Tyre pressure monitors

I was looking for something like this a while ago but could not really find anything useful on the web apart from they are expensive

John - I have been looking and researching tyre pressure/temperature monitors for the last two-years -- local, imported and overseas purchased. Some will only do four wheels, some will do six and allow for extra units to monior trailers and caravans.

As always it's a matter of you get what you pay for. However, I've decided to go with the TyreAlert system from AWDTechnologies, a division/part of a well known organisation at Berrima in southern NSW and which has "Diesel" as the second word in its name. It's Australian made (by AWDT) and is one of the most reasonably priced that I've been able to find.

For a six-wheel set up I've been qouted $580 fully installed plus $60 for specialist tyre fitting -- all fitting will be carried out while I wait (for a few or more hours ... hope there's a good cafe nearby!)

Although six wheels have sensors, I'll be having a five-wheel monitor as there's no sense in monitoring the off vehicle sixth wheel. But if changed on to the vehicle it is automatically picked up by the monitor.

I'm just about due to change all six tyres, so am waiting a few more miles before I have the set up fitted with the new tyres.

You can see the whole set up on http://www.awdtech.com.au/tyrealert.html or email on andrew@awdtech.com.au -- they will supply direct to you on order ... I don't know if they have other suppliers but you could ask.

Hope this helps,

Bernard

I have the Smartire 4 wheel system. They also do a six wheel one. It cost me about $150 on eBay and is one of the best bits of kit I have ever bought.

Someone said "expensive". Even at $580 you only have to save two tyres and its paid for itself, without factoring in the added safety, and the peace of mind you get from being able to constantly monitor the pressure and temp in each wheel and be warned as soon as either drifts outside selectable limits.

I am surprised they haven't really taken off. As I said, its one of the best bits of kit I've ever put on the vehicle.

Next time I'll go for the six wheel setup. My only criticism is that you have to remove the tyre to take out the sensor and transfer to another wheel. I reckon a device that screws in through the rim or sits in the valve stem would be better. A valve stem jobbie could also be used on tubed tyres.

I am also interested in these systems but will wait a little while for more product to show up in our market. I expect that this will happen sooner rather than later as the worldwide market for these systems in increasing all the time, due in no small part to the fact that these systems will soon be a mandatory fit on most new vehicles in the US after the firestone debacle.

Cheers
Muddy

Smartire Webpage USA

Smartire Ozzie Link

I have installed the "Smartire' system about 14 months ago and it is excellent. The system can monitor up to 20 sensors.

I have 4 on my Toyo, 2 on my boat trailer and 6 on my caravan.

Not sure what a previous poster means by 'having to remove the sensors to put onto other wheels" - perhaps he will respond.

All you do is get the sensor put onto the rim, take note of its colour code and put the clour code onto the trre valve. Then all you do is 'train' the receiver to find the sensors.