TPMS - Flow Thru or Non Flow Thru Sensors

[Flanz]

I've decided on which TPMS I'll purchase, so I'd like to keep this thread about sensors, please. Also, my tow vehicle will NOT have flow thru sensors on it, so I'm only concerned with the MH.

I'm in the process of deciding which sensor I should go with. I like the easy of the flow thru sensors, but having them may be another point of failure since there's another Schrader valve involved. Since the motorhome has solid metal valve stems, I'm not really concerned about the sensors moving around while driving, but I'd like to hear opinions.

As for the non flow thru my only cocnern is removing them every time I go to check, air up, or down my tires. Do you find that the locking mechanism will have fatigue over time? Are they difficult to work with? Do I have to recalibrate the TPMS if I remove a sensor when I want to put a pressure gauge on the stem?

Just looking to make a purchase one time on a TPMS. I've never owned one and would like to get a feel for the sensors...

Thanks,
Paul

[Flanz]

After reading the replys here and doing a lot of research I've decided to go with the non flow thru sensors. Looks like these will be the smallest, lightest, and easiest to work with when you remove the locking mechanism. I'll still be using my tire gauge to check tires prior to leaving campgrounds.

During my research it appears that the sensors used by a few manufacturers are the same or similar technology. The flow thru sensors have two schrader valves associated with it. This would put five schrader valves on my inner dual tires creating too many failure points.

Thanks to all for your replys and recommendations.

Paul

[Dutch_12078]

neschultz wrote:

Dutch_12078 wrote:
I didn't see any advantage to the flow thru sensors since you still have to remove the valve caps, so I stuck with the standard TST sensors. I took off the spinning security covers so that removing them is no different than removing a regular valve cap. Without the security covers, the sensors are also lighter and smaller, making them less noticeable.

I like this idea. How do you remove the spinning covers (I have the 510 system)and does that affect the warranty? Thanks

As I recall, the only way the 510 covers come off would be to carefully cut them with something like a Dremel tool. And yes, I'd expect it would void the warranty. The 507 sensor covers are removed by just taking out three small screws, just as you would to change the battery. There wouldn't be any warranty issue in that case, since the cover can easily be reinstalled.

[neschultz]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
I didn't see any advantage to the flow thru sensors since you still have to remove the valve caps, so I stuck with the standard TST sensors. I took off the spinning security covers so that removing them is no different than removing a regular valve cap. Without the security covers, the sensors are also lighter and smaller, making them less noticeable.

I like this idea. How do you remove the spinning covers (I have the 510 system)and does that affect the warranty? Thanks

[Dutch_12078]

Executive wrote:
I rarely have to add air to any of my tires, so I, like many others went with the TST non pass thru system. I've had their system for 8 years now. 3 with the old 510 system, (non replaceable batteries) and 5 with the 507. Satisfied with both systems. I believe they are the only ones with the pass thru system. With that said, to answer your question; How often do you add air to YOUR tires? If often, then consider the pass thru system. If, like most of us, you rarely do, then go with the 507....Dennis

X2 other than to say there are other brands that offer flow thru sensors.

[Executive45]

I rarely have to add air to any of my tires, so I, like many others went with the TST non pass thru system. I've had their system for 8 years now. 3 with the old 510 system, (non replaceable batteries) and 5 with the 507. Satisfied with both systems. I believe they are the only ones with the pass thru system. With that said, to answer your question; How often do you add air to YOUR tires? If often, then consider the pass thru system. If, like most of us, you rarely do, then go with the 507....Dennis

[jorbill2or]

Non flow thru , no security device. Don't want the spinning weight and complication . Never had a security problem.
Never had a "seating" problem .. just a tiny psst of air as they seat. Once I check the air with a gauge then install the sensor I don't check with a gauge again unless there is a problem .. it's easy to spin it off to check or add air My belief is that's why I installed the system in the first place. To keep track of tire pressures.the sensors are my "tire gauge" Ea day I visually inspect the tires ( bumps scrapes rim condition lug nuts etc I still bump the tire an old truck driver habit I haven't broken ) check the monitor for proper pressures and go ! Easy peasy I set my tires and don't adjust

[Devocamper]

I have the flow through sensors and the only thing I don't like is how little pressure they pass , it takes forever to adjust the trailer tires too 110 psi. very slow but have had no other problems

[sailor_lou]

I'm with Ivylog, I air up in the fall for winter storage (also remove the sensors at that time) and then adjust pressure in the spring when I reinstall the sensors. Typically I need to remove them once more when the weather warms up to reduce pressure, so it's not a big deal for me either. When it comes to spinning things hanging off the tire, I feel the smaller the better.

Also, the spinning security covers are pretty much only good to keep a curious toddler from unscrewing the sensor. Any serious thief will either have the tool or can remove the sensors with plyers/channel locks.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

[Ivylog]

Rarely do I have to add air more than once/year so taking them off is not a big deal for me.

[Flanz]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
I've had both and prefer the flow through sensors. At least when my gauge says I have 95 psi, I know that the pressure will not decrease as I try to get the non-flow through sensors to seat properly. At least with the flow through sensors, they only have to be seated once.

Good point! Although I have not read or heard of a reseat issue, but non the less, it's a valid point. Have had any issue with the flow thru's having air loss due to another value?

[rgatijnet1]

I've had both and prefer the flow through sensors. At least when my gauge says I have 95 psi, I know that the pressure will not decrease as I try to get the non-flow through sensors to seat properly. At least with the flow through sensors, they only have to be seated once.

[Snomas]

I have a TST system. I had a problem w/ one tire going down w/ a sensor connection to my rear tires. I lost air until I could get it installed properly so it wouldn't leak. TST gave me excellent customer service and help even after 10 months from purchase. I can ocassionaly lose reading on one of my MH tires and one of my Toad tires. They say I need a signal booster installed in the back of the MH. They do give me peace of mind and I have been using them for about 2 years. I only had to add air after 1 year of installation to the tires so I don't see any reason to have the flow thru sensors.

[Dutch_12078]

I didn't see any advantage to the flow thru sensors since you still have to remove the valve caps, so I stuck with the standard TST sensors. I took off the spinning security covers so that removing them is no different than removing a regular valve cap. Without the security covers, the sensors are also lighter and smaller, making them less noticeable.

[Effy]

The upside is that you can air up without removing them. The downside is - like you said - they add another point of failure. I have TST flow through and they don't. Something about them won't allow me to air up so I have to remove them to air up anyway. So from my experience They are a waste of money. Others may not have had the same issue. I have had 2 of my sensors fail. replaced by TST but even after replacement 2 more drop signal periodically. Everyone raves about TST but I've had a lot of issues with mine.