Thread: Internal TPMS

I can't give you recommendations for internals as I've moved away from them, but I did use Digi Options 6 sensor kit. Two failed. But I can tell you about my experiences. I've owned 3 different TPMS over the years, so the pros and cons for internal are;

Pro
Easy tyre inflation
No rubbing of sensor against rim

Cons
Batteries can't be replaced so it's new sensors every 2 years or so
Around $50 per tyre to fit and balance
Fiddle with the display to show correct position when you rotate tyres or exchange a flat. I didn't bother.
Difficult to add more tyres ie extra spares or trailer tyre. It's not as easy as buying more external sensors
Replacing a faulty sensor, even under warranty will cost you tyre fitting (twice)

Given the above, I've gone back to external sensors, the ones that use a spanner and nut to lock the sensor, not the fiddly grub screw type. I got Promata external 6 pce kit.

I have been running the "Sensatyre" TPMS system with internal monitors / transmitters since shortly after I bought the vehicle. I have 5 sensors fitted, and monitor all wheels including the spare. The type of sensors / transmitters are those that are secured to the centre of the wheel rim by a stainless steel "bandit" type strip around the centre of the rim. I have positioned the sensors directly in line with the valves so that I can tell tyre fitters what to look out for and where they are located.

The system I have included a "booster" receiver / transmitter which could be mounted under the rear of the vehicle to pick up and relay the signal from additional sensors on a trailer / caravan. The monitor unit allows for additional wheels - can't remember how many, but enough to cover any tandem axle caravan plus spares. I have never installed this booster nor any additional sensors.

I have always found the system to be very reliable, giving good, repeatable pressure values (and temperatures) for all wheels (pressures regularly checked against a good quality pressure gauge). You can program in alarm parameters for hi/lo pressure or temp, and the unit will give you plenty of warning if you venture outside of the set-points you have entered. Rotating tyres is pretty easily accommodated for - you can change the "position" of each sensor on the monitor quite easily. I have hard wired the monitor to power with ignition, so it comes on as soon as I start the vehicle. Battery life in the sensors has honestly been far greater than I expected (and supplier claimed). This system has been installed in my vehicle for 11 years, and I am only now losing signals as the batteries die. I still have 2 out of the original 5 working - but it is now only a matter of time.

I purchased the system originally from "Landybitz" - a vendor on this site. Checking his website, he no longer carries / sells this system. The current supplier is a company called "Remote Travel products" in Queensland. Their website is pretty crappy - SensaTyre – The most reliable tyre pressure monitoring system - but I got a better response by emailing a Peter Spowart at mailto:sales@remotetravel.com.au

Unfortunately, I cannot replace the batteries in the sensors / transmitters, but have to purchase new units and install them in the wheels. The quoted price for each unit is $80 though he has offered them to me for $70 as a returning customer. This is still $350 for me to replace all 5 sensors, and continue using a monitor which is a bit "agricultural" in appearance compared to others on the market today.

I have decided not to continue with this system, even though I really have not been able to fault it in the 11 years I have been using it. I placed an order earlier today for an "iCheck" TPMS which has 5 x external monitors / transmitters which screw on to the valve stem and can be secured (if desired) with locking nuts. I threw away the locking nuts on the cheap eBay TPMS on the wife's Camry a long time ago, and have yet to lose a monitor from that car.
The "iCheck" system allows you to program in two different sets of operating pressures / temperatures for front wheels and two for rear wheels. This is an advantage if you regularly "air down" for beach driving or similar - you can set your TPMS to monitor "off road" or "highway" conditions.

iCheckTPMS - Best Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Australia

The set that I have ordered retails at $250 for 5 wheels on their website. I am buying through a mate who is a re-seller in the top end of WA and he has said he will beat this price.

Originally Posted by BMKal

I have been running the "Sensatyre" TPMS system with internal monitors / transmitters since shortly after I bought the vehicle. I have 5 sensors fitted, and monitor all wheels including the spare. The type of sensors / transmitters are those that are secured to the centre of the wheel rim by a stainless steel "bandit" type strip around the centre of the rim. I have positioned the sensors directly in line with the valves so that I can tell tyre fitters what to look out for and where they are located.

The system I have included a "booster" receiver / transmitter which could be mounted under the rear of the vehicle to pick up and relay the signal from additional sensors on a trailer / caravan. The monitor unit allows for additional wheels - can't remember how many, but enough to cover any tandem axle caravan plus spares. I have never installed this booster nor any additional sensors.

I have always found the system to be very reliable, giving good, repeatable pressure values (and temperatures) for all wheels (pressures regularly checked against a good quality pressure gauge). You can program in alarm parameters for hi/lo pressure or temp, and the unit will give you plenty of warning if you venture outside of the set-points you have entered. Rotating tyres is pretty easily accommodated for - you can change the "position" of each sensor on the monitor quite easily. I have hard wired the monitor to power with ignition, so it comes on as soon as I start the vehicle. Battery life in the sensors has honestly been far greater than I expected (and supplier claimed). This system has been installed in my vehicle for 11 years, and I am only now losing signals as the batteries die. I still have 2 out of the original 5 working - but it is now only a matter of time.

I purchased the system originally from "Landybitz" - a vendor on this site. Checking his website, he no longer carries / sells this system. The current supplier is a company called "Remote Travel products" in Queensland. Their website is pretty crappy - SensaTyre – The most reliable tyre pressure monitoring system - but I got a better response by emailing a Peter Spowart at mailto:sales@remotetravel.com.au

Unfortunately, I cannot replace the batteries in the sensors / transmitters, but have to purchase new units and install them in the wheels. The quoted price for each unit is $80 though he has offered them to me for $70 as a returning customer. This is still $350 for me to replace all 5 sensors, and continue using a monitor which is a bit "agricultural" in appearance compared to others on the market today.

I have decided not to continue with this system, even though I really have not been able to fault it in the 11 years I have been using it. I placed an order earlier today for an "iCheck" TPMS which has 5 x external monitors / transmitters which screw on to the valve stem and can be secured (if desired) with locking nuts. I threw away the locking nuts on the cheap eBay TPMS on the wife's Camry a long time ago, and have yet to lose a monitor from that car.
The "iCheck" system allows you to program in two different sets of operating pressures / temperatures for front wheels and two for rear wheels. This is an advantage if you regularly "air down" for beach driving or similar - you can set your TPMS to monitor "off road" or "highway" conditions.

iCheckTPMS - Best Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Australia

The set that I have ordered retails at $250 for 5 wheels on their website. I am buying through a mate who is a re-seller in the top end of WA and he has said he will beat this price.

Hey mate,

I have the I check.. Love them, just went on the back order list for another set.. The standard unit picks up the tyres on my boat trailer aswell. No issues pumping up or down as I use a gauge anyway..I don't use the lock nuts because I can't be bothered.

The temp sensing function is a bit average of im honest. But I'm told all of the external type are. I was also told. Don't worry about temps. The pressure will change if the temps are bad anyway.

Originally Posted by josh.huber

Hey mate,

I have the I check.. Love them, just went on the back order list for another set.. The standard unit picks up the tyres on my boat trailer aswell. No issues pumping up or down as I use a gauge anyway..I don't use the lock nuts because I can't be bothered.

The temp sensing function is a bit average of im honest. But I'm told all of the external type are. I was also told. Don't worry about temps. The pressure will change if the temps are bad anyway.

Thanks Josh.

I just ordered mine and they will be in the post on Monday (supplier is away from home at the moment). If you want something quicker than "backorder" - I can put you onto someone in Kununurra WA who has stock.

Originally Posted by BMKal

Thanks Josh.

I just ordered mine and they will be in the post on Monday (supplier is away from home at the moment). If you want something quicker than "backorder" - I can put you onto someone in Kununurra WA who has stock.

I'll give that a look now, thanks for the heads up. The next set are for my uncle. I've got him on board with the idea to..I lost a boost trailer tyre once, cost me thousands

Originally Posted by josh.huber

I'll give that a look now, thanks for the heads up. The next set are for my uncle. I've got him on board with the idea to..I lost a boost trailer tyre once, cost me thousands

If you go to this facebook page - the bloke is Geoff Burrows. I have dealt with him before in my woodworking hobby - he is a great bloke and very reliable. Tell him that I referred you (Brian Murray).

Gettin' There

Originally Posted by SandmanDisco4

So sick of taking externals off filling tyre, guess and then again. Used to have Arb internals but not reliable and now recalled. Anyone recommend a reliable internal tpms that includes trailer?

I have been using Safety Dave EXTERNAL TPMS for years now without incident. Never bother with the original grub screws or the locking rings - just screw them on like a valve cap and that’s it. Never had a problem. Very easy to change the batteries and very accurate.

Originally Posted by SandmanDisco4

So sick of taking externals off filling tyre, guess and then again. Used to have Arb internals but not reliable and now recalled. Anyone recommend a reliable internal tpms that includes trailer?

I’m a little lost on the ‘guess and then again’??

You will still have to remove a valve cap with internals…..

My externals don’t have locking grub screws or nuts therefore no more difficult than removing a valve cap.

We’re full time on the road and feel I’m constantly changing pressures….best thing about the TPMS we have is we only need press once to acknowledge new base pressure…..