:38 AM

I just got my TST (model 507SG) flow through system. It only took about 20 minutes to program and install. It sure appears to be a quality product.

dsprik · 11-04-2013, 10:18 AM

I only have the Pressure Pro sensors w/o the flow thrus. I am happy with these (I do have the external booster antenna, though) basic sensors and they have already saved me from damage. I am of the opinion of trailer-only sensors. Although, I do not have a dually. I don't see the value in sensors on the truck - particularly on a dually. Some newer trucks already have built in tire sensors anyway. ANY sensors are better than NO sensors (on the 5ver)...

richfaa · 11-04-2013, 11:18 AM

I don't think the theft issue is a big issue. We do not recall of reading of any brand sensors being taken on this or any other forum. Our pressure pro sensors have been on the Montana's for 7 years all over the country without a problem.

Tom S. · 11-06-2013, 10:36 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by dsprik

I only have the Pressure Pro sensors w/o the flow thrus. I am happy with these (I do have the external booster antenna, though) basic sensors and they have already saved me from damage. I am of the opinion of trailer-only sensors. Although, I do not have a dually. I don't see the value in sensors on the truck - particularly on a dually. Some newer trucks already have built in tire sensors anyway. ANY sensors are better than NO sensors...

You'd see the value if you ever have a flat. The tread sidewalls are so stiff on an "E" rated tire that you won't notice the difference when one goes low, especially if you are running empty and it's on the back. They aren't like car tires where you can feel the difference.

dsprik · 11-06-2013, 02:43 PM

I understand what you are saying Tom and some do feel safer with monitors on their truck. I have them on my Buick Lucerne (standard equipment) and I like that. I am perfectly comfortable with not having them on my truck. I am extremely uncomfortable not having them on my Montana... It's a matter of comfort level. Actually, Pressure Pro does come with 6 sensors so I run 2 on my back tires of my truck when towing (they are stored when the truck is being used for a daily driver). It is much easier, by far, for me to feel one of my tv tires going low than it is to sense a trailer tire going low. I believe that may be different for a dually.

richfaa · 11-07-2013, 03:58 AM

We had a Inside dually go flat on our trip down to Florida last year and never noticed it. Helen thought she heard a "funny sound" and it turned out to be the flat tire. We will have sensors on the outside duallies . It is very hard if not impossible to install them on the inside dully. We will also have them on the front truck tires. we are getting a new TST system to replace the pressure pro.

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