OE TPMS after the fact?

[Forester Fred]

I want to get a TPMS for my rig. The chassis is a Chevrolet Express 4500 cutaway van chassis, dual rear wheels. I'm not too crazy about the ones that look like oversized valve stem caps. I'd like to have OEM TPMS sensors installed on the camper. I know, I have to have the bead broken on all the tires to replace the valve stems but I'm thinking that the OE type inside the wheel will be better protected from road damage and not subject to someone stealing them not to mention the extra weight on the tip of the valve stems.

Has anyone ever had an OEM system installed after the fact? The GM fleet website indicates that TPMS are standard equipment on all Express vans with less than 10,000 lbs GVW - mine is 14,000. I don't imagine that other than breaking the beads on the tires that the install would be too difficult. I'm sure the wiring for the in dash warning light is already in place. I don't think they'd build a special wiring harness for the chassis just because it's a 4500 vs a 3500 or 2500.

[spock123]

I have screw on sensors on now for three years now and no problems. I have metal stems on camper but only because it came that way, I have rubber stems on truck. My sensors came with a lock but I took the locks off, it made the sensors a little lighter. You can buy internal sensors that's made by TST. I have 507 on mine


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[spock123]

Oh yes GM puts the TPMS on 2500 trucks but not on 3500 and up. I wouldn't think they would have truck wired for them. I think you will have to go with a after market TPMS. But you can always ask your dealer


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[Tireman9]

With the cut off at 10,000# there is no marketing reason for an OE company to develop a TPMS system for vehicles with GVWR above 10k#.

Aftermarket sensors are pretty good. There are systems available now with Lifetime warranty and other features such as user replaceable batteries and rapid air loss features. I like having the ability to set my warning pressures so I will never operate my tires in overload. My system is battery powered so no need for extra wires across the dash.

I have about 35k miles on my system (even moved to the new RV last July) and am very happy.

[FordHauler]

Google tsttruck.com. Truck Systems Technology. They are the best. Or call 770-889-9102. Talk to them about internal band mounted sensors. The gal who answers the phone is as knowledgable as anyone there and they have all the time in the world to answer questions or walk you thru any problems you might have.
Travel safe

[Forester Fred]

Thanks all. After reading Tireman9's blog I'm having second thoughts about the internal senders. I like the idea of being able to change the batteries when needed without pulling the tires apart. I may have to rethink the whole thing and look at the ones on the valve stems with replaceable batteries.