TPMS for towed. Watch out.

[mikestock]

I recently added flow through sensors on my CR-V so I don't take a chance that I could get a flat and not know.

First lesson I learned was not to go through an automatic car wash with them installed. I exited the wash, miacuiously, with only one flat tire. Could have been four. Ended up breaking the Honda stem a requiring me to have to replace the Honda TPMS sensor. Probably would have been OK except for a solid goide that moves in prior to the tire washer. Each sensor has a small set screw which makes them, not so easy, to install and remove. Guess I'll leave them off until we go on a longer trip.

Just a tip from someone who learned the hard way. It would be nice if you could get a Honda receiver that would work in the coach with the OEM sensors.

[mikestock]

They ARE METAL STEMS.

[supercub]

If your toad is new then I believe it's 2007 and equipment with a car tire sensors, then you can't put metal stems on, because the sensors are part of the stem, unless you want to buy new sensors that have metal stems, I believe they're around $100 each.

[Dutch_12078]

mikestock wrote:
Probably wouldn't have broken if they had been rubber, but can't imagine what the centrifical force would do with the weight of the sensors being mounted on rubber stems.

I agree, Mike. That would be the trade off in that case, and the reason TST recommends metal stems. The flow-thru's are probably fine on short stubby metal stems where they don't stick out as much.

[Dutch_12078]

Executive wrote:
OMG, Dutch! Aren't you afraid of having them stolen??...TIC....:W....Dennis

Heh! Not really... Someone would have to recognize what they are and know which system they work with to make it worth the risk of stealing them. With the smaller size, they really don't stand out.

[mikestock]

Probably wouldn't have broken if they had been rubber, but can't imagine what the centrifical force would do with the weight of the sensors being mounted on rubber stems.

[GMandJM]

Wow! Never would have guessed that.

[mikestock]

Traveler II wrote:
Would a metal stem have saved the day?

GMandJM wrote:
The OP's 507FTs are on his Honda CR-V which apparently has OEM (internal) sensors. He'd have to remove/replace those to get metal valve stems. Not something I'd want to commit to.

The Honda stems are metal. That is what broke. I was lucky to only break one.

[creeper]

Didn't get the flow throughs because of their added size. I also removed the anti theft. 30,000 miles on our last TPMS and no one stole one, so why worry.

Remember car washes have brushes that clean the tires, some will spin the tire. Anything on the valve stem, especially flow throughs, will hit those brushes or the rails. But good tip for those who haven't thought if it.

No need to worry here, I never use cars washes. They do too much damage to the paint.

[GMandJM]

The OP's 507FTs are on his Honda CR-V which apparently has OEM (internal) sensors. He'd have to remove/replace those to get metal valve stems. Not something I'd want to commit to.

Have had regular 507s (non flow through) on our daily drivers with rubber stems for years with no issues. The extra length on the flow-through sensors was something we considered before deciding on the regular ones instead.

But yeah - RTFM. (Poorly worded as some may be in parts, they're still worth reading :B )

[Executive45]

OMG, Dutch! Aren't you afraid of having them stolen??...TIC....:W....Dennis

[Dutch_12078]

"Curb hits", which is pretty much what happened to the OP, are more likely to snap metal stems than rubber stems. The real problem is the extra length the flow-thru sensors add to the stem. I removed the security caps from my standard TST 507 sensors, making them just as easy to remove and reinstall as standard valve caps. They even look like just over sized caps.

[Traveler_II]

Would a metal stem have saved the day?

[Executive45]

From TST's FAQ:

Do I need special valve stems?

No, you do not need special valve stems, but you do need commonly available metal valve stems.

The added weight of the sensor on a rubber valve stem could cause problems that will be avoided by using metal valve stems.

Most motorhomes and commercial transport vehicles come equipped with metal valve stems. If you do need metal valve stems, they are not expensive; a recent customer had 6 valve stems replaced on a 30’ gooseneck racing trailer for $36. They are available and can be quickly installed by any tire dealer.

Everyone should read their manual(s) before installing any safety item on their vehicles. Understanding how and why they work as they do will keep you safer in the long run.

That said, thanks for the heads up for those that still choose not to read the manuals and/or choose not to follow their recommendations....Dennis

[GMandJM]

Good advice. Thanks for sharing.

Sorry you lost a stem and sensor.