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mikestock's avatar
mikestock
Explorer
Sep 27, 2015

TPMS for towed. Watch out.

I recently added flow through sensors on my CR-V so I don't take a chance that I could get a flat and not know.

First lesson I learned was not to go through an automatic car wash with them installed. I exited the wash, miacuiously, with only one flat tire. Could have been four. Ended up breaking the Honda stem a requiring me to have to replace the Honda TPMS sensor. Probably would have been OK except for a solid goide that moves in prior to the tire washer. Each sensor has a small set screw which makes them, not so easy, to install and remove. Guess I'll leave them off until we go on a longer trip.

Just a tip from someone who learned the hard way. It would be nice if you could get a Honda receiver that would work in the coach with the OEM sensors.
  • "Curb hits", which is pretty much what happened to the OP, are more likely to snap metal stems than rubber stems. The real problem is the extra length the flow-thru sensors add to the stem. I removed the security caps from my standard TST 507 sensors, making them just as easy to remove and reinstall as standard valve caps. They even look like just over sized caps.
  • From TST's FAQ:

    Do I need special valve stems?

    No, you do not need special valve stems, but you do need commonly available metal valve stems.

    The added weight of the sensor on a rubber valve stem could cause problems that will be avoided by using metal valve stems.

    Most motorhomes and commercial transport vehicles come equipped with metal valve stems. If you do need metal valve stems, they are not expensive; a recent customer had 6 valve stems replaced on a 30’ gooseneck racing trailer for $36. They are available and can be quickly installed by any tire dealer.

    Everyone should read their manual(s) before installing any safety item on their vehicles. Understanding how and why they work as they do will keep you safer in the long run.

    That said, thanks for the heads up for those that still choose not to read the manuals and/or choose not to follow their recommendations....Dennis
  • Good advice. Thanks for sharing.

    Sorry you lost a stem and sensor.
  • Much thanks. I left the locks off mine. Pain to take them off to top off the tires. Now I have another good reason..

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