Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to monitor tire pressure?

Tire manufacturers will tell you that running tires underinflated is the cause of 95% of all premature tire failures and also contributes to poor fuel economy.

 

Should I monitor my tow vehicles as well?

It’s usually considered a good idea, since towed vehicles are more susceptible to picking up road debris being thrown into its path by the dual tires of the towing vehicle.

 

I have a TPMS on my tow-car. Will your system work on that vehicle?

The Tire Sentry will work with onboard TPMS as long as they have threaded valve-stems.

 

What benefits are there in monitoring my tire pressure?

Increased fuel economy, longer useful tire life, and safer driving are the primary benefits to be experienced.

 

How much pressure loss will occur before a warning signal is sent?

The system will allow for a 10% or 15% loss of pressure, depending on the tire size.

 

What does the Tire Sentry system consist of?

Each system consists of a display gauge, a complete set of tire sensors, and a power cable and antenna where necessary.

 

If I also want to monitor my tow car, will I need an external antenna?

An external antenna is usually necessary when also monitoring a tow-car or trailer from an RV and is included at no additional cost.

 

What is the transmission range of the tire sensors?

Sensor transmission range can be over 120 feet in “free air,” but can be reduced to less than half that when obstructed by metal rims and body metal.

 

How long do the sensor batteries last?

Typically two to three years under normal operation.

 

Are your sensor batteries replaceable by me, and how much do they cost?

Batteries are standard watch button-cells and are replaceable by you for $1.50 each when purchased from the factory.

 

Are the sensors replaceable, and how what about theft?

Tire sensors are replaceable, however theft has not been a problem. If you are concerned, our Euro-style TMS series comes with theft-proof tire sensors.

 

Do you need to remove the sensor from the valve stem to re-air the tire?

Yes, just as you would remove your existing valve cap now, except if you have the special
flex-hose extenders with dual valves.

Can I change the pressure settings if I change tire sizes?

Yes, you can just “dial-in” your new tire pressure on each tire sensor.

 

Can I install your system myself, or will it need to be installed by a professional?

If you are the least bit handy, you can install it yourself with the easy-to-follow instructions that are included. No special tools or technical knowledge are required.

 

Does it have an audible alarm?

Yes, a beeping tone will sound for 30 seconds to alert you.

Can it be easily transferred to another vehicle?

Yes, some models have been designed with this in mind, (see the TMS-04RC and TMS-06RC).

 

Is there any programming involved?

The Tire Sentry comes as a plug-and-play system that does not require any complicated programming procedures.

 

What mounting options are there for your display gauge?

Most Tire Sentry models have been designed to fit into the standard two-inch instrument space. They also can be used with a variety of optional instrument brackets if you elect not to flush-mount the display instrument.

 

Can I monitor a trailer being towed?

Yes, there is a Tire Sentry model for most any commercial or private vehicle towing requirement.

 

Does your system tell the tire pressure?

No, we elected not to during the early stages of development, due to several functional and operational disadvantages in doing so.

 

Is the Tire Sentry used by OEM RV manufacturers?

Yes, Tire Sentry systems are installed by many RV OEM factories and dealers and truck dealers.

 

Has the Tire Sentry been tested by any government agency?

Yes, NHTSA and DOT conducted tests that showed the Tire Sentry system to have the shortest reaction time of systems tested for detecting a loss of tire pressure, averaging six seconds. Some other systems took as long as three to eight minutes. (Ref: DOT “TREAD Act” Field Testing)

 

Is there any real benefit in monitoring tire temperature?

We are advised that monitoring of tire temperature has real benefits only for some unique vehicle applications. Elevated tire temperatures are mainly a result of excessive sidewall flexing because of the tire being underinflated. This becomes a non-issue if you can prevent your tires from being run underinflated, which is precisely what Tire Sentry is designed to ensure.

 

How long have you been building this product?

The first systems were designed and built more than eight years ago, and we are now building our fifth-generation systems.

 

How long is your warranty?

We have a three-year limited factory warranty on our RV models and a one-year warranty on the truck and commercial bus models.

Rev. 10/23/07

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