Okay, I had my new tires and wheels put on last week (and loving them) but we were not able to put the TPMS back on the wheels, right then and there, because my tire guy was not aware that the straps that hold them in place, are not reusable.
So, I told him I would acquire some, and we could put them on later. Now, I thought I had seen somewhere on the forums here (but couldn't find it in a search) where they were available somewhere for like $8.95 each.... or something reasonable ? But where ?

My other concern is, my D rated tires are rated for a max pressure of 65 lbs ! I'm running 50 lbs, and I think they feel, and handle great ! Not too stiff at all... not even with my Bilstein HD 5100 shocks. Still way softer than my little car with 40 series tires, which also run 50 lbs :-)
So anyway my concern is, will the "factory" TPMS stay activated, trying to tell me that my tire pressure is too high ? (which of course would be true if I were running the factory crap tires).
Because if this is the case, I'm just going to put a peice of black electricians tape over the indicator light, and call it a done deal.

Anyone ?

Thanks,
Fish

 

It may have a problem with the pressure. I believe the sensors are rated for tires that have a max of 50. It does have a pressure stamped on the sensors of 50. Can't say for sure, but that is what I saw when I took mine off.

Ps - with those tires I would run them at 45. 50 is a bit high.

 

I think Tire Rack may have had the bands.
Also, I believe the TPMS only sends a warning when pressure drops too low. I don't think running a high air pressure has any affect on the system. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this.

 

Kingfish, I'd think 50 lbs was a bit high too, if the tires didn't have a max pressure of 65 lbs, and if they didn't feel so good as they do. But I might try them at 45lbs after a little bit more driving on them at 50, and then decide...

Hey Wandell, that would be a good thing, if it were correct. Guess we will see. If I find out anything on this, I'll let you guys know....

Peace,
Fish

PS, I think I'm just going to have to go drive my F150 right now :-) Have to wait until tomorrow now, for the bumpers anyway :-( Oh well....

 

Band source
http://www.americanmuscle.com/universal-tpms-bands.html

The TPMS in our trucks only alert you in the event of an air pressure drop. It's either a percentage of the sensor set point or a percentage of the pressure the sensor was calibrated/trained to in the vehicle. Can't remember which.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...highlight=TPMS

 

If your gonna use your old cradles and sensors all you need are some big worm gear clamps. Got them the first time online. This time I went to a local HVAC supply and got 4 for 20 bucks.

 

$20 is about what I'm thinking this might be worth to me :-)

Hey hillbilly, forgive this stupid question..... But what is an "HVAC supply" company ? ....what does that stand for ???

Thank you,
Fish

 

Heating & Cooling Supply. I got lucky. They dont use them much anymore. They use huge zip ties now. But you may get lucky too if you call around. Looked online at Ideal and they can be bought from different companies but you have to buy boxes. They look like a huge water clamp.

 

why wouldn't a huge zip tie work ???

Fish

 

May or may not. Dont think I'd trust plastic it can stretch with heat and zips wont tighten down enough IMO. Read where some others are using Stainless wire and twisting the heck out the ends. Might be a better option. But keep in mind if it doesnt work you're gonna have to break the tires down again which means more money.

 

Actually, I think you could torque the heck out of those giant zip ties..... but yea, that setup would probably not be good for heat.

But here's a new thought for you guys..... You ever seen a lumber banding tool ??? (I used one all the time when I worked at a lumber yard) Those things will crank a super strong steel band around a 1500 lb bundle of lumber, that is WAAAY strong and durable, then put a fat crimp on it !

I've seen big rigs roll, and throw bundles of lumber off on the road, and often times, those bands still hold !

I think I might take a sensor by the old lumber yard, and see how that banding material will fit it......

Hmmmm....
Fish

 

I've had the stainless wire on my wheels for over a year now with no issues.

 

You just need to be sure whatever you use holds the sensor tight. If the senor loosens and rotates on the wheel your balance will be off. I think a huge ziptie would be a good idea.

 

All you need is something that will exert enough pressure to hold the cradle in place. The sticky tape on the cradles hold pretty tight and you have to just about pry them off to get them loose. Heat may make the tape more likely to let loose so anything that would hold some pressure on it should work. Huge zip ties or SS wire is a lot cheaper than 70 bucks for worm gear clamps.