Community Forums

Dudley do-right · 08-28-2015, 10:25 AM

I've got a 2007 36FDDS with the smarttire system. In the coach info pkg. is a set of specs for it. I am beginning to experience what I think is batt. failure in the transmitters. The latest issue of FMC had a timely article on tire press/temp units, (various brands) and mentioned battery life as being about 7 yrs. coincidentally about the time to change tires. I can't find anything in the smarttire specs that tells you whether or not the transmitters have a built-in batt., meaning change transmitters when batts. fail, (seems unlikely) , or replace with new batts only. Nowhere in specs does it mention batt. life, or batt. size, or batt voltage. I have already installed new front tires, (about a year and a half ago), they were original, and am prepairing to to the rears this fall; (also original). I need to know what to expect when those tires come off the rims....can't be standing around going duh at the Goodyear store with the tire monkeys standing around looking at each other. Anybody already gone through this?
Thanks, Dudley

Birddog Pilot · 08-28-2015, 12:00 PM

The Smartire temperature/pressure sensor transmitters are a self-contained unit that has to be replaced when the batteries die. I change mine when replacing the tires.
Les Schwab in Junction City, OR usually has plenty in stock; you might want to give them a call and they will ship to you if you are unable to find the units in your local area. The last time I replaced mine they ran about $70.00 each. Whatever you do, make sure no one tries to sell you units for automobiles, they are not the same as those designed for high pressure truck tires. If I remember correctly the R.V./truck units are orange while automobile types are green.

DrDaveMA · 08-28-2015, 02:51 PM

It is also smart to change out the stainless steel bands that attached the transmitters to the rims when you replace the units. Do not reuse 7 year old bands.

Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum
Dave, Bobbi and Fenway

Dudley do-right · 09-04-2015, 09:44 AM

Bingo! Bird dog pilot;
I called Paul at LES SCHWAB, in Junction City OR. and now have 6 new ones on the way.... by the way, they're $83.65 plus shipping now. Who says inflation is practically 0 now?
Dudley Haycraft,
(Dudley Do-Right)

kraig · 09-04-2015, 11:30 PM

The sensors are in the drop centers of the wheel, when they break the bead they can see the sensor and remove the tire without damaging the sensor. When they replace the sensors, in order for them to work correctly, they have to be 180 degrees opposite each other to work correctly. The best way is mount them opposite the valve stem, then mount tires with valve stems 180 degrees off.

Dudley do-right · 09-25-2015, 08:03 PM

note to Kraig:
The info you posted is not the same as the instructions I got with my new sensors. Are you by chance referring to the mounting positions on the dual rear tires? (Although my inst. show no difference for front or rear)

Dudley

srh · 09-25-2015, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dudley do-ri

Bingo! Bird dog pilot;
I called Paul at LES SCHWAB, in Junction City OR. and now have 6 new ones on the way.... by the way, they're $83.65 plus shipping now. Who says inflation is practically 0 now?
Dudley Haycraft,
(Dudley Do-Right)

Did they also send you new straps too?
I just ordered 8 new ones and just got the sensors no straps!
Thanks

Rusty Bear · 09-25-2015, 09:41 PM

I will be replacing mine this time when I get new tires. Has anyone replaced the bands?
I am wondering what the new bands cost.

Dudley do-right · 09-26-2015, 08:00 AM

I specifically asked at Les Schwab, if new bands should be used, and they said they almost never use new bands, only in cases of obvious detierioration, and I would have to agree......

P.S.
After re-reading the post about sensor position, I think I misunderstood the writers' intent when he said "opposite" the valve stems.

dudley

srh · 09-26-2015, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dudley do-ri

I specifically asked at Les Schwab, if new bands should be used, and they said they almost never use new bands, only in cases of obvious deterioration, and I would have to agree......

P.S.
After re-reading the post about sensor position, I think I misunderstood the writers' intent when he said "opposite" the valve stems.

dudley

Good to know! That is what I was told by Kevin Wait. I paid $650 for eight including reprogramming the controller box. I do not have them installed yet as I'm waiting for my two 365 Michelin tires for the front.
Thanks for your post!