Community Forums

Devoir · 10-13-2022, 09:47 PM

I'm considering the TireMinder TPM A1AS RV tire monitoring system .

I like the design of the flow thru sensor vs the standard end cap style.

Can anyone share their experience wit the Flow Thru style? This appears to be a better design allowing you to inflate the tire at a known pressure without having to screw a sensor on the end which always leaks a small amount of air until it seats or seals onto the stem. I believe this is where the tire loses that 5 PSI of pressure after you properly inflate them. With a flow thru design when you inflate the tire the gauge pressure should now match the TPS displayed pressure, thus eliminating the leakage when installing the standard sensor.

I want to understand is there any issue with this longer flow thru design stem when installed on the RV.

Many Thanks

Devoir

MrMark52 · 10-14-2022, 08:22 AM

If you know you loose 5 psi screwing the non follow-thru sensor on - then fill the tire to 5#’s over.
Once sensor is installed, you’ll be at the right pressure.

And don’t get too carried away with tire pressure accuracy. Remember - as a tire runs and the air inside the tire warms, it expands and the pressure goes up. And, as the ambient outside air temperature changes, so does the pressure seen inside the tire - at least until the tire begins rolling down the road.

Think of your TPMS not as a device to tell you your tire pressure is good - but as an operating monitoring tool that will tell you may have an unusual condition occurring such as a sudden leak or flat.

BobinICT · 10-16-2022, 10:42 AM

I'm very happy with my non flow through sensors. There is little to no pressure release when I screw them on, never been an issue.

On another note, I highly recommend you register your system with them. For $5 they will send you new batteries and O rings once a year.

Devoir · 10-16-2022, 01:25 PM

Many thanks for your input.

I've read all of the older post on this topic and it seems there isn't a lot of " DON'T' do this.. instead the typical balance of success on both technologies. I will probably go with the flow thru style.

I'll keep in mind this is a great tool to see tire pressure before you drive off. and a tool that can provide good information on the overall condition of the Coach and TOAD.

Safe Travels

Devoir

Devoir · 11-01-2022, 08:47 PM

Update: Installed two new Steer Tires preparing for a few miles..

I purchased the A1AS Tire Minder with 6 Flow thru Aluminum body sensors. I like the part where I don't have to remove the sensor to add pressure.

During the installation, I did get a surprise that made me rethink the "Flow Thru " on the steer wheels.

Sunday while installing these new sensors the unit snapped off the tire stem leaving the end which keeps the schrader valve open venting out the 120 PSI within the tire.

Without the sensor body to use as leverage there was no way to back-off the broken nub quickly since no tools were on hand. To keep the coach from bottoming out on the front tire, I jammed a thumb over the end of the tire stem to slow the pressure loss. Had wife lower the jacks ASAP.

Once stabilized on jacks not crushing the new tires just installed. Retrieved pair of pliers to remove the nub. Note in photo there's no tool damage, so no I didn't over hand tighten it, nor use a tool...

This made me recognize I needed to install the original non-Flow thru style. They are made of brass and seem less prone to break due to it's end cap design. I will keep the remaining 6 sensors as Flow-Thru on the drive wheels and tag axle wheels.

Sharing this as an experience since there isn't much discussion on unforeseen choices.

For me I'm going with a Hybrid approach, on the Steer wheels install sensors less prone to snap off. on the rear tires leave the flow thru sensors it's what I like. If one fails it's much more drive-able than the loss of a front tire. Second I'm curious to see if any of the other sensors in this box show the same failure.

TXiceman · 11-01-2022, 08:53 PM

Flow through sensors stick out too far and are subject to damage unless you use shorter valve stems. I cannot imagine losing 5 psi of air putting on the sensors. All I ever get is one short PSSSt.

Ken

readog · 11-11-2022, 01:40 AM

Has anyone used the tireminder tpms internal tire sensor

MSHappyCampers · 11-12-2022, 05:45 PM

I prefer the cap sensors to eliminate any possibility of air leakage.

Devoir · 11-13-2022, 09:55 PM

Tireminder is sending a replacement. the TPS has a 3 year warranty, nice to see some things can be replaced without a hassle.

Parafango · 11-16-2022, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

I prefer the cap sensors to eliminate any possibility of air leakage.

I agree. Some vehicles don't have solid stems which allows the cap sensor to whack up against the rim. I have the marks on the rim to show! When I replaced the tires, I replaced the stems with solid ones.
I haven't experienced it yet, but I've been told that the TPMS cap sensors respond faster to a leak, than the truck OEM internal TPMS, so I put them on my truck as well. Unfortunately, the truck OEM internal TPMS use a flexible stem, so the cap sensors move around a bit. I've seen some crazy high pressures, near 95psi+ (up from 80psi) when towing during the summer.