Tire Traker pressure monitor - possible interference issues?

[threehendersons]

We have a 2013 Ford F250 diesel truck with the GPS/navigation package and a 35' 5th wheel. Installed a Tire Traker pressure monitoring system but having trouble getting the unit to update pressures. The pressures will update when I hold the monitor and remove and then replace the sensors but no further update occurs, even after waiting for 30+ minutes. Tried moving the sensors to the truck tires to see if distance was the problem but still don't get a pressure update.

Called the Tire Traker rep and they said that a booster was needed and likely the problem was interference with the GPS/navigation or diesel engine. This was news to me and wanted to hear if anyone else has had a similar problem. I was trying to stay away from installing a booster and also wondering if that is really the problem/solution?

Thanks in advance for any guidance/suggestions.

[threehendersons]

Tire Traker

[Jetstreamer]

That's the inherent problem with that product. Since you don't really know when or not if it is transmitting its difficult to troubleshoot the problem you are having. Here is some help- as your rig is sitting in the driveway, with the receiver in its proper position on the dashboard, go partially unscrew one of the sensors enough to trigger an alarm. Then go see if the receiver is showing an alarm on that tire. If it is, I would think that would be a good indication it's gonna work going down the road. I have the same unit it's the Hawks Head brand. It works for me and I'm sure it will alarm to a tire problem, but I don't like the fact that it sometimes takes many tens of Miles for all the readings to update. Some of the other brands continuously send out signals and the operator has ready access to the data at any time which of course would make troubleshooting reception problems a lot easier.

[Winged_One]

Is the Tire Tracker the Tire Minder? They look exactly the same.

[threehendersons]

Sorry for the incomplete info.........the monitor isn't updating while moving down the road. I tried putting the sensors on the truck wheels to see if distance was causing the problem but the monitor still doesn't update while moving. In the morning I would carry the monitor around and unscrew the sensors, reset the pressures and the monitor would update. Head down the road and the pressures would always stay at the last known number.

[Jetstreamer]

You haven't indicated whether or not you are moving down the road while waiting for an update. If you are sitting stationary you aren't gonna get one. I have the same unit and I sometimes won't get an update after driving 30 miles.

[Michelle_S]

The Tire Tracker sensors will go into a sleep mode to conserve battery power. Usually within 15 to 20 minutes down the road they should update, but as mentioned will give an immediate alarm if there's a problem. I just plugged mine in to charge the control head and the readings are the same as they were Sunday afternoon when we pulled in.

[rockylarson]

Your best bet might be the battery powered model. Then you could place it anywhere. I chose the 12volt hard wire style and added a 12 volt plug so I could use it where ever I had a receptacle.

If you chose to install a receptacle I have had good results with:Marinco

[threehendersons]

Thanks for the input. My pressure monitor doesn't update at all unless I unscrew the sensors and then replace (with the monitor nearby). Think I'll order a booster and give it a try.

A second question..........any suggestions on how to best install the booster? Electrical items are not my strong point. The trailer battery is located in the front compartment and it seems like somewhere near the battery might be the easiest place to install?

[rockylarson]

I at first thought as you do that they should be updating frequently. However, after several years of experience, I have come to expect notifications of significant changes rather than real time readings. Yes, I occasionally will remove and replace a sensor for a real time update, but I don't expect to see a down the road update unless a change meets the preset levels. I have 7 sensors on the MH, 5 on the toad, and use the 12 volt hard-wired repeater plugged in mid coach or in the toad.
Generally within 15 minutes all 10 of the "on the road" sensors will update but the two on spares may stay asleep the entire trip.

[Bull_Rider]

I have a Garmin GPS sitting on the dash in the middle and a TST-507 on the left side of the dash. Towing a 30' bumper pull. No interference.

I also have a Droid bionic just below the dash and it has GPS that's usually activated. Sometimes we have a laptop connected. Never had a problem.

[rreynold51]

We have a 2006 F250 SD and a 30ft Fiver....We installed the Tire Traker pressure monitoring system and haven't had any issues with the GPS or Tire Traker...our GPS is external however...monitors all the tires on the rig without an issue.....

[MC9]

I installed a back-up camera, had a GPS, a TPMS and the phone all on the dashboard of the truck. I can tell you they didn't like it. The GPS only worked half the time. I put the little camera auxiliary antenna in the back window and that helped a lot.