Tire Pressure Monitoring System

[Casey Balvert]

Since getting the new fiver with all those tires on it, I have a renewed interest in equipping the rig with a tire pressure monitoring system. I want to monitor 14 tires in all (excluding spares) and have done some searches on the net. The Smart Tire Gen 2 system looks like it will do what I want. Has anyone installed this system on their truck and/or trailer? Just thought I would check about any real world experiences before I plunk down close to a grand for it. Thanks.



Casey

 

[mgonske]

Casey, I've got both Gen I and Gen II SmarTire systems.



Overall, they're great, and have saved me tires twice (caught repairable leaks, a puncture and a broken valve stem, on the flatbed), and prevented consequential damage by giving me instant notice of blowouts (twice) on the fifth-wheel, as well as warning me, through high temps, of progressing damage on the fifth-wheel (managed to stretch out an additional 400 miles by slowing down and doing frequent water quenching).



I do have trouble maintaining continuous signals from the trailers; the Gen II system is on full time on the truck, and almost never loses signal.



The Gen II system can monitor 20 tires, but the sensors only read up to 67(?) psi. They're still useful for monitoring temperatures, and at least the fact that you're over 67; however, the 'corrected' delta-pressure function doesn't work above 67 (it calculates what pressure you should be at, given the tire's temperature).



I have the Gen II system on the truck, and on the flatbed (which has P-series tires). The fifth-wheel has Gen I sensors (good to 110 psi) intalled, but they're not compatible with the Gen II receiver, so I have to use two displays when pulling it. The Gen I display is only good for six tires.



Doesn't quite make sense--the system that cam monitor 20 tires is only good for low pressures, and the one that's good for high pressures can only monitor six tires. Hopefully they will (or maybe have by now?) come out with high pressure transducers for the Gen II system.



It's not very clear, but the receiver is visible through the lower right quadrant of the steering wheel here...

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[RADdodge]

I found this site a while ago and would like to find out more about them. They use a standard 2" gage for monitoring pressure. The senders are very small and fit in the valve stems and there are both pros and cons about that. Check it out.



http://www.doranmfg.com/tirepressuremonitors.htm

 

[mgonske]

SmarTire Info

In response to a PM request, I looked up SmarTire's website, and while there I noticed they now have a different receiver, with an external antenna to address the trailer tire signal issue. It also says they will have the Gen II high pressure sensors available in 2004. There's a list of links to dealers on the site, as well.



That Doran sysem looks pretty neat--I wonder what their prices are like. Keeping the sensors external is a neat idea--you could swap them from one trailer to another, and save on the total investment required. The standard gauge hole mounting is nice--of course how many of us have extra gauge mounting holes available?

 

[Casey Balvert]

From what I can see, the Doran system's pressures are too high. I think the lowest is 95 psi. Sure looks slick though and very easy to install.



Casey

 

[rweis]

TTT



The Doran system seems to have a RV system that includes a towed vehicle which would be a automobile type vehicle ie lower pressure tire.



There are $$ on the order page.



Anyone have this system?



Bob Weis

 

[rweis]

SmarTire now has high pressure sensors and are starting to retail them.



After checking ALL possibilities this is the way I'm going.



It can monitor up to 20 tires, up to 150 psi, and you get temperature as well, 7 year battery life.



Bob Weis

 

[Kirwin]

Smart tire Gen II system

Casey, Just got back from a 1200 mile shake down cruise with my new 2nd generation Smartire system. It is great and does what it says it will. I use it to monitor all 10 tires on my travel trailer/truck combination . The new high pressure transmitters are good from about 45 psig up to 125 psig. I did buy the optional antenna kit (about $30) and never lost contact with any of my transmitters. I had the first generation Smarttire system on before and it is just as good except that it will only monitor 6 tires total. Your right the system is a bit pricey, but consider that you can read tire pressure that is temperature compensated and real time and trire temperature for any tire while you are going down the road! Ther system is easy to install but does require dismounting of all 10 tires to install the transmitters. They mount on the deep portion of the rim inside the tire. Just go ahead and spend the money, you won't regret it, then you can relax and know that the trailer tires are OK.

 

[rweis]

That is EXACTEKY what I wanted to know. Someone doing this in real situation driving real time.



Thanks,



Bob Weis

 

[Servis]

In Geno's Garage catalogue they list two sets of tire pressure indicators they have lower pressurer( 50 Psi for $12. 50 and high pressure 65 to 80 psi for $ 5. 95. To order call 1-800-755-1715 Fax 770-886-861811 or catalogue information 770-886-2500

I hope this helps.