Foretravel Owners' Forum

I was one of the earliest adopters of their TPMS system. Mine got really long in the tooth and I decided to start over. A pass through was what I wanted over their even newer 'internal' sensor design (w/7 year batteries). 6 sensor system is $359.00 incl free 2 day UPS shipping and a 2 year warranty (this month, but often). This is 60 bucks over the cost of their old system. http://www.tsttruck.com/Home_Page.html (http://www.tsttruck.com/Home_Page.html)
tst systems (http://www.tsttruck.com/Product_List.html)
I will likely install this weekend. First trip is scheduled for April - to AR for a wedding. Report on sealing, accuracy, etc to follow.

Hi Dave,

I've been shopping for a tire pressure monitoring system.  Does this one have the flow through sensors (not the cap sensors) for $359?  What do you think of the difference between the two sensor designs.  I was thinking of using cap sensors on my toad.  How hard is it to get at the flow through sensors on the outside dual tire with the stem pointing inward?  Seems like it might be awkward.

Is this system a good choice among the various choices?

Thanks for the feed back. 

Roger

On the outside dual I can usually do it by placing arm between the dual tires. Is is not too difficult to place them from the outside if you cannot reach the stem from between the duallys.

Elected not to grow any more knuckles :))  and had the stems on the outer duals turned around when we had new tires put on.
Now they all face outwards and are easy to reach.  We don't rotate the tires, (and inner duals are steel rims,) so not an issue.

It just arrived today and I haven't opened the box yet. 6 sensor, pass through - $359.00

I hated removing and re-installing the cap style - had some crack, others cross thread/gall.

I have a 125psi compressor I use to fill the tires here at the house. I plan on installing and playing on Saturday. Pics too.

I plan to turn mine out this year. The front 'G' rated tires it came with go to the inside rear, and a pair of 'H' rated 3+ go on the front.

When you turn the stems on the outside tire to the outside do you use a shorter stem?

I wondered why they were the way they are.  Doesn't make a lot of sense since I am not  going to be swapping inner and outer tires either.

Thanks.

My outers on the duals face inwards.  I put the sensor at about 5 o'clock and just lay down and put my hand between the tires.  This way one hand can hold from the outside while the other turns the sensor.  Obviously turn off engine, set brake and chock wheels.

Keith

My life improved alot when I had the valve stems turned to the outter area so the sensors could be simply used, glad I did too.  Have enough trying to install laying on ground, that got real old real quick. ;D
Dave M

Laying on my back is no longer an option I go for...even kneeling is getting tough, so I bought the TST system at Tweety's
http://tweetys.com/tst-507rv-system---monitors-psi-and-temperature---free-shipping.aspx (http://tweetys.com/tst-507rv-system---monitors-psi-and-temperature---free-shipping.aspx) and paid $299.

Had them installed when I did my recent Michelin tire renewal.  These sensors are the Flow Through type, making it much easier on my kneeling position.

On the other note, I had the valve stem turned Out rather than in...and had it turned aft 45 degrees......
This seems to be the way the new coaches at FT are being set up and it allows clearance to get one of those long pressure fill wands into the space.  Out and aft 45 degrees.  I did NOT opt for new/shorter valve stems and sorry I did not.  After all the expense to do things right, the shorter valve stems make the install look cleaner. 

Could have used a shorter stem, but I just had the tire shop reuse the ones that were on there.  Thus far, no problems.

Does anyone know WHY the stems on the outer tires were EVER long and turned in?

Sure - these rims are reverseable. With the long stem that way, that rim can be flipped and put on the front, or become the inside dual with no issue.

Installed the system - very easy to code the sensors. Hold CODE button down for 3 sec, beep and the position blincks, display shows all FFFFFF.
Hold sensor next to bottom of unit. press and release CODE button. Beeps and displays code. Arrow to next location and repeat for each one. They include numbered sticker to ID position. You can install the first and recode each one but this takes longer.
Set screw 'locks' sensor to the valve stem for theft prevention. I like this so much better. No 'tool' to install and remove sensors.
Only problem is the length of the sensor prevents filling the outer dual when the stem is pointed in. All the mode readon to turn them out or replace with newer stems.

Thanks for the pictures, Dave.  I order a set yesterday.  2 year warranty deal still in effect. Should be here Monday.  I'll make stem adjustments as needed.

Roger

I had my new valve stems installed for the outside dual. They left the inside dual extensions loose. After two hours at home I was down to 28 psi in one tire. TPMS systems only work when there is someone to hear them!
Here are some pics.

Dave, I kind of agree with you.  I have had a leak in one of the flow thru valves too.  However, it was because I asked someone I thought 'more' knowledgeable than I to check my coaches air pressure as "I thought" one tire was loosing pressure.

the tires T system had been installed by the same company and the checking was also done there. 

What I found was, the 'Outer' metal portion of the device had separated from the plastic center portion.  Poor MFG I think from just OVERTIGHTENING!!!! but.............

I check the pressures and the system works as it should.  I won't crucify the co. or person that tried to help me by checking, but I'll order another sender or 2 as back up, now that you have reminded me!  ;)  . It's... Life!  Hope your fix is as easy.

Dave, now that you've had your system for a bit, how about a report?

First, I had to replace the stems on the outside duals to get access...

The only issue had been the inner dual dropping out. I switched over to the extender antenna I had from the old system and they all read out throughout the day. No air loss. I like them....

I just ordered a set also.  Thanks

I just got back from a 4000 mile test of the TST tire pressure monitors.  I did some other stuff too.  TST sent me a repeater and a longer monitor antenna because the pass side rear tires kept dropping off line and/or taking a long time to register.  I had two flow through sensors report low battery.  Replace the batteries.  One flow through sensor seems to leak.  With it on the tire I lose 3-5 psi per day.  With it off, no loss.  I am still trying out different locations for the monitor.  The suction cup mount will work on the side window but not anywhere on the dash.  The monitor battery seems to last a long time.  It it is plugged in to power the monitor will be on, no way to shut it off.  The power cords that come with it are pretty short and very small wire gage.  You cannot get to the driver's side window with the power cord using the cig lighter outlet.

Some start up issues.  Customer service has been good and prompt.  There is definitely some peace of mind that comes from knowing (thinking) your tire pressures and temps are OK.  Seems good to me at this point.

I never move the coach without checking every tire with a gauge and checking the oil level and coolant level.  I always check transmission and hydraulic levels at the end of a day's drive.  35 years of habit.

Even using the old system's extender antenna I still had dropouts on the inside duals - one or both. After returning from the trip I ordered the 12V powered 'repeater'. Got power from the old TV 12V wiring in the back bedroom, drilled a hole in the closet wall to run the wire and velcro'ed it to the upper upholstered bar where the track runs for the bedroom pocket door. Red LED indication for power on was a real 'evil eye'. A piece of  black cloth electrical tape fixed that problem. I could have left it behind the walls but wasn't certain how much interference the silvered mirror closet doors might cause.
No more dropout with the original 'stubby antenna. Tested it with the repeater powered off - dropouts. Repeater on, no dropouts. Repeater is only about 2.75" by 1.5".

As noted, I bought the TST tire pressure monitoring system.(July 23rd, 2012) online @ $299.

Had Foretravel install them in early January and drove to N. Florida.

found 1 leaking (see March 25th comment)

However,  found today.....ALL 6 TIRE MONITORS BROKEN, INCLUDING THE BATTERY CAP. (which caused one battery to disappear)

ALL of these flow thru sensors are broken.  Only drove from Nacogdoches to N. Fl. and coach has been sitting with tire covers on.

Alert!!!..........................ok, i uploaded all photos to a forum album, but do not know how to put them here, so I'll put a few here.

Wow, all six broken.  I have had pretty good luck with mine, no broken ones.  TST sent me a free booster and a long antenna as I was having the same issues as Dave Head.  With these things seem to work well.  I had one sensor that had a battery die, I replaced it.  They are supposed to last about a year.  I had two that just seemed to quit sending data.  TST replaced both of them as well as one that was leaking.  Replacement time was just over a week.  I got in the three year warranty deal so as long as they support the product, I'm OK with it.

Roger

Adding Album Link:

Thanks Steve for adding the 'link'.

Roger, The last time I took the coach for a ride, was only a few weeks ago.  Checked tire pressures thru the TST system and all were fine.  Sounds crazy that I now find ALL of the housings on the 6 sensors cracked and battery caps too.

However, I am moving from the sail loft location i've been in for 6 months, back to st. pete then on to Panama within a week and will deal with the company when I get back near the end of the month.

Just wanted to 'alert' anyone that might have this TST system with the newer flow thru valve monitors, that there seems to be at least a defective batch.  Certainly, mine have failed.

I ordered the internal sensor version on Monday, and UPS says they will deliver them tomorrow. My plan is to have them installed when I get the new tires next week.

David, I'll be interested to get your report on the internal sensor version of the TST after you use it for six months to a year. We tried TST four years ago and put it back in the box after six months. I really like the concept of TPMS, but our experience was not good with the TST we bought nor with the Pressure Pro that came with our current coach. I look forward to a wheel mounted (not stem mounted) TPMS that would handle the coach and the towed vehicle, and allow "normal" use of valve stem caps, tire gauges, and tire fill tools.

It's good to have a fleet of testers reporting to me on a regular basis. :D Thank you, Steve, Michelle, moderators, and other contributors.

I'll be interested in the internal sensors as well.  There is a $50 surcharge at least to get them installed if you can find someone to do it (at least that is what it costs to dismount a wheel, remove the tire, replace a stem, reseat the tire and remout the wheel and torque it to spec.)  My tire place won't do anything with aftermarket TPMS. 

I can replace batteries once a year.  If the sensors are not reliable then the whole thing is just not doing what it is supposed to do and then it isn't worth much.

I still check every tire before departure.  It is a good practice and only takes a couple of minutes.  I painted all of my stem caps yellow.  I got tired of losing them even when they were right in front of me in plain sight.  They just look too much like the gravel.

Keep reporting, I will too.

Roger

Six years using Pressure Pro has made us a believer in Pressure Pro. Monitor is powered all the time and in one minute, we check individual tire pressures of motorhome and Jeep every day to get a heads up on tire problems. Comforting to instantly know if we pick up a tire problem while driving. Sensor batteries lasted over 5 years.  Easily worth the cost.

When checking/adjusting tire pressure I place the caps on the wheel for the rears, and on top of one of the decorative lug nut covers for fronts. If they are on the ground, they are indeed likely to disappear unless they are bright yellow.

We bought tires three years ago, so I expect it may be about three years before I would be willing to install wheel mounted TPMS. I will be interested to hear from those using cutting (bleeding?) edge TPMS technologies.

I expect installers will be reluctant to install anything other than the stems and grommets that have been proven effective by years of use.

Gents and Ladies, we are all trying to help one another.
My renewal of an older post was to 'alert' anyone that had bought a TST system about this time last year.  I can only surmise, that there is a design flaw early on,,(thin casting-wrong chemistry of plastic...etc) that had quickly been addressed!

The concept seems fine, but as a 'newbie' I read all I could before buying.  I bought 'before' tires being replaced...maybe a mistake but FT ended up doing both.  They did well/no problem.  This issue is not theirs, but totally...TOTALLY a product Failure and that is why I posted my 'alert'.

I feel sure the company will take care of things as early productions often have a glitch or two.

I have loved the security of seeing numbers....but have noticed the TST system aboard my coach reads 4 lbs. low..    Tire gauges show 104 when their system shows 100.  Make note or check for yourself.

Have learned a lot from all of you and want to thank you all, once again.  Hope this little alert helps someone check for road safety.

I just might go to internal sensors and have all the tires broken down to insert.  In the end...it is all about safety and unless TST comes thru with paragraphs of explanations, I will go to the internal sensors or change Manufacturers... I'll let ya'll know.

We find all truck tire shops are hard to manage when dismounting, mounting, balancing & remounting. They assign multiple techs, don't listen and do it their way. Find it hard to see how they will do the right thing to mount internal TPMS sensors. And once all things are put together, any problems will be a pain to resolve, not mentioning battery replacements.  But I think internal sensors are a good idea and our Jeeps have them, where they are mounted on the inside of the valve stem. (we find Pressure Pro no-hassle)

Barry/Cindy, I can agree with all you said.  Problems with any portion of an 'installation' of........anything! ....can because of the quality/mindset/attention span etc. of an employee, can either 'make your day or ruin your road experience down the road'.

ORIGINALLY.. i did not like the concept of installing these devises 'inside' the rim of the tire..  but

Internal sensors are not as subject to the vibrations at the end of a valve stem.. My sensors have worn the Alcoa surface enough on the stem ends/where the sensor 'hits'...  I have tried on my short usage,  to insert a foam tape between each.  (rim and sensor)...but they disapprear.

I believe, that if, IF... my problem was seriously 'noteworthy', then there would be a ton of folks on this, commenting now...

This tells me, happily, I might be the only one. 

Anyway..............for anyone out there that has the TST system...I'd suggest to look real carefully  at your tire sensors.

stay well, ron

I think herein lays the biggest problem.  I have ordered a set of 10 of the 507 pass thru sensors.  Called TSTTruck and told them what I was doing, new tires, new stems and new sensors.  Told them what size wheels I have and wanted assistance with what size stems to order.  They did not have a clue and referred me to a dealer.  Talked to a lady at that dealership and she didn't have a clue either.  By the way, my son is a dealer, hopefully I can get him trained right.  I understand the problem with the sensors rubbing on the wheel - which should not be happening.  The stems are to long or not properly lined up.  That is something the tire jockys should be watching for, but they don't have a clue of what is happening, and probably don't care.  The good thing is that TSTTruck has a great customer service and appears to be willing to go the length from what I have read on other forums.

I agree with the comments on TST customer service - the best. However, their product seems to be poorly engineered. Maybe it's their QA. Had the 510 system on my travel trailer for 3 years - it worked well. Put a 507 system on Phaeton 36 and toad, did 5 long trips and had problems on every trip. Failed or leaking sensors, 3 different monitors failed, etc. I have to admit that TST did refund my money in full.

Does anyone have experience with TireMinder or TireTracker?

One of our inside dual valve stem extender with Pressure Pro sensor also was too close to aluminum wheel and wore sensor and wheel. I put a short piece of tight fitting thick clear vinyl hose over Pressure Pro sensor and that took care of wear. Has not fallen off in several years of use. Not a deal breaker for me as I think Pressure Pro is the better choice for us. So you are not the only one with the wear problem.

We haven't had any wear on our coach wheels, front or back, due partially to the arrangement of our extenders on the rear duals. See attached pic, which was taken before I installed the Pressure Pros on these new Toyos last week.  However, we have had wear (indentations) on the aluminum wheels on our toad, the Honda Accord.  I adopted Barry and Cindy's use of clear plastic hose (about 1" ID), cut into 1/2-3/4" rings that fit tightly around each sensor.  We did that about a year ago and have had no wear since then and the rings have not budged. :)  I installed the new O-ring valve seals on all 10 PP's and haven't had a single leak in the past week.

Howdy Bamafan,
  We have used the TireTraker system for over two years and have been very pleased with performance.  Here's a link to further discussion: TireTraker (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=14772.msg87248#msg87248)
Good Luck, Dave A

Because this issue might have been a 'safety issue' consideration for others presently driving, I decided to address this issue of my surprising...cracked TST wheel senders, pronto.  I contacted the company and was addressed very courteously.  Because I was going to be out of the country for awhile, I asked them to put the issue on hold until my return.  they did.  I returned, shipped the sensors back/ordered 4 extra+a Repeater.
NOTE:  the representative, Abby, confirmed they DID have a bad batch and would certainly replace the defective ones.

We did this quickly when I returned to the U.S.  My package containing 6 new sensors and...............4 more I bought for my Toad + a Repeater(at my cost), were delivered today.

Seems like a darn good company, trying to do it right!  Sensors looked to me and maybe....a tad beefier + date stamped.

Installed TST TPMS about 1100 miles back.  8 coach flow thru sensors and 4 non-flow thru for the toad.  Easy setup and somewhat easy install.  Seems to work very well and no problems so far.  Seems to be accurate with all sensor readings consistently 2 psi lower than my Milton gauge. I'm a happy customer!