Is anyone here using the TireTraker TT-500 tire pressure monitoring system for six wheels? It looks like I will definitely need the additional signal booster as well. How well does it work in the real world with metal-framed and metal-skinned bus conversions? Any problems with this product or the seller? Obviously I would prefer to buy from a BCM advertiser, but only if the product works correctly.
While typing this, the Collings Foundation B-25 Mitchell medium bomber just flew very low over me here - flights from Orange County airport are $400 for 30 minutes. There's very few things I would like to do more than take a half-hour flight in that magnificent old plane, but for the same amount of money I can instead buy a TPMS for the bus. So, do I buy a half hour of amazing memories, or something that could potentially prevent an accident? Choices, choices.
Thanks, John
Paul Lawry wrote an article about this TPS and it is on our website. Check it out at http://busconversions.com/vendor-profiles/vendors.html (http://busconversions.com/vendor-profiles/vendors.html)
Let us know what you think.
Gary
Quote from: Iceni John on May 11, 2017, 12:09:36 PM...
While typing this, the Collings Foundation B-25 Mitchell medium bomber just flew very low over me here - flights from Orange County airport are $400 for 30 minutes. ...
There's one right outside my office window at Sanford, NC airport. $495 for 30 minutes; yeah, I'm on the bus budget plan, too.
John -
I have a TireTracker system on my coach and toad, 10 sensors in all.
Altho I have the booster antenna, I haven't had a need for it since I mounted it in a front side window where the co-pilot could monitor it.
Other than a dead battery in one sensor, it worked perfectly during our snowbird trip from WA > FL and back, six months and nearly 12,000 miles.
Once in awhile, after being parked overnight, the unit would squawk about a low tire in the morning, but by the time we were unplugged and ready to go, a second review of all positions would show normal. I think the unit was like me - allergic to mornings!
Otherwise, yes, I'd buy it again!
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
I use the Pressure/Pro mainly because I monitor it through the SliverLeaf,I really don't trust any valve stem mounted TPS 100%.
I prefer to walk around and check every 100 miles anyways. Use the stabilizers on the valve stems and wheels too 90% of the time the sensors are the source of a small leak they are bad about leaking in the -0 weather IMO
One thing about the booster that Daryl Lawrence, inventor of TireTraker said is that you may not initially need the booster, but after the batteries start getting weak you may want the booster to boost that weak signal. It is like insurance, you may not need it now, but it would be very embarrassing to have a tire blowout and swerve off the road and hit a cop car only to find out the battery died and you didn't notice, or did not have any spares when you did know it was dying.
The good thing about the TireTraker (and probably others) is there is an audible and visual signal if any of your batteries start to die so you will have time to order new ones. I suggest you replace your batteries yearly when you change you smoke detector battery just to be sure. Daryl sells batteries very cheap so there is no excuse for having weak batteries. What? You don't have a smoke detector. :o Check TT out at www.tiretraker.com (http://www.tiretraker.com).
Thanks for the useful feedback. I'll have no problem fitting the sensors to the four rear wheels, but the front wheels' valve stems are so close to the brake drums that I'll need a short extender to allow the sensor to screw on. I don't want to risk bending the valve stems away from the drum and breaking or weakening them, and the sensor detects temperature so it's not a good idea to have it touching the brake drum. Nothing's ever easy!
And to answer my dilemma of getting the TPMS or flying in a B-25, I've decided to do both! Sod it, that's what money is for. The B-25 flew low over here again a few minutes ago - it sounds so good!
Thanks, John
I've been using the TireTraker for about 1 year now. You will need the booster to eliminate any problems, like warnings/signals that are not being sent clearly.
We don't have as many miles on our coach since I started using, unlike RJ who seems to never sit still for too long! ;) We've spent the last 7 months doing a re-power and a bunch of other upgrades to make our Eagle even better.
If you sit in one place for a while, I recommend removing the batteries in the sensor and then re-installing it so you never lose track of what sensor goes where. It has worked for us.
Use a good digital psi tire gauge before setting up the TireTraker, make notes of what you set them at. Compare it to what the TT says the psi is so you will have a more accurate figure of reality. It's very easy to set up, just follow the directions. You know, us guys always read the directions! ;D
Great TPMS!
Paul,
Maybe if you'd leave the engine in it long enough to run a mile or two you would put some on it, LOL Dave ;D ;D ;D ;D
Dave, I'm laughing at that comment, we'll sort of! ;)
You guys like spending money on gizmos and gadgets, fine. But the chances of a blow out is very low. Good, well maintained and inflated bus tires do not go flat or blow out. Well they do, but so rarely. Check the pressures regularly, and look and feel with your hand for heat (low pressure) every time you stop during the day. TPMS were invented and mandated in new cars recently because people don't check their tires.
JC
;D do the TMS system come in green for the sensors so you know not to use good cheap air just nitrogen only.I don't trust the TMS systems myself we have one the car the right rear is always going off and flashing on the dash
The TireTraker seems to be one of the better systems, but I would prefer one whose sensors do not need to be unscrewed off the valve stems to inflate the tires. To me the main value of any TPMS is to alert me to Something Bad quickly happening while actually driving - I know that it's not a substitute for checking the pressures carefully before driving, which I always do with an accurate gauge. I also stop every hour or so to check all the tires' temperatures and condition, and brake drum and hub temperatures, and look under for any leaks or drips. Just like with DDEC, it's just another tool in the toolbox, and definitely not a substitute for good preventive maintenance and common sense.
And yesterday I did fly in the B-25. Wow! There's nothing like sitting in the nose gunner's position with just a big machine gun for company and the ground rushing underneath you, and 3400 horsepower of engines just a few feet away. Now that's flying.
John
I flown in the B-17,B-25 and a C-47 a outfit in Scottsdale has those with a old B-29 they been working on for years.
I let them use my hanger sometimes to do repairs and the pilot is always wanting me to go for a test ride in the B-29 lol I am not that stupid a test flight in a 73 year old plane shaking,blowing smoke and miss firing no way
Quote from: Iceni John on May 11, 2017, 12:09:36 PM
While typing this, the Collings Foundation B-25 Mitchell medium bomber just flew very low over me here - flights from Orange County airport are $400 for 30 minutes. There's very few things I would like to do more than take a half-hour flight in that magnificent old plane, but for the same amount of money I can instead buy a TPMS for the bus. So, do I buy a half hour of amazing memories, or something that could potentially prevent an accident? Choices, choices.
Thanks, John
Mmmmm...another electronic gadget. I've driven heavy stuff for 40 yrs and have always manually kept track of my tires, just keep doing it the way you've been doing it. Take a flight in a B-25, hands down the winner!!!
Got to agree with JC. Stop and check your tires. We do at least every 50 miles to 100 miles. check the engine the air brakes also. I don't know how many rally's we have been to when at the end people just get in their coaches and drive away or stand around and talk and then get in and drive off. No tire check, brake check, no air tank dumping, no checking antifreeze, water or oil etc.
We have gotten to the point of everything is electronic and most of the people who get this stuff don't even watch it. Just sayin.
Dave :D
But if their phone make a noise they answer an email or text right now......
I agree with JC too. I stop and check my tires every 5 miles just to be sure. :D
Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on May 14, 2017, 06:41:41 PM
I agree with JC too. I stop and check my tires every 5 miles just to be sure. :D
That's OK if you use 15W40 oil in a two-stroke!
QuoteMmmmm...another electronic gadget. I've driven heavy stuff for 40 yrs and have always manually kept track of my tires, just keep doing it the way you've been doing it.
I'm sure many would love to run safely with fewer gadgets. Care to share what your standard procedure is for ensuring tires are aok? I'm guessing most truckers never get close to running older tires like most busnuts but it's hard to know if tire failures increase due to age or condition.
If you have a kidney or bladder infection you tend to check the tires more often on the passengers side anyways or fill the holding tanks up.
A experienced bus or truck driver can tell by the sound,diving characteristic,or ride if he or she is having a tire problem,TMS are good insurance though IMO.
Don't put all your faith in one though I lost the tread on a front tire on my Jeep I was towing in West Texas it tore up the light,fender,and flaring and the thing never made a beep, I saw it happening on my rear camera is the only way I knew
every stop I use the lazer temp gun on tires , brakes on the coach , trailer tires . nice walk around to get the body going
easy to do and tells you a lot . even the sunny side of the coach tires will be higher temps . but you never know when a tire will go
dave
Same as Dave. I also use a heat gun but also shot the axles brake drums and engine both sides to see if there is a big difference or not as well as tires on Bus and toed.
Like Clifford we shredded a tire on Jeep front curb side and didn't know until a CHP stop us and told us we had been shredding it for a mile. When we checked the tire before changing it, it still had full air in it but was showing no rubber tread and all the steel wire belts around it. Never even saw it in the camera.
I suppose it would be better if you put two cameras on the rear of the coach on opposite sides so you have a clear view of the tires on each side. Never heard of anyone doing this but it may be better. Anyone ever seen this setup?
I would also think if you had a microphone on your rear view camera that you would hear something when the wheels start dragging on the pavement and sparks started flying. No? :-)
Or you could use the poor mans method and mount antennas horizontally on the front and rear bumpers and put an orange tennis ball sticking out where you can see it in the rear view mirrors. Then when you get a flat on your Toad and the vehicle starts bouncing up and down, it will be exaggerated in the movement of the tennis balls.
Just some ideas.
Gary tire didn't drag it was turning just like the others. It didn't lose any air either so a monitor wouldn't have told me anything. We were getting ready to pull into Patterson to have lunch and do our tire check when we got lite up by CHP. He said he had never seen one this bad and still holding air. :o
We have two cameras BTW.LOL
Quote from: Dave5Cs on May 15, 2017, 09:29:45 PM
Gary tire didn't drag it was turning just like the others. It didn't lose any air either so a monitor wouldn't have told me anything. We were getting ready to pull into Patterson to have lunch and do our tire check when we got lite up by CHP. He said he had never seen one this bad and still holding air. :o
We have two cameras BTW.LOL
I wonder if the tire overheated when it deconstructed itself? If it did, and if a TPMS could detect rising tire temperatures maybe it would have alerted you. (OK, I know two ifs and a maybe isn't very compelling!)
My rear camera has a microphone, but it's not much use except when the engine's at idle. At speed it's just a noise, so it probably wouldn't pick up the sound of a tire delaminating behind the bus.
John
Brand new tires and the other side was fine. The CHP and I think we Hit something in such away that it slit or scooped the tread but didn't go into the tire. Then it just started coming apart and went off in one continuous piece. Side walls were still there. No future problem rest of trip after changing the tire and then bought two new ones in AZ Bull head walmart. Same tire but they were made in Indonesia and the one that shredded was made in Korea and were more plastic y feeling. The new ones were more rubbery. Bearings were fine and heat gun registered 76 degrees as most of the time in that range.
Dave
How did we ever drive along without all this technology like TPMS, cameras, cruise control, anti lock brakes, etc, ?
What amazes me is that here we are in the 21st century still driving on pneumatic tires that go flat at the mere sight of a stray nail...
At the next bus rally, I'll have my skid steer solid rubber tires mounted on my bus...
JC
Quote from: lostagain on May 16, 2017, 07:43:07 AM
How did we ever drive along without all this technology like TPMS, cameras, cruise control, anti lock brakes, etc, ?
What amazes me is that here we are in the 21st century still driving on pneumatic tires that go flat at the mere sight of a stray nail...
At the next bus rally, I'll have my skid steer solid rubber tires mounted on my bus...
JC
keep in mind most have never driven anything larger than a pickup before buying a bus
You can always try these for run flat tires. http://www.tyron-usa.com/ (http://www.tyron-usa.com/)
Looking for an update on the TireTraker TT-500 with/without the optional signal booster. TPMS on the top of the bus punch list so reviewing options.
The other one interesting is the Tireminder Smart TPMS as the transmitter signals are captured by a smartphone/tablet app. The alerts are displayed as well as push notifications to the device.
We got the Tireminder system when we were in Gillette at the FMCA rally. I asked a lot of questions from their tech rep before buying, mainly about the ability of the system to work through the metal skin on the bus. The system comes with the signal booster, which I installed under the battery compartment with some industrial double-stick (and heavy-gauge zip ties for backup). We went with the dedicated monitor instead of using the smartphone, mainly because we didn't want to have a Bluetooth error ever cause us to not get a warning. I was afraid that if the Bluetooth on the phone was in use for a call the phone call might over rule the TPMS error warning.
We've been on the road a few times with the Tireminder TPMS in place, and there have been no problems with the signal not getting through. We did have one false positive warning last week - the screen told us that our front left tire was at 37 psi and at a near freezing temperature. I pulled over immediately and checked, but when I saw the temp reading I assumed it was an error. It was. I manually checked the tire, and then had the system re-scan and everything came in fine. No idea exactly what happened. but it was an isolated problem.
I've put on many miles without having a TPMS, doing daily pressure checks and tire inspections. The TPMS doesn't eliminate the need to still inspect and check tires, but I think that having a real-time monitor that can possibly provide notice of an impending disaster is beneficial. I don't for a second think the system is foolproof, but if it can let me know that a tire is going flat when I still have time to pull off the road safely then it was worth the money spent.
When you do your walk around without tpms how can you tell if one of the tires is 20 to 30 psi low, but not flat without monitoring system or heat gun? Info on thumping tires has shown not to be that accurate.
Any thoughts on this system?
http://www.realwheels.com/product/led-airguard/?gclid=CjwKCAjwh9_bBRA_EiwApObaOBAMSD8Yx949sq5O8XEDWf_Kk55sXetm6cOGaGJ0stU0CkDg6hVU5RoCkhgQAvD_BwE
Here is a review of several:
https://weekendrvadventures.com/best-rv-tpms/
I have the EEZ tire monitor. Just got it this year. My other system died and there was no support for it. When we did not have monitor system I would check the tires every morning before we took off. The tags and steers were easy to check BUT I had a mat and had to sometimes lay down to check the drives. We don't pull a toad so I don't know if the signal would reach for a toad but with the new system I turn it on when I start the coach and see what it says the pressure is. The first couple of times I used it I also physically checked the tires to see if the system and my gauge matched. They varied slightly but not enough for me to worry so now I just turn the monitor on do my normal walk around and see what it says before we take off. Believing the monitor for my tire pressure to me is no different than believing the oil pressure or water temperature gauge for the engine.
Just my way
Melbo
For a great article about the TireTraker TPMS by Paul Lawry...click here and read it in the September 2016 issue of BCM. https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BCM-2016-09-Sep.pdf
As lovely as being alerted to a developing slow leak might be...
In commercial service, these tire monitors are a PIA.
Fail regularly, then the driver has to ignore them. When does the driver start paying attention again???
As the tech evolves and they become self diagnosing, count me in.
Until then...???
Temp gun at stops, regular interval tire gauge use for precision, tire thumper to confirm there's something in 'em.
If you've pissed off the deity that watches over you, ain't nothing you're gonna install that will get in the way of a moment of correction.
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Richard,
Tireminder Smart TPMS - I would have a device(old phone, tablet) serving as a monitor while on the road. The bluetooth option is attractive as it allows multiple methods of displaying the tire data. Built in redundancy if any display device fails.
The TT-500 can be had at a pretty good price so it's still a bit of a tossup. Trying to make a decision over the weekend.
Always nice to have various perspectives, that is what is unique here, getting input from folks with many years of OTR experience. Admittedly, I am light on heavy truck experience but heavily biased on the tech gadgets. LOL
Buswarrior I never "ignore" any system on the bus. I wouldn't ignore a high temp on water or a low pressure on oil why would you buy a tire monitor system and then ignore a warning signal? Just as well not have it kind of like not having a fuel gauge to ignore.
Gauges and monitors are there to keep you informed if they are not working properly get them replaced or repaired but never ignore the information you have when driving that would be absurd.
Melbo
One other design feature that is high on my list is servicable sensors, just not fond of profit from consumables business model.
Quote from: Melbo on August 18, 2018, 07:51:26 AM
I have the EEZ tire monitor. Just got it this year. My other system died and there was no support for it. When we did not have monitor system I would check the tires every morning before we took off. The tags and steers were easy to check BUT I had a mat and had to sometimes lay down to check the drives. We don't pull a toad so I don't know if the signal would reach for a toad but with the new system I turn it on when I start the coach and see what it says the pressure is. The first couple of times I used it I also physically checked the tires to see if the system and my gauge matched. They varied slightly but not enough for me to worry so now I just turn the monitor on do my normal walk around and see what it says before we take off. Believing the monitor for my tire pressure to me is no different than believing the oil pressure or water temperature gauge for the engine.
Just my way
Melbo
I have the same system as you. FYI I have the signal booster installed in the rear electrical junction box. 45 foot bus and tow a durango part time...never an issue getting the signal from the car up to the front of the bus. Before the booster I would occasionally drop signals from the tag axle tires. Booster is tied to a switched 12v source so it is only powered up when the bus is running.
That's the point. They fail regularly, giving warnings that don't exist, give readings that are inaccurate.
So, when it tells you everything is fine, how do you trust it?
Bus conversion work is tough enough having to do things once. Buying and installing a system with mixed results that still require me to do what I always have done, to ensure it is still working...?
I look forward to their performance and reliability improving in commercial service... then I will jump aboard.
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Quote from: Melbo on August 18, 2018, 04:20:48 PM
Buswarrior I never "ignore" any system on the bus. I wouldn't ignore a high temp on water or a low pressure on oil why would you buy a tire monitor system and then ignore a warning signal? Just as well not have it kind of like not having a fuel gauge to ignore.
Gauges and monitors are there to keep you informed if they are not working properly get them replaced or repaired but never ignore the information you have when driving that would be absurd.
Melbo
Quote from: windtrader on August 17, 2018, 06:48:58 PM
Looking for an update on the TireTraker TT-500 with/without the optional signal booster. TPMS on the top of the bus punch list so reviewing options.
Don -That's what we have for Tortoise and Toad, and for me it has worked fine, especially since I started following the manufacturer's recommendation to remove the batteries in the sending units when the coach is going to be parked for an extended (month +) period of time. Easy to do, but a PITA if you've installed the locks - which I only tried on one wheel and decided not to put up with them.
I marked the top of each sensor with a silver-inked Sharpie indicating which tire the unit goes on - speeds up reprogramming.
We did have a problem getting a "NoS" (No Sensor) signal from the LF wheel of the coach, right under where the monitor is stuck to the triangle window. After replacing the battery and reprogramming the monitor, it turned out to be a defective sensor, which was replaced under warranty.
Altho I purchased the booster, I have not had to install/use it because the monitor picks up the signal fine from all 10 tires. But, as you know, we're only a 35' coach + VW, it might not work w/o the booster on your 40-footer.
The system has done it's job. Last year I kept getting a low pressure warning for the inside curbside dual within a couple of miles of rolling along in the morning. Investigation found the sending unit was doing it's job - the air pressure was usually 10 -12 lbs down from normal (85 psi on my coach.) Soapy water on the tire never did show a leak, nor did the valve core on the valve extension. Culprit turned out to be the connection between the actual wheel's valve stem and the valve stem extension, since replaced.
I still get out the infrared gun and do a walk-around checking the tires whenever I take a break while on the road. This is usually every two hours or so. The inner dual is usually a few degrees hotter than the outer, and the sunny side of the coach is also usually a few degrees warmer - which makes sense. I also shoot the VW's, since I'm walking around anyway.
That's my experience with the TireTracker TT-500, your mileage may vary.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
I decided to buy the TireMinder Smart TPMS after calling them to get the details about reported installation and operations issues. They said the product now ships with an upgraded signal booster that's resolved many of the signaling issues. And in every other case, it seems their support is responsive to get every system installed and operating properly. They returned my calls very quickly.
Beyond basic temp and pressure data being capture, what is very interesting is that an app running on a smart device is the interface meaning it is pretty easy to make updates to the app and sent directly to the device. Hopefully, there will enhancements over time.
I have Pressure Pro. Just recently on my last trip, one of my tires started leaking because of a loose cross over hose from the inner dual. Stopped and tightened it and refilled the tire (hopefully all of you have a way to use your air system to attach an air hose to fill from your bus). I also check by hand everytime I stop the temp of the tires. Low tires will be warmer. Good Luck, TomC
Those jumper or extension hoses seem to have leakage issues eventually. Went through it on the 4104.
Quote from: buswarrior on August 19, 2018, 10:22:36 AM
That's the point. They fail regularly, giving warnings that don't exist, give readings that are inaccurate.
Kinda like when we had our son; "Here is a monitor that will tell you if he stops breathing. It has a lot of false alarms, so just ignore them". I said "nope, keep him til he's fixed" and walked out the door. :)
Or you can add an additional valve stem to each wheel and compare readings when you get an alarm. Rare chance they would give a false warning at same time.
Tom and other PressurePro owners - How long does those sensor work until need replacement? The fact one can not swap a battery just rubs me wrong. According to them, they should last about 5 years, especially if stored while not running the bus.
I started shopping for price then discovered today that PressurePro now has a Bluetooth version that uses smartphone/tablet for the display. Looks like more money that Tireminder, hunting for a deal now.
Update - Purchased the TireMinder Smart TPMS with six wheel sensors plus two additional ones for a total of eight. Very easy to install and configure after reading the manual.
Performance has been very good, solid and accurate signal. The product came with a signal booster and it'll get installed sometime but no pressing need as it works perfectly without it. The smartphone/tablet app is functional yet could use enhancements and new options to make it better fit the users desires. Even if the phone app is not running, the sensor receiver/BT radio unit warns by beeping and blinking a visual cue.
Three factors influenced the choice. The sensor has replaceable batteries, so it is inexpensive and quick to install fresh batteries. So others force you to buy sensors once the batteries run down, really? The other factor is the product is "smart" and works with smartphones and tablets, no need for another dedicated display device clogging up the dash. The last factor is solid customer support. I called and wrote a couple times with questions and received replies promptly from staff that actually understood the product.
Deep shopping digs can produce quite reasonable price and fast shipping.
I went with the Pressure Pro for the capabilities of using it with the SilverLeaf,I wanted the Bendix Smartire but couldn't justify the $2000.00 price tag plus another 500 or so for the ping tool, but I like the J1939 protocol on the Bendix since I am a electronic engine
PressurePro is a good unit too. FYI - A smartphone version, similar to TireMinder is now available. https://www.pressurepro.us/product-pulse-fx.html
Windtrader, are you going to mount one of the spare sensors on the spare? I would, if you carry a spare, that is.
I see the Pressure Pro now has better batteries that are supposed to last 5 to 6 years instead of three.
I read info and feedback for both on Amazon. I saw a couple comments about having sensors stolen from vehicle. Guess need to add the locknuts.
Maybe I missed it, but how long do the replaceable batteries last? I assume that they are a common coin type popular model.
At first I thought having to take cap off to add air would be a pita, but if you need to add air, the tire is going to need inspected anyway, and if it is a flow through model, just another check valve to get dirt into and leak. They did comment on excess protrusion on some toads.
I wonder if factory oem internal tpms sensors share same signal protocal so you could monitor it with either system.
Any false signals from passing another vehicle with same system that runs lower tire pressures?
The Tireminder seems to be the one I am considering, although still pretty costly. Of course, nothings cheap anymore.
Cheesie,
No plans to mount on spare. Being honest, I've not even done a survey of the condition of the spare. Will add to list. lol The primary, sole reason is to display real time readings of tire pressure and temperature and alert when system detects out of range conditions.
Batteries in the TireMinder sensors are standard issue. Additionally, the company offers free replacements annually. https://www.minderresearch.com/battery-replacement-program/ Due to our usage pattern, the sensors are removed and stored for the next trip. Takes seconds to spin them on.
The nuts are supplied as the "security" system. No plans to use them unless the tire pressure is stable and no need to unlock and check/fill tires. The sensors are rather expensive so theft is a concern but they are such a niche product, my feeling is a thief would come from the RV community. Faulty thinking and anything is possible but hoping RVers don't rip each other off.
So far, the system is very stable and not had any false readings once configuration was complete.
Hard to find anyone who seeks value more than I. There are cheaper TMPS but they target regular autos and motorcycles and do not monitor the number of tires on buses and/or toads. At the other end of the price range, there are systems that offer features desired/needed by commercial operations such as data logging for various uses; they can cost a lot more.
I do have concern that their sensors can read significantly off from actual pressure. They explain it sufficiently, I guess. But still... I wonder how accurate Pressure pro sensors are. Maybe being sealed units make a difference.
Regardless of the system used with the sensors on the valve stem they need to be stabilized it wasn't a problem for me with the Alcoa wheels the hand holes in steel wheel that could be a problem.I still believe the Bendix is the best system by far but it comes at a price
The TPMS that come with the new buses (Prevost and MCI) do have a sensor and display for the spare tire.
That is for hired drivers that don't know what a tire gauge looks like, lol.
And many of us nuts don't carry a spare, or only a bare tire not mounted.
JC
That would be a pita for me to check. Drop front bumper and spare door to check. It came from factory with hose extension to check tire pressure in under driver's compartment, but that is long gone.
If you had to use a spare that was low on air, you could easily pump it up with bus air, or the tire service truck could do it too.
JC
Good point and no battery issue.
Some time ago I saw there were instructions online for changing the Pressure Pro battery. I probably would try it if ten batteries began to fail.
This?
https://tirepressuremonitor.com/pressurepro-replacement-sensors/
Cheese, PressurePro sensors must be discarded once the battery is spent. The company does offer an exchange program to get a new sensor after trading in the old one. The reason I read for the permanently sealed sensor was more waterproof. Maybe so but replacing an entire set every few years takes a bite from the wallet, especially when compared to free batteries from TireMinder.
If these are going on a commercial vehicle that runs year in year out in fair and poor wet weather, it's probably easy to justify especially if they do in fact keep all water out. For most busnuts, travelling far fewer miles and mostly in fair weather, not sure if it makes sense; did not to me.
One comment stated that they don't transmit when removed from vehicle, extending battery life when sitting over winter, and also that the new sensors have a longer battery life.
I haven't been able to access Pressure Pro's company site, which concerns me some. The other brands, no problem.
https://www.pressurepro.us/ (https://www.pressurepro.us/)
Thanks, the site I came up with never opened.
Chessie, the site I had read went through a process of cutting the caps off the Pressure Pro sensor with a Dremel and replacing the battery. It may need to be soldiered. One would then have to glue it back together and seal it somehow. I don't remember what battery it used, but it was one that was readily available. It would seem that since the site that you posted and Pressure Pro themselves want the old sensors in exchange, they are doing just that anyway. But no doubt more competently than I would.