Remote tire pressure/heat monitors and theft

[Geocritter]

I’ve seen several of these tire pressure/heat monitors advertised here and it seems like a helluva good idea. I’m not a fear-based kind of guy, but a high speed blowout is worrisome for me. However, that said I’m wondering how often these tire monitors are stolen, at $50 each it could get pricey. Can one take them on and off without losing tire pressure? I envision putting them on before traveling and taking them off when I set up in a camp ground, though I suspect they could be stolen just as easily while in a rest area taking a rest. I also noted that internal ones are made, which would solve the theft problem. However, unless done with a tire replacement there’d be an installation expense. I don’t mean to be paranoid or cheap but I was financially devastated over the last few years and can’t afford something like this only to have some dirt-bag rip me off.
Steve

[Gadget_Guy1]

Geocritter wrote:
Thanks everyone for responding. These systems seem like such a good idea that I really want to get one for my rig. One that caught my eye measures both pressure and temperature, an excellent combination to measure tire health since a casing going bad may not lose pressure, but it could certainly generate heat which would in turn raise the pressure.

Thanks again for all y'alls input here.

Steve

.
I purchased ia new system last winter that has the stem type of senders and does show the temperature, I have found that the temperature information is not accurate. I am comparing this to a system that has the sensors in the tire fasten to the inside of the rim. To me it is not a big factor because the pressure is the most valuable information to have. Once you have some history in your use you will soon know how the pressure reacts to various situations. Temperature has a direct coralation to pressure and visa versa.

[Geocritter]

Thanks everyone for responding. These systems seem like such a good idea that I really want to get one for my rig. One that caught my eye measures both pressure and temperature, an excellent combination to measure tire health since a casing going bad may not lose pressure, but it could certainly generate heat which would in turn raise the pressure.

Thanks again for all y'alls input here.

Steve

[Don_Don]

5 years, never stolen.

[Dune_Hauler]

I also took the locks off my TST sensors it makes it easier to access the inner duals. Unless you frequent bad areas I would not worry.

[MRUSA]

I've had Pressure Pro for 11 years, all over the US, never had one stolen.

[Pirate1]

Took all the locks off my TST sensors. No thefts in past few years.

[pigman1]

We've had ours for about 3 1/2 years and have never had a problem. I don't use the locks, although they came with them. We boondock extensively and overnight in rest areas, Wal Marts and wide spots in the road.

[Rich_D_]

wny_pat wrote:
You sure come across as a fear based kind of guy. I really can't believe how much you folks are concerned about theft of RV specific items! Now if you were to camp at Hunts Point in NYC, I'd be concerned. But the vast majority of the places we go in this country, I don't think you should be concerned!

In many cases (mine too) it was not a fear of theft but a desire to be able to check/add air without the nuisance of dealing with add on sensors. If I wasn't purchasing new tires I might have opted for the screw on's but glad I have the internal sensors. Using Alcoa's flow through #001009 double seal valve stem caps makes adding air quick and simple. Simply inflate right through the "cap". The ribbed part (looks threaded) holds the dual foot chuck in place.

http://www.alcoa.com/alcoawheels/north_america/en/info_page/accessories_hd_valve_cap.asp

[Geocritter]

wny_pat wrote:
You sure come across as a fear based kind of guy. I really can't believe how much you folks are concerned about theft of RV specific items! Now if you were to camp at Hunts Point in NYC, I'd be concerned. But the vast majority of the places we go in this country, I don't think you should be concerned!

You're right, maybe I’m more fear-based than I thought. Back in 1969 when I was in college I dropped out for a semester, hoped into my ratty old TR3 (that I’d purchased 3 months earlier for $50) and drove from Illinois to California with only $100 to my name. By the time I got to Nevada I was starting to get low on cash so I played black jack in a casino and won $200 which kept me going until I got a job in California. So yes, compared to that Steve I’ve become a fear-based kinda guy, I’m afraid life’s experiences will do that to you. I sure do miss the old Steve!

Steve

PS I really appreciate the feedback I'm getting and suspect I'll be investing in one of these systems.

[bluwtr49]

As was said, if your worried, remove them when not traveling. However, I susped the theft rate is very low since they are unique to the system so resale value probably is not worth the effort.

[wny_pat1]

You sure come across as a fear based kind of guy. I really can't believe how much you folks are concerned about theft of RV specific items! Now if you were to camp at Hunts Point in NYC, I'd be concerned. But the vast majority of the places we go in this country, I don't think you should be concerned!

[Rich_D_]

Since I was purchasing tires, I opted for the type that has internal sensors. They work great, are invisible and theft proof. Simply mount the sensor onto the rim with a long hose type clamp. Then mount the tire and balance as usual. The sensor and clamp weigh next to nothing so there is no need for extra balancing. I'm sure there are many good systems. The one I choose was Tire SafeGuard. You can mix the internal sensors with screw on for the toad if you wish. They also make an internal stem mounted sensor. If you have an all steel body vehicle such as mine, be sure to get the "N" type monitor as some of the others may not pick up the signals properly.

http://tiresafeguard.com/

[Gadget_Guy1]

I have been using them since 2005 and have never had a problem with theft. You are basically dealing with the RV crowd and I think most of us respect other RV'ers things. Most autos come equipped with tire monitors so that takes most people out of the picture. If you steal the sender you still need the matching monitor which is the expensive part. I don't worry about it, life's to short.

[CT_WANDERER]

I have had my TST tpms for a few years I leave mine on all the time. I have not hand any problem with the MH or tow. You need special wrench to remove them. I would be concern with air lost if you remove them every time you stop.