TV Tire Pressure Monitor System

[beagle22b07]

Got a question. I want to upgrade the tires on my 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 from P255/70/R17's to LT265/70/R17's for the additional stability when towing. I questioned the GMC dealer where I bought the truck regarding the TPMS and they are telling me it will cost $110 to reset the system to account for the higher tire pressure in the LT series. Really, $110? Seems way high to me. Can this be done myself? I towed my MiniLite 2104S 10,000 miles last year on a cross country trip and didn't have any tire problems. Do I really need to go to a LT series tire and go thru all this expense? I would like to upgrade, but the $110 kills me. I've followed this forum for a while and I'm sure I'll get some good tips.

[PhoneDude 8289]

When I went from "P" to "E" tires Discount Tire took care of reprograming the TPMS on the truck, no charge but I paid plenty for the LT 275 65R20 Cooper tires.

[beagle22b07]

Thanks PhoneDude. My tire place said they wouldn't do it. There are plenty of videos on how to re-learn the system, but I'm understanding the GMC dealer as saying going to a higher pressure is different from re-learning. I'll do more research on that.

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by beagle22b07

Thanks PhoneDude. My tire place said they wouldn't do it. There are plenty of videos on how to re-learn the system, but I'm understanding the GMC dealer as saying going to a higher pressure is different from re-learning. I'll do more research on that.

Changing the threshold is more than just relearning.


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

[beagle22b07]

That's was what I thought sine the tech at GMC said they had to reprogram the computer. He did say that because I had the towing package it could be done. Thanks for the response Kenny.

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by beagle22b07

That's was what I thought sine the tech at GMC said they had to reprogram the computer. He did say that because I had the towing package it could be done. Thanks for the response Kenny.

It's easily done, but you do need a factory scan tool.


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

[beagle22b07]

Looks like I'm going to have to pay the $110. I really think the LT tires will be better in the long run.

[lbrjet]

I would wait until you get a longer, heavier trailer.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[beagle22b07]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

I would wait until you get a longer, heavier trailer.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

Ibrjet, so your saying you think the P series of tires are ok for what I'm towing? Like I said, I put 10K miles on the rig last year and really don't have anything to complain about.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by beagle22b07

Thanks PhoneDude. My tire place said they wouldn't do it. There are plenty of videos on how to re-learn the system, but I'm understanding the GMC dealer as saying going to a higher pressure is different from re-learning. I'll do more research on that.

Maybe you need a better more competent tire place. I deal with a store from one of the top 2 tire companies and they have the equipment needed to quickly re-set TPMS.

[lbrjet]

Yes, I think your tires are fine for your trailer. I think you answered your own question anyways in 10K miles of travels.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[Flybob]

There are lots of reprogramming tools on the market that should work and cost less than $100. Here is one
Kent-Moore EL-50448 TPMS Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Activation Tool

[Edmund]

Don't quite understand the problem. We use a 2010 Tundra and I went from P tires to LT and the manual clearly shows how to reset it yourself from the cab. When we aren't towing I use a lower pressure and can reset easily. I would certainly think that on a GMC you could do the same. Good luck.

[hunterrick]

Reprogramming your TPMS to a different pressure threshold, requires a GM Tech II tool. This job cannot be accomplished with any inexpensive aftermarket device.
I have a GMC Sierra 2500 and recently had mine reprogrammed by my local GMC dealer. The cost was $59. I'd check with another dealer. Any GMC/ Chevy dealer can do the job.
Some independent shops can also do it. In my case, the dealer was about the same cost as the independent that I contacted so I went with the dealer.

Since Ford/Firestone eplodergate, the car companies have all started requiring higher pressures to reduce their liability. My truck, with load range E LT tires specifies 65 PSI front and 80 PSI rear. These are crazy pressures that are required for maximum load, but result in uneven tire wear and a flinty ride. A quick consultation of the appropriate load/ pressure chart shows that 45 PSI all around is more than adequate for the loads that I typically carry (scale verified), even towing.

In my case, the TPMS would start complaining if the front pressures dropped below 60, and the rears below 65. The TPMS allows 20% variation above and below the setpoint, so I had my dealer set it to 50 PSI. This allows me to run a wide variety of pressures without the TPMS complaining, but will still warn me if my pressures drop to the minimum safe pressure. I'd recommend that you weigh your truck loaded as you will typically use it, then consult the appropriate load chart to see what pressures are required and have your TPMS accordingly.

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by Flybob

There are lots of reprogramming tools on the market that should work and cost less than $100. Here is one
Kent-Moore EL-50448 TPMS Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Activation Tool

We're not talking about sensor activation.

We're talking about raising the pressure threshold.

Say you run 80psi and want the tpms to alert at around 60. Instead of the factory set 32psi.


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

[Strigflag]

I will relay what my tire man told me yesterday during a long and fruitful conversation about truck, trailer and passenger tires. "What comes off goes on. What makes anyone think they know more about tires than the vehicle manufacturer. " and frankly I agree with him.

[beagle22b07]

Hunterrick. You said what I've been reading about in the Chevy/GMC truck forum. I did learn there is not an upper limit setting, only a lower one that sets off the alert. There appears to be a lot of 2500 owners that would like to run lower tire pressures, but hate seeing a warning light on their $50K+ trucks. I also think that after the lawsuits from exploding under inflated tires, the auto manufacturers are just protecting themselves. I'm sure your onboard computer keeps track of things like that. So maybe I can just run the LT tires because the higher pressure doesn't trip the sensors.

[beagle22b07]

Originally Posted by Strigflag

I will relay what my tire man told me yesterday during a long and fruitful conversation about truck, trailer and passenger tires. "What comes off goes on. What makes anyone think they know more about tires than the vehicle manufacturer. " and frankly I agree with him.

Strigflag - I agree if your using the vehicle for what it was primarily designed for, but in the case of a tow vehicle, I think you should have the option to upgrade one step. On my old 2006 Chevy 1500, LT tires were listed on the door jambs where this 1500 GMC lists only the P metric size which I believe is a load range C. P metric is a nice ride for sure, but are they adequate for 10,000+ miles of towing.

[ccsvolsfan]

I bought LT tires when I had F150 and TireDiscorenter reset for higher pressure at no charge. also look at youtube videos.

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by Strigflag

I will relay what my tire man told me yesterday during a long and fruitful conversation about truck, trailer and passenger tires. "What comes off goes on. What makes anyone think they know more about tires than the vehicle manufacturer. " and frankly I agree with him.

I agree for some things, but OEM have to deal with cost constraints, competition and sometimes quality gets compromised. An RV is a perfect example.