Question RVi Tire Patrol

[sheridany]

I use the RVi braking system on the toad and I like once you get the hang of setting it up.

I also use Tire Patrol which displays on the RVi tablet. I chose Tire patrol to reduce the number of devices on the dash that need a power source. I have had nothing but problems with Tire Patrol with battery life lasting only months instead years or more. I am on my third set in one year. Worse is the battery cannot be changed by you. They have to go back to RVi and they charged me 38 to replace the toad sensors which is their battery exchange cost If not under warranty.

Before I jettison Tire Patrol, has anyone had better luck than I have with Tire Patrol and what’s the secret? I have started removing them between trips to save the batteries which seems like an extraordinary effort

 

[Akdare]

I have the EEZ tire system, with the anti-theft sensors (non-flow through). But I did remove the anti-theft part...easy. I’ve had the system for just over 2 years, and have never replaced the batteries in the sensors, and they are user replaceable when I do need to. The main unit is about the size of a deck of cards. It is rechargeable, and the charge lasts a long time. I was on a 3+ week trip this summer, and I think I recharged it only once. It’s pretty accurate, too. Usually within a pound or two. I turn it on when I’m starting to leave camp, and off when I get to the next destination.

 

[Hawkeye]

I have the brake system, which I really like so I can use multiple toads. We also have the tire sensors, and that's another story. We haven't had them long enough to measure the battery life. We are on our 3rd set of sensors in 10 months, because one or more have failed. Their customer service is second to none but I hope the sensors I just received, are new and improved.

 

[sheridany]

X2 on the braking system. If I could get TP to work for a year I would be happy.

 

[Gizmo]

I use TST and I wish there was a screen that displayed all the tires pressures at the same time. I hate the one at a time and keep looking down and taking my eyes off the road to see the pressures/ temperatures. I say this because I like to monitor for a big difference between tires temperature and pressure and maybe catch a problem before an alarm goes off. The one time I had a problem was on a 5er that had a tire going down slowly and temperature on all the other tires was running around 110 degrees and one climbed to 130 degrees and increasing. I stated slowing down and pulling over and about 10 miles per hour the tire blew and zero damage. If I didn't notice that increase in temperature I would probably caused a lot of damage at 65 MPH.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

We also use the EEZTire system with the regular (not flow-through) sensors with the anti-theft collars removed. Our sensors have been in use for a year now with no battery issues. I believe EEZTire says the sensor batteries should last at least three years and some have reported up to five years of battery life.

We plan to change the batteries every two years unless they fail earlier, but carry spare batteries in the coach in case of premature failure. And, we also carry two spare sensor units in case we should have a failure. Changing batteries is easy. We replaced the original batteries that came with the units when we installed the sensors on the coach to ensure they had truly fresh batteries.

TJ

 

[sheridany]

thats a flaw in TP, you have to send them back and get new sensors..I asked them when you are going to come out with interchangeable batteries, they said not for the foreseeable future..That seems backwards to me.

 

[Jabber Jaw]

thats a flaw in TP, you have to send them back and get new sensors..I asked them when you are going to come out with interchangeable batteries, they said not for the foreseeable future..That seems backwards to me.

I agree!
But, as they are marked for each wheel, when not in use; I just remove them and store them in the box. This will certainly extend the battery life. However, I am not a "full-timer", so it's easier for me to do this and save battery life.
Replaceable batteries would certainly make it a more viable system!

 

[RandyB]

I bought and paid for Tire Patrol in January 2017, while at the Quartzsite RV Show. I already had a perfectly operating RVi2 brake, but wanted to consolidate the TPMS with the brake. Sounded like a great idea. I too have had a multitude of problems with the sensors. Also on my 3rd complete set, with some individual subsets in between. I've just received set #3 ahead of my annual trek to the Southwest. In early December I fired up set #2 and only 5 of the 10 sensors worked. Message to customer service, all apologetic (again) had another excuse of why not working and sent me set #3. While I was waiting for set 3, I made a pressure fixture to pressurize all 10 sensor simultaneously from the same source. This allows me to test the system from the comfort of my heated shop, rather than a 20 degree blowing windy day. I started, stopped, removed and reinstalled the new set at least 20 times before I determined that for now they are fine. However, given my experience, it's hard to be real confident. When the sensors are not going to be used for a few days, I always remove them and put them into a custom made protective box while not in use. Time will tell...a lot of time. RVi has been very accommodating and has always done the right thing, but that only gets you so far into the confidence zone. To the OP, I feel your disappointment, but cannot offer that "secret to success" that you desire.

 

[sheridany]

@bydnar Your experience is exactly like mine...Great customer service at RVI but I need something really reliable and where I can change the batteries. I find the battery exchange requirements to be a real negative especially since i have had so many problems. I am embracing the idea of change to another system.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

If you plan to replace your TPMS unit, the two that seem to get the best reviews from RVers are the TST 507 and the EezTire. Both have user-replaceable sensor batteries. And, both have color monitors (EezTire just released theirs in October 2019). Finally, I believe both have 3-year warrantees.

We use the EezTire unit with the B&W monitor and it works very well. I may buy one of the new color monitors (they are available separately) just because, though I doubt it will improve the usability as this unit has been flawless for a year=plus on the road. Changing the batteries on the non-flow-thru sensors (which we prefer) is quite easy...and, they last a long time. Ours have lasted almost 2 years (counting the time prior to installing them on the coach).

TJ

 

[FL-JOE]

Having a TPMS that did not have user replaceable batteries would be a deal breaker for me. I would hate to see you toss your present system and start all over though because none of the different brands are very cheap.

We have had a TST brand system since 2011. Six of the original sensors are originals and still work perfectly. Through numerous RV and toad combinations we have changed or modified the system but it has always worked great.

The most important thing IMHO is to have a TPMS in the first place.

 

[Stuart W]

caution: on the front wheels of my 18 DS 4369 with 365 tires the RVI sensors hit the wheel causing one to separate and flatten my front tire?. The company stroked me along for nearly 6 months telling me that they were working on a solution only to say they don’t have a fix other then 1 inch spacers that would put the sensors way out in harms way. In addition you need to send the sensors back to the factory on your dime to have the batteries replaced. On a positive note I have the RVI3 brake system and love it. I will say that I feel the size of the tablet is overkill and would be happier with a small box with a light, just my personal preference.

 

[sheridany]

Hi Stuart, I am ready to give up on tire patrol as it’s just been a hassle with faulty sensors. Nice people At RVi but it doesn’t make up for sensors going dead on the road frequently and having to send them back.
I really wanted to avoid having three displays on the dash (Garmin GPS, RVI and now a TPMS).

Do you know if the RVI braking system requires the tablet on to work?
If I could get rid of one device would be idea but I don’t want to forsake safety especially on a braking system and not knowing if it’s engaging is probably not good.

Another option albeit expensive is to upgrade the existing Kenwood audio to the Kenwood DNX775RVS in order to move the Garmin to the in dash unit. I wish there was there was a good GPS for RV’s on the iPhone and my problem would be partly solved.

 

[RandyB]

sheridany:
I know that the RVi3 Brake works autonomously. The tablet is a monitor. It does allow settings via the tablet, but the brake works just fine all by itself.

 

[Stuart W]

Hi Stuart, I am ready to give up on tire patrol as it’s just been a hassle with faulty sensors. Nice people At RVi but it doesn’t make up for sensors going dead on the road frequently and having to send them back.
I really wanted to avoid having three displays on the dash (Garmin GPS, RVI and now a TPMS).

Do you know if the RVI braking system requires the tablet on to work?
If I could get rid of one device would be idea but I don’t want to forsake safety especially on a braking system and not knowing if it’s engaging is probably not good.

Another option albeit expensive is to upgrade the existing Kenwood audio to the Kenwood DNX775RVS in order to move the Garmin to the in dash unit. I wish there was there was a good GPS for RV’s on the iPhone and my problem would be partly solved.

Yes the RVI3 brake system works without the monitor, However the monitor allows for emergency TOAD brake application independent of the motorhome

 

[sheridany]

The Tire Patrol saga continues.

We start by calling RVi about the status of the toad sensors sent back Dec 2nd. The order is in not received status at RVi. Sadly I shipped them back USPS with no tracking. My only recourse is to buy four new sensors.

Put that aside. I have an appointment this afternoon with the coach in Sacramento. Drive to coach storage.


I received all new coach sensors in November under warranty. Go around and pair up new sensors with RVi tablet. Some tires were a little low on air so I air them up. That Viar compressor is awesome.

Right front sensor seem to thread differently but it does. As I am doing my walk around I hear the alarm go off. My right front has dropped from 95 to 77 in minutes. i check valve stem core. Tighten it slightly. Rethread sensor. Get to ready to go Now I am late. Appointment cancels because I am late. Check sensors and right front has dropped again. Take sensor off. Air up tire again. Doesn’t lose air waiting 10 min.

I take all sensors and calmly walk to garbage and TOSS. Get on amazon and order EEZ tire system. DONE WITH TIRE PATROL FOREVER. I am inclined to get AF1 installed and be done with RVI forever.

 

[Jim]

I wish there was there was a good GPS for RV’s on the iPhone and my problem would be partly solved.

I've had good luck with CoPilot.

I take all sensors and calmly walk to garbage and TOSS.

lol, had the same results with a TPMS I bought on Amazon awhile back.

It would give me false warnings on every trip. Very irritating. The last trip we arrived at the park late due to a breakdown. So we parked, leveled the MH, unhooked the Jeep and sped off to the event that we were also late for. When we returned to the park, we found the coach front tire was flat. I assumed (incorrectly) that I had picked up a nail, although I couldn't find one in the tire. Called a mobile mechanic for the next day. He stood me up. Finally I bought an air compressor and aired up the tire just to find the darned sensor was leaking. Removed it, aired up the tire, and life was good again.

So the device I bought to warn me of impending doom was the cause of the problem it was purchased to prevent. I removed the other sensors and tossed them all.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Sorry you have had such a bad experience, Sheridan. I hope your new EEZTire TPMS gives you as much good service as ours has given us.

I would, however, retrieve the old sensors from the trash, if possible, and send the complete RVI unit back to the manufacturer with a stern letter detailing your issues and demanding a full refund of your purchase price! If that doesn't get you a refund, take their refusal reply and send it to both the Better Business Bureau and the consumer protection agency in your state. You might be surprised at the results.

I hate to see outfits like this get away with peddling second-rate stuff, especially when it involves safety issues.

TJ

 

[Akdare]

I hope you will be happy with the EEZ. I’ve had mine for 2+ years, and never a problem, never even replaced a battery. On the braking system, I got a Stay N Play Duo...

Stay-IN-Play DUO Braking System

An ideal supplemental braking system for every car and motorhome with a hydraulic braking system, the Stay-IN-Play DUO uses Demco’s patented technology to create a dual-signal system (brake lights and inertia) for progressive brake activation. This results in faster, more precise signals between...

www.demco-products.com

As I have a gas MH now, going to a DP IN February, I wanted something that could be used in both. Very happy with it so far.