TPMS sensors...anyone??

[Reddog]

Howdy, As a tire shop, we are currently struggling with the TPMS sensors that are showing up on most new cars today. While they are a real pain, I believe they will get better and more user friedly. I see a few aftermarket systems available and they seem like they would be a good thing on an RV. It would be nice to be made aware of low tires not only on your bus, but your towd as well. Anybody got these now? which brand? How are they working? What did you pay?
Doug Engel, Gunnison, CO

[Ncbob]

There are many systems out there, Reddog, but quite a few of our members are using those offered by RV Safetyman...another member of this Board.  I know that Jack Conrad uses his system on both the bus and the toad.

Hang loose...I can't help but feel the information is forthcoming.

Bob

[JackConrad]

   We have had our system for about 3 years with only 1 minor problem. We have the Pressure Pro system that we purchased from Jim Shepherd www.rvsafetysystems.com We purchased the dash mounted monitor and 12 sensors (8 on the bus and 4 on the toad). When we are towing our 2 wheel golf cart trailer behind the bus, we take the 2 sensors off the front wheels of the toad and place them on the trailer wheels. 
   Rather than hit the tires with a tire billy or put a tire gauge on each tire during our pre-trip inspection, I sit in the driver's seat and scroll through my tire pressures. I can also scroll through my tire pressues while driving down the road.  This stem sets off an alarm if the pressure drops 12% and the flashing LED on the monitor lets you know which tire is low.  We learned to unplug it while camped. We had filled our toad tires to 30 PSI in Florida (outside temps around 90), we were awakened about 4 AM in NC when the alarm went off. Outside temps were in low 30's and due to temperature difference, tire pressues were now about 26-27 PSI. That was enough to set off the alarm.
   Only problem we have had was recently when I removed the 1 of the sensors from the valve stem to add air to a tire. There is a tiny insert in the sensor that opens the valve core when the sensor is tightneed. This apparently fell out and I did not notice it. Sensor would not work. I called Jim, received a new insert and everything is now working as it should.
    Our system was about $190 for the dash mounted monitor and $50 per sensor. The last time I blew a tire (a tag), in addition to replacing a tire I had to replace a muffler and part of the exhaust system. When Nick had a tire failure on his toad it cost him a new front inner and outer fender. It is not just the cost of a tire but the collaterall damage and safety of all those near you on the road. Most of the reports i have seen suggest that most blowouts are due to running underinflated.  Jack