Are TireMinders Needed?

[kscherzi]

Twice I've had trailer tire blowouts. Both times on the freeway. I'll say it's no fun changing a tire on a slanted busy road. Both times a single axle trailer so I couldn't roll to a better location. Had I known in advance maybe I could have done something.

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[UKDUDE]

Since TPMS is mandatory on the 2500 Sprinters, does anyone know if that display technology is there under the covers on the 3500's? Would be very convenient if it could be enabled via an ECU tweak at the dealer, so the standard display could be used. Assuming it can handle 6 tires of course.

[73shark]

I doubt that there are any sensors that both fit the Alcoa wheels and are compatible with the Sprinter system.

[UKDUDE]

Originally Posted by 73shark

I doubt that there are any sensors that both fit the Alcoa wheels and are compatible with the Sprinter system.

Cap sensors can't be used with the Sprinter system?

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by UKDUDE

Since TPMS is mandatory on the 2500 Sprinters, does anyone know if that display technology is there under the covers on the 3500's? Would be very convenient if it could be enabled via an ECU tweak at the dealer, so the standard display could be used. Assuming it can handle 6 tires of course.

It's probably there -- but I doubt you could get to it. This type of change is way beyond any dealer capability. It would require modifications by Sprinter Engineering. It would be nice if Mercedes offered it as an option since it is not required by US DOT.

[73shark]

Originally Posted by UKDUDE

Cap sensors can't be used with the Sprinter system?

Highly unlikely.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by ATE123

I was wondering if I'm a complete idiot for not spending $320.00 on tire minders for my Interstate. Are they worth it and do they work well? Thanks in advance for any feedback!

$320 for 6 sensors & display is about $30 above "Street price"

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by UKDUDE

Since TPMS is mandatory on the 2500 Sprinters, does anyone know if that display technology is there under the covers on the 3500's? Would be very convenient if it could be enabled via an ECU tweak at the dealer, so the standard display could be used. Assuming it can handle 6 tires of course.

TPMS are only required for vehicles with GVWR of 10,000# and under.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by 73shark

Highly unlikely.

For my education why can't cap sensors be used on Sprinter chassis vehicles?

Do the hub caps cover the valve cap?

[UKDUDE]

Originally Posted by Tireman9

For my education why can't cap sensors be used on Sprinter chassis vehicles?

Do the hub caps cover the valve cap?

I have to chip in here since my original question was whether cap sensors could interface with the possibly hidden tire pressure display system on 3500's.
And our Airstream Interstates have a combination of Alcoa outer and steel inner wheels. So no hub caps.

[Tireman9]

To the na-sayers I would ask if the trucks they drove had exposed holding tanks or pretty aluminum skirting that would be damaged if a tire failed?

While TPMS may not prevent 100% of tire failures it only has to work once to pay for itself.

If you get the slow leak and receive warning before 20% of the air has leaked out there is a good chance you may not need to buy a replacement tire.

I have seen groups of drivers that swear by "thumpers" fail to be able to demonstrate being closer than +/- 20% of the actual air pressure. With many RVs having only 5 or 10 psi safety margin that isn't close enough.

Just like insurance, you never "need" it till it is too late.

[73shark]

Originally Posted by Tireman9

For my education why can't cap sensors be used on Sprinter chassis vehicles?

Do the hub caps cover the valve cap?

Cap sensors can be used on a Sprinter. They just probably wouldn't work w/ the embedded Sprinter TPMS even if it is there and could be accessed. And as boxster1971 posted, that would not be easy. And even if MB did offer TPMS as an option, Airstream would have to find sensors that work w/ both it and the Alcoa wheels.

[paullovern]

It took a lot of tweaking but I finally got my tire minders to work without false alarms. They seem to work pretty well now. They caught a slow leak situation before it got critical.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by UKDUDE

I have to chip in here since my original question was whether cap sensors could interface with the possibly hidden tire pressure display system on 3500's.
And our Airstream Interstates have a combination of Alcoa outer and steel inner wheels. So no hub caps.

When you turn on the ignition do you see the TPM graphic on the instrument panel? I am guessing not which would mean there is no OE TPM system. I see no reason for a vehicle MFG to put sensors in wheels when there is no system in the vehicle.

Did anyone specifically tell you you had a TPM system on the vehicle?
Did anyone specifically tell you the "cap" type aftermarket TPMS would not work? or was it just your concern about electrical "interference"?

PM me if you need or want more details on TPMS.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by paullovern

It took a lot of tweaking but I finally got my tire minders to work without false alarms. They seem to work pretty well now. They caught a slow leak situation before it got critical.

Glad your TPMS worked for you. Sounds like it saved the cost of a new tire. Bet that goes a long way toward paying for the cost of the "insurance" of having a TPMS given they are good for years of use and can be transferred to your next vehicle.

What was the "tweaking" you needed to do?

PM me if you don't want to post all the details. I am interested in learning about others experiences.

[graysailor]

TireMinder seems to be working. The problem I am having now is that the Minder tells me I have 36.5lbs of pressure but I checked the tires and all four have 40lbs. of pressure. I changed the batteries with the same results. The trailer tire pressures are still accurate. Just not sure how to adjust the TV so that it will be more accurate. Difficult system to set up and adjust.

[UKDUDE]

Originally Posted by Tireman9

When you turn on the ignition do you see the TPM graphic on the instrument panel? I am guessing not which would mean there is no OE TPM system. I see no reason for a vehicle MFG to put sensors in wheels when there is no system in the vehicle.

Did anyone specifically tell you you had a TPM system on the vehicle?
Did anyone specifically tell you the "cap" type aftermarket TPMS would not work? or was it just your concern about electrical "interference"?

PM me if you need or want more details on TPMS.

There's no TPMS indicator, either as a warning sign, or on the pageable displays. I was hoping the monitor and appropriate software would have been installed, just disabled for the 3500's. I will be getting a cap system, just wasn't so keen on a monitor that's not integrated into the dash.

[paullovern]

Tireman2: we bought the AI used with the to reminders already on. I was getting an inordinate amount of false alarms to the point that I didn't believe it when it alarmed. I was getting pressures of 82 psi and an hour later 58 psi on the same tire. I replaced 3 of the 6 and changed all the sensor batteries. I then bought a truckers pressure gauge and meticulously set the cold temp pressure to 60 psi on all tires. Now I get no alarms and my confidence in the system is returning.

[paullovern]

Graysailor: I'm not sure if you are driving an interstate but when we took delivery the dealer told us to disregard the tire pressure placard in the driver's door jamb and fill all tires to 60 psi. So if you're at 40, you may decrease your tire life.

[paullovern]

A fun fact... The tire minder system turns off when you're not in the vehicle and turns on upon your return. I presume that it senses the change in weight (and pressure) when you climb aboard.