TPMS

[istuart918]

Hi,


I'm looking for a TPMS for my Disco 3. Can anyone share some of their experience with TPMS. What's a good brand and at a fair price. Inside the tyre or on the valve.


Ian

[letherm]

Hi.

This has come up before and there are a lot of posts about TPMS.

If you type tpms in the search aulro.com only area at the bottom of any thread you will get a page of links. I was looking at this myself and had settled on the "4 Wheel External Tyre Pressure & Temperature Monitor (TYREDOG TPMS)" but haven't got around to buying it yet so can't advise whether they are good or not. Here's a link to their website. No affiliation with them, just thought that that was what suited me. :)

TD-1000A-X - TYREDOG 4 Wheel Tyre Pressure & Temperature Monitor (TPMS) (http://www.tpms.com.au/tyre-pressure-monitors/tyredog-4-wheel-tyre-pressure-and-temperature-monitor.html)

Martin

[discotwinturbo]

There will be some interesting responses, but a vote from Tyredog from Me.

Been using them since 2006 and have been on two 4WD's, plus three campers.

Cheap insurance and will save destroying tyres with slow leaks.

Brett...

[rocket rod]

Ian

For my two bobs worth I recently purchased a unit from Safety Dave (yep, it's a stupid name). I haven't had it long but after reading an article in 4x4 Australia and looking at the value I decided to go ahead with it. I have a trailer and it comes with 8 sensors to cover all of the tyres for under $500.

Rod.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

My Tyredogs have been on the van since 2011,, bought new batteries before our last trip away,, upon replacement found all batts still at "new" voltage. The only thing we have to do is release the air and retighten, then flick them a couple of times to wake them up. They are at the max distance and wont sync if we just drive away,, anyway its a good way to check the wheels/tyres .

[gavinwibrow]

Ian

For my two bobs worth I recently purchased a unit from Safety Dave (yep, it's a stupid name). I haven't had it long but after reading an article in 4x4 Australia and looking at the value I decided to go ahead with it. I have a trailer and it comes with 8 sensors to cover all of the tyres for under $500.

Rod.
x 2 after considerable research

[BMKal]

I went with the SensaTyre system, available from Landybitz on this forum. ;)

Sensors are inside the tyres, strapped to the wheel rim, so cannot be accessed unless tyre is removed.

Have worked well for me for at least a couple of years now. I'm just about to order another sensor from him (only got four originally). The system that I bought can handle up to about 14 sensors (I think), so ideal for anyone towing large caravans etc.

Excellent service from Landybitz - highly recommended here. :D

[RobA]

In the first instance it depends on if you tow or not as if you do and want sensors on the camper/van you will either need a range extender or not. After 20 years of testing and using TPMS we have chosen one from LSM for the D4 and Ultimate as it does not need a range extender and given they operate in the mining industry the external sensors can and have taken a pounding. Info can be found at this link; Tyre Pressure / Temperature Monitoring Systems - Tyre Pressure / Temp Monitoring Systems (http://www.lsmtechnologies.com.au/index.cfm?go=doran)

If you don't tow then the option widen we have used the Schraeder Air Aware and Sensatyre systems extensively and both are very good. Albeit the sensatyre needs a range extender if you want to tow so an additional cost.

Other brands have already been mentioned but our experience with several of them is that the external sensors don't handle the 20.000km or more we do off bitumen each year but I doubt anyone on this forum has that need. As well we have seen that each sensor is wheel specific so if it fails you need another of the same sort, vis LHF etc.

We like the LSM version as we carry a couple of spare sensors and they can be programmed to the wheel required rather than having to carry four etc.

One other comment is price is rarely a measure of accuracy and reliabilty

Rob

[shanegtr]

I've got an inawise unit. Haven't had it long and so far it does there job. I think any of the TPMS that monitor both pressure and temp are good, the internally mounted sensors will be more accurate for temp readings

[sctsprin]

I got this one with internal sensors as an extra option, seems pretty good
Steelmate Australia & NZ- TPMS, Parking Sensor Specialist (http://www.steelmate.com.au/p/9036931/tpms-for-4wdsuvcaravansminibuses.html)

[pop058]

Anyone with any experience with TPMS running on an (Android) tablet ??

[~Rich~]

I'd be interested in:
In tyre modules measuring both pressure & temperature.
iPhone or Android monitoring.

Something like this:
Orange Electronic P418 TPMS Pressure Monitoring System Apple Iphone Ipad Black | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Orange-Electronic-P418-TPMS-Pressure-Monitoring-System-Apple-iPhone-iPad-Black-/191409339598?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item2c90e2bcce)

Anyone got / had one?

[PeterJ]

Hi Ian, I also have LMS system, I tow a 9m van, no problems with picking up all the sensors even from the front seat. The system is expandable and reasonable easy to use, has some good features like being able to "drop" the van monitoring when we go somewhere in the D4......but.... the sensors are quite large and because they extend out past the wheel rim they flex on the valve stem and hit the rim. Before I realised it the sensors had damaged all 8 wheels, a small pad of self adhesive foam on the rim fixed the problem, but there it is. Also because they protrude outside of the wheel rim, not ideal for off road work, no issues of valve stem damage from that respect so far but something to consider.
The learning curve from cold inflation pressures to hot pressures was interesting, and given that learning curve I would definitely go for a system that monitors temp as well as pressure next time, which probably means an internal system.

Peter

[BSM]

I'm running Tyredog with six sensors and have just completed a MEL to PER run towing a camper trailer. Two sensors on the trailer. The external sensor has been fine so far, and is accurate as I've measured the pressures with a gauge both cold and hot. It also has temp.

The downside so far is that because of my relay location, the left rear camper sensor is not picked up. However you wouldn't know that it's not being picked up because the display indicates all is okay. The main fault with the Tyredog for mine therefore is that it doesn't tell you when the sensors have stopped communicating with the relay. This can leave you thinking you are monitoring when you are not.

[Fred Nerk]

I have Tyre Dog too. I like them compared with the in tyre versions because I have 6 @ 19in road wheels and 6 @ 18in GOE off road wheels and various trailers. It is very easy to move them to which ever wheels I am using.


If a sensor loses contact with the relay the display reports that by showing the tyre symbol as empty. When starting off each tyre "reports in" and the empty changes to normal. I do not have the issue that BSM describes. My system is about 5 months old. (I replaced a very inferior and no longer available TPMS system in December)

[BSM]

I do not have the issue that BSM describes. My system is about 5 months old.

I'm pleased to hear that Fred. I bought the cheaper Taiwanese Tyredog from e-bay, which I note is a different model number to the one sold in Australia, although the e-Bay vendor claims they are identical.

By the way, where have you mounted your relay?. I mounted mine under the vehicle on the drivers side, attached to the chassis rail with a captive nut, it's rougly in the middle of the rear door sill on the opposite side to the compressor.

I wanted to mount it further aft and located more centrally, but just couldn't find a good spot.

[Fred Nerk]

You may not like this BSM , but I was planning to put the relay under the car too. I ran out of time and so put it in the driver's side rear cubby hole/box. The one next to the third row seat position. It works perfectly including to receive from trailers. It is easily accessible to replace batteries too. I have decided to leave it there.

[Tombie]

I'm waiting on my Trailair to arrive :cool:

[istuart918]

Hi Peter,


Very interesting comments. I was thinking of the LMS system as it seems to be robust and well reviewed (4WD Touring Magazine). Your comment about protruding from the rim and not suitable for four wheel driving is a concern.


Cheers Ian

[Tombie]

Hi Ian, I also have LMS system, I tow a 9m van, no problems with picking up all the sensors even from the front seat. The system is expandable and reasonable easy to use, has some good features like being able to "drop" the van monitoring when we go somewhere in the D4......but.... the sensors are quite large and because they extend out past the wheel rim they flex on the valve stem and hit the rim. Before I realised it the sensors had damaged all 8 wheels, a small pad of self adhesive foam on the rim fixed the problem, but there it is. Also because they protrude outside of the wheel rim, not ideal for off road work, no issues of valve stem damage from that respect so far but something to consider.
The learning curve from cold inflation pressures to hot pressures was interesting, and given that learning curve I would definitely go for a system that monitors temp as well as pressure next time, which probably means an internal system.

Peter


Get short valves installed in your rim instead of the long shank version :)

[PeterJ]

Hi Ian sorry for the long time to reply I did try short valves and I couldn't find any that fitted and still allowed you to screw the sensor on the valves. I was trying with solid, bolt in type, which would also stop flex hence remove the problem but the clearance did not work.

Peter

Sent from my GT-N7100 using AULRO mobile app

[Fluids]

How much of a hassle is it to remove and replace the external schrader valve screw on type sensors when you need to air down/up numerous times per day when you're traversing black top / dirt / black top ... ??

It _looks_ like it becomes a very time consuming process everytime you need to do this or am I missing something ??

[gavinwibrow]

How much of a hassle is it to remove and replace the external schrader valve screw on type sensors when you need to air down/up numerous times per day when you're traversing black top / dirt / black top ... ??

It _looks_ like it becomes a very time consuming process everytime you need to do this or am I missing something ??
Good point, and I'm about to find out.
I guess in that case you would attach, but not lock on the transponders and hope you didn't lose any in the bushes.

Could end up being a right PIA, and would also apply in a slow leak situation where top ups were required until you fixed it.

[istuart918]

Hi Ian sorry for the long time to reply I did try short valves and I couldn't find any that fitted and still allowed you to screw the sensor on the valves. I was trying with solid, bolt in type, which would also stop flex hence remove the problem but the clearance did not work.

Peter

Sent from my GT-N7100 using AULRO mobile app



Thanks Peter for getting back. Just to be sure are you referring to the Doran RV360. It's such a confusing business with some users on other forums having problems with Tyredogs.


Doran sounds good but I am a bit put off by your comment that it is not suited for off road as this is exactly what I want to use it for. I'm planning on going on the Oonadatta track in August and driving around the West MacDonnells. Only going with one spare so was hoping the TPMS might get me through.


Cheers Ian

[PeterJ]

Hi Ian, so sorry for the delay in getting back to you I have been North on holidays. Yes I am referring to the Doran unit. As a mater of fact exactly what I have been talking about happened. Driving along a rough-ish dirt track got the alarm indicating a loss of pressure in one of the tyres on the van, so the good news is that the system works. Got out to check and the leak was from a fracture at the base of the rubber tyre valve. Wiggle the tyre valve and air escapes, I have never had this type of failure before. I am going to investigate further, if fatigue has caused this failure then the added mass of the sensor on the valve will be a significant contributor. I will be home in another 2 weeks I will follow up then. Again sorry for the late reply.
Regards
Peter

Sent from my GT-N7100 using AULRO mobile app

[istuart918]

Thanks Peter for getting back and hope you had a good trip. I should be getting my Doran tomorrow so I'm really looking forward to seeing them in action. Will let you know after my August trip.


Cheers Ian

[istuart918]

In the first instance it depends on if you tow or not as if you do and want sensors on the camper/van you will either need a range extender or not. After 20 years of testing and using TPMS we have chosen one from LSM for the D4 and Ultimate as it does not need a range extender and given they operate in the mining industry the external sensors can and have taken a pounding. Info can be found at this link; Tyre Pressure / Temperature Monitoring Systems - Tyre Pressure / Temp Monitoring Systems (http://www.lsmtechnologies.com.au/index.cfm?go=doran)

If you don't tow then the option widen we have used the Schraeder Air Aware and Sensatyre systems extensively and both are very good. Albeit the sensatyre needs a range extender if you want to tow so an additional cost.

Other brands have already been mentioned but our experience with several of them is that the external sensors don't handle the 20.000km or more we do off bitumen each year but I doubt anyone on this forum has that need. As well we have seen that each sensor is wheel specific so if it fails you need another of the same sort, vis LHF etc.

We like the LSM version as we carry a couple of spare sensors and they can be programmed to the wheel required rather than having to carry four etc.

One other comment is price is rarely a measure of accuracy and reliabilty

Rob


Hi Rob,


Do you use steel tyre valves with your TPMS. I've just bought the LSM Doran 360RV and aware of steel tyre valve issue. Do you fit them and if so what type and where from.


Ian

[PeterJ]

Hi Ian and others, an update from my last post. It was too difficult to see if the tyre valve stem failure was due to fatigue of the rubber valve stem and only circumstantial evidence that the LMS TPMS sensor was the direct cause, but I am not one for coincidence. None of the 3 local tyre dealers had stubby valve stems so I am going to have to search for some. A post I saw on the Australian Liberty Owners Club of a rim fitted with them seemed to indicate they were about 12mm shorter than standard, given that the sensors protrude about 20mm it will not fix the problem completely, but it will improve it significantly. Another factor is the diameter of the LMS sensors, at 25mm it makes it difficult to fit the sensor with shorter valve stems because they will contact the GOE 18" wheel rim, certainly this stops the use of steel valve stems, at least with the rubber ones you still have some flex. So the bottom line is stubby stems with some adhesive backed EPDM rubber to protect the rim where the sensor makes contact.
As an aside, I notice 10kPa error on one of my sensors from the tyre actual (set) pressure, has any one else with the LMS system noticed errors?

Peter

[alien]

I've just fitted a SensaTyre unit, same as BMKal's it will do up 14 tyres.
Talking to a local with the same kit he found a slow leak long before it was evident from looking/kicking tyres each day.


I went for the internal units held in with a hose/jubilee clamp.
Works well on the tow horse, about to try the van out to see if I need to move the ariel.
I've got a base kit for 6 tyres and 3 additional sensors so all road tyres and 3 spares can be watched on big trips.
Settings can be made for different pressures so front/ back/van can all be set as required.
I bought through the local tyre service at a better price than online and as due for a balance anyway took the opportunity to fit the kit.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Pics?:angel:

[alien]

Pics?:angel:

TPMS mounted to the front RH edge of the Ex-box.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/08/893.jpg (http://s883.photobucket.com/user/aliend2/media/SDC11446.jpg.html)
UHF on front LH edge.
Brake controller in front of high/low lever.
For keen eyes next to power outlet is a little LED and winch switch to control the USI-160.
Driving light and air compressor switch top left,

[Oztourer]

Having read this thread and many others, I was tending towards getting a TPMS with strap on internal sensors such as the Sensatyre system. The two main reasons being protection when off road plus (to a lesser extent) ease of airing down/up. I was just about to make my purchase when I read that the batteries in the sensors are not replaceable. With a battery life of 5-7 years and a replacement cost of $480 (6 wheels at $80/wheel) plus fitting each time, the cost benefit of saving that one tyre becomes questionable. Sure there are other factors such as safety and fuel economy which are somewhat difficult to quantify (I had a tyre blow out towing my van when I was just out of Townsville a few years back) but it seems crazy that the batteries in these internal style units are not replaceable.

Does anyone know of quality units that do have replaceable batteries or should I start looking at externals/valve stem units again?

[Graeme]

I've finally decided to purchase a TPMS after having 2 soft tyres in quick succession. I suspected one but didn't get to check it until almost too late and don't know how I missed that the other one must have been very soft the last time the vehicle was driven. I've gone for the Masten 8-sensor unit from DIG Options as I wanted external sensors and DIG Options appear to provide good support. The batteries are replaceable and the kit includes a signal booster for the van. I'm aware of possible vibrating valve stems on corrugations so will fit supports for any outback travelling.

[TB]

Has anybody tried the ARB internal TPMS?
https://www.arb.com.au/arb-tyre-pressure-monitoring-system/

I want something for my Tuff Ants, a small receiver is a bonus, internal fitting for convenience and theft prevention, and I love that the receiver is also a USB power socket.

[sctsprin]

Yeah, i had these installed (ARB bought the rights from steel mate) and snapped off the tip of one on a rock which let down the tyre. the valves are soft aluminium and don't flex, so not good for offroad, otherwise they were brilliant.


Has anybody tried the ARB internal TPMS?
https://www.arb.com.au/arb-tyre-pressure-monitoring-system/

I want something for my Tuff Ants, a small receiver is a bonus, internal fitting for convenience and theft prevention, and I love that the receiver is also a USB power socket.

[Tombie]

Has anybody tried the ARB internal TPMS?
https://www.arb.com.au/arb-tyre-pressure-monitoring-system/

I want something for my Tuff Ants, a small receiver is a bonus, internal fitting for convenience and theft prevention, and I love that the receiver is also a USB power socket.

Search Steelmate TPMS on eBay...
There’s a unit with USB on there for sub $140

[JoeFriend]

Just bought one of these

Slave Compact Door Lock Actuator with Mounting Hardware (https://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/4-wheel-external-sensor-tyre-pressure-monitor-syst?gclid=Cj0KCQjwjdLOBRCkARIsAFj5-GDIRb17FZuqsdbtPMu7Bo-zaDseG8Vj-R_yJyTd-pcjJAzW6BDveGQaAjOVEALw_wcB)

But bought from eBay for half that price. Works excellently and I did a full install into the defender so it isn't running off the lighter plug (I removed it). Accurate, and with the washers up tight it's hard to get them off, even with the tool I had to then use the lock nut tool to get them off. Accurate as well, I am pretty happy