Which Tyre Pressure Monitors
Submitted: Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 08:34
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OBJ
I am chatting to Santa and have told him I would like some Tyre Pressure Monitors, but now he needs to know which ones I like best. And I thought Santa already knew all this stuff!!!
I believe Uniden have a model that goes inside the tyre, which means having a tyre fitter remove the tyre, fit them and replace the tyre. No drama and it's nice to
shop locally. Others, of course simply screw onto the tyre valve externally. No local shopping here.
Obviously they need to be wireless so I can see from inside the car. Now my dilemma.
IF (and it's a big IF) I had a flat tyre and had to resort to the tried and tested (???) butane method of reseating a tyre, would the internally fitted one suffer?
In short, from users experience, what do you recommend as a TPMS, so that I can get back to Santa.
Thank you in advance.
OBJ
Reply By: Kazza055 - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 09:04
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 09:04
I have had the
INNOTECHRV 10 SENSOR TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM for 6 years now. I monitor the 8 road tyres plus the 2 spares, all without the need of a repeater.
Very happy and never had any problems, other than battery replacement, with the external senders.
AnswerID:
633814
Reply By: Member - Vince M (NSW) - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 09:13
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 09:13
I'm old school, just something extra, but I'm not against them, I can say that on several remote trips that I have been on, The vehicles that had the type that are screwed onto the valves had many more valve stem chop offs than others & where all on std or skinner rims & tyres with rubber pull thru valve stems i have always run steel bolt type stems since the seventy's & it could have been just bad luck or bad drivers but it was noticeable
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Erad - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 10:29
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 10:29
Sorry - but this year, Santa won't be allowed into Australia because of the virus situation.
Seriously, I have a cheapie set of TPMS, and one of the sensors reads low. I know about it and ignore the reading, hoping that when/if the tyre gets a
puncture, it will then tell me that. They are the type which fits onto the valve stems.
I had a problem once. We had parked our van in a a caravan park and gone exploring in a nearby National Park. Way out the back of Whoop Whoop, I was coming around a corner and the car oversteered badly. I stopped and sure enough, the rear right tyre was flat. It was a negative camber corner, loose gravel and
miles from anywhere. I had to jack the car and fit the spare tyre, but because of my severe respiratory condition, this took nearly 2 hours by the time it was all done. The loose, sloping surface didn't help either. I checked the tyre - no cuts, no screws or nails - no possible cause for the flat. I was putting the flat tyre back onto the rear door of my Pajero when my wife asked if the TMPS sensor would foul the spare tyre cover. I checked, and found that the rotten sensor had simply vibrated loose, allowing the air to escape from the tyre. A quick dash back into town and pump the tyre back up. In the morning, it was still quite hard, so I fitted it back onto the car and all was
well.
Question: Why didn't the TPMS tell me it was going flat?
Answer: The monitor unit was having a hissy fit telling me that the caravan tyres were flat or had been stolen or whatever because it couldn't find them, so I turned the monitor off......
Moral of the story - if you have a valve stem sensors, make sure that they are securely tightened on th stems.
AnswerID:
633816
Follow Up By: Member - Jim S1 - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 11:36
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 11:36
That seems odd. The ones I have just screw onto the valve stem , and when I unscrew the TPM , the valve releases and no air escapes.
Cheers
Jim
| "Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." A fisherman.
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FollowupID:
910911
Follow Up By: Darian - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 12:14
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 12:14
As the sensor slowly vibrates loose, it might
well be in that ‘air loss’ point on the thread for just long enough...a position we pass rapidly as we screw them on and off. My 8 Innotech system sensors came with a brass lock nut and special spanner. As to whether my kit works
well...have not used the vehicle enough yet to tell !
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Member - John - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 11:37
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 11:37
OBJ, watching with interest.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - Warren H - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 12:27
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 12:27
This is a regularly visted topic on the various 4wd forums. The
Masten branded tpms are popular and more or less identical to a number that are significantly more expensive. I've had a set for two years. The major shortcoming is the lack of a way to toggle between say 4wd settings (low tyre pressure) and highway settings. You have to manually change the low pressure warning value. Other than that there is the debate about internal vs external. Internal potentially will give early warning of bearing failure before catastrophic damage occurs.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Warren H - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 13:50
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 13:50
Interesting the Masten is a few dollars cheaper for the 6 sensor system but significantly more expensive for the 10?? The Innotechrv has an on/offroad setting which is a big tick.
FollowupID:
910914
Reply By: Tomdej - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 14:33
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 14:33
I have a Masten with internal sensors. It's fantastic.
Easy to change the pressures at which the alarm will sound so changing the setting after
airing down is quick.
Great peace of mind when driving on corrugated roads to know you do not have a deflating or flat tyre.
I have sensors in all 4 tyres and both spares. I've been on a number of trips where others have written off tyres due to not knowing they had a
puncture and kept driving on them. It won't stop punctures but you will be much less likely to write off a tyre as you can replace or plug it. Less need to spend time and lots of money on a spare in the outback.
One of the most useful mods on my 4WD.
For your sake I hope Santa is listening, and that you've been good this year.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: OBJ - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 19:37
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 19:37
I have tried to be good, but with my Santa you never know until D Day!
OBJ
FollowupID:
910918
Reply By: Gramps - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 15:32
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 15:32
Have used the Safety Dave units on metal T-stems for 4 years. No problems other than changing batteries. Have 8 units covering tug, camper and 2 spares. Easy enough to change pressures after airing up/down.
Regards
AnswerID:
633821
Follow Up By: Member - John - Monday, Oct 26, 2020 at 12:19
Monday, Oct 26, 2020 at 12:19
Gramps, just called Safety Dave and they don't stock the valve stems, can I ask where abouts you got them? TIA
FollowupID:
910986
Follow Up By: Gramps - Monday, Oct 26, 2020 at 12:35
Monday, Oct 26, 2020 at 12:35
John,
Sorry, I got the valve stems from
Fobotyre. Expensive little suckers but happy with them. They also do a TPMS but I already had mine from Safety Dave.
Regards
FollowupID:
910987
Follow Up By: Member - John - Monday, Oct 26, 2020 at 12:53
Monday, Oct 26, 2020 at 12:53
Agree, I need 8, $232.00, but I can see the convenience of them. Cheers.
FollowupID:
910989
Reply By: catmandoo - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 16:37
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 16:37
Hi OBJ,
I have the Inawise system of internal sensors (monitoring 10 wheels). Very reliable and very easy to change pressure limits from on-road to off-road with the press of a button.
There was an issue with sourcing replacement sensors when the Australian distributor went belly-up but you can now get sensors and consoles from the Valor distributor in Australia. I believe they will be in Aus for the long haul as they supply the mining industry among others.
I have sources sensors from them and they work fine.
AnswerID:
633823
Follow Up By: Malcom M - Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 13:02
Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 13:02
+1 for Innawise / Valor
You can't beat being able to set the baseline pressures with just one button press.
They also handle low inflation pressures which a lot of other brands do not.
FollowupID:
910924
Reply By: OBJ - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 19:39
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 19:39
Thank you for your reasoned and informative responses.
I very much appreciate the information.
I shall advise Santa. Given the amount of travel he does, I am sure he is already a member .
thanks.
OBJ
AnswerID:
633824
Follow Up By: Member - John - Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 17:51
Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 17:51
OBJ, so which one will Santa be bringing?

Santa
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: OBJ - Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 19:36
Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 19:36
Shall advise in due course
John. Still wading through the responses.
I think Santa is asking for my bank PIN number and title deeds to the house. Do you need them as
well???
Cheers
John
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - John - Saturday, Oct 24, 2020 at 08:05
Saturday, Oct 24, 2020 at 08:05
Yes, looking at all options. Cheers.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: My Aussie Travel Guide - Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 20:15
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 at 20:15
We use Sensatyre, their internal TPMS system, and have been impressed with their performance. We did a review some time ago if you’d like to see how they performed
https://www.unsealed4x4.com.au/reviewed-sensatyre-tpms/
AnswerID:
633826
Follow Up By: Member - peter_mcc - Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 08:14
Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 08:14
I use them too - they have worked
well. The steel bands around the rims that hold the sensor on can fail so now I use two long cable ties joined together.
FollowupID:
910920
Follow Up By: Member - Robert1660 - Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 16:49
Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 16:49
I had a Sensatyre internal system on my previous 200 Series. Worked very
well. Monitoring temperatures is actually more significant than monitoring pressure. Had only one
puncture with the system and it alerted me and by the time I managed to stop and check the tyre was only half deflated. Unfortunately it was a sidewall issue which could not be repaired but at least under normal circumstances it would certainly save a tyre. Had them on the Tvan as
well. Generally managed to connect to these wheels without too many issues. Recommended!
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Genny - Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 10:07
Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 10:07
Don't these darn things throw your wheel balance out?
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Kazza055 - Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 10:39
Friday, Oct 23, 2020 at 10:39
Not that I have noticed but if it does, have them balanced with the sender in place - easy peasy.
FollowupID:
910922
Reply By: Phil G - Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 06:05
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 06:05
Had the ABR Sidewinder ones for many years whch are identical to the sets by Safety Dave and Masten and maybe others. Have always worked very
well.
I never bothered with the locking screws , but on trips over the last year, have lost 3 sensors on corrugated roads, so I now use the screws that were supplied. Been a great system though and after owning them for maybe 10 years you can still buy spares from Derek at Sidewinder:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TPMS-TYRE-PRESSURE-MONITORING-SYSTEM-CAR-4WD-CARAVAN-8-SENSORS-12V-24V-NEW-MODEL/392841538461?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Mark (Tamworth NSW) - Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 10:08
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 10:08
X2 for ARB Sidewinder set I've had for the past 5 years and more than 200 000km, having only to replace the batteries after about four years
I don't use the grub screw, the only sensor I lost was after a balance/alignment where the tyre operator didn't screw one on tightly enough by hand. I now check them before I drive off from having tyre work done.
Mark
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Phil G - Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 10:39
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 10:39
Gday Mark,
Had mine for about 8 years and never had one come loose until last year.
Whenever they go loose or come off, the unit alarms.
But after two came off last year and retracing our steps and finding them, I double check for tightness. I've lost three more since which were definitely tight and all have been on Right hand side wheels of both car and caravan. I have a theory that they have been tapping the rims and on the right side they get turned anticlockwise. And its always been on dirt roads, usually corrugated.
The screws are pain when you often air down
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 11:20
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 11:20
.
G'day Phil,
I avoided the problem of losing sensors by drilling my rims and fitting rigid valve stems to attach the sensors with locknuts. This also avoids 'rattling' sensors and leaves the original valves readily accessible for airing up and down.
Originally I had internal sensors but after review changed to external.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Phil G - Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 11:55
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 11:55
Gday Allan,
I thought long and hard about doing that but I have 10 rims for the Troopy, 3 for the Tvan and another 3 for the caravan!!!!
But yes, it would otherwise be the best solution.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Gramps - Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 12:20
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 12:20
Metal T-stems work
well and no need to drill rims. Much simpler solution.
Regards
FollowupID:
910967
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 14:28
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 14:28
.
Phil, 16 rims!!!??? Have you had a chat to your doctor about OCD?
Seriously, I understand your reluctance to get the drill out. It was enough trouble to drill just 5 rims.
For anyone considering it, here's a hint....... I drilled my rims with the tyre inflated to about 8psi. I drilled a 2mm hole and quickly followed with an 8mm drill bit. (wearing goggles!) the escaping air ensured that the drilling swarf did not enter the cavity. Peeling back the tyre in just that vicinity and packing some rag into the cavity permitted burr removal safely. Then inserted the metal valve stem. Voila!
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 14:35
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 14:35
.
Gramps, less trouble maybe but not "simpler".
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Follow Up By: Gramps - Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 15:57
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 at 15:57
Allan B,
Getting a tyre fitter to install the valve stems while fitting new tyres was far 'simpler' and faster than drilling the rims myself.

Metallic T-stem
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Follow Up By: Phil G - Monday, Oct 26, 2020 at 10:55
Monday, Oct 26, 2020 at 10:55
Allan,
Looks to me like no drilling required - just replace the valve with a sensor. Should be able to pop a bead to put one in. Hope I got that right.
But even so, I didn't want to buy 16 of them!

Internal sensors
FollowupID:
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