Considering TPMS for my fiver

[dedmiston]

I'm thinking about buying a TPMS system for my toy hauler. I don't want to jump into it blindly though, because the systems aren't cheap and I'll have to pay a few extra bucks to have my rubber valve stems replaced first.

So my questions are...

1. How secure are the sensors? How often do they get stolen?
   
2. Do they only work when you're moving or can you read your cold tire pressure before you depart?
   
3. What's the best brand?
   
4. I have a long bed truck and my fifth wheel is 44.5" long. Will the signal reach that far or do I need something to boost the signal?
   

[fj12ryder]

^^^^^^^^^Very true, the TST system does not have speedy notification of signal loss. An hour is about right.

[RCMAN46]

Campntwins wrote:
Just returned from a 1500 mile trip with our new TST 507 internal sensors. The tire person who installed them didn't install the repeater, he thought we wouldn't need it. Twice we lost communication with a left rear sensor on an interstate when passed by an 18 wheeler. The TPMS alerted immediately and was easy to re-sync by placing monitor near window. We are installing the repeater before next trip. The TST PSI was consistent with our tire pressure gauge. It was interesting watching PSI and temp increase.

We've been RVing for 18 year and have endured a multitude of blowouts. The TPMS is another tool to help us as we travel but we still need to watch speed, watch weight, maintain tires correctly and buy tires appropriate for our RVs and vehicles.

The fact the TST system will not alarm a lost signal for one hour the passing 18 wheeler was probably only a coincidence.

[Campntwins]

Just returned from a 1500 mile trip with our new TST 507 internal sensors. The tire person who installed them didn't install the repeater, he thought we wouldn't need it. Twice we lost communication with a left rear sensor on an interstate when passed by an 18 wheeler. The TPMS alerted immediately and was easy to re-sync by placing monitor near window. We are installing the repeater before next trip. The TST PSI was consistent with our tire pressure gauge. It was interesting watching PSI and temp increase.

We've been RVing for 18 year and have endured a multitude of blowouts. The TPMS is another tool to help us as we travel but we still need to watch speed, watch weight, maintain tires correctly and buy tires appropriate for our RVs and vehicles.

[danking49]

I had a TST 507 system on my travel trailer for one trip and returned it. It worked great in the driveway and on the road; until it rained when 2 of the 4 sensors failed. Checked the sensors after the first day on the road and all 4 had a lot of corrosion in the battery compartment. Cleaning out the battery compartments with WD40 and replacing the batteries (for $20) got it running for the remainder of the 1500 mile trip; but my confidence was zero. Had to duct tape one of the sensor covers back on because the machine screws they use had stripped the plastic case they go into (should be either self tapping screws or a metal insert for the machine screw). Still looking for a reliable system.

[Hunter11]

I have been using the TST507 system for a couple of years now and so far have been happy with it.

[Gunship_Guy]

We had TST on our previous 5th wheel and it worked well. Bought a new set with the new style monitor for our current travel trailer and it is also working well.

No complaints.

[RAS43]

Timay wrote:
I see the Pressure Pro is about double the price of TST...why would that be?

Tim

Read the comments about other system's problems. And length of time they have been used.

[allen8106]

I have Truck Systems Technology and love them. I even use mine on rubber valve stems. Recently I have switched to high pressure rubber valves stems which are stronger because I can't find a metal valve stem to fit my OEM Jayco aluminum rims. I love the piece of mind they give me in my travels. I don't use a repeater as some have suggested. I have a regular cab, long bed truck and a 34 foot 5ver and have had no issues. Truck Systems even sent me replacement parts free of charge two years after they sold me the system.

[justme]

I prefer in tire sensors because they are much more accurate for temperature. When bearings start to act up that it is a necessity and can save you from burning up an axel or worse. Their batteries will out last tire replace that is recommended by tire mfg's.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

attuco wrote:
I tried the TPMS system sold by Discount Tire when I put the new Maxis tires on. Lasted about a year. Waste of money IMHO.

Ya get what ya pay for!..:R

Still using my Pressure Pro - purchased about 5 years ago.
(It only measures pressure, not temperature)

Four sensors on my SRW pickup, four sensors on the 5th.

I remove the sensors when I'm not towing.

They still work fine! (But - I think it could be new battery time - anytime, LOL)

When I'm towing - I leave all the sensors on - never had one stolen.

Yes, you can read all (each of) the individual tire pressures going down the road.

I did purchase a repeater (goes inside the trlr) - although I forgot to plug it in a couple of times, system worked fine without it.

IMO - DO NOT purchase a system that goes *inside* the tires, which could be what discount Tire sold the poster above.

My opinion - don't leave home without a monitoring system..:W

On edit: You could economize and only buy sensors for the trailer.
I'm sure you have seen posts where someone didn't know they had a flat on their trailer until another driver alerted them to the problem.

Then, if you desire, add sensors for your tow vehicle later.
Just make sure the system you purchase has the capability for what you may wish to add.



~

[bogart661]

I have been using the Tire Minder system for more than 5 years and have had no problems with it. The new systems come with a signal booster, which I added to mine to increase the signal strength.

[Timay]

I see the Pressure Pro is about double the price of TST...why would that be?

Tim

[RAS43]

I have had the Pressure Pro system for 9 years. I pull a boat behind my 5th wheel so I added a repeater to avoid any loss of signals from the boat trailer. The system has been very reliable and I have had only 1 sensor fail in all this time. I have not had any lost sensors or theft. The monitor will read the pressures when parked or stopped so I can check pressures after my morning walk around before a trip.
As for the "best" system I, like everyone else, believes theirs is best.
You need to do the research as you are and decide for yourself.

[BB_TX]

TST here also for 5 yrs. Most of the time, it receives signals with no problem. But on occasion it will take a while to pick up a sensor(s), or lose a sensor(s) temporarily while driving. The only way to tell is that the pressures and temps remain static for long periods. Recently after a short time on the road I had one sensor showing much higher temp and pressure than other 3. First thought was tire problem. Stopped and checked. Soon realized that sensor was the ONLY one actually monitoring properly. Others started some time later.

35' 5er with crew cab long bed truck. And I mount it low on the windshield so that the monitor sits just barely above the dash. That may be the problem. Just bought a repeater to try to eliminate that issue.