Tyre Pressure Sensor kits
Submitted: Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 14:04
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Member - Drew T (Melbourne)
I'm still keen to buy a Tyre Pressure Sensor kit as I've written off a tyre on each of my last two trips because I didn't detect the tyre pressure dropping until it was too late. If such a kit saves me the cost of one more tyre then it will have been worth it!
I've read all the posts on this and had a surf around on the web. Seems that my options are:
- Australia - Smartire (4 wheel kit = $825)
- Australia - Sensatyre (4 wheel kit = $480)
- US - Doran (4 wheel kit = USD375 + postage)
- US (ebay) - Truck RV Universal Tire Sensor monitor (4 wheel kit = USD80 =AUD100 including postage
From the various posts it seems the Sensatyre is better than Smartire and significantly cheaper too. However Sensatyre is still significantly more expensive than the $100 Truck RV kit through ebay. I think the the $100 Truck RV kit only has the valve sensor option available, and i'm not sure whether the sensor batteries in either it or Sensatyre are user replaceable
So my question is ... has anyone bought/used the US one & are there any disadvantages with this kit.
Reply By: slush - Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 15:27
Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 15:27
where did you see the monitor on ebay? do you have sight ?
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Drew T (Melbourne) - Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 18:26
Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 18:26
EBAY AUSTRALIA ... eg: Item 230096892876
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484764
Reply By: True Blue - Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 15:48
Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 15:48
For all its worth Drew, we opted for the Smartire system and paid $660 (4wd show special at Jeff's Shed) and included the optional 52mm full function display.
We bought it from Autron in Mitcham after the distributor for Sensatyre would not return any emails regarding even basic questions. We have had other products from Autron and have always found them to function perfectly and the people also very easy to get along with. Would recommend them.
To date we have had all the electronics connected but because we have been waiting to fit the right rubber we have yet to fit the strap on sensors, so can't give you the drum on how they function etc. Hopefully that will be known in the next couple of weeks.
What mainly drew us to this product was that it was expandable and as we intend to tow a van this was a major requirement. The sensor batteries are guaranteed for a minimum of 7 years as
well. The unit can monitor up to 20 sensors.
One reason that we didn't bother to import the system from the US was that we
(probably not justified) were worried in gaining after service should there be a problem. With Autron I know therell be no problem. No connection with Autron just a happy customer.
Cheers Drew...... Wayne.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: acdc - Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 21:08
Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 21:08
No connection with Autron lol!!
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Follow Up By: True Blue - Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 22:11
Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 22:11
None at all acdc. I'm a truckie (or was until friday).
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Reply By: RobAck - Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 16:12
Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 16:12
Site Link
Have a look at this link. This system was originally sold under the Tyre Alert brand and seems to have changed hands over the last year or so. I have been using this system on a 120 Prado since 2005 and it is very good.
Some things to look for with any system.
- can it handle one or preferably two spares
- can it handle a trailer. Depends if you tow or not
- when you do a tyre rotation how does the monitor know where all the tyres now are. This is vital for fault reporting of punctures etc
- how easy is it to set-up and change the defaults. For example my system allows me to set a range of pressures so I don't have alarms going off when I drop to sand pressures for example
-does the system only report a fault or does it clearly identify which tyre it actually is. Some don't
- will the system cycle around the tyres so you can keep an eye on things whilst driving. An increase in temperature is the key to identifying a slow leak that is going to result in a sidewall blow out
Overall the systems are getting better, more robust and accurate. I like the ability to monitor both pressure and temperature on each tyre constantly
I hope that helps
Regards
RobA
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Longreach - Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 22:10
Sunday, Feb 25, 2007 at 22:10
Tyre Pressure Sensor
This one appears to have the sensors fitted inside the tyre against the rim using a band around the rim. Yes, it works out to about AUD$100 including freight for a 4 wheel system. The description sounds OK but if there was a problem, service might not be so easy. But then for $100.....
AnswerID:
223951
Reply By: Battlecat - Monday, Feb 26, 2007 at 03:41
Monday, Feb 26, 2007 at 03:41
Hey,
I have a Cowealth fitted to my Patrol - great stuff and has saved me a tyre or two already. There is one on ebay at the moment.
Good luck
AnswerID:
223978