Trailer Tire Monitor Systems for Heavy Rigs

[gulfcoast john]

We've had 3 trailer tire blowouts (more like explosions with shredded steel belts) with our prior big Regal 2665 cruiser rig (also 10K#), the most excruciating on the 8-lane section of I-10 through Mobile. It made us want to do anything we can to prevent recurrence. We already replace all trailer tires including un-used spares every 36-(absolute max) 48 months from manufacture date (stamped in code on all tires) regardless of pristine appearance (call us once-burned). We never exceed the 65 MPH max speed design limit of all ST tires (DOT Special Purpose, which includes all boat trailer tires). We bought an expensive remote RF tire pressure/temp sensor reporting system that almost paid for itself today.
http://tsttruck.com/
The reason I argue that is because big heavy trailers use tires that are engineered to bear only their rated load and never twice that, not even for 30 seconds. So, when you have the inevitable blowout and have to maneuver to the shoulder when you can do so safely, you are doomed to replace not just one, but 2 $140-$190 trailer tires (3 for triple axle trailers).
One trailer tire went from 82 PSI to 31 PSI while parked at the marina, and the alarm beep/flashing red LED on the tire monitor got my attention (even without my hearing aid). A nail in the parking lot? Who knows.
So we wrestled off the bad 100# or so tire in today's 110 heat index heat advisory. As a condition of sale, the PO agreed at survey to replace all tires and provide a spare. The spare tire had the wrong lug nut pattern and there was NO WAY to use it! OK, I'm a dope and I admit I never confirmed my spare has the right lug nut pattern. I'm SURE you have.
We had already wrestled off another trailer tire yesterday (112 heat index) when the monitor alarm went off showing 25 PSI on it and I took it to our tire guy...slow leak in a bad valve stem. It's AMAZING how a boat trailer tire with 25 PSI and one next to it with 80 PSI look EXACTLY THE SAME.
I admit that I considered this system as somewhat of a 'boy toy' and that it is expensive... but we all demand that remote sensors tell us RIGHT NOW if our truck engine temp is high or oil pressure low...what's so different about trailer tire pressure and temp, in this age of ever-cheaper remote RF sensors?
I really like seeing each trailer tire pressure/temp displayed for 30sec in sequence (any sudden change reported immediately with an alarm). This system is made for commercial 18-24 wheeler truckers, but it works for me, too.
The median C-Dory Brat tows a 22 and is not an 8 ton rig like us, and doesn't need this. In a Worst Case Scenario the average C-Brat disabled boat/trailer can be winched onto any car hauler and be under the 13.5 ft federal bridge limit hght, but not a 255.
I will bet (Me the Outlier) a box of Black Box Pinot Grigio that we are the only Brats using a remote RF system like this. I just want others to know that the technology exists, because it took me years to find it on my own.
I now know Dr Bob is also (among his many other talents) a Big Rig RV driver...He may be familiar with the pros and cons of these systems, and if so, I hope he will offer his opinions.
As always, and in advance, Your Mileage WILL differ!
HAPPY BOATING!
John

[Dreamer]

Having gone to the "Dark Side" RVing vs boating, we have become very aware of tire problems that many have faced. We have been lucky so far with no failures. It is very hard to find trailer tires that are not manufactured in China (China Bombs!).

One couple that supplements their full timing with some RV products is Dutch & Di of Plug It Right. They started out with a replacement plug for 5.9 Cummins engine oil pans. They have moved on to various RV accessories that they use and recommend like the tire pressure monitoring system. Here is their write up of the system the currently sell and swear by.:

TST Tire Pressure Monitoring System



We were very unhappy with the brand of tire pressure monitoring system we had previously & were hesitant about trying another brand. We decided to give the TPMS systems one more chance. We loved the TST on our 1st 190 mile trip with it. But the next day we were completely sold!!! We were traveling through downtown Vegas when I heard a beep! Sure enough the monitor was "telling" us the rear 5th wheel passenger side tire was going down. We stopped at a light and I got out thinking it would be another false alarm like on our other system but nope, it was spot on, the tire was going down. We pulled into the next parking lot and found the 5 year old valve stem leaking. Dutch put our spare on and we continued on our way. We feel 100% sure that this system saved us from ruining a tire. We had the valve stem changed the next morning & we're back in business. The 2nd instance the brake caliper stuck and was causing so much heat the monitor went off. While it did destroy the caliper, I feel the system saved our rotor, tire and possibly damage to our 5th wheel because of this alert.

FEATURES:
This system will notify you in the event of a nail puncture or other gradual pressure loss, sudden tire temperature increases, or in the event of a rapid deflation in the coach, toad, or trailer tires.

THIS SYSTEM REPORTS BOTH TEMPERATURE AND PSI SIMULTANEOUSLY!!
During the initial setup, you set each individual tire for the PSI setting you want. When you calibrate the system, it remembers each individual PSI setting. If you some reason, down the road, you wanted to change the PSI in a particular tire or all the tires in the truck or 5th wheel, you can do that too.

ICE, SNOW, RAIN, EXTREME HEAT....WE CAN TAKE IT!!
It consumes minimal space, remains attractive, tasteful, and optimally functional.
Let the system monitor your tires and avoid the manual effort!!
We Offer A 2 Year Warranty. If TST Is Offering A Special On Warranty, We Will Honor It.

OUR IMPRESSIONS:
The monitor wasn't hard to set up and is very easy to read. We was also very pleased at how readable the screen was at night when the light automatically came on. You can keep it plugged it but but it comes with a lithium battery, for people like us who don't want to have wires hanging everywhere. It holds a charge for 30 hours. It comes with a special tool to install and remove the sensors for a nice theft deterrent. Best of all,in addition to on the dash, I put it in every out of the way cubbyhole I could find and it still monitored flawlessly. We are very happy we gave a tire pressure monitoring system another chance.
The lit screen which comes on automatically at night is very easy to read.
This is a good quality, reasonably priced monitoring system.
Each system comes with a Monitor, Sensors, Sensor Tools, & Power Cord. The 510 system also includes an extended antenna.
**BATTERY LIFE: 510 system 5 to 7 years. 507 repleacable battery system 9 months to 1 year**
Prices range from $259.00 for a 4 sensor system to $599.00 for a 12 sensor system. All pricing includes shipping

Listed below is a brief comparison between the 510 & 507 systems.
The 510 System has a flat screen monitor and a flat bottom. It has a curved or rounded end so it will sit just about anywhere. The battery life in these sensors should last between 5 & 7 years. When the time comes to replace the sensor, you send it in to TST with $20.00 and they send you a new sensor.
The 507 System is shaped more like a cell phone say a Black Berry or I phone. It comes with a window Dash mount and a base stand it sits in so you can have your choice. The batteries in the sensor are replaceable. You can get them at Wal*Mart, Radio Shack, etc. They run from $1.50 to $2.50 per battery. They should last 9 to 12 months.
Both systems are wireless and will give 30 hours of continuous use between charges. When it gets down to one bar, just plug in to recharge. Both also come with a hard wiring kit if you so choose. They both come with a wrench that "locks" the sensors on for a theft deterrent.
Dutch and I can both hear the alarm on our 510 system but the 507 has a bit louder alarm. Both systems have easy to read screens and light up at night should you need it.
You program the 510 by moving the buttons up or down to enter each sensor and parameter settings codes. On the 507 you hold the sensor up to the monitor and it reads it for you. You still have to manually program in your parameters. Both are easy to program.
I carry both systems. My Customer base is split about 50/50 on which one they use. I have tried both and as a personal preference, I just like the 510 monitor better. Dutch feels comfortable with us using the sensors where you don’t replace the batteries but again, it is just a personal preference. They operate the same. To date, none of my customers have contacted me saying they needed the repeater. I do offer it but see no reason to spend $60.00 + shipping if it is not needed.
Please visit call me at 941-416-0918 10 am to 10 pm 7 days a week, e-mail me at www.plugitright.com or visit our website at www.plugitright.com for more information or to place an order. Di

[Bill K]

You lose that bet.
I have been using remote external tire pressure sensors since 2009.

I change them from one trailer to another.

Quote
I will bet (Me the Outlier) a box of Black Box Pinot Grigio that we are the only Brats using a remote RF system like this. I just want others to know that the technology exists, because it took me years to find it on my own. Quote

Bill Kelleher

[thataway]

Yep. We use the "Tire Safe Guard system" which seems to be the system of choice for Monaco RV's, as well as some commercial fleets.. We had a different TSP system, but without replaciable batteries. Our current system has 6 monitors for the RV tires, ($600 a tire if they go South) and 4 more for either the Towed SUV, or the boat trailer. This system reads the trailer tires at 100 feet, which I really like--it will read before we hook up. It also reads tire temp as well as presssure--and as noted above the immediate screach alarm with rapid pressure loss, and a beep with slow pressure loss.

I had a problem with an inner dual on the RV (Soap and water does wonders)---it was a remote valve stem extender--and use of a new seal on the extension and soft form-a-gasket on the threads--3000 miles and a month later no air loss. Any of the monitor systems can pay for themselves if you loose a tire. It also avoids checking all of the tire pressures each AM. We do carry a 110 volt Porter Cable compressor, (150 PSI) and make sure all tires are equal. The RV has flow thru valves, so it is easy to add air. The units on the trailer/towed vehicle are not flow thru. All have replacable batteries, and "locks" on the valve stem to prevent thieft.

Unfortunately the pressure sensors don't show trailer tongue status! But they do a great job on the tires I still use an IR thermometer on all hubs every two hours.

One other lesson we learned with the trailer tongue failure, is the wheel base of the 22 trailer is too wide for the flat bed truck sent for us.

Thanks for bringing up the subjecct!

[hardee]

This is cool technology and obviously far better than my tire bumper, but with that, at least, I can tell the difference between the 80# and the #30 tire when I'm doing my walk around. The IR thermometer comes in handy too, if that is done right after I stop. A single trailer is much easier to tell if a tire is low, but could be much worse if not caught in the parking lot.

Nice info on the TST system, Thanks Roger.

Harvey
SleepyC

[Jack in Alaska]

I have used TST sensors for 3 yrs w/o any problems on my 5th.whl. with metal valve stems.
Last year I sold the 5th.whl. but kept the TST system. I installed them on a boat trailer with rubber stems. They operate OK but after several hundred miles I noticed that centrifugal force bent the stems over so the TST sensors rubbed on the wheel marring the paint. The TST's were removed before the stems pulled out.
It showed me that metal valve stems are required to with stand the centrifugal force. The metal also transfers heat to the monitor faster.
I also use an IR gun at each stop.

[Discovery]

We also used the TPMS sensors on the motorhome and toad. Then transfer it to the boat or 5th wheel or whatever we are towing. It just takes a few minutes to reprogram the sensors.

[Will-C]

Now that you have your tires straightened out. Spit out that Black Box Pinot Grigio and get with some of the Bota Box Pinot Grigio.
D.D.

[gulfcoast john]

Will-C,
Will do!
Happy boating!
John