Thread: TPMS

How much of a hassle is it to remove and replace the external schrader valve screw on type sensors when you need to air down/up numerous times per day when you're traversing black top / dirt / black top ... ??

It _looks_ like it becomes a very time consuming process everytime you need to do this or am I missing something ??

Originally Posted by Fluids

How much of a hassle is it to remove and replace the external schrader valve screw on type sensors when you need to air down/up numerous times per day when you're traversing black top / dirt / black top ... ??

It _looks_ like it becomes a very time consuming process everytime you need to do this or am I missing something ??

Good point, and I'm about to find out.
I guess in that case you would attach, but not lock on the transponders and hope you didn't lose any in the bushes.

Could end up being a right PIA, and would also apply in a slow leak situation where top ups were required until you fixed it.

Originally Posted by PeterJ

Hi Ian sorry for the long time to reply I did try short valves and I couldn't find any that fitted and still allowed you to screw the sensor on the valves. I was trying with solid, bolt in type, which would also stop flex hence remove the problem but the clearance did not work.

Peter

Sent from my GT-N7100 using AULRO mobile app

Thanks Peter for getting back. Just to be sure are you referring to the Doran RV360. It's such a confusing business with some users on other forums having problems with Tyredogs.


Doran sounds good but I am a bit put off by your comment that it is not suited for off road as this is exactly what I want to use it for. I'm planning on going on the Oonadatta track in August and driving around the West MacDonnells. Only going with one spare so was hoping the TPMS might get me through.


Cheers Ian

Hi Ian, so sorry for the delay in getting back to you I have been North on holidays. Yes I am referring to the Doran unit. As a mater of fact exactly what I have been talking about happened. Driving along a rough-ish dirt track got the alarm indicating a loss of pressure in one of the tyres on the van, so the good news is that the system works. Got out to check and the leak was from a fracture at the base of the rubber tyre valve. Wiggle the tyre valve and air escapes, I have never had this type of failure before. I am going to investigate further, if fatigue has caused this failure then the added mass of the sensor on the valve will be a significant contributor. I will be home in another 2 weeks I will follow up then. Again sorry for the late reply.
Regards
Peter

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Thanks Peter for getting back and hope you had a good trip. I should be getting my Doran tomorrow so I'm really looking forward to seeing them in action. Will let you know after my August trip.


Cheers Ian

Originally Posted by RobA

In the first instance it depends on if you tow or not as if you do and want sensors on the camper/van you will either need a range extender or not. After 20 years of testing and using TPMS we have chosen one from LSM for the D4 and Ultimate as it does not need a range extender and given they operate in the mining industry the external sensors can and have taken a pounding. Info can be found at this link; Tyre Pressure / Temperature Monitoring Systems - Tyre Pressure / Temp Monitoring Systems

If you don't tow then the option widen we have used the Schraeder Air Aware and Sensatyre systems extensively and both are very good. Albeit the sensatyre needs a range extender if you want to tow so an additional cost.

Other brands have already been mentioned but our experience with several of them is that the external sensors don't handle the 20.000km or more we do off bitumen each year but I doubt anyone on this forum has that need. As well we have seen that each sensor is wheel specific so if it fails you need another of the same sort, vis LHF etc.

We like the LSM version as we carry a couple of spare sensors and they can be programmed to the wheel required rather than having to carry four etc.

One other comment is price is rarely a measure of accuracy and reliabilty

Rob

Hi Rob,


Do you use steel tyre valves with your TPMS. I've just bought the LSM Doran 360RV and aware of steel tyre valve issue. Do you fit them and if so what type and where from.


Ian

Hi Ian and others, an update from my last post. It was too difficult to see if the tyre valve stem failure was due to fatigue of the rubber valve stem and only circumstantial evidence that the LMS TPMS sensor was the direct cause, but I am not one for coincidence. None of the 3 local tyre dealers had stubby valve stems so I am going to have to search for some. A post I saw on the Australian Liberty Owners Club of a rim fitted with them seemed to indicate they were about 12mm shorter than standard, given that the sensors protrude about 20mm it will not fix the problem completely, but it will improve it significantly. Another factor is the diameter of the LMS sensors, at 25mm it makes it difficult to fit the sensor with shorter valve stems because they will contact the GOE 18" wheel rim, certainly this stops the use of steel valve stems, at least with the rubber ones you still have some flex. So the bottom line is stubby stems with some adhesive backed EPDM rubber to protect the rim where the sensor makes contact.
As an aside, I notice 10kPa error on one of my sensors from the tyre actual (set) pressure, has any one else with the LMS system noticed errors?

Peter

I've just fitted a SensaTyre unit, same as BMKal's it will do up 14 tyres.
Talking to a local with the same kit he found a slow leak long before it was evident from looking/kicking tyres each day.


I went for the internal units held in with a hose/jubilee clamp.
Works well on the tow horse, about to try the van out to see if I need to move the ariel.
I've got a base kit for 6 tyres and 3 additional sensors so all road tyres and 3 spares can be watched on big trips.
Settings can be made for different pressures so front/ back/van can all be set as required.
I bought through the local tyre service at a better price than online and as due for a balance anyway took the opportunity to fit the kit.