Bluetooth TMPS, for iPhone and Android

[John E Davies]

This is the newest type of TPMS and this one in particular has me really interested.

 

The system consists of

TPMS sensors (replaceable batteries)

Bluetooth booster (converts wireless to Bluetooth), 12 volt powered

Bluetooth receiver (internal battery or USB or 12v adapter powered)

App for smartphone.

 

It has great features and you can see a flashing light and hear an alert from the receiver, and it will push a notification to your phone if there is a problem. I really like that there is no separate monitor to mount on your dash since I usually have my iPad Mini set up for navigation anyway, so this app can run in the background.

 

Downside for me is that the transmitters aren't sealed.

 

Upside is that they have a free five year replacement battery program and will send you new batteries and orings annually so you can keep them fresh and working well. .... http://www.minderresearch.com/battery-replacement-program/

 

Watch the video: .... http://www.minderresearch.com/tireminder/tireminder-smart-tpms-smartphone-based-tire-pressure-monitor-for-rvs/

 

Cost is $340 at Camping World for the four sensor model. ... http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/tireminder-smart-tpms-with-4-transmitters-for-rvs-motorhomes-5th-wheels-motor-coaches-and-trailers/86683

 

Note, this uses Bluetooth 4, which is standard in newer phones and devices since about 2011. You should check the specs for your device to be sure.

 

Has anyone used one of these? Comments?

 

Thanks,

 

John Davies

Spokane WA

[KarenLukens]

That looks like a good system, I've been watching the threads you guys have started on these so far and I do feel the need for it. But right now, we're still on the road and I have the Hopkins level on the Olli that I can always see thru the mirror. It's not a replacement for a good TPMS system but it does show me that the trailer is running smooth and level while on the road for starters.

 

[John E Davies]

That level is pretty useless on the road. By the time a tire has deflated enough to show on it, the damage will probably be done. A TPMS will give you enough warning to remain in the Preventative Phase (plugging a hole or swapping on the spare), not the Cleanup Phase (picking up pieces of tread and fender flare from the highway).

 

John Davies

Spokane WA

[KarenLukens]

Honestly, I don't want to find out. Every inch of drop is marked on it and 2" would be really noticable, but... I like that TPMS and we just have to check and see if our system in the car will tie in a trailer first, after we get home next month. If not then we will probably buy this one.

[John E Davies]

The more I read, the less I like this system. A regular TPMS has four transmitters that send information directly to the receiver/ display. That is four individual data streams. If one is interrupted (low battery, or a water damaged circuit board, for a non-sealed type) then you still see the other three readings, and you immediately know that you need to replace the faulty sensor.

 

This system has two EXTRA full data streams - Bluetooth booster to receiver, and receiver to phone. If the first one is lost, you lose everything. If the second is lost, you lose your phone connection but the receiver should still alert you, you just won't be able to determine which tire is low.

 

Bluetooth implementation (software) is much better now than in the past but it is still not reliable enough for a safety system like a TPMS, that you want to work always and reliably.

 

https://www.quora.com/Why-isnt-Bluetooth-reliable-more-robust-100-of-the-time

 

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11991167

 

I believe that the Minder Research system is too new to have any kind of track record. I think I will stick with this Dorian unit, which has sealed long life sensors and a solid record in the Australian Outback.

 

http://www.doranmfgstore.com/ItemForm.aspx?Item=%23360RV4&ReturnURL=/Categories.aspx?Id=fd3d6e4a-17b0-4a1b-87cc-751f8bf6d38f&Category=fd3d6e4a-17b0-4a1b-87cc-751f8bf6d38f

 

200,000 km of dirt road testing:

 

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA