TPMS; can anyone recommend a good kit?

[POD]

I'm up for tyres on the 130 and I figured it would be a good opportunity to fit internal tyre pressure sensors. Went in to ARB today and learned that their kit has been recalled because the in-wheel senders do not have sufficient battery life. Wondering if anyone else has found a good kit? I would prefer a bluetooth connection to my phone rather than a reader plugged into the car or stuck on the windscreen (also went into repco and that was all that they had).
Alternatively, has anyone had any experience with the on-valve (i.e. external) senders in severe use? I'm not confident they would last long in bush or outback travel. I see a few kits online but would want a recommendation if possible.

[Vern]

I have the external ones, work great.
We had them on all vehicles when we did the mereenie loop, Tanami, canning, no dramas at all. They were actually very handy when we got a puncture, so we could act quickly and plug it before it wrecked the tyre.

[DieselLSE]

My experience is the same as Vern's. Had the first generation ARB external ones for over four years now and have had no trouble in the bush. They pinpointed a slow leak in one tyre once. I thought it must be a faulty wheel sensor, so I swapped the sensor over to the other side. Nup. Slow leak in original tyre. So, I keep the original sensors on my road wheels and have fitted the latest generation on my off-road wheels along with two on the TVan as most TVan trips will be in the bush so I'll use the 18" light truck MT51s.

[OldGuy]

I have used the Safety Dave external (valve) unit for many years. Has saved several tyres over time. It is incredible how robust they are, plus if you get a flat just put the sender on the spare.
I have also heard many stories re internal units being damaged by tyre changes. It is also very easy with the external units to change the battery if the need arises.

Geoff

[AK83]

2x bad experience with internal sensor TPMS ...

the saying goes, "pay for quality" ... not in the case with some of these kits.

Expensive internal sensor kits were purchased with the thinking that having been purchased from reputable stores(real stores, not online) .. and both ended up useless junk.
The compounded issue was that not having tyre fitting equipment .. need to also pay for someone to remove the rusbbish, and get my money back.
Total waste of time and frustrating.

But when my D1 was wearing the Yokohama tyres it came with when purchased some 6 years ago, I still needed a TPMS(cos the tyres were made thinner than condom latex and would puncture if the word nail or screw was mentioned ... seriously 20+ punctures in less than 4 years)

So I bought a relatively cheap(back then) external kit off ebay. Superb. Never misses a beat. Still original batteries in the sensors too, 6 years later where 3 years is the oft quoted lifetime.

My dad needed a setup for his little froggy Pug ... and thought to try a solar powered kit(due to ciggie/power port location) .. worked ok for a while, but the solar component ended up a waste of time.
Once again external sensors, just different display unit that has a solar panel on top and sits flat on the dash. After a few months(maybe 6 or just a bit more) it beeped relentlessly .. but due to low battery.

My unit that directly plugs into the ciggie lighter still worked no worries tho. So got rid of the solar unit in dads and got him same type as mine. Back then they were in the $60 range on ebay. Now they're in the low $100 tho.

So having had good experience with this type of TPMS system, I also got the bro one for his D2 .. maybe 2 or a bit more years ago. Not that it needed it tho .. the KO2s have been perfect in terms of air pressure and durability.
It's now running on a mishmash of a few tyres types having recently got a set of alloys for it, and I do note a bit more variability between the different tyres brands on the display.
Having also got rid of the 'magnetic' spike attracting Yokohomas on the D1 a while back, replaced with cheapo Chinesium tyres .. they have been rock solid on pressure and durability too .. so effectively rendering the TPMS a bit useless in that it just shows the same display day in day out .. lower pressure at the start of the trip, a bit more(depends on ambient) as you drive further.

A link to the TPMS type/brand below. Not endorsing the vendor, just an desription of the unit I have now(x3) and been great.

ebay TPMS example (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/273953915959?hash=item3fc8ed0437:g:Di0AAOSwKbFiN8K u)

In a D2 and D1, I found the best and easiest solution to mount and keep track of the TPMS is to plug it down into the ciggie plug in the centre console.
You can get other types of plug in units, but they don't have the swiveling display feature that makes this unit a bit nicer overall. To be able to see the display easily it needs a bit of tilt, otherwise stray external light washes the display out if it's a solidly fixed type placed down there.
I dunno where your ciggie plug is located but keep this in mind.
You can also detach the head off the plug and mount remote(which I had to do in dads Peugeot)

Only other issue with this model is the too high low air alarm value set in the system. If you want to go lower than 15psi for say off road ... it beeps like crazy. For the two times I've done this, I just half unplug the unit, so it sits in the plug, but is off to stop the beeping at or below the 15psi mark.
Have been kind of on the lookout for a half decent system that can allow lower low alarm points, but the unit just works so hasn't been a priority.

[Tombie]

I’ve ran externals since 2000, same kit still on the D2.
Externals and hard offroad hasn’t been an issue.

I have an eBay kit on the 90 and D4 at the moment and no problems with them. D4 is about to go external ARB set up with Linx (if I ever get time to fit it all).

Phone version on my Katana works well, however draws phone battery a bit more, something to consider.

[Homestar]

I run a set of internal units on my Sprinter, but the main reason for this is the truck kit I went for only uses internal sensors and I have 7 tyres to monitor and I wanted accurate tyre temps as well as it sits very close to its GVM at all times so I like to keep the pressures spot on - if I lose one of the duals without knowing about it, the other wouldn't be far behind it then I'd be stranded. Some of the external kits also didn't have a high enough pressure rating for this application and also the distance from the back sensors to the dash unit would have been a stretch - mine has an antenna mounted centrally under the vehicle.

I know the external ones do temp but I'm not sure how they do this - or how they do it accurately I should say. The system I have is used some trucks I know as well without issue. They are large sensors with large batteries fitted with a long hose clamp around the rim but I had no issues with balancing the tyres after they were fitted. It's been great so far in the 18 months I've had them fitted. My only complaints would be that the display is a little agricultural for this day and age and also you can't read it when you have polarized sunglasses on - although it beeps and flashes a light is any parameter goes out of its set range so not a huge issue to be honest.

I think which ever way you go, get a decent set and pay the money for them rather than trying to cheap out. If I was going to put them on my 4WD I'd use an external set I think.

[Keithy P38]

G’day mate,

I’ve been running this one for nearly 5 years now with no dramas at all. It’s easier to show you a video of the setup.

It’s an internal system, and I’ve never had a battery issue. All in all I think it’s a perfect system and battery life is amazing.

Cheers
Keithy

Check-in With The Masten Tyre Pressure Monitoring System - After More Than 3 YEARS OF ABUSE!
Check-in With The Masten Tyre Pressure Monitoring System - After More Than 3 YEARS OF ABUSE! - YouTube (https://youtu.be/kllWAcApuWM)

[PJJ]

I have used Safety Dave external sensors for many years with no problems. A good tip is to use Metal valve fittings as the rubber valve stems will "flex" on rough roads resulting in the Sensor continually hitting the wheel.

Batteries last for years & are easy to change.

Phil[wink11]

[Redtail]

Been looking at these myself.

Looking at another couple of threads, and PressurePro keeps coming up.
So I went and got a quote - came back at about $1000 for the full kit (including RAM mount, power supply and 4 monitors).
Turns out they're in Perth, and I'm currently working out with them if they can show me a working unit somewhere.

In the meantime, I thought I'd try this for an upcoming trip TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System Solar Power Universal Wireless Car Alarm System with 4 External Sensors Real-time Displays 4 Tires' Pressure & Temperature for Car (22-87 PSI/0-3.5 BAR) : Amazon.com.au: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07TMDNJ8J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00)
Quite a difference and price therefore quality, and I may regret buying cheap and buying twice.

[oldie]

I first fitted a TyreDog external system to my 2010 Puma cab chas in 2013 and they saved many tyres as the heavy duty truck has tubed tyres. The display unit gave up the ghost last year and I replaced it last year with the ARB external system. It has a single display which plugs directly into the cig socket but it is a dog to set up. I have also had to have the system replaced as I was not able to change the settings.

And now the problem is evident in the new unit. I swap it between my vehicles and so need to change the settings regularly. Some clever little electonics wizard has been a bit too cute trying to use 2 buttons to manage all the functions. Yes, doable but not ideal.

The local ARB people have not been much help either and it is not a cheap system

Oldie
2010 Defender with Trayon.
2014 RRS HSE (the town car)
2013 RRS crushed
1999 Disco 2 gone
1984 RRC gone
Series 2a gone

[Redtail]

I first fitted a TyreDog external system to my 2010 Puma cab chas in 2013 and they saved many tyres as the heavy duty truck has tubed tyres. The display unit gave up the ghost last year and I replaced it last year with the ARB external system. It has a single display which plugs directly into the cig socket but it is a dog to set up. I have also had to have the system replaced as I was not able to change the settings.

And now the problem is evident in the new unit. I swap it between my vehicles and so need to change the settings regularly. Some clever little electonics wizard has been a bit too cute trying to use 2 buttons to manage all the functions. Yes, doable but not ideal.

The local ARB people have not been much help either and it is not a cheap system

Oldie
2010 Defender with Trayon.
2014 RRS HSE (the town car)
2013 RRS crushed
1999 Disco 2 gone
1984 RRC gone
Series 2a gone

I've read and heard bad things about the ARB system.
Lately, one famously bad review from 4xOverland in which he claims it's a cheap rebadge job, and diminishes their reputation.

[Tote]

I've got a tyredog that I use occasionally. The only warning that I would offer is that on my D3 the sensors scored the mags due to bouncing around on the flexible valve stems on a Simpson trip. Other than that it works OK

Regards,
Tote

[DeeJay]

I am a slow learner as I have 2 Ebay types that have been "retired" - excuse the pun.
They worked great & probably saved a nasty run off the road incident as a front left valve stem decided to separate at 100klm/hr ( with the sensor) . I stopped immediately and by then the tyre was dead flat.
But
Once a single unit fails, the screen won't move off that tyre reading and wont show the other 3. I thought I would be clever & bought an identical unit but it had a different frequency. Can't win. A replacement sender was not available & it wasn't long b4 the second set failed.
Saving up for a tyre dog...

[DefenderBrisbane]

I have a Tyre Dog external system on the Defender with two additional sensors on my trailer. The trailer sensors require the use of an external relay. All works OK but a bit fiddly to get the additional two on the trailer to talk to the head unit.

On the plus side the vendor is very good with after sales service - my daughter has a set on her Vitara, and she was able to source some replacement sensors after a theft (school kids).

For the record, I have bought Tyre Dog systems for three offspring - I think tyre pressure monitoring is that important.

[ozscott]

These have been excellent. Rugged. Accurate. Batteries last and last. Expect several years from coin batteries. Good range (no booster required for good readings from boat trailer to head unit). Solar recharging on the head unit works very well. Very good kit with good water resistance. Cheers

Mata2E | Promata External TPMS for 4WD - Promata(R) Australia (https://promata.com.au/product/mata2e/)

[POD]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm put off by the idea of either having something stuck on the windscreen or occupying a socket. I don't see the need to keep an eye on tyre pressures all the time as I drive, what i would like is something that alerts me if a pressure goes outside parameters that I can set. Kind of like the way everything has gone now with engine temp gauges disappearing and just a warning light when the engine is cooked! I might have a look again to see what's on the market next time the tyres are up for renewal, none of the current crop seem to grab me and the better ones are more expense than I'm prepared to stump up.

[ozscott]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm put off by the idea of either having something stuck on the windscreen or occupying a socket. I don't see the need to keep an eye on tyre pressures all the time as I drive, what i would like is something that alerts me if a pressure goes outside parameters that I can set. Kind of like the way everything has gone now with engine temp gauges disappearing and just a warning light when the engine is cooked! I might have a look again to see what's on the market next time the tyres are up for renewal, none of the current crop seem to grab me and the better ones are more expense than I'm prepared to stump up.Temps are important also. The better ones do temp and pressure and allow for up to about 80psi for LT use. I like having the Promata there with readout of temps and pressures and audible alarms set for both. Towing the boat trailer is very useful with temp to ensure brakes not dragging and wheel bearings healthy. They are very helpful also to ensure temps are not rising top much on the vehicle to ensure correct pressures when cold. Cheers

[Tedio]

Temps are important also. The better ones do temp and pressure and allow for up to about 80psi for LT use. I like having the Promata there with readout of temps and pressures and audible alarms set for both. Towing the boat trailer is very useful with temp to ensure brakes not dragging and wheel bearings healthy. They are very helpful also to ensure temps are not rising top much on the vehicle to ensure correct pressures when cold. Cheers

Had a great run with my Safety Dave set .Easy to read pressure and temperature of car and caravan. Alarms easy set and change when lower pressure required for the likes of Telfer mine to Rudel NP. Great service from Safety Dave.Reckon they have saved a couple of tyres.

[W&KO]

Been looking at these myself.

Looking at another couple of threads, and PressurePro keeps coming up.
So I went and got a quote - came back at about $1000 for the full kit (including RAM mount, power supply and 4 monitors).
Turns out they're in Perth, and I'm currently working out with them if they can show me a working unit somewhere.

In the meantime, I thought I'd try this for an upcoming trip TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System Solar Power Universal Wireless Car Alarm System with 4 External Sensors Real-time Displays 4 Tires' Pressure & Temperature for Car (22-87 PSI/0-3.5 BAR) : Amazon.com.au: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07TMDNJ8J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00)
Quite a difference and price therefore quality, and I may regret buying cheap and buying twice.

I run PressurePro, and will be in Perth later this year……

one function I really like……

And I should tweak the setting ……

[Tombie]

There are 4 sensor manufacturers globally.
So don’t be fooled into believing a $1k system can be level of magnitudes better.

I have a $120 eBay kit (3 actually) and an expensive brand.
All perform equally.

[oka374]

I coughed up for a $500+ system with internal sensors about ten years ago now, after three years the batteries in the sensors started failing and as they aren't replaceable new sensors are required at about $80 each at the time. Despite being promoted by most in the 4wd movement NO spares were available and not long after the company went out of business.
As we were about to depart on an extended trip I bought a $45 solar powered unit on ebay with four external sensors and although they are all now well over 5 or 6 years old and the batteries have been easily replaced a few times they all still work well. On that frst trip they wobbled on the rubber stems and marked all the rims but that was cured by cutting short lengths of black foam pipe insulation from bunnings and fitting them between the sensors and rim.
Roll on to the present and they are now fitted to the new Method rims on the Oka with metal T double stems which work well as the sensor is placed back towards the wheel out of harms way and the other sid eis used to inflate and deflate as required.179255

[W&KO]

We run on valve sensors for 4 years and are currently doing the lap…….

We had one work loose 2 or 3 times on the one day…..the alarm lets you know immediately.

We run steel rims on the defer and you can see rubbing marks on the rim from the sensor.

Something to keep in mind, if your sensors come with locking grub screws (our didn’t), I’d strongly recommend not using the locking screws, have seen two people on the Gibb that couldn’t remove the locking screws and were using vice grips and pliers . Real pain on the side of the road when you want to adjust pressures.

Oh, I didn’t think about life of sensors, ours are sealed therefore throw away I.e. cannot replace the battery, we had one sensor start to fail (battery going flat) and I was carrying one spare. Ended up ordering four new ones which arrived before the second one started to fail.

lol and when you buy a $1000 system, replacing 4 sensors cost more than the most other complete systems on the market. Unsure if unit would pick up other sensors.

[W&KO]

Been looking at these myself.

Looking at another couple of threads, and PressurePro keeps coming up.
So I went and got a quote - came back at about $1000 for the full kit (including RAM mount, power supply and 4 monitors).
Turns out they're in Perth, and I'm currently working out with them if they can show me a working unit somewhere.

In the meantime, I thought I'd try this for an upcoming trip TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System Solar Power Universal Wireless Car Alarm System with 4 External Sensors Real-time Displays 4 Tires' Pressure & Temperature for Car (22-87 PSI/0-3.5 BAR) : Amazon.com.au: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07TMDNJ8J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00)
Quite a difference and price therefore quality, and I may regret buying cheap and buying twice.

I think I might be the only one running PressurePro on this forum, well probably the only one posting about them.

It’s the only TPMS that I’ve experienced, we ran a trial at work which is why I run them [emoji6]

It’s seems every TPMS on the market work just fine….

I just brought 4 sensors @ $80ea+ postage.

The one function I like is the one touch resetting of the reference pressure when you adjust pressures……i have no idea what required on other systems.

It’s probably an overkill for a 4B, as it collects and records all the info on anSD card which can be sent away to be analyzed