tire pressure monitoring

ruthi · January 22, 2010, 04:04:14 PM

Just thought I would update all about the tire pressure monitoring system we bought from Jim. It already has been a blessing. Traveling for work this month, it warned us of a tire going low. Turned out, one of the tires had a bad valve. So, thanks Jim. We will be getting in touch with you to purchase some other things for the new bus. Take care, Ruthi

Dreamscape · January 22, 2010, 06:28:48 PM

That's great news! I need to add that to my every growing list!

I think Clifford has a set still in a box!

Paul

luvrbus · January 22, 2010, 07:48:26 PM

Paul, I do have a set in the box why I never installed the set I will never know oh now I remember Jim was going to help me and we both forgot about it LOL not really I just never bought any valve stem stabilizers.Glad this came up think I'll take them to Quartszite and see if anybody wants a deal.

good luck

Nellie Wilson · January 22, 2010, 10:08:14 PM

Ruthi -

Good move... sounds like the system already paid for itself.

An alternative might be those tire gauges that replace the valve caps? On your daily walk-around, you can check tire pressures at a glance. Of course they can't warn of a developing problem while in motion, but they're not as pricey, either. And they're heaps better than crawling around with a tire gauge.

I got mine from Pete Pappas at Busin' 10. Thanks again, Pete!

Nellie Wilson

JackConrad · January 23, 2010, 04:56:37 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on January 22, 2010, 07:48:26 PM
I just never bought any valve stem stabilizers.

Clifford,
To stablize the inside dual valve stems, I went to Home Depot, bought 2 old fashioned white rubber bathroom sink drain plugs. Drilled a hole in the center and slipped them over the valve stem extensions. I think I used the 1 1/2" size for a snug fit in the hole in the Alcoa wheel. I turned the valve stems on the outside dual so they no lo Jacknger point towards the inside. This makes it easier to remove the PressurePro cap to add air. I plan to replace the outside dual valve stems with short straight stems.

ruthi · January 23, 2010, 08:03:55 AM

Nellie, as you said it wont work while driving, and that is what happened. It is pricey, but worth it, considering what the consequences could be. Clifford, why would you not want to install them yourself?

buswarrior · January 23, 2010, 07:18:31 PM

In a few years, folks will wonder what was wrong with us all that we didn't have tire pressure monitoring before.

If you didn't know, all the new cars come with it, as mandated by the government's safety standards.

Hopefully, low tire pressures contributing to accidents will be a thing of the past.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

belfert · January 23, 2010, 07:32:22 PM

Quote from: buswarrior on January 23, 2010, 07:18:31 PM
In a few years, folks will wonder what was wrong with us all that we didn't have tire pressure monitoring before.

If you didn't know, all the new cars come with it, as mandated by the government's safety standards.

Are they requiring this in Canada too?

The TPMS system on my 2009 car has alerted me to low tire pressure twice before I would have noticed the tire being low. The first time I filled up the tire and went on my way. When it happened again six weeks later I went to a tire store and they found a screw in the tire.

ruthi · January 24, 2010, 05:30:51 PM

I didnt know that about cars. But, something as big as a bus, anything that will make it safer, I am all for it.

usbusin · January 25, 2010, 02:31:10 PM

Buswarrior said:
If you didn't know, all the new cars come with it, as mandated by the government's safety standards.

Ok, now how do we get this TPMS info into the drivers area of the bus? The info is available in the vehicle being towed. Some of you electronic/computer guys must have a solution! Sounds like a new business in the making.

rv_safetyman · January 25, 2010, 05:43:19 PM

Gary, I try to keep up on the market

, but there is no after market system that will talk to OEM sensors that I know of.

I suspect the problem is that there does not appear to be an industry standard for the sensors. I did a search of SAE and there is a "HD vehicle standard: J2848 (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems - For Medium and Heavy Duty Highway Vehicles), but I could not find one for cars.

Assuming that there is no standard, I don't think you will ever see some sort of "converter".

Jim

JackConrad · January 26, 2010, 06:07:50 AM

The PressurePro gives you an LED readout showing actual pressure in each tire (coach & towed). I think at least some of the new OEM systems are simply an alarm that goes off at a factory preset pressure and do not give you actual pressure readouts. Jack

belfert · January 26, 2010, 06:57:10 AM

Jack is correct that the tire pressure monitors in most new cars are simply a warning symbol that lights when a tire falls I think 20% below recommended.

It is still a lot better than nothing. Although, I seem to recall that a Pontiac I had as a loaner car would actually report individual tire pressures.

ruthi · January 26, 2010, 07:09:23 AM

ahhh, okay, I thought you were saying that the actual tire monitoring, pressure, was in new cars, not just an alarm.

bryanhes · January 26, 2010, 07:54:51 PM

Most all of the new chevy models have the TPMS in them that shows each tires pressure. My 07 Siverado and the wifes 08 Cobalt both have them. Nice to have.

Bryan