TPMS system on trailer

2oldman wrote:
What's poor form is a hostile attitude to those attempting to help.

Of which, you are not. Twice. And I was hostile? LOL. Oh. Ok.


To those that did provide an informative and helpful response, I really appreciate your time. Some opened my eyes to things I have not thought of too. Like replaceable batteries. Or at the very least the ability to buy one replacement sensor if needed, and how much just one costs, should be known.

I haven't done the research myself but did read recently that you should be sure to get ones with user replaceable batteries. Apparently some brands don't allow you to change batteries.

I went with the Dill TPMS. I prefer the idea of internal sensors that monitor both pressure and temperature with settable alarms. Available at Tire Rack for $279. The internal sensors are less susceptible to damage, theft, etc and provide a more accurate temp reading. The antenna wouldn't pick up the signal from the TT due to the distance, but the system does come with a remote antenna that I mounted up under the rear fender on the frame of the burb, but that did entail running a wire back to the antenna from the display.

A lot of folks have chosen the TST System with external sensors. However, it is recommended to have metal valve stems installed when using external sensors so the weight of the sensor doesn't cause the rubber valve stem to flex and fail prematurely.

The local tire shop shop charged me $2.50/tire to install the internal sensors when I had the tires balances, probably about the same to install the metal stems.

There are a lot of good choices out there. As PawPaw says, it's a great tool but not a failsafe.

TST 507 external flow throughs. No problems averted, but great peace of mind. Only con so far is that, when topping off, I get really high pressure readings on the compressor's gauge. I assume this is due to back pressure from the flow through units. I get an accurate reading from digital gauge and the display when off the compressor. So, really no big deal.

A TPMS saved a tire failure on my 5th wheel. My pressure pro showed a couple psi drop when I was looking at pressures. I check all of my pressures often while traveling. Gives me something to do during the long boring trips.

I had a 3/8 x2 inch bolt in the tire. As a result I was able to find a level shady place to change the tire to the spare. (Was in Arizona on a clear 95 degree day)

Merry Christmas everyone :B

RinconVTR wrote:
Believe me, I searched TMPS and a number of combo's before searching.

If you searched TMPS, it's no wonder you found nothing. Given the number of questions you asked, I think it's reasonable to assume some of those posts just may have an answer or two. What's poor form is a hostile attitude to those attempting to help.

wmoses wrote:

RinconVTR wrote:
Believe me, I searched TMPS and a number of combo's before searching.

Might I suggest doing the same, before suggesting such a generic search!!!

Thanks for the replies thus far!

I just typed "TPMS" in the search box and it came back with 806 hits (including this thread) on 21 pages. Now I know that is a loy to sift through, but the answers are there.

A popular alternative is the TST 507 which I have and which works like a charm.

Yeah, I don't want to search by any given type. I would prefer direct responses without searching thru hundreds of threads. I don't think this is unreasonable or poor forum etiquette by any stretch.

RinconVTR wrote:
Believe me, I searched TMPS and a number of combo's before searching.

Might I suggest doing the same, before suggesting such a generic search!!!

Thanks for the replies thus far!

I just typed "TPMS" in the search box and it came back with 806 hits (including this thread) on 21 pages. Now I know that is a lot to sift through, but the answers are there.

A popular alternative is the TST 507 which I have and which works like a charm.

RinconVTR wrote:
Who has added TPMS to their TT or other trailer?

Either as cap, or complete valve replacement, which system have you chosen?

Tire Minder from Camping World three years ago. Cap type. I've bought one replacement sensor as a backup and a booster from the company. Exceptional customer service.

RinconVTR wrote:
How much did you pay?

I think it was about $300. The booster and replacement sensor was another $150.

RinconVTR wrote:
What are the pro/cons of what you installed (your opinion of the system, not the pro/cons of TPMS)?

Setup is a bit tricky, but what you have to do is READ the instructions, not just start putting sensors on, etc.

RinconVTR wrote:
Has it ever saved you from a blow out? Or did a blow out occur while you had TPMS?

Maybe, No.

There are two types of blowouts which occur on trailer tires, and a third issue which a TMPS cannot detect.

First type blowout is road hazard damage - when the tire runs over something which causes a near instant failure of the tire. Nothing can avoid those except missing debris in the road, which sometimes isn't possible, especially when towing.

Second type blowout is caused by a slow developing tire problem, a slow leak from a nail or screw or cut, low or high air pressure which can overheat a tire to the breaking point, etc. A TPMS will warn you well in advance of those issues.

The third issue is a tread separation - when the tread comes lose from the tire with no loss of pressure. I had that happen on a car at 70 mph on a freeway. After a 390 degree spin, going off the road, through a ditch, across a service road and jumping over a 2 ft high barrier, I stopped in a parking lot. Lucky to be here.

A TPMS is not a cure-all to never worry about tires again solution.

You still need to check you tire pressures and inflate to proper starting pressure before you start towing. You still need to feel the tread of the tire, looking for bumps and deformations before starting out (which is a good way to find a developing tread issue). You need to watch the tires of strange tread wear, etc.

When the TPMS gives you a 'funny' reading, you need to stop and figure out why.