Tyre Pressure Sensors

[Turtle61]

OK. After the Tyrecheckers thread I thought I should ask who is using what type of tyre pressure sensors and what is a good value system.

So, who is using what and why? I am thinking of getting something for peace of mind when doing long runs on and off the highway.

[dmdigital]

I've got TyreDogs, seem to be OK, haven't really used them with a vengeance (long trip) yet.

[hook]

I would love to get a set of tyre dogs.
Would use them on the trailer on long trips, as well.

I do you steel valve caps, as they don't leak.

[p38arover]

I bought one about 6 years back from Berrima Diesel for $450 after having a blow out of a rear tyre on the freeway. The TPS is Chinese and poorly made and locks up when I try to set it. One sensor no longer works.

The clip won't hold it properly so it's continually falling off the windscreen. I can't tell you the brand as I'm not at home. It wouldn't be available any more anyway.

These days they are available for much less money from a number of sources.

[PhilipA]

I read on another forum that the ones that replace the valve cap can flog themselves to death on corrugated roads.
Apparently the valve stem moves enough for them to continually hit the wheel, destroying them in short order.
I guess you could wrap foam around them but seems a hassle.
Regards Philip A

[p38arover]

The sensors on mine are inside the wheel, connected to the valve stem.

[rrturboD]

I've had a set of TyreDog (4 wheel) for about 18 months. One sensor had the battery retaining clip break, unit was replaced under warranty. I did a little measuring and found that there was a gap inside the cover of about 1.2mm, between the battery and the cap, so put a piece of that white foam (for sticking under vases/furniture etc) in the cap, so when the cap is screwed in, battery is clamped in place. When towing, I used to take the front ones and put them on the trailer. I replaced my 4wheel unit a few months ago when the 6 wheel unit became available. I do not believe the pressure readings, as they do not seem accurate to the pound... but the alarm I have set for 25 lbs works!. On a recent trip through Tassie, one trailer tyre decided to leak.... I did not notice the display of the reducing pressure, but the beeping of the alarm got our attention. Removed the screw from the tread, plugged, reinflated, and continued...
The wheel sensors do get shaken about, there is evidence that they have been resting on the rim. ALSO fit them when the tyre place is balancing your wheels, as although they are only small, they do change the balance weights required.