Stymied by tire, wheel issues

[2013NHSiestaowner]

I have two questions for you, my friends, re: my 2013 Siesta on the Sprinter chassis
1) I have "ejected" two wheel covers in the last 5yr and have taken to zip-tying them to the wheels. I am frustrated in my inability to seat my latest new wheel cover on a rear wheel set (spring steel fingers to grip flange of outer wheel). Whack-a-mole isn't working. How do you do it?
2) Related to question #1. I would like to install a TPMS so I don't have to cut the zip ties, pry off the cover to check pressures. What system are you using that fits the wheel covers and saves you the worry and frustration of manually checking pressures?
BTW I am very happy with this RV otherwise.
Thanks for educating me.
Peter

[waynetaylor55]

Originally Posted by 2013NHSiestaowner

I have two questions for you, my friends, re: my 2013 Siesta on the Sprinter chassis
1) I have "ejected" two wheel covers in the last 5yr and have taken to zip-tying them to the wheels. I am frustrated in my inability to seat my latest new wheel cover on a rear wheel set (spring steel fingers to grip flange of outer wheel). Whack-a-mole isn't working. How do you do it?
2) Related to question #1. I would like to install a TPMS so I don't have to cut the zip ties, pry off the cover to check pressures. What system are you using that fits the wheel covers and saves you the worry and frustration of manually checking pressures?
BTW I am very happy with this RV otherwise.
Thanks for educating me.
Peter

I put on valve extenders. A lot cheaper than TPMS!

[Travelin' Texans]

Originally Posted by waynetaylor55

I put on valve extenders. A lot cheaper than TPMS!

Valve extenders ARE NO WHERE NEAR the same as a TPMS system, but will agree they are cheaper.
To OP, I'd check a salvage yard for a set of aluminum dually truck wheels to replace your ones with hubcaps, may be cheaper than replacing the hubcaps, then there's no problem adding TPMS as long as they have steel valve stems.

[waynetaylor55]

Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans

Valve extenders ARE NO WHERE NEAR the same as a TPMS system, but will agree they are cheaper.

Didn't say they were. Just offering an alternative.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Can't really help with the wheel covers... I have a 2020 F-350 cutaway (class C) and I'm just really careful to get the covers secured using a rubber mallet - ESPECIALLY around where the weights are. They tend to keep the cover from laying flush against the wheel/rim. I haven't had any issues so far. I generally hold the center of the cover over the hub, then carefully work my way around the outer edge. I find holding the center fairly tight magically keeps the edges from popping off as you work around the wheel.

I just purchased a TireMinder i10 package... 10 total sensors... 4 for our Wrangler toad, 6 for the MH.

I haven't installed the motorhome sensors yet. I have steel valve stems. I added a short L shaped extension to the outside duallies, but the inner tires require a much longer straight extension. I am leery of leaving the long ones permanently installed because they would bang around with centrifugal forces. So I just use that extension only when adding air, then remove it.

The TPMS will make this process MUCH simpler... no more unnecessary removing the wheel cover, installing the extension, then checking the pressure - ONLY to find the pressure was okay!!

The TPMS will at least save me from that needless hassle. But if the tires are low, I still need to jump through all those hoops - PLUS remove the TPMS sensor. But I also have the added protection of tire blowouts, especially for the inner rear tires.

[chunker21]

Originally Posted by waynetaylor55

Didn't say they were. Just offering an alternative.

Don't get it. TPMS and valve extenders are 2 completely different things for 2 different problems. Actually you can use both, a valve extender to be able to reach and install a TPMS sensor. I have and do. To be specific, I added the crossfire pressure equalization system and the RVi Tire Patrol TPMS.