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Hans627 · 11-16-2023, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinkers

I am just rejoining the AS community after buying a 2001 25' Safari. I previously owned a 1968 20' Globe Trotter. I have been looking into the TPMS systems but am not impressed with the idea of an external sensor that screws into the valve stem. Seams like a source of leaks (possibly rapid), as well as wear on the valve stem and an easy target for theft. I haven't read much in this thread that convinces me that my paranoia is misplaced. So, is there an aftermarket TPMS system that uses the OEM style internal TPMS sensors?

Thanks,

There must be tens of thousands of TPMS that us the valve stem. IMHO opinion your fears are not realistic. There was some who had issues with the flexing of rubber valve stems but I've not heard of anyone who has had an issue with metal valve stems.

But there are systems that attach to the inside of the wheel.

**richard5933** · 11-17-2023, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinkers

I am just rejoining the AS community after buying a 2001 25' Safari. I previously owned a 1968 20' Globe Trotter. I have been looking into the TPMS systems but am not impressed with the idea of an external sensor that screws into the valve stem. Seams like a source of leaks (possibly rapid), as well as wear on the valve stem and an easy target for theft. I haven't read much in this thread that convinces me that my paranoia is misplaced. So, is there an aftermarket TPMS system that uses the OEM style internal TPMS sensors?

Thanks,

I've been using the TireMinder external sensors for a number of years without a problem. Used them for about 6 years on my vintage coach, and now for a few year on my Airstream and Suburban.

Both the Airstream and Suburban have the shorter high pressure stems - not all metal but with the metal reinforcement towards the bottom of the stem. No indications of any movement or issues, and I've never had one taken off a vehicle. Never had one leak either.

One tip for anyone considering a TPMS - get sensors for the spare tire on your Airstream as well as on your tow vehicle. Saves lots of effort checking pressure on the spares.

lemley · 11-17-2023, 06:46 AM

I studied and fretted over this for months before going with the TST 507. No leaks. I had two flats before the tpms that resulted in shredded tires and beat up wheel wells. I’ve had two since. Both meant cruising to a controlled stop in a safe location and a 15 minute tire change.

I picked the external sensor because of the ease and economy of changing the battery. I thought it would be a pain when I needed to add air, but it’s not a big deal. My tires already had the metal stems, so I didn’t have to bother with that.

Frankly the only problem I’ve had with the system is getting 100 miles into the trip and realizing that I’d forgotten to pull the monitor out of the console and turn it on. My suburban supports the GMC trailer TPMS, but I like the portability of the aftermarket TPMS. I don’t want to have to change sensors when I change TVs.

Merlintiaga · 11-17-2023, 08:32 AM

I currently have the TireMinder Trailer. Some features I like: it’s only $199 including the signal booster. it’s solar powered so no wires. It adheres to the top of the windshield so mounting is simple. What I don’t like is it seems to be very slow. The pressure takes a minute or two (sometimes longer) to update so if I had a rapid loss of pressure, it’d be a problem. I imagine that the 507 system is more robust than the TireMinder Trailer. Thoughts? Does the 507 system update quickly?

Mollysdad · 11-17-2023, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlintiaga

Thoughts? Does the 507 system update quickly?

My understanding is, in order to conserve battery life, the sensors only update every 3-5 minutes if there's no change. However, it there's a change, it's reported immediately. I know I've unscrewed a sensor to add air and heard the alarm go off immediately.
I would not install external sensors without also changing to metal valve stems. I did it myself, probably not a good idea, but I found it easy technically, although airing up is difficult because although our air compressors have adequate pressure, they don't supply the volume to pop the bead back on.
As far as theft, the TST (and others, I assume) have an anti theft cover that just spins without using a special 'tool' to remove the caps.
Leak? I've had mine for 5 years, replaced the batteries once, and never had a tire leak because of the cap, (knock on aluminum!)

kittmaster · 11-17-2023, 10:41 AM

I'm going to throw in a drive by comment after all this time and reading multiple TPMS threads...

Going forward, keep in mind and depending upon budget and direction, newer trucks are now supporting additional TPMS sensors and it is all integrated into the vehicle. They (manufacturer) provide additional sensors that mount inside the AS tires (not on the stems) like within the truck and are programmed the same way as the vehicle.... and then you have the actual info right on your dashboard with proper time and event polling where you can monitor both units at the same time and not have to play the worry game of "what is the best aftermarket TPMS......"

We are building a new 2024 Sierra in January and this is a key piece of technology required in such a build... It also removes the additional receiver modules and extra wiring needed to make it work.

While I realize this might be a pie in for some and many already have a tow vehicle, just something to consider going forward depending on your outlook.

gypsydad · 11-17-2023, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinkers

I am just rejoining the AS community after buying a 2001 25' Safari. I previously owned a 1968 20' Globe Trotter. I have been looking into the TPMS systems but am not impressed with the idea of an external sensor that screws into the valve stem. Seams like a source of leaks (possibly rapid), as well as wear on the valve stem and an easy target for theft. I haven't read much in this thread that convinces me that my paranoia is misplaced. So, is there an aftermarket TPMS system that uses the OEM style internal TPMS sensors?

Thanks,

I have always used the stiff rubber/metal valvestems. There are metal valve stems, metal/soft rubber valve stems, and metal hard rubber valve stems, so important to see what you have. There are also TST system that go inside the wheel, but I have never used. I have been using the TST 507 system with screw on transmitters for 10 years now on 2 different size/model AS's, with the metal/hard rubber screw on monitors for the TST. I have never had any issues, and I do travel 15-20K miles each year with the AS. If you have the metal with rubber, you can check the valve stem (try to move from side to side) to see if it moves easily. If the softer rubber, the weight of the transmitter while in motion can potentially cause the valve stem to bend, possibly causing a leak, I am told. I have looked at my wheels, and no sign of "rubbing" from the transmitter. My friend has softer valve stem rubber...I could push his easily from side to side; mine are stiffer rubber. YMMV

LeatherDog · 11-17-2023, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kittmaster

I'm going to throw in a drive by comment after all this time and reading multiple TPMS threads...

Going forward, keep in mind and depending upon budget and direction, newer trucks are now supporting additional TPMS sensors and it is all integrated into the vehicle. They (manufacturer) provide additional sensors that mount inside the AS tires (not on the stems) like within the truck and are programmed the same way as the vehicle.... and then you have the actual info right on your dashboard with proper time and event polling where you can monitor both units at the same time and not have to play the worry game of "what is the best aftermarket TPMS......"

We are building a new 2024 Sierra in January and this is a key piece of technology required in such a build... It also removes the additional receiver modules and extra wiring needed to make it work.

While I realize this might be a pie in for some and many already have a tow vehicle, just something to consider going forward depending on your outlook.

I went the OEM route with internal sensors on my 27' Tommy Bahama. It is great having all tire information on one screen and the alerts are very quick and obvious. What is bad is that the truck does not alway "see" the trailer and therefore the tire monitors don't work. The trailer lights and brakes work fine at this time but the tire sensors and mileage log are inactive. Dealer has no clue, blames it on the trailer. Only fix is to disconnect the 7-way, start truck, wait for the dash to load, stop truck, reconnect 7-way, start truck again. May need to do this a few times to get it to connect. Plugging the 7-way in while the engine is running doesn't work. Once it connects I try to not unplug until we are at a campground. Sometimes, we don't want or have the time to mess with it (pouring rain does tend to speed up the departure checklist!) and just start off without.

Jinkers · 11-17-2023, 03:27 PM

Thanks for the reply's everyone! I have been looking at the TST and Tuson systems. But I also found a 'Dill Bluetooth Aftermarket TPMS' that I am interested in. The Dill uses OE style internal valve stem sensors and a repeater/converter to Blue Tooth and a phone App. It is slightly less expensive then the TST and Tuson since it doesn't have a display, just your phone. It seems to be very new to the market. Anyone have this system?

gypsydad · 11-18-2023, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinkers

Thanks for the reply's everyone! I have been looking at the TST and Tuson systems. But I also found a 'Dill Bluetooth Aftermarket TPMS' that I am interested in. The Dill uses OE style internal valve stem sensors and a repeater/converter to Blue Tooth and a phone App. It is slightly less expensive then the TST and Tuson since it doesn't have a display, just your phone. It seems to be very new to the market. Anyone have this system?

I have only used the TST system; but a friend had the Ford trailer TPMS option added; costly, and he has intermittent issues he tells me. One TST tech reminded me, one of the most common issues is because of week battery. Important to change the batteries every couple years. Also, for TST, I found I got a much better signal when I mounted the relay antenna up front on the side of my A frame.

As for using your phone as monitor/display for your TPMS, I can't comment but not sure it's any different than a separate display like a TST or other brand display, except your using your phone.

I use the TST display, and keep it on my dash, below the rear camera monitor display. I do have a "regular, visual scan" of both the rear-view camera and the TST, along with my engine gauges regularly while driving, like I did when I was piloting aircraft years ago. I have caught a sudden rise in temperature and loss of air pressure before the alarm went off last year when I had hit something. I was able to pull off and get the tire changed without any damage.

Mollysdad · 11-18-2023, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinkers

It is slightly less expensive then the TST and Tuson since it doesn't have a display, just your phone.

I have the TST 507 caps.
I didn't like the idea of my phone being the monitor.
Some might. With the TST monitor the reading cycles between each tire in order. Some don't like that. Another system shows all tires at once, but the screen is more cluttered.

waninae39 · 11-18-2023, 04:46 PM

we have used the EEZ RV Products TPMS system out our AS and TV for 5 years now

they work well

Mollysdad · 11-19-2023, 08:50 AM

I mounted mine above the rear camera monitor. Nothing on the dash except the GPS.

gypsydad · 11-19-2023, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I mounted mine above the rear camera monitor. Nothing on the dash except the GPS.

Wow! That looks pretty crowded? How do you have the rear view camera monitor and the TST mounted; cup holder? What is the other monitor on the dash...is that a Garman navigation type device? Mine is in the dash. Friend of mine, just replaced his Ford in dash entertainment system with a new display which also has maps and rear backup camera... I already have all that with my 2017' F250 package, but I would like to have the "whole enchilada" in one display...maybe next time!

xpcdoojk · 11-19-2023, 11:00 AM

My stems on my 2023 international fb twin are rubber at base and metal from there to the end. Does this make them metal for the purpose of using monitoring caps?

**azflycaster** · 11-19-2023, 11:41 AM

I would say no. All the stress is on the base which will flex and possibly fail.

**Action** · 11-19-2023, 11:52 AM

No.
Metal valve stems use a rubber gasket or O ring for sealing. There is no rubber in the stem.

Action

Jinkers · 11-20-2023, 10:11 AM

Thanks again for all of the replies. I have settled on the 'Dill Bluetooth Aftermarket TPMS'. New product that I couldn't find much info on but from a well known, long time TPMS OE manufacturer. I like it for the internal sensors and the monitoring and alert functions on my phone so I don't have to add another display to my already cluttered dash. I'll post a review after I get it installed and working.