TPMS

[Blueraven]

I searched the forum for “tire pressure monitor system” and “TPMS” and got no hits so I’ll start a thread.

My main purpose for a TPMS is for the 2 wheel trailer that I haul my Freewheeler/Heritage on.

To get the most use out of the system I thought once I get to our destination it would be beneficial to transfer the tire sensors to the Freewheeler.

One thing that seems to be commonly mentioned is to not install the sensors on rubber valve stems.

I’m not looking to replace the valve stems with metal ones and I don’t want to create a problem by installing these on rubber stems unless they are designed for that.

I’m not looking for opinions on whether or not I need a TPMS on the Freewheeler, so please only respond if you have any knowledge or experience on an aftermarket TPMS system.

So has anyone added a TPMS (like FOBO) to their Freewheeler?

After some additional research I went ahead and ordered the kit for a trike (3 sensors).After I get back from my trip in a couple of weeks I’ll post a review.

 

[Blueraven]

After some additional research I went ahead and ordered the FOBO kit for a trike (3 sensors). I’ll post a review.

First I read many reviews on different TPMS systems and when it comes to motorcycles the brand FOBO kept coming up so I figured that even though more expensive than most that’s probably the way to go.

The cost is about $50 per sensor so for a trike- $150.

The one concern I have is FOBO is App based only so if FOBO goes out of business or stops supporting their app then the system may be unusable.

However nowadays App based programs are the norm and I’ve always got my phone with me anyway so I think it will be fine.

The system is rather simple as is the install. Simply following the instructions prompted on the app.

I did test each sensor by removing it to see if it alarms and it does pretty quickly.

You get an audible alarm as well as an on screen alarm.

Also, I have a known accurate tire gauge and the FOBO readings are exactly the same so the sensors appear to be accurate.

When I’m trailering the Freewheeler all I have to do to monitor the trailer tires is move the rear sensors from the Freewheeler to the trailer and update the required tire pressures so I’ll get the multi-use I was looking for.

One other thing to mention is battery drain on the phone.

In order for the app to send a live alarm the app has to be running so while riding you going to have to allow the app to run in the background which will likely cause some battery drain; how much we’ll have to see.

I think if I’m parked for any long amount of time I’ll simple turn the app off.

Anyway in short; if you want to be able to check your tire pressure without getting on your hands and knees and/or want the safety to be able to know if a tire is going down I think the FOBO system is the way to go.

BTW- The system comes with lockdown nuts with a key to prevent theft however I didn’t install them as I’m more concerned with needing to add air and not having the key than I am the sensors getting stolen.

Also the sensors are married to the primary phone unless they are “divorced” from the app on the phone.

The kit also comes with metal valve stems however the instructions don’t say they have to be used and I’ve read many reviews where-as people have had the sensors installed on rubber stems for some time without issue.

 

[Blueraven]

Getting to the main point; FOBO TPMS- get it.

After a week’s long vacation while using the FOBO TPMS it worked exactly as it supposed to.

I was able to check my tire pressure without having to get down on my hands and knees. (that along is worth the $150 ).

Since I never got a deflation I was never alerted while riding but numerous test certainly indicated that the alert does work well.

I used the rear sensors on my trailer while trailering the Freewheeler and that worked great.

I simple adjusted the pressure settings for the trailer tires.

After less than a week of using these on the Freewheeler I decided to add them to my Heritage.

In conclusion; If not for any other reason the FOBO TPMS is a good add-on that allows you to keep an eye on your tire pressure without having to get down on the ground to check it.

Also, while riding if you start to experience a tire leak unless it’s a blowout you’ll know about it before the tire is flat giving you time to either safely get off the road or for a slow leak time to get to someplace to get it repaired.

I personally think a TPMS is a worthwhile add-on and even though a bit more expensive than other brands the FOBO system is simple and works well.