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After doing a search on this site, I didn't find any current information on a tire pressure monitoring system. We are going to be full-timers in a few weeks and would like to know what system you are using. What do you like about your system, and are there any negatives to the system?
PressurePro and TST (at least I think that's the right name) have most of the business in this space. The big advantage of TST is that the batteries in the sensors are user-replacable where with PP you have to buy new sensors when they need replacing…every 4-5 years. PP's sensors are slightly smaller…and might be easier to get on certain model trucks…at least I would not be able to put them on my RAM 5500HD as they require a special wrench to put them on due to the anti-theft device used on them. I believe the anti-theft thing can be removed. PPs sensors just screw on by hand.
I think that PPs display is easier to program, read, and use…I helped a couple of friends set their TST up and even reading the instructions I found it very hard to get them to program correctly. PPs setup is…IMO…much more straightforward.
TSTs report temperature as well as pressure IIRC…and I believe the latest PP control unit has temperature capability as well, although I've not really researched that.
With either…you may need the little extender thingie to reach the farthest trailer rails depending on trailer, truck, etc. I've not needed it with our 40 footer.
I use the TST (Truck System Technologies) 507. Neil pretty well summed it up. I have found the TST 507 system very easy to program and to use. They have a instructional video on their website that explains how to do a complete setup. Check it out for yourself. I think pressure pro and TST are comparable on price and performance, you probably can't go wrong with either one. TST does offer a flow thru design as an option, which I don't recommend as it adds cost with very little increase in functionality. The non flow thru sensors have a theft proof design, but is really not needed, as I have not heard of anyone having their sensors stolen. When you remove the outer shell (which spins freely unless you use the special wrench, thus "theft proof") it becomes just as easy to install as any other system. Just screws on like a valve stem cap. Whichever system you choose, I would strongly recommend you monitor every tire of the truck and trailer ... makes checking your pre-tow tire pressure a snap and knowing your temps and pressures while underway is mandatory (from my perspective). Good luck and stay safe!
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Ron and Janice
2016 Ford F350, King Ranch, DRW, 4x4, CC, 6.7 PS Diesel, remote control air lift system
2017 Durango Gold 381REF, Lambright furniture, MCD shades, morRYDE IS, 8K Disc brakes, GY G114 LR H Tires, 27,320 lbs CGVW
I'm using TireMinder, I had the TST system and changed on account you can't change the batteries and have to buy new sensors at $50.00. TireMinder you are able to change the batts.
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06 GMC 3500 SLT Duramax, Allison.
09 Montana 3665re
Safe travels to all, Take each day as a gift for that is truly what it is.
Thanks to everyone for information on tire systems. After I do a little research between TST and Pressure Pro, hopefully I'll be ready to buy and install.
We've been using PressurePro since we started full-timing back in 2005. Earlier this year, we upgraded to the new PressurePro PULSE which offers more customer-defined alert levels, cross-axle difference alerts, temperature alerts, and more.
The downside to the PressurePro is having to replace sensors when the batteries in the sensors give out in five years or so. Some other brands have sensors with replaceable batteries that cuts down on expense, but the batteries need to be changed every year or so.
Some brands have "flow-through" sensors meaning you don't have to remove the sensors to add air.
One of the biggest hassles with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) when towing large fifth wheels is getting the sensors on and off the rear truck tires IF you are towing with a dually. Depending on the dual wheel configuration, it can be quite difficult (even impossible in some cases) to get the sensors on and off. Some sensors may be too large while a smaller sensor may work. So, before buying any system, check to see 1) if you can get your hand in there to screw a sensor on to the valve stem, and 2) whether the size of the sensor you are looking at will fit.
I understand many new vehicles come with internal tire pressure monitoring sensors, but if they fail, you have no choice but to go to a service center for repair ... or just not repair it and check the pressure manually. I prefer the external sensors for the truck and trailer - if they fail, you can quickly get a replacement or swap the senors around (and re-program) so that you at least have working sensors on your most important tire positions until your new sensor arrives.
Most of the well-known TPMS work about the same from a technology standpoint, so it comes down to the little detail differences. As with anything though, be cautious of the extremely low-priced TPMS offers.
I use the TST (Truck System Technologies) 507. Neil pretty well summed it up. I have found the TST 507 system very easy to program and to use. They have a instructional video on their website that explains how to do a complete setup. Check it out for yourself. I think pressure pro and TST are comparable on price and performance, you probably can't go wrong with either one. TST does offer a flow thru design as an option, which I don't recommend as it adds cost with very little increase in functionality. The non flow thru sensors have a theft proof design, but is really not needed, as I have not heard of anyone having their sensors stolen. When you remove the outer shell (which spins freely unless you use the special wrench, thus "theft proof") it becomes just as easy to install as any other system. Just screws on like a valve stem cap. Whichever system you choose, I would strongly recommend you monitor every tire of the truck and trailer ... makes checking your pre-tow tire pressure a snap and knowing your temps and pressures while underway is mandatory (from my perspective). Good luck and stay safe!
Ron,
Do you have the "repeater" offered by TST? The website indicates the repeater should be purchased for distances greater than 32 feet. Our rig is 41 feet. I am assuming the distance would be measured from the RV tires to the monitor on the dash.
I understand many new vehicles come with internal tire pressure monitoring sensors, but if they fail, you have no choice but to go to a service center for repair ... or just not repair it and check the pressure manually. I prefer the external sensors for the truck and trailer - if they fail, you can quickly get a replacement or swap the senors around (and re-program) so that you at least have working sensors on your most important tire positions until your new sensor arrives.
Howard,
Thanks for your insight about the truck system. My truck has a built in system, and I didn't think an external system would be needed. It sounds like it would be beneficial to have external monitors on the truck as well as the 5er.
I'm using TireMinder, I had the TST system and changed on account you can't change the batteries and have to buy new sensors at $50.00. TireMinder you are able to change the batts.
THAT IS NOT TRUE. TST does have replaceable batteries and always has.
-- Edited by RonC on Sunday 17th of September 2017 01:33:10 PM
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Ron and Janice
2016 Ford F350, King Ranch, DRW, 4x4, CC, 6.7 PS Diesel, remote control air lift system
2017 Durango Gold 381REF, Lambright furniture, MCD shades, morRYDE IS, 8K Disc brakes, GY G114 LR H Tires, 27,320 lbs CGVW
If running GY "H" tires a monitoring system is a waste of $$$ IMHO. The "H" tires do not blow they just loose the center tread. Even using a temp gun they will give no indication. Checked tires at fuel stop and 15 minutes later chunks of tire was coming off one tire.
-- Edited by Cummins12V98 on Saturday 7th of October 2017 08:10:00 AM
If running GY "H" tires a monitoring system is a waste of $$$ IMHO. The "H" tires do not blow they just loose the center tread. Even using a temp gun they will give no indication. Checked tires at fuel stop and 15 minutes later chunks of tire was coming off one tire.
-- Edited by Cummins12V98 on Saturday 7th of October 2017 08:10:00 AM
But they do run over nails and lose air pressure, which is the pre failure condition. I monitor every tire. Had one that alarmed due to the valve stem failing.
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Ron and Janice
2016 Ford F350, King Ranch, DRW, 4x4, CC, 6.7 PS Diesel, remote control air lift system
2017 Durango Gold 381REF, Lambright furniture, MCD shades, morRYDE IS, 8K Disc brakes, GY G114 LR H Tires, 27,320 lbs CGVW
If running GY "H" tires a monitoring system is a waste of $$$ IMHO. The "H" tires do not blow they just loose the center tread. Even using a temp gun they will give no indication. Checked tires at fuel stop and 15 minutes later chunks of tire was coming off one tire.
-- Edited by Cummins12V98 on Saturday 7th of October 2017 08:10:00 AM
But they do run over nails and lose air pressure, which is the pre failure condition. I monitor every tire. Had one that alarmed due to the valve stem failing.
True! I look at each thing and decide is it worth the expense based on experience and info at hand. It's not worth it to "me".
