Trailer Tire Pressure Monitors
Anyone have any experience with trailer tire pressure monitors? Looking on amazon they range in price from around $60 up past $300. Any brands seem to be better than the other? Is there a difference...
Forum Discussion
guidry wrote:
I have TireMinder and the company is good to work with; however, a couple of things:
1. You don't need metal valve stems, some people think you do because of the rotation of the tires will make the stems wobble and cause problems. I haven't had any issues in that regard.
2. TPMS sends signals at intervals, not constant. So if you have an issue like a leak then it will detect it at the next signal sent. With a blowout, the TPMS will not alert you (don't ask how I know) and it is frustrating to depend on the system and not get a signal of a blowout until 30 to 60 seconds after you come to a stop!
3. TireMinder sent me a free booster after I called about two valves not getting a signal. Good company in that regard.
4. When I complained about the blowout and not getting an alert, TireMinder suggested I upgrade to a newer unit at $99, a "special price for a current customer".
Overall, having a TPMS is still a good idea but understand the limitations.
The TST system will notify you immediately of rapid pressure loss, like a blow-out. You do not need to wait for the next cycle.
As to the valve stems, metal stems are strongly recommended to prevent a rubber stem from cracking. If you call TST, they will tell your metal stems "are not absolutely necessary" but I disagree. I ran rubber stems originally and saw the marks left on my wheels by the sensors hitting the wheel due to flex. 2 of the stems look like they were ready to crack at the base.
Do it right, spend a few extra bucks and put the metal stems on.
