My First Tiffin Question

[Wrascal]

I recently upgraded to my first class A; formerly in bumper pulls and then fifth wheels. I've always thought it prudent to add two items to them and am wondering if it still applies.


First item: a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TST507). I retained this item from my trade in (4 sensors + display/ it would require adding two more sensors for the Tiffin). Also, I have the extra antenna to boost the signal but unsure if it'd be helpful in a class A (it'd likely be mounted near the batteries - further rearward than the axles).


Second item: an Electrical Management System (Progressive Industries EMS) As my previous EMS was both hardwired AND 30A I left it behind. For convienence I'd again go with a hard wire 50A system (if necessary). Or does it come with something similar from the factory?


It's currently back at the dealer for a couple of corrections noted on the walk thru + a couple of other things since noted (windshield wipers in-op).

[PKI]

Yes and yes

The TPMS is now becoming standard on many new coaches. Our coach has an EMS built in, but it is a one and done device. So it is common to install either the outboard or the built-in EMS as an add on. We went with the pedestal plug model to check electrical status before connecting the coach.

[vsheetz]

TPMS is a very good thing, yes. Add sensor for a toad if applicable. Else you won't know of a tire problem till more damage done. The repeater is always a good thing imho. Even if not absolutly needed for range, it improves connectivity reliability.

Tiffin includes some basic power protection integrated to the transfer switch. Highly recommended to add the full power protection of such as the Progressive industries EMS unit.

Enjoy!

[garykk]

As mentioned, yes to both. I would not leave home without either.

[Lt Dan]

And I'll add, WELCOME to the Tiffin family! I agree with all opinions above. As for the repeater for the TST, if you need it I mounted mine in the rear cap and wired it to the 12v power line to the toad connector. That one is only hot when the ignition is on and the only time the repeater is needed.

[TXiceman]

TPMS and PI EMS are really cheap insurance to possibly prevent expensive repairs. Two years ago, I had checked the tires on my dually and we pulled out. 10 minutes out, the TPMS goes off, right outside dually, sudden pressure loss. Pulled over and that tire was flat. We pulled up to an exit and had road service change the tire. We had picked up a big rivet. If we had not pulled off, we would have continued merrily along and destroyed two tires and possibly damaged the truck.

A recent neighbor was at a park that had some electrical work done at the site next to them. They were gone and when they came back, the PI at the pedestal had tripped and keeping power off his coach. He contacted the park owner that came out and supposedly checked the power and the PI remained off. The owner decided that the PI EMS was bad, unplugged it and plugged in the coach. The smoke started coming out and he unplugged it.

The end result was his electrician had miswired the neighboring plug and sent 240 volts through the motorhome. The owner was on the hook for over $7000 worth of electrical repairs. Moral is if the EMS says there is a problem, here is a problem until a qualified person can perform the proper checks.

Last year we has a pedestal go bad and was showing an open neutral and high voltage on one leg. When I checked with my volt meter, there was a power problem. The park had no open sites, it was a weekend and no maintenance was available, so we left and had no farther power issues.

So I believe in TPMS and PI EMS.

Ken

[HighDesert]

Depending on length and if you are going to have a toad, you may, or may not need the extender for the TST system. We have a 32SA, that is really about 36' overall and tow a Jeep JKS with TST sensors and do not have to use the extender setup as the monitor reads all tires quite well.

As to a EMS adder, absolutely get one.

[Wrascal]

Because I didn't see mention of these two items it led me to question if they applied to class A's.

Big thanks to the note to add additional sensors to the toad, I wouldn't have thought of it because it has its own sensors (but they wouldn't do me any good way up in front of it).

So y'all are telling me things I already believed to be true. Thank you.

[jlturner]

TPMS is a good deal and piece or mind while traveling. On the 2021 coaches with the Valid system the TPMS can be programmed into the dash gauges.

[Red Wolf]

Hi Wrascal, I'm new, too! Same path as you, just traded up a month ago.

I, too, brought my old TPMS over. I've got the old EEZTire, with 8 sensors - 4 for the old truck, four for the trailer. Owner left a newer one, but it has a smaller screen and the pass-thru sensors were iffy. I have not needed a booster antenna for my 32 footer - I'm probably closer to the back tires now than I was in the 5th wheel.

A new 50 amp EMS is on my shopping list to protect against over and under voltages.

[Wrascal]

1. My Tiffin shifter doesn't have a Park position; is this common? And if so, WHY?


2. Hey Red Wolf, perhaps one day our paths will cross (provided wolfs don't eat raccoon).


3. Because the courthouse has been closed more than open I've been sitting on my money until I can complete registration. Meaning I've not yet purchased addtional tire pressure sensors nor an EMS system.

[weighit]

I also use the TST system and installed the repeater signal booster under the hood of the Cadillac SRX I tow. Seems to work well that way and is out of the elements and always has the 12 volt power it needs wired directly to the battery.

[Red Wolf]

Originally Posted by Wrascal

Hey Red Wolf, perhaps one day our paths will cross (provided wolfs don't eat raccoon).

Not this wolf! Although my wife may have...

Where are you located, Wrascal? (Waves from Austin, TX)

[Lt Dan]

Originally Posted by Wrascal

1. My Tiffin shifter doesn't have a Park position; is this common? And if so, WHY?

That's normal. These models of diesel pushers with Allison transmissions do not have a Park position. You just put the transmission in neutral then set the parking brake.