I have programmed my monitor/display to show only the 4 trailer tires in sequence. It displays the most recent data from each sensor for 5 seconds (pressure and temp) then moves on to the next sensor. Each sensor transmits an updated pressure and temp reading at approximately 5 minute intervals, or immediately if there is any rapid change in pressure. There is a lot of debate on various forums regarding the accuracy and value of various TPMS temperature monitoring methods. Since this one is mounted on the valve stem it can only measure the temperature of the stem - however since the valve stem is metal and in contact with the rim I think it is a reliable temperature indicator. It definitely measures a significant difference in temperature when the trailer is in motion as opposed to when it has been sitting idle all day.
PROBLEMS:
I have not been able to get the monitor to shut off automatically. It is supposed to sense motion/vibration and turn off when the vehicle is still for more than a few minutes, but my monitor does not seem to shut off so I have remember to manually turn the monitor off.
Also there is no loss-of-signal indication. If I disconnect the trailer and drive off for the day, the display still shows the last pressure reading until I force a reset by turning the monitor off and back on. So, if a sensor fails, or flies off of the rim, there will be no indication of a problem on the monitor. I spoke with the TST manager about this and he indicated it was on the list of improvements for the next version/model.
I will continue to update this page based on my experiences.
Any additional information or comments are welcome.
Thanks, K4HM - Hank
| Tire Rack | This site has a lot of general Information about TPMS systems.
They also sell several brands of TPMS. |
| Orange Electronic TPMS System | Has good reviews and is the least expensive I found. Alarm points set by user.
Sensor mounts INSIDE the rim. For use with max tire pressure of 60psi. |
| HawksHead | 2nd lowest price I found. Includes temperature monitoring. Pressure alarms preset at 12.5% drop and 25% drop. |
| Truck System Technologies | Good price system pacckages for 2 - 22 wheels. Includes temperature monitoring. This is one of the systems sold by Camping World but direct purchase beats CW member price by mucho $. System can be expanded by simply adding more sensors. They recommend using metal valve stems. |
| Doran | Many options, but none have temperature monitoring. |
| PressurePro | Probably the best known but is expensive and has no temperature monitoring. |
| TireStat | More expensive, air up without removing sensors, requires metal stems, programmable alarms. |
| SmarTire | Dealer installed only - requires tire removal and valve replacement.
This system is "Smart" because it adjusts the alram level to compensate for tire temperature. |