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Fred Cooper · 05-12-2014, 05:44 PM

Not exactly on subject, but I wanted to pass along a source for batteries for the TST. I had read of at least one other RV'r buying batteries for the TST from EBay for much less than retail so I tried a purchase as an experiment.

I purchased 25 CR1632 for a total of $7.68 including shipping in on Oct 8, 2013. Within a few days, I placed one of these batteries into a TST tire sensor. It was still working great today (May 12, 2014) when I decided to replace all of the TST batteries as routine maintenance.

From what I can determine, these batteries are as good as what we buy at retail price from major brands here in the USA. So, if you have the "cheap gene" as I do, you can consider this as an option.

Here is a link to the vendor from whom I purchased. I have no connection to this vendor except being a satisfied customer.

20 CR1632 CR 1632 DL163200 ECR1632 3 Volt Lithium Button Cell Battery US SHIP | eBay

Fred

JFXG · 05-13-2014, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred Cooper

.......I purchased 25 CR1632 for a total of $7.68 including shipping in on Oct 8, 2013. Within a few days, I placed one of these batteries into a TST tire sensor. It was still working great today (May 12, 2014)........

From what I can determine, these batteries are as good as what we buy at retail price from major brands here in the USA. ...........Fred

I tried a similar experiment last fall with mixed results. My ten sensors were all about 18 months old, and a couple of the batteries had died. I bought two ten-packs of 1632 online (not Ebay), and replaced all ten sensor batteries. Six are still running-- well, not accurate. Four died within two to three weeks and were replaced, the other six and the four replacements then ran well for four months until we arrived at our current volunteer spot in mid-February. (When we're parked for a while I demount the sensors.)

These online batteries were apparently manufactured for the Chinese domestic market. The engraved data on each cell was all in Chinese except for the numbers 1632. We'll see how they continue onward when we hit the road again in a few weeks.

Dunner · 05-13-2014, 02:16 AM

I buy my CR1632s from battmanaz also. He's actually on the other side of town from me, so I get them super fast. Have had no issues with his batteries. A lot cheaper than $4.95+ from auto parts stores and Radio shack.

cucamelsmd15 · 05-13-2014, 06:58 PM

I only briefly skimmed the thread, but a laser IR for reading tire temps is beyond useless. Too many variables to control, and once you stop, tires cool too quickly. Ive got a logbook full of race tire temps and I chuckle every time I see someone trying to get a temperature with one.

If you want accurate tire temperatures, get one of these:
Standard Memory Tire Pyrometer

Otherwise, you need to understand that tire temperatures are a giant goose chase that results in more confusion than results. Focus on operating pressures and loading.

Sky_Boss · 05-14-2014, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cucamelsmd15

...

Otherwise, you need to understand that tire temperatures are a giant goose chase that results in more confusion than results. Focus on operating pressures and loading.

Personally I agree 90% with what you say. I don't concentrate too much on temps except under 2 conditions, The first is just before I adjust cold tire pressure to verify tires are nearly the same temp. The second is if I get a high temp warning because that is significant. However...by the time you get a high temp alarm you probably get a high pressure alarm from the excess heat provided the tires were properly inflated and the upper limit was set correctly.

I am not convinced that tire temps with external sensors are accurate at all. I've seen 100* days where tire temp was only 115-120* and that just doesn't seem right to me.