Tire pressure monitoring system purchase advice?

[John316]

So we don't have a TPMS, but we are looking into them now.

Does anybody have advice on them? What has worked, what hasn't?

Jim, I know you sell them. For our bus, how much would we be looking at for a system? How are they mounted? Are they caps, or are they bands that go inside of the wheel? How reliable are they?

Thanks.

God bless,

John

[rv_safetyman]

Hi John.  You have a ton of options.  You mention the inside the tire system (Smart Tire  http://www.smartire.com/rv ).  that is a great system, but most folks do not like the idea of dis-mounting their tires.  Also kind of expensive.

The rest of the systems use a valve stem mounted transducer.  There are a huge number of new systems on the market now.  Some are pretty inexpensive.  Most to the new ones are what I call "Chinese knockoffs".  Not sure that is all bad, but most have not developed a track record yet.

I market the Pressure Pro system which is the old tried and true system.  Not much in the way of bells and whistles, just kind of does its job and is not a system you have to worry about.  For years, I marketed Doran systems that were the same as the Pressure Pro.  Several years ago, they developed their own system and cut off the small dealers.  I stayed with the Pressure Pro system for one reason, it was compatible with the SilverLeaf system and that lets you display all of your tires at one time with both color icons and actual pressures.

To give you a feeling on price, the Pressure Pro system is $190 for the monitor and $50 a tire.  For bus folks, I discount that 5% (terrible margin on the product).  If you shop around, you can get the new systems for about 60% of that number - just be aware that some of the new kids have not been proven.

Jim

[RJ]

John -

Support those who support us!!

[John316]

Jim,

Thanks for the info. That is exactly what I was looking for. My question would be, how durable are those caps? Are they heavy enough to mess with the tire balance?

Otherwise, I usually like to stick with a well known manufacture, and not the cheaper junk.

John -
Support those who support us!!

You bet, RJ. Whenever possible.

Thanks.

God bless,

John

[rv_safetyman]

John, I have never heard of any problems with the transducers in terms of durability or affecting the balance.

The PP sensor is .7 oz, so pretty light.  On top of that, that weight is only about 2/3 of the radius, so the impact is minimal.  I have installed them on various cars and did not have to re-balance the tire.

Some folks worry about battery replacement.  I installed my system in 12/04 and the batteries are still going strong.  My sensors have been on at least 90% of the time since then and when the sensor is on, it is working and sending signals to the monitor.  I always recommend that folks store the units in plastic bags marked with the tire location if they are going to be parked for several weeks.  That saves the battery.

Jim

BTW, thanks RJ 

[gus]

I got the Hopkins system from Camping World when it was on sale for $299, it is normally $399, with six tire valve sensors.

It wouldn't work properly until I complained to their tech support by phone. I was walked through the setup process and it still didn't work properly. The tech finally sent me a remote boost transmitter to mount in the rear inside of the 4104 and it worked well after that. I transferred it to my 4107 and it refuses to work on the left front tire but I'm certain I can resolve that if I give them another call.

The 4107 has Al wheels and they are a real pain in the a.. because of the very small holes and long valve stems required, I hate these things!! Installing the sensors is almost impossible on the rear inside dual unless you have very small hands. Needless to say I don't remove them when parked for extended times or ever, unless I absolutely have to!! I miss my steel wheels.

I also had problems when I removed the old sensors from the 4104. The sensor has a tiny black sealing washer which sticks to the valve stem when the sensor is removed, then air pressure shoots the washer across the parking lot and into oblivion! I called Hopkins and asked for some new washers but they sent me free new sensors instead, so I can't complain about their excellent service and attitude. The remote booster was also sent at no charge, the retail price is $100.

[John316]

Thanks for the info, Gus.

Jim, would we need their booster too? Right now we are looking at spending approximately 600, maybe some more, to get our system. Is that about right? Otherwise how much is the booster?

Thanks.

God bless,

John 

[Ace]

I purchased a PP system from Jim a long time ago and never used it! The monitor is attached to the dash and the sensors are still in the original packaging. One reason is that  I had to have longer valve stems. Another is I needed new tires. I got the tires and the stems but then I found out I was listening for OTHER sounds that were more important at the time. I SURE didn't need a tire sensor squeeling at me scaring me to death when I was worried about OTHER issues that have since been tried and tested. I guess I could go ahead and install the sensors and program them to the bus now that everything else is in working order except for my silverleaf... Jim > (hint hint)   

[luvrbus]

You don't need a booster on Jim's system they pickup the toad also if you go that way the toad is where I always had a problem I could feel a bad tire on the bus 

good luck

[JackConrad]

    I talked to a PressurePro dealer at YeeHaw Bluegrass Festival.  I learned a couple things. First, you do not need valve stem extensions a 1" 12 point socket can be used to install the sensor on the inside dual (just make sure valve stem is straight so you do not cross thread the sensor.  They is a small LED in the monitor that will flash when a sensor battery gets low (to let you know).
   We have had ours since about 05 and no problems yet with any low batteries in the sensors. We have never removed them since installing them, except when changing tires.  We have then on the bus and the Grand Cherokee. We have never noticed any problems of any kind relative to the sensors. When towing our golf cart trailer behind the bus, I simply remove the sensors from the front wheels of the Jeep and install them on the trailer (left on left and right on right). 
   Only negative we have experienced is forgetting to turn the monitor off when we arrive. If you filled your tires at 80 degrees and you travel to NC and the temperature drops to somewhere in the40s, the pressure in the car tires will sometimes drop enough to set off the alarm, usually at about 4 AM.  Jack

[Ace]

WOW Jack, thanks for the tid bits! Never knew you could use a 1 inch socket and NO extensions! Might have to go and try that, well tomorrow maybe since it's raining now! LOL

[JackConrad]

Rain stopped here about 45 minutes ago.  The socket has to be a 12 point.  Jack

[John316]

That is awesome info, guys. Thanks!

We will talk it over. I think we will probably be placing an order with Jim .

God bless,

John

[Ed Hackenbruch]

I also got the system from Jim 4 or 5 years ago and i am very happy with it. I take them off if i am going to be in a place for more than a week,.....and i do store them in marked ziplock jewelers bags.

[Joe Camper]

We use the pressure pro and If I had it to do again I would use their competitors product that is the same technology but allows you to air up thru the sensors without removing them. If I can remember the link later Ill post it. Every time you air up a tire you reset the baseline on that particular sensor and every time you reinstall you have the potential of creating a leak the very thing you are trying to avoid. In order for them to work you are actually depressing the stem and if it is not completely tight they will leak.

Other than that concern it is one of the best accessories I ever bought.

Moderator edit:  Tough call as it looks interesting, but technically is advertising, so content removed.