Changing TPMS Batteries

[Tom and Doreen]

I thought that I'd post this in case anyone else runs into the situation that I did whereby the TPM sensor battery compartment was unable to be removed with the supplied stamped sheet metal wrench.  In my case the battery compartment was so stuck on that the supplied wrench began rounding off the plastic hex nut profile of the sensor, had I gone any further the sensor would have been ruined.  I ended up using a 1/2 inch six-sided socket that provided much more surface area contact than the wrench and the socket did not mar the surface of the plastic nut; even doing that I was unable to grasp the barrel end of the sensor with enough force using my hand to unscrew the barrel from the sensor until I squeezed the barrel between the padded hand grips of my channel-lock pliers ( don't use the jaw end or you'll risk crushing the barrel ).  

Curiously ProSmart used to ship a tool that more accurately fit the profile of the sensor but have included only the stamped sheet metal wrench in the current kits which provides significantly less surface area contact leading to the possibility of destroying the plastic nut profile.   

Also, when replacing tires I'd recommend changing the tire stems to metal versions rather than rubber to prevent premature failure of the stem as a result of the added weight of the TPM sensors.  

 

[John E Davies]

Thanks for the info. Does that sensor use an oring? If so it needs to be inspected and replaced if necessary. I always add a dab of silicone dielectric grease to the oring and threads to to keep out moisture and prevent thread seizing. I am glad you figured out how to get it open, non-destructively.

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Tom and Doreen]

The sensor does use an O-ring and they supply some spares in the kit.  Good idea to add silicone, I'll do that next time. 

[MAX Burner]

Our previous SOB TT had a TPMS with sensors that required shipping back to the factory for battery replacement (2003 vintage).  Not a cheap date!.  

After going through that drill a couple times, we opted for a new style TPMS that comes with its own battery replacement tool kit, spare O-rings, and valve stem-mounted dust caps.  

Its a cool set-up, albeit a bit of a small read-out screen, but its solar powered - so far, so good.

[StillGame]

Im looking to add TPMS to Ollie. What brands are reccommened?

[Steph and Dud B]

TST. We've used them for many years. https://tsttruck.com/

[rich.dev]

I second the TST tpms, but any tpms is better than nothing!

[topgun2]

I got the EZZ Tire TPMS a few years ago and have been satisfied.   Batteries are easy to change too.

As rich.dev says - ANY TPMS is better than nothing!

Whatever you do - get a TPMS with 6 sensors.  You will need 4 sensors for the Ollie tires hitting the ground plus a 5th sensor for the spare tire.  The 6th sensor is for the spare tire on your tow vehicle.

Bill

EEZ Tire can be found HERE.

[SeaDawg]

The "spare" sensor also comes in handy if you need to send one in for repair, under warranty. 

We love our tst. Nice folks, great product, superlative customer service.

[dhaig]

I purchased the TireMinder i10 system with 6 sensors (I second the recommendation by @topgun2 to purchase 5 sensors).  I am happy with the system, which has a small monitor which I keep in the console of the TV when towing.  The monitor sounds an alarm to alert of problem conditions.  TechnoRV.com is a good source.

On the recommendation of @John E Davies, I also purchased two extension hoses to attach to the spare tires on our LEII and TV, Cheme Extension Hose, Air, 36" (2).    In addition, I purchase a pair of valve stem extensions, Mellbree 2-Pack Tire Valve Extension, 90 Degree Schrader Tire Valve Stem Extension.  

These additions have proven to be quite beneficial, as the spare on the LEII is mounted with the valve facing the trailer body, requiring removal of the spare to adjust the air pressure.  Our TV also stores the spare with the valve facing down, requiring removing the spare from its storage well to adjust the air pressure.  In both cases this PITA is eliminated by having the extension hose installed with the TPMS sensor at the end and accessible.

Don

[dhaig]

Correction to my prior post- I purchased 6 sensors

[MAX Burner]

On 7/4/2023 at 10:18 AM, topgun2 said:

As rich.dev says - ANY TPMS is better than nothing!

AMEN! to that, brother!  "Tire Blow-out on the Road" - been there, done that, but didn't get the T-shirt for it.  But did get another set of 5 tires after that drill!

Edited July 6, 2023 by MAX Burner
added additional info...