Forum Discussion

Raife's avatar
Raife
Explorer
Sep 17, 2020

valve stems for TPMS

Good afternoon everyone. So I have been doing research (and posting questions on forums) regarding getting a TPMS for my trailer. I have settled on the TST 507 system, but am now wondering if it is worth the cost of getting the rubber valve stems replaced with metal ones to use the flow thru sensors? To have a single display and more info I am also considering have the tow vehicle done as well (even thought it already has a TPMS built in, but only shows current PSI). The cost to swap out the trailer valves is ~$70 and the tow vehicle valves is ~$130.

All said and done I'm looking at 10 tires as I figure I would want to know the status of spares as well (at least to know they are full - my TV spare was down 15 PSI the other day, but it had not been checked in a while)

Thoughts on swapping out the rubber valve stems for metal?

Does anyone have experience with both the cap and flow thru? Are the flow thru that much more convenient to warrant the cost of swapping out the rubber valve stems with metal?

Thank you.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Sep 17, 2020
    The metal valve stems are a good idea regardless of which TPMS you get. But IMO, and I have the flow-through sensors, save your money on the flow-through sensors. You'll find yourself removing them to add air. The restriction is so great that it takes quite a long time to add just 5 psi. If I did it again, I would get the regular sensors and skip the flow-throughs.
  • stripit's avatar
    stripit
    Explorer
    Sep 17, 2020
    I second the not purchasing the flow through senders, and going with the regular sender caps. And would not spend the money for the tow vehicle added senders, just the trailer. But I would remove the rubber stems and replace with metal stems for the security of having them not flex and possible snap off with the sensor on the end of the rubber.
  • Raife's avatar
    Raife
    Explorer
    Sep 17, 2020
    Actually - followup...has anyone hardwired the unit to an ignition-switched fuse in the TV fusebox?
  • 2edgesword's avatar
    2edgesword
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2020
    Ditto those that said get metal valve stems regardless of what type of TPMS you get. From what I've read the rubber stems will not hold up over the long haul and you'll start getting pressure loss through them. This is what has held me back from getting a TPMS for my trailer. I won't do it until I can get the valve stems changed from rubber to metal.
  • Home_Skillet's avatar
    Home_Skillet
    Explorer II
    Sep 18, 2020
    The in tire sensors are the best.
    True tire temp readings and no valve stem issues.
  • Home_Skillet's avatar
    Home_Skillet
    Explorer II
    Sep 18, 2020
    Raife wrote:
    Actually - followup...has anyone hardwired the unit to an ignition-switched fuse in the TV fusebox?


    Probably the only way to do it.
    You will need the repeater module, since the trailer wheels would be a long way from the TPMS module.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Sep 18, 2020
    Home Skillet wrote:
    The in tire sensors are the best.
    True tire temp readings and no valve stem issues.
    Yeah, work great until you need new batteries. I have the metal stems and no issues, and honestly I'm more concerned with tire pressure than tire temperature. Wouldn't have an internal tire sensor.
  • Raife's avatar
    Raife
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2020
    Home Skillet wrote:
    Raife wrote:
    Actually - followup...has anyone hardwired the unit to an ignition-switched fuse in the TV fusebox?


    Probably the only way to do it.
    You will need the repeater module, since the trailer wheels would be a long way from the TPMS module.


    What I meant was has anyone hardwired the display in the cab to the TV battery. The repeater will be hooked up to the trailer battery.

    I have already hardwired my dash cam and my radar detector. My 770 is currently using my "lighter" socket and I can't fit a double "lighter" socket adapter.

    So I started to think about hard wiring the TPMS display.
  • Home_Skillet's avatar
    Home_Skillet
    Explorer II
    Sep 18, 2020
    What is your tow vehicle?
    There's a company that makes a pigtail that connects to your rear view mirror and provides power and ground for an accessory.

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