Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

[Ranga]

I'm thinking of getting a TPMS, and would liketo hear feedback of tried and tested units. My requirements are slightly out of the ordinary - I'm wondering whether a TPMS could be used to monitor rear air-bags (coil replacements). Anyone tried?

Anyone able to recommend a decent unit that constantly displays all tyre pressures, and preferably 6 at a time (4 tyres and 2 bags)?

[gavinwibrow]

I'm thinking of getting a TPMS, and would liketo hear feedback of tried and tested units. My requirements are slightly out of the ordinary - I'm wondering whether a TPMS could be used to monitor rear air-bags (coil replacements). Anyone tried?

Anyone able to recommend a decent unit that constantly displays all tyre pressures, and preferably 6 at a time (4 tyres and 2 bags)?


I suspect the airbag pressures (in the order of 10 psi?) will be too low for accurate monitoring, but if not there are plenty that can monitor 6 sequentially - conceptually no different to a car plus single axle trailer setup.

I have 2 sets of Safety Dave's 8 sensor systems and am happy with them. They are normally setup in axle pairs for sensor temp and psi range purposes, but each sensor is then displayed sequentially.

[Ranga]

Thanks Gavin,
The bags sit at around 35psi unladen, and around 65psi laden. I'd rather have each sensor constantly displayed.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I've had Tyredogs (4 of )on the van now for 6? years,, replaced all batts only once, the newer ones can do "lots" of tyres. I just set the alarm and not look at it now.... [bighmmm]

[weeds]

Good idea doing the bags as well........might alert you to a faulty bag

I’ve been looking at TPMS system at the upper end of the scale.....PressurePro, one thing I like about PressurePro is when you remove the monitor on the tyre and adjust pressure than re-fit monitor it recognizes the new pressure and automatically adjusts the alarm I.e. you don’t have to go into the display and just the alarm....which I think is the case with most other TPMS System maybe other can confirm as I’ve never had a TPMS System.

[DiscoMick]

My Defender's rear Airbag Man airbags have hoses running to standard valves on the rear bumper, so I guess it should be possible to just screw a TPMS onto each, as if it was on a wheel.

[gavinwibrow]

My Defender's rear Airbag Man airbags have hoses running to standard valves on the rear bumper, so I guess it should be possible to just screw a TPMS onto each, as if it was on a wheel.


No, should be able to screw the monitors straight on. For example, mine only need about as much thread as a dust cover. Good luck.

[weeds]

No, should be able to screw the monitors straight on. For example, mine only need about as much thread as a dust cover. Good luck.

I’m confused....is it a no or yes.....

The manual inflation schrader valve for my bag have plenty of thread.....although not sure if TPMS sensor extends past the thread.

[gavinwibrow]

I’m confused....is it a no or yes.....

The manual inflation schrader valve for my bag have plenty of thread.....although not sure if TPMS sensor extends past the thread.


Sorry - misread the question. YES, should fit no problems.
My sensors, which are pretty similar to most of the exposed (as opposed to in tyre) versions screw on and only need as much thread as a dust cap. The "electronics" part is about 20 mm wide and high, and sticks out above/proud of the schrader.
On my trailers, I have covered the sensors by slipping on short sections of 19mm black garden hose to make them meld into the background of the black tyres a little more. Don't think it would stop an intending thief, but lessens their visibility and possibly provides some protection off road?

[Ranga]

8 sensors would be perfect for me - 2 on the bags, 1 on the tank, 5 on the tyres (including the spare). I really would prefer a display that constantly shows all pressures, but probably not essential. What is essential is the ability to have different pressure warnings on each sensor.

[AK83]

I've bought a couple of types of TPMS with mixed results.
First one was from a car accessory/speed parts store that specialised in the kind of stuff for 'rice-racer' crowd.

That brand of TPMS was called Orange, which was the in tyre sensor type.
My thinking was that being internal, and a largish unit at, that it would be more accurate and more durable/reliable.
They literally only lasted one day.
The day after fitting two stopped working early, then a third one also stopped leaving me with only the one unit showing on the display.
I was assured by the (likeable)chap at the speed store that this brand was very good.
Anyhow, back a couple of days later and showed him that they weren't working, he checked stuff I already did, but we couldn't get them going .. and he gave me another kit of the same brand without batting an eyelid.
That is without forcing me to get them uninstalled, bring them in, swap them etc. (I knew he was likeable for a reason .. genuine bloke!! [thumbsupbig])

I still have this replacement system too .. didn't bother to get it installed.

But what I did do instead, was order a cheapo TPMS system off ebay.
The brand is called CareUD. Valve cap system. Initially they kind'a looked silly having the large cap on the valve, but being silver they blend in fine with the colour of the wheel .. so that quickly became a non issue.
Had them installed for two years now, with zero issues.
Not only did that surprise me having worked perfectly for longer than just one day (as I was expecting) .. but they also do as they supposed too as warn me of low pressure in any affected tyre.

On a bit of a drive around the traps to leave the rat race behind, I stopped out at Cobar for some brekkie. About 30 mins out of town I hear a constant beep beep noise. Took me a short while to work out what it was too!
Early morning/late night syndrome on my part I guess, but in that 30mins I hadn't checked the TPMS display at all since leaving Cobar.
I remember noting that in Cobar they wee all good(I used to run 35-38 depending on conditions).
The beeping tone was the TPMS showing the front left tyre at 17psi(I have set it to warn below 18psi .. just in case I need to go that low in sand). And spot on at 18psi it warned me with it's beeping.
I'm the type that usually checks gauges and stuff quite often, but obviously not in the last 30mins .. good'o! on this neat little TPMS system anyhow.
Turned out I was losing about 30psi every 30mins/40klms or so on the rest of the trip towards Wilcannia, where I thought I'd get a tyre place to fix it. Couldn't find one so had to divert from my planned White Cliffs to Broken Hill instead to be sure I found a tyre place open and capable.
So I ended up doing about 400+ klms with a fast deflating tyre in 40+°C ambient temps, generally at 90-ish k/h ... and this cheap little TPMS did it's job all the way.

Note tho that my brother in law recently got a cheap TPMS off ebay recently too, and none of the monitoring caps worked at all(he reckons). Could be that he didn't know how to 'set it up'.
No idea on brand either. But they are plug'n'play.
Install them in the order on the cap, and wait for the Bt connection to finally take hold. They can take upwards of 15mins to register and a drive helps them too as well.

I'm about to get another set of these CareUD types for my dads car too .. so hopefully will be a good acid test to see if mine were just a lucky fluke, or if they actually are a half decent item.

ps. even tho it's been two years since that initial failed Orange TPMS system going into the wheels, I've yet to get the units removed!

A point to note too: the display(or head) units are the typical Chinese quality cigarette lighter plug crap. They're so badly made they sit too loose.
The (failed)Orange system had a separate head unit with a cabled connection to a power port of your choice. I replaced the cig lighter socket end on that thing tho.
The CareUD system I use has a head unit that is attached to, but detachable from, the plug if you want to run it remotely. I tried that, but found it more convenient to leave it plugged into the cig socket that the D1/D2 has down low. But on a bumpy road it falls out of the power port after about 30-60mins. To keep it in place properly it needs a 'wedge' in the power port. I use a small piece of cardboard wedged on the underside to keep it firmly plugged in.

I'd recommend trying a cheap 'cap system' off ebay. Cost is generally about $80ish for a 4 tyre system.
For a trailer system it could pay to get two systems and run them separately.. leaving two caps as spares.

Only issue I can see with using a TPMS for air bag monitoring is the upper and lower monitoring values.
They are 'fixed' in some systems in that they may only allow a lower limit of X(psi) and a upper limit of Y(psi).
Can't remember the upper limit, but as an example the lower limit on both my units is 18psi. I just can't remember the upper limit value.
So as an example if the upper limit was something like 60psi(as they are usually car systems) inflating air bags to 65 will have the unit beeping it's head off all the time.
if the upper limit is something like 80psi... it won't be a problem.
Same with the example given of 10psi .. being under 18psi that some systems may be limited too, it will beep all the time.

So whatever you choose, or are looking at, these specs will need to be taken into consideration.

Hope that helps.

[gavinwibrow]

8 sensors would be perfect for me - 2 on the bags, 1 on the tank, 5 on the tyres (including the spare). I really would prefer a display that constantly shows all pressures, but probably not essential. What is essential is the ability to have different pressure warnings on each sensor.

I have a suspicion that you will run foul in that most systems (mine included) have the settings to be programmed in pairs eg both front wheels have to have the same min/max pressures and temps, although each "axle" pair can be different to the next. My pressures go up to at least 100 psi so can be used for trucks as well.

Like Arthur, my system has worked well for 2 plus years, and already paid for itself with a deflating rear tandem caravan puncture that gave me enough warning to pull over before shredding.

Customer service from Dave has been exemplary (I also have their reversing caravan rear view system which I have just tried out last week and which works a dream with good vision etc).

[Graeme]

The sensors on my 8-wheel external unit don't transmit until woken-up by wheel rotation and vibration, which I understand is normal practice to save battery power. Hence sensors on air-springs may be reluctant to start and stay transmitting.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

What a good point Graeme, mine works this way also,,
but had several occurances of sensors not waking up,, even at highway speeds. I now walk around the van and undo the caps (releases air) and the low pressure warning kicks in and starts the sensor. [smilebigeye]

[Ranga]

The sensors on my 8-wheel external unit don't transmit until woken-up by wheel rotation and vibration, which I understand is normal practice to save battery power. Hence sensors on air-springs may be reluctant to start and stay transmitting.I wonder how much vibration is required? My air bag Schrader valves are mounted on the rear cross member, so not sure how well the would work. I guess it might be a case of 'suck and see'?

[Dorian]

This doesn't help with the tyre pressure, but for the air bags have you seen this sort of kit.

Boss Twin Needle Air Pressure Gauge for Air Suspension / Compressor / Tank / Wor | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Boss-Twin-Needle-Air-Pressure-Gauge-for-Air-Suspension-Compressor-Tank-Wor/192478687994?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.M BE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3D41e359 82fc484d15b011fc23a7451245%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D5 %26rkt%3D30%26mehot%3Dlo%26sd%3D171972749375%26itm %3D192478687994&_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598)

You can get them in digital but you will need a heap more shekels.

Cheers Glen

[weeds]

This doesn't help with the tyre pressure, but for the air bags have you seen this sort of kit.

Boss Twin Needle Air Pressure Gauge for Air Suspension / Compressor / Tank / Wor | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Boss-Twin-Needle-Air-Pressure-Gauge-for-Air-Suspension-Compressor-Tank-Wor/192478687994?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.M BE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3D41e359 82fc484d15b011fc23a7451245%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D5 %26rkt%3D30%26mehot%3Dlo%26sd%3D171972749375%26itm %3D192478687994&_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598)

You can get them in digital but you will need a heap more shekels.

Cheers Glen

I have one of these......

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/05/217.jpg

[weeds]

This thread prompted me to have another look at PressurePro, they are currently developing a new system for recreational vehicles which sends data to smart devices.....

[Aussie Jeepster]

Did your "on valve" TPMS sensors come with a counter weight to put on the wheel opposite the valve?
I've seen some that do and some that don't and I'm wondering if the sensor makes much difference.
Alan



I've bought a couple of types of TPMS with mixed results.
First one was from a car accessory/speed parts store that specialised in the kind of stuff for 'rice-racer' crowd.

That brand of TPMS was called Orange, which was the in tyre sensor type.
My thinking was that being internal, and a largish unit at, that it would be more accurate and more durable/reliable.
They literally only lasted one day.
The day after fitting two stopped working early, then a third one also stopped leaving me with only the one unit showing on the display.
I was assured by the (likeable)chap at the speed store that this brand was very good.
Anyhow, back a couple of days later and showed him that they weren't working, he checked stuff I already did, but we couldn't get them going .. and he gave me another kit of the same brand without batting an eyelid.
That is without forcing me to get them uninstalled, bring them in, swap them etc. (I knew he was likeable for a reason .. genuine bloke!! [thumbsupbig])

I still have this replacement system too .. didn't bother to get it installed.

But what I did do instead, was order a cheapo TPMS system off ebay.
The brand is called CareUD. Valve cap system. Initially they kind'a looked silly having the large cap on the valve, but being silver they blend in fine with the colour of the wheel .. so that quickly became a non issue.
Had them installed for two years now, with zero issues.
Not only did that surprise me having worked perfectly for longer than just one day (as I was expecting) .. but they also do as they supposed too as warn me of low pressure in any affected tyre.

On a bit of a drive around the traps to leave the rat race behind, I stopped out at Cobar for some brekkie. About 30 mins out of town I hear a constant beep beep noise. Took me a short while to work out what it was too!
Early morning/late night syndrome on my part I guess, but in that 30mins I hadn't checked the TPMS display at all since leaving Cobar.
I remember noting that in Cobar they wee all good(I used to run 35-38 depending on conditions).
The beeping tone was the TPMS showing the front left tyre at 17psi(I have set it to warn below 18psi .. just in case I need to go that low in sand). And spot on at 18psi it warned me with it's beeping.
I'm the type that usually checks gauges and stuff quite often, but obviously not in the last 30mins .. good'o! on this neat little TPMS system anyhow.
Turned out I was losing about 30psi every 30mins/40klms or so on the rest of the trip towards Wilcannia, where I thought I'd get a tyre place to fix it. Couldn't find one so had to divert from my planned White Cliffs to Broken Hill instead to be sure I found a tyre place open and capable.
So I ended up doing about 400+ klms with a fast deflating tyre in 40+°C ambient temps, generally at 90-ish k/h ... and this cheap little TPMS did it's job all the way.

Note tho that my brother in law recently got a cheap TPMS off ebay recently too, and none of the monitoring caps worked at all(he reckons). Could be that he didn't know how to 'set it up'.
No idea on brand either. But they are plug'n'play.
Install them in the order on the cap, and wait for the Bt connection to finally take hold. They can take upwards of 15mins to register and a drive helps them too as well.

I'm about to get another set of these CareUD types for my dads car too .. so hopefully will be a good acid test to see if mine were just a lucky fluke, or if they actually are a half decent item.

ps. even tho it's been two years since that initial failed Orange TPMS system going into the wheels, I've yet to get the units removed!

A point to note too: the display(or head) units are the typical Chinese quality cigarette lighter plug crap. They're so badly made they sit too loose.
The (failed)Orange system had a separate head unit with a cabled connection to a power port of your choice. I replaced the cig lighter socket end on that thing tho.
The CareUD system I use has a head unit that is attached to, but detachable from, the plug if you want to run it remotely. I tried that, but found it more convenient to leave it plugged into the cig socket that the D1/D2 has down low. But on a bumpy road it falls out of the power port after about 30-60mins. To keep it in place properly it needs a 'wedge' in the power port. I use a small piece of cardboard wedged on the underside to keep it firmly plugged in.

I'd recommend trying a cheap 'cap system' off ebay. Cost is generally about $80ish for a 4 tyre system.
For a trailer system it could pay to get two systems and run them separately.. leaving two caps as spares.

Only issue I can see with using a TPMS for air bag monitoring is the upper and lower monitoring values.
They are 'fixed' in some systems in that they may only allow a lower limit of X(psi) and a upper limit of Y(psi).
Can't remember the upper limit, but as an example the lower limit on both my units is 18psi. I just can't remember the upper limit value.
So as an example if the upper limit was something like 60psi(as they are usually car systems) inflating air bags to 65 will have the unit beeping it's head off all the time.
if the upper limit is something like 80psi... it won't be a problem.
Same with the example given of 10psi .. being under 18psi that some systems may be limited too, it will beep all the time.

So whatever you choose, or are looking at, these specs will need to be taken into consideration.

Hope that helps.

[AK83]

....
I've seen some that do and some that don't and I'm wondering if the sensor makes much difference.
Alan

It didn't on my D1 with 255/70 16's fitted, but I eventually found the time to get the wheels balanced a week or so later.
Technically it should as the caps do have a bit of weight in them. Haven't weighed them to know, but they'd be a few grams.

[Ranga]

Did your "on valve" TPMS sensors come with a counter weight to put on the wheel opposite the valve?
I've seen some that do and some that don't and I'm wondering if the sensor makes much difference.
Alan

Would balance beads be another option?

[gavinwibrow]

I have to admit I didn't worry about a rebalance after fitting my external (lightweight) Safety Dave sensors which did not come with counterweights, but have not noticed any problems in either bush or 110 kmph flat road country driving (Perth - Bunbury on cruise), or on towing the tandem brick.