Opinions wanted on tire monitors
Considering on buying these Tire pressure valve stem monitor. Anyone here used them? What are your opinion? Gaget yes or no?
Forum Discussion
If you use the back of your hand to sense the temp on all tires you will know if one is hotter than the others on that side. The sunny side is usually warmer so you compare the tires and hubs that are on the same side. You can do this check as you get out of the cab and walk back to the rear of the unit then back up to the passenger side. Touch each tire and hub briefly, and note if one is not "normal". It is also a good time to check doors, windows, tie downs, etc.
Like I said TMS are fine to let you know if you have a slow leak, but they are no good with increases in pressure or heat. You may have an increase in pressure or temp due to altitude change or just because the tire is on the sunny side of the vehicle or you could have a bad tire, the only way to know is to stop and check. You still stop and check it out and if it is a bad tire you change it. BTW I have never had a slow leak in a trailer tire. Truck tires yes but not the trailer.
With TMS I get to many false warning, especially driving in the desert and mountains. TMS is like the kid calling wolf. You begin to ignore it and have to fall back on the more reliable self inspection.
I do not drive 400 miles between stops. We stop to eat, pee, walk the dog, take pictures, etc. etc. every 1-2 hours but maybe that is just me. If I go 400 miles all day that is a day I am pushing to get home.
Anyway, I do not claim I have never had a blowout but I will say the TMS I have has never prevented a blowout nor alerted me to a overheated hub. Checking at each stop has allowed me to change tires before a blowout and get an axle serviced before it burned out the bearings.
Some people use one thing and others use another. If you are happy with your TMS and rely on it for all your info then have fun. I carry two spare tires and a set of bearings, grease, and an appropriate size socket :)
Like I said TMS are fine to let you know if you have a slow leak, but they are no good with increases in pressure or heat. You may have an increase in pressure or temp due to altitude change or just because the tire is on the sunny side of the vehicle or you could have a bad tire, the only way to know is to stop and check. You still stop and check it out and if it is a bad tire you change it. BTW I have never had a slow leak in a trailer tire. Truck tires yes but not the trailer.
With TMS I get to many false warning, especially driving in the desert and mountains. TMS is like the kid calling wolf. You begin to ignore it and have to fall back on the more reliable self inspection.
I do not drive 400 miles between stops. We stop to eat, pee, walk the dog, take pictures, etc. etc. every 1-2 hours but maybe that is just me. If I go 400 miles all day that is a day I am pushing to get home.
Anyway, I do not claim I have never had a blowout but I will say the TMS I have has never prevented a blowout nor alerted me to a overheated hub. Checking at each stop has allowed me to change tires before a blowout and get an axle serviced before it burned out the bearings.
Some people use one thing and others use another. If you are happy with your TMS and rely on it for all your info then have fun. I carry two spare tires and a set of bearings, grease, and an appropriate size socket :)
