Tire Sentry system

[turbo24]

have a Tire Sentry System on my TS Limited, replaced all battery's had a tire go flat with no Tire Sentry warning, I didn't get any manuals with coach. Any help would be appreciated,

[PeteB]

I have a Tire Sentry system on my Coach and have had similar problems. I check for proper operation on each sensor as I manually check the tire pressures before and during a trip. Every year I swear that I will replace the system with a different brand but so far I have not pulled the trigger.
You can call them for info as I have found them easy to get in touch with.

Pete

www.tiresentry.com
800-350-3556

[arcnspark60]

I have a TST monitoring system and the manual said the batteries min the sensors are good for ~5-6 years and then the sensor will need to be replaced. They are configurable on the cab monitor for high/low pressure and temp. Tsttruck.com. I paid 299.00 for a six sensor system.

[Fred Cooper]

I also have the Tire Sentry system for the coach and toad. Like PeteB, I also check each one for proper operation while checking tire pressures at the beginning of each trip. After sitting a few months, I'll usually find one that doesn't transmit promptly when removed from the tire.

Mine is probably the earliest version they produced, and their web site says that they are now producing version 5, so if my tips below don't make sense then maybe they've changed the design.

Most problems are cured by cleaning the batteries, and the contacts within the tire sentry module. I use a clean pencil eraser, then wipe with clean cloth. Tire Sentry recommends cleaning the batteries with alcohol. The batteries last a very long time. I have some that have been in operation at least 5 years. Don't assume the battery is bad until you've verified with a volt meter.

I remember reading about some problem caused by one battery manufacturer's batteries being slightly different in size, but I don't remember the details. I buy my batteries directly from Tire Sentry.

If you have a bad unit, you can do some limited troubleshooting yourself. With the batteries in the tire module but with the module disassembled, you can jumper from the top of the battery to the coil spring that surrounds the outside of the battery tube (be sure to push down on the stack of batteries to insure contact with the circuit board at the bottom of the battery container). If you get an indicator light on the tire sentry monitor, then the transmit portion is good and the problem is in the pressure switch portion.

My system is very old, and I've replaced two tire monitors over the years. The company is good, ships promptly, and the cost was reasonable...somewhere around $25 to $35 for the transmit portion of the tire module.

Fred

[H. Miller]

WOW! Just went to their site. Checked prices - you can get a real tpms for less...

[Fred Cooper]

Just an update with more troubleshooting info on Tire Sentry:

While checking tire pressures and making sure each tire sentry worked, I found one that had good batteries & transmitter, but the metal head that attaches to the valve stem would not "close" the circuit. I used some electronics contact cleaner shot around the adjustment screw and then moved the screw back and forth before returning to the original PSI setting. After a few minutes, the metal head began to work properly.

In talking to Tire Sentry tech support, they also suggested that the metal head assembly can be dissassembled by removing the center screw but you must count the number of turns on the screw and reassemble with exactly the same number of turns. I have not dissassembled one yet, but thought this was good info to file away for possible future use.

I hope this info helps others that are using the Tire Sentry.

Fred

[JCM]

I have used my set since 1999 (3 motorhomes and 3 toads) with only 2 sensors failing. I check the sensors every spring before traveling. If you unscrew it your dash indicator should go off. Make sure that the little rubber "O" ring doesn't stick to the valve stem and get "lost". You will have a flat tire later.
I replace all the batteries every 3 years. You can get them from the supplier - cheapest.
They have been excellent for service over the years.
ALSO don't use rubber stems on your toad - change to metal ones - as they will flex with the weight of the senders and eventually crack and leak especially at -32.C. Don't ask me how I know.
Also use a very little anti-seize compound on the stems. Some stems like to fuse with the sender.
I wouldn't be without them.

[JCM]

They are now out of business - phone number disconnected and web site is down Sept 2013.

[JCM]

Any one have any spare rv sensors (95-115) lbs - they are adjustable. One of mine died.
Thanks.