Tire pressure and Temperature Monitors

[Jammar9082]

I have been considering installing a tire pressure /Temperature monitoring system. The brand SmartTire appears to have a good product and , I think, is an OEM supplier to Detroit. Has anyone used this type of product and how did it perform?



I queried TireRack.com on sensors that are cold rated to 80 PSI. They said their sensors were rated to that pressure and were useful on E rated tires. However, there seems to be some problems with the weak signal strength from the transmitter reaching the receiver on the dash in a pickup. I am presuming this is a problem when the units is installed on a fifth wheel or TT rather than on a car. Does anyone have information on this weak signal?

 

[Fuzz]

Try dickmantires.com.

They claim to have a "booster" to get the signal up to the truck from the trailer,and have the 125# unit. .

I also have been looking...

Fuzz

 

[mgonske]

I have a first-generation SmartTire system on my 5th-wheel tires. The sensors are the truck models, rated for at least 80 psi (that's what I run--I forget what the upper end of the rating is).



I sometimes have gotten spotty reception from them, but they still give a lot of peace of mind.



I have a second-generation system on the workbench, waiting for time to get them installed on the new truck, along with four extra sensors for my flat-bed trailer; I'm hoping the sensors already installed on my 5th-wheel will work with this receiver (and not be on the same frequency as any of these 8).



I've had way too many bad surprises and anxious moments from trailer tires (on both trailers)--I love the option of having more information available in the cab. For those not familiar, the system can display the pressure and temperature of each tire (one at a time), plus it has two different pressure alarms and one temperature alarm (independently settable for each pair of tires) that are constantly monitored. The pressure alarms are automatically adjusted based on tire temperature (they go up as temp goes up). The first trip with the system, I was really surprised at how much the tire temps came down while driving in the rain--from 90-110 degrees F, down to ambient. Gotta love water-cooled tires.



I got the first-gen system from Tire Rack about a year and a half ago; the second-gen system came from either Quadratec or 4WD Hardware (can't remember for sure right now) about two months ago.



The first-gen system could monitor 6 tires; the second-gen can handle ten plus eight trailer.

 

[dewdo]

I discovered a way to keep a check on my tires after running 1,500 miles with an inside dual flat. I bought a hand held laser temperature device. Whenever I make a stop for anything I point it at the tires and it gives me the temperature of that tire. It also checks the temperature of the wheel hubs on the truck as well as on the fiver and boat trailer,



In the past year I have had the wheel bearings go out on the left front of my truck and on the boat trailer. Not a pleasant experience especially in a remote area at night. Wheels nearly came off on both. Oo.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[Jammar9082]

I went back to TireRack again for more specific information and they cannot recommend the SmarTire product for fifth wheel RV's at this time because of the weak signal from the transmitter. Sometimes the signal is good and other times it is sporadic.



I commended the customer service representative and TireRack for their customer oriented information. It is refreshing to get a straight answer.

 

[Kirwin]

Smartire System

I also have the first generation system. Its only limitation is that you can only monitor 6 tires. I have 4 sensors in the trailer tires and the last 2 in the rear truck tires. Most likely you will notice if the front tires are soft. The system works as advertised. It is such a relief to be able to just look up and see that all tires are properly inflated and running at normal temperatures. The system is so good that the tires on the sunny side of the trailer will be some 5-10 F hotter that the other side. I would like to get a second generation system too to be able to monitor all the tires on the truck and trailer. Would make tire rotation easier also! But even Smartire says that they are working on a system that will read greater that 80 PSIG and use the second generation display module and therefore read more that 6 tires. Best of all the pressure senders that the first generation system uses will also work with the second generation system. Ken Irwin