external TPMS for D4

[Garfield]

Hi Everyone,

I realise there are many threads on this subject but I am considering purchasing a set of external TPMS for my D4, and would prefer a portable display that plugs into the cig lighter outlet for inside the cockpit.

Does anyone have any experience with these types of units ? I saw on Amazon these set www.amazon.com.au/Wireless-Pressure-Temperature-Monitoring-Chargeable/dp/B07MVVM7PZ/ref=asc_df_B07MVVM7PZ/'tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341743366494&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8807638231205995966&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9071432&hvtargid=pla-751635267736&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.com.au/Wireless-Pressure-Temperature-Monitoring-Chargeable/dp/B07MVVM7PZ/ref=asc_df_B07MVVM7PZ/'tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341743366494&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8807638231205995966&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9071432&hvtargid=pla-751635267736&psc=1)

All comments and recommendations appreciated on good brands. Thanks

[DieselLSE]

I've had the ARB one for about 18 months which looks very similar to your link, but was a lot more expensive. Anyway, it works perfectly and alerted me to a slow puncture leak before any damage was done.
As part of your normal driving routine of periodically checking your instruments, you soon learn to also glance down at the TPMS display. Any discrepancy is obvious.

[SeanC]

A good brand... Doran. Designed for the mining and trucking industry. So you pay for quality. Screw on. No locking nut you need to remove each time you air up or down. Haven’t lost one in the past 4 years. Sealed. Therefore you have to replace the sensor when flat. But no chance of water ingress. Connect and disconnect trailer with sensors. I just wished it had stored settings for on road and off-road.

[dirvine]

I use a solar powered unit from dig options. They advertise on eBay. No need for wires cables to cig lighter sockets. Mine also reads the caravan tyres (6 wheels all up)

[speleomike]

Hi

I got the Safe-T-Tyre ones from Safety Dave. I had a look at about 3 others at the Caravan & Camping show this year. I picked these as the display and the font size is big enough to see, the batteries in them are replaceable, I can buy extra transmitters individually. I have it mounted on the far passenger side as I have other stuff on the drivers side.

Other brands show all 4 tyres at once in colour with a small colour display. I did like the colour display with green OK, red bad. The Safe-T-Tyre ones cycle though the tyres every 5 seconds and is black/white.

Check if you can buy more sensors as some other brands require you to buy a set of 4! or you can't change the battery in them so you throw them out after a couple of years and buy more.

TPMS are so good. They should be required on all vehicles.

Mike

[W&KO]

I just purchased Pressure Pro from Tyre Safe...packed with a few nice features.

Although price is at the other end of the scale.

[Garfield]

A good brand... Doran. Designed for the mining and trucking industry. So you pay for quality. Screw on. No locking nut you need to remove each time you air up or down. Haven’t lost one in the past 4 years. Sealed. Therefore you have to replace the sensor when flat. But no chance of water ingress. Connect and disconnect trailer with sensors. I just wished it had stored settings for on road and off-road.

Hi SeanC,

As I don't have any experience with external TPMS, when you say you have to remove the locking nut with other brands, is this because a tyre gauge, tire deflator or tyre inflator won't fit on the end of the tyre valve with the locking nut on, or is this because you have to loosen the locking nut each time to get the end of the external sensor cap off ? Do you always have to use the locking nut, or do you risk the sensor flying off the wheel ?

[Graeme]

Mine's locking nuts are supposedly for security rather than required to prevent the sensor from unscrewing.

My locking nuts have to be removed from the current stems to use my gauge or pump because the thread is too short but could remain on the previous stems. The nuts also run off the inner end of the stem thread - another shortcoming of what I consider to be inferior stems fitted when my current tyres were fitted. i'll endeavour to have better quality stems fitted next time.

[SeanC]

Hi SeanC,

As I don't have any experience with external TPMS, when you say you have to remove the locking nut with other brands, is this because a tyre gauge, tire deflator or tyre inflator won't fit on the end of the tyre valve with the locking nut on, or is this because you have to loosen the locking nut each time to get the end of the external sensor cap off ? Do you always have to use the locking nut, or do you risk the sensor flying off the wheel ?

Some sensors have a locking mechanism to stop them coming loose or being stolen. Which means you have a tool to to remove and replace them each time you air down and up. I think I would find that annoying. It’s just easier to unscrew like a valve cap. Mine have never fallen off or been stolen.

[dirvine]

Mine had the locking nut and I have never used them. Some of the brands mentioned here are very expensive and IMHO are not worth the extra cost. My screw on one's have been on 2FWDs and even through rivers sand etc and have never failed to work. Mine beep and flash and change colour when the setting are exceeded. No wires (although it does come with a charging USB cable) as the sun is good enough. Mine is mounted on far RHS of dash. Sensor batteries last about 3years.

[Tombie]

I had the expensive units (still do, it’s in the D2 my son drives).
When looking for a Defender & D4 solution I went with eBay to test a set. Works fine, USB ports on side for additional power outlets and after checking - is accurate!

All up I think I’m out $40 for each unit.

[PerthDisco]

Do wheels need to be re-balanced with the tpms installed?

[Tombie]

Do wheels need to be re-balanced with the tpms installed?

External hasn’t been a problem for me.

Internals have needed it...

[Garfield]

Thanks for all your advice and feedback guys on TPMS.

I think I'll give the cheap Amazon set a try for $60 bucks and see how they go. If no good, well at least I have a USB charger outlet and a voltage meter. I may even try using the sensors without the locking nut - depending on how long the thread is on my current tyre vales

At this point I don't feel the need to go for an expensive system, if the Amazon one lasts a couple of years at least and are relatively accurate. Suck it and see :-)

[Tombie]

I’ve never used the locking nuts from Lara onwards...
Never had one disappear.
If the Anne Beadell can’t shake them free; nothing will.

[iannicki]

I think I'll give the cheap Amazon set a try for $60 bucks and see how they go.

Please post feedback. I have been looking at very similar units on Amazon and eBay. (AU ! Universal Car TPMS Tire Tyre Pressure Monitoring System + 4 Sensors Kits | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/113368075820?ul_noapp=true)) I did like how the screen on this unit could be angled.

I would be very interested to know how low and high you can set the pressure alarms.

[2012 Lux]

I've had one of these for a few years now, its excellent and simple to use.
Its solar powered and doesn't need external power from one of the 12v outlets.

I have put a small magnet attached to the back of it like used for the phone holders in cars, it sits on the dash in clear line of sight works well.
Cheap too!!

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wireless-Solar-Powered-Car-Auto-TPMS-Tire-Pressure-LCD-Monitor-System-4-Sensors/223399764521?hash=item3403a9e229:gV8AAOSwRXNckJJs (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wireless-Solar-Powered-Car-Auto-TPMS-Tire-Pressure-LCD-Monitor-System-4-Sensors/223399764521?hash=item3403a9e229:g:oV8AAOSwRXNckJJ s)

[Graeme]

Consider if you might want to monitor a trailer or caravan's tyres. My inexpensive one supports up to 22 wheels - I have 4 on the van and a relay in the van to ensure good signals. The van's set are switched on and off by buttons on the display so that the extra 4 wheels aren't normally shown.

[Charliektm400exc]

Consider if you might want to monitor a trailer or caravan's tyres. My inexpensive one supports up to 22 wheels - I have 4 on the van and a relay in the van to ensure good signals. The van's set are switched on and off by buttons on the display so that the extra 4 wheels aren't normally shown.

So what have you got, and how much was it?

charlie

[Graeme]

I have an 8-sensor Masten but my "inexpensive" recollection was more than a little off the mark as the kits are now selling for $349.

[gavinwibrow]

So what have you got, and how much was it?

charlie

Not sure how much my x 2 multi vehicle units cost now, but have been very happy with both for towing van and trailer/s. I think I paid about $250 for each.
https://safetydave.com.au/tyre-pressure-monitoring-system/

[letherm]

I have an 8-sensor Masten but my "inexpensive" recollection was more than a little off the mark as the kits are now selling for $349.

Everything is relative Graeme. You must be selling a lot of those LLAMS kits.[bigsmile1]

Martin

[Graeme]

I recall rationalising that 1 tyre saved would pay for the kit.

[Blackrex]

Hi

TPMS are so good. They should be required on all vehicles.

Mike

From my understanding, within two years a form of TPMS will be required on all new vehicles. Most manufacturers will go the BMW route that uses a combination of the wheel speed sensors and steering wheel angle to determine of a tyre has lost pressure relative to the others based on rolling circumference in a straight line.

[PhilipA]

TPMS has been the law in the USA for several years and LR fit them to all USA spec vehicles.
I would think the electronics are there and all is needed are the sensors and programming. Has anyone tried to do it the factory way?

https://topix.landrover.jlrext.com/topix/service/procedure/163654/PDF/62e49179-9202-4e1f-9663-1805abc9c7da/en_GB

Regards Philip A

[Tombie]

TPMS has been the law in the USA for several years and LR fit them to all USA spec vehicles.
I would think the electronics are there and all is needed are the sensors and programming. Has anyone tried to do it the factory way?

https://topix.landrover.jlrext.com/topix/service/procedure/163654/PDF/62e49179-9202-4e1f-9663-1805abc9c7da/en_GB

Regards Philip A


On later LR you would need the modules and looms to suit.

[letherm]

On later LR you would need the modules and looms to suit.

I would think LR would not fit anything to a vehicle that they did not have to so as to reduce costs. Mine actually came with the towing bar connection loom missing!! I did wonder why there was no trailer lights. First warranty claim I needed.[thumbsupbig]

Martin

[StewG]

I fitted the Safety Dave, Safe-T-Tyre, TPMS two years ago prior to a big lap trip. This is because the D4 factory version was not fitted and according to the manual would only monitor 5 tyres in total. I have a single axle caravan and wanted to monitor 6 tyres as a minimum. The monitor performs well, but takes about five minutes rolling before the receiver/display kicks in. Switching between 4 tyres and 6 tyres on the display is simple and these days I get nervous when driving a car without TPMS.

Initially the TPMS did not pick up the caravan tyres (the main reason I bought it in the first place), but after a call to Safety Dave, they sent a transponder (free of charge) to mount on the caravan and then it worked fine. The only trouble I have had with it was one weird high reading on one occasion. This has not recurred. The button batteries in the tyre units last a year or more and the display plugs into the 12V power socket (cigarette lighter). The transponder is powered by 12V on the caravan. The tyre units screw on as a 'valve cap' and have a tiny hex grub screw to secure (optional) against theft. The tyre units wobble about when on rough roads and scratch the alloy wheels, but that is a small loss when I have the reassurance that the TPMS gives.

[Garfield]

Thanks for all your advice and feedback guys on TPMS.

I think I'll give the cheap Amazon set a try for $60 bucks and see how they go. If no good, well at least I have a USB charger outlet and a voltage meter. I may even try using the sensors without the locking nut - depending on how long the thread is on my current tyre vales

At this point I don't feel the need to go for an expensive system, if the Amazon one lasts a couple of years at least and are relatively accurate. Suck it and see :-)

I think I will wait a couple of weeks until the 4WD motor show comes to Melbourne and see if there is any thing better on offer their.

[goofyr]

I got this cheapy, it works pretty well. Solar Wireless Car TPMS Tyre Tire Pressure LCD Monitor Alarm &4 External Sensors Solar Wireless Car TPMS Tyre Tire Pressure LCD Monitor Alarm &4 External Sensors 753807578752 | eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0'mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2 F163702187954)

[trout1105]

For those of us that use our 4WD's off-road on a regular basis external TPMS sensors are an absolute PITA because we are forever changing our tyre pressures, internal sensors make much better sense[thumbsupbig]

[W&KO]

For those of us that use our 4WD's off-road on a regular basis external TPMS sensors are an absolute PITA because we are forever changing our tyre pressures, internal sensors make much better sense[thumbsupbig]

Isn’t removing a sensor no different to removing a standard valve cap??

I’m about to fit my external sensors, but found a system that doesn’t require the user to adjust the set pressures each time there is a change in Tyre pressure.

Which internal sensors do you run?

[trout1105]

Isn’t removing a sensor no different to removing a standard valve cap??

I’m about to fit my external sensors, but found a system that doesn’t require the user to adjust the set pressures each time there is a change in Tyre pressure.

Which internal sensors do you run?

I don't use a TPMS system at the moment But if I do decide to fit one I would go with the internal sensors.
I don't use the valve caps because I can't be bothered taking them off and putting them back on every time I have to air up or down and external sensors would create the same problem for me.

[dirvine]

I don't use a TPMS system at the moment But if I do decide to fit one I would go with the internal sensors.
I don't use the valve caps because I can't be bothered taking them off and putting them back on every time I have to air up or down and external sensors would create the same problem for me.
Not using dust caps especially when 4wding in not very wise. If its wet then mud will accumulate around the vavle stem and next time you air up or down, the particles of dirt will no doubt end up in the tyre or start to destroy the valve seal. Then ylu will have a slow leak etc. I originally had internal but when one was destroyed by a tyre fitter, I went the external route.

[DiscoJeffster]

Yeah. Not using valve caps is the best way to get a dirt-based slow leak in the valve stem - the last thing I’d want when out in the middle of nowhere.

[trout1105]

Yeah. Not using valve caps is the best way to get a dirt-based slow leak in the valve stem - the last thing I’d want when out in the middle of nowhere.

I have run around the Bush and on minesites without valve caps for decades and haven't had any real dramas with valve failure, Most of my tyre problems have been caused by sharp stones and stakes.
IF I do have a problem with a defective valve I simply change it out for a new one,No big deal.

[SeanC]

For those of us that use our 4WD's off-road on a regular basis external TPMS sensors are an absolute PITA because we are forever changing our tyre pressures, internal sensors make much better sense[thumbsupbig]

I off-road regularly.The PITA is airing up and down. For me, a couple of seconds to undo and redo a dust cap is nothing.

An external sensor is much easier to replace if it fails than an internal sensor.

[peterall]

Safe T tyre from safety Dave is good..had mine for 4 years on RRS and caravan. Have wired it in under the dash.
He also can supply a booster for the caravan sensors.

[iannicki]

I ended up buying this one on eBay: Solar Wireless LCD Screen Car TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System with 4 Sensor | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/163734583715).

Safety Dave was a bit rich, and needed to monitor only 4 wheels. For $37.39, my wife has nicknamed ours Safety Da-Wei.

Solar powered with usb power-in option. The user can adjust the settings for the high and low pressure warning.

I have installed I but not taken out on the road yet. Based on my pre-installation tyre pressure check (with digital and pencil gauge), the TPMS is 1–1.5 psi under for 3 of the tyres and 2.5 under for front-left. As long as it is consistent, I can live with an initial calibration issue. The real test will be what it reads once the tyres have warmed up and does it keep a consistent under-reading.

I will report back.
153457153458153459

[LRD414]

Does it just stick on to the windscreen?

Scott

[iannicki]

Does it just stick on to the windscreen?

Scott

Yes. Two raised sections at the sides with adhesive tape, so the solar panel sits back from the windscreen. Felt pretty secure. Time will tell. Certainly did not feel like it is meant to be regularly removed and replaced. That said, it came with some spare 3M tape and no instructions, so I'm guessing that is for using if it is taken down.

[Tombie]

Won’t be 3M tape either. Just a knock off.

[RANDLOVER]

I don't use a TPMS system at the moment But if I do decide to fit one I would go with the internal sensors.
I don't use the valve caps because I can't be bothered taking them off and putting them back on every time I have to air up or down and external sensors would create the same problem for me.

I always thought not using valve caps could be very dangerous if the valve suddenly failed, (not sure of the likely hood of this) as it would not have the cap to slow the air rushing out, so would almost be like having a blow out. I've had one of those before in a Nissan ute, (co car) and I ended up on the opposite shoulder of the road, luckily no oncoming traffic!

[RANDLOVER]

TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System Cigarette Plug With USB Charger – LR Off-Road Australia (https://lroffroadaustralia.com/products/tpms-tire-pressure-monitoring-system-cigarette-plug-with-usb-charger)

I don't have any experience with these, but the company sells good brands like, Tuffant, Llams, GAP IID, etc.

[trout1105]

I always thought not using valve caps could be very dangerous if the valve suddenly failed, (not sure of the likely hood of this) as it would not have the cap to slow the air rushing out, so would almost be like having a blow out. I've had one of those before in a Nissan ute, (co car) and I ended up on the opposite shoulder of the road, luckily no oncoming traffic!

I have never had a valve fail completely But Yes they do tend to leak once in a while and a valve caps won't stop this.
Every time i air up/down I put a little bit of spit on the valve stem to check it is working, If not I replace it with a new one[thumbsupbig]
I have had my fair share of blowouts but a leaky valve is nothing like that.

[Tombie]

I have never had a valve fail completely But Yes they do tend to leak once in a while and a valve caps won't stop this.
Every time i air up/down I put a little bit of spit on the valve stem to check it is working, If not I replace it with a new one[thumbsupbig]
I have had my fair share of blowouts but a leaky valve is nothing like that.

I would disagree (respectfully) with you there.

Pre-TPMS I used steel caps with seals and they will seal.

Like you, I also do the Spit test. I will always cap them though.

[eddy]

I am using the Tyredog external sensors with the colour display,all works well and cheap enough on ebay.Have found the sensors flexing on the valve stems on corrugations/rough roads have worn grooves on the mag wheels, can be prevented by using foam tubing[air con] on the stems.

[Tombie]

I am using the Tyredog external sensors with the colour display,all works well and cheap enough on ebay.Have found the sensors flexing on the valve stems on corrugations/rough roads have worn grooves on the mag wheels, can be prevented by using foam tubing[air con] on the stems.

Good interim solution - when you get your tyres done next time, ask for the shorter version and see what brand they are using - the shorter units flex a lot less.
I haven’t had any mag/sensor contact issues.