TPMS for wheel/tire upgrade

Hey folks.

I picked up some brand new boxed OEM 18" TRD wheels on marketplace this week and I'm about to pull the trigger on a tire upgrade for my SR5 (leaning toward BFG Trail-Terrains). Swapping out the red TRD center caps for some heritage caps for a more classic look on my SR5.

The wheels did not come with TPMS. Two regional tire chains here in Boston can install and program aftermarket sensors along w ith the tires. One place wants $80/sensor plus a $120 programming charge, which seemed pricey. The other place (Town Fair Tire) is asking $30/sensor and no programming charge. I didn't get the brands of sensor from either place - I probably should.

Are there any issues with aftermarket sensors? Are any brands better or worse? Anything to be aware of?

I imagine all the sensors in all vehicle brands are outsourced by the manufacturers. I tried to search the forum and, honestly, ended up confused as hell.

Thanks!

 

Check out TPMS.com

 

I have sensors I bought from Amazon in 3 vehicles. Cost was $40-$60 for a 4-pack. When getting tires installed there was no charge to install them. I bought a used vehicle that had no sensors and was charged $10/tire to install and program those. They've been in 3 years to 5 years depending on the vehicle. I've had ZERO issues with installation or use afterward.

I didn't wait until mine died. I bought the new sensors and took them to the tire store when buying new tires. The old sensors were 7-8 years old and I didn't think they would make it until I wore out another set of tires and it basically costs double to replace them when not buying tires. I plan to replace all of mine in the future with every other set of tires.

 

You shouldn't have any issues with aftermarket tire sensors. I had several replaced on my Gen 2 by Discount Tires and they lasted for years. As for me, I can't stand TPMS'ers. I would like to pull them out of all my vehicles (cuz I'm the type that check air pressure regularly) but the ECU doesn't like it. They're a nuisance.

 

Tire store wanted mounting/demounting charges for both sets of wheels to move my original sensors over. So basically way more than the cost of just buying new sensors.

 

Thx.

I hate shitty parts. I know aftermarket can be fine. I just don't want garbage. I once bought an aftermarket catalytic converter; learned a big lesson. TPMS parts are way cheaper obviously. I just don't want trouble. I've become a buy once kind of guy.

I like the TPMS functionality as long as it works. I check my air pressure pretty often as well. Have a compressor in my home workshop and portables in the cars so easy to adjust.

 

Try looking at Tire Rack and see if they have approved installers in your area, then price them for the work

It may or may not be better, but with a try.

I think you can buy a program tool for around what they want to soak you for.

 

Thanks for the reply. TR approved installers were actually my first attempt before the local chains. TR pricing was a bit better for the tires but install - whoa! Overall going with TR for the BFG All-Trails (265/65R18) plus sensors and a local installer was pushing $1600. Same setup at Town Fair Tire here in Boston is about $300 less installed.

 

Town Fair are good peeps. Call and ask if they are Bartec. They are the most reputable and common TPMS supplier, and software provider to tire stores. No need to pay such a high price for TPMS sensors.

 

Thanks! They are Bartec. I'm going with Town Fair and a set of BFG Trail-Terrain TAs.

Appreciate all the advice folks!

 

Why not use your existing tpms? That’s what I’m doing with my 2 week old Tacoma. I purchased new wheels and getting new tires

 

Dont' want to pay to demount the old tires and then pay to remount so I can sell the old tires/wheels. Cheaper just to buy new TMPS.

 

A buyer for your sr wheels is going to be slim. Most people would want to upgrade than downgrade. I have an appointment with my tire shop to remove my tpms from my original trd off road wheels and install onto my new wheels and new tires, balance, and install for $240. Seems more economical to me.

 

Kind of on topic........I have a Sport with a generic looking spare tire. Does that come with a TPMS installed?

 

Agree that most want to upgrade. But the OEM 17" SR5 wheels & tires seem to be listed on marketplace and craigslist pretty regularly for about $600-800 for the set. Works for me & whatever I get helps offset the cost of my upgrade.

 

List them in a set, and separately. Many peeps destroy wheels and need singles. Make the price difference advantageous to push the profitability toward a set, without having to lose a sale.

 

Great idea! Going to list them today as I just made the upgrade.

 

I bought some from here. They buy directly from the manufacturer and supply OE manufacturers not the cheap Chinese made TPMS that rarely work.
Www.tpmsbargains.com

 

TPMS in spares ended mid 2009 build cycle.

So unless they've started again with the 4g build, then no.

Easy way to tell is look at the valve stem. Does it look like the ones on the ground, or is it a traditional rubber stem?

 

Boston Mass?