TPMS for the T1N Mercedes Sprinter
Having an old van means not always having the latest and greatest features found on the newer vans. TPMS is one of those features.
What is TPMS?
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It is an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles. The primary purpose of TPMS is to provide real-time tire pressure information to the driver, either through a gauge, a warning light, or both, to help prevent accidents, reduce tire wear, and improve fuel efficiency.
There are two main types of TPMS:
Direct TPMS - Sensors are installed inside each tire to measure the actual pressure. The data is sent to the vehicle's control system, which alerts the driver if the pressure is too low. This is what Mercedes Sprinter Vans have when they’re equipped with them from the factory.
Indirect TPMS - This system doesn't measure tire pressure directly but instead monitors the wheel speed through the vehicle's ABS system. A significant difference in wheel speed suggests a tire may be under-inflated.
Needless to say, maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel economy, and the longevity of the tires. Sprinter vans are known for having funky wear on the the front tires. This is primarily because of the struts combined with the fiberglass front leaf that sags over time. Add a lot of weight and you’ll start wearing the inner tire quite a bit. Running pressure not made for the weight makes this worse.
You can look up some of the other posts on tire wear to know what we’re talking about.
Anyhow, here’s a decent solution
Tymate seems to be a popular choice. There’s two I really liked for the T1N as they mount really nicely on the dashboard.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Wireless TPMS with 4 External Sensors
Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Wireless TPMS with 4 External Sensors & 6 Alarm Modes, Colorful Display, Real-time Tire Pressure Monitor System, Ideal for RV SUV MPV Truck Sedan (0-87 PSI)
This one is cool because it simply powers on through the cigaret lighter port, covers that part with a usable display in view and has USB ports.
This sensor shows temperature, which I’m not sure how accurate that really is as the sensor is not IN the tire and just one the stem.
But the part that’s important is for the E load range tires on the Sprinters, going up to 87PSI is a must.
It’s well rated 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tire Pressure Monitoring System - TPMS with Solar and USB Charger
Tire Pressure Monitoring System - TPMS with Solar and USB Charger, 4 Tire Sensors and 6 Alarm Modes, Auto on/off and Voice Prompt, TPMS with Color LCD Screen, for RV, Sedan, SUV, MPV, etc (0-87 PSI)
Here’s another interesting option. This FVTGA mounts on the dashboard and is solar powered!
This one also goes to 87PSI, so it checks the boxes with the Sprinter Load Range E tire needs. The display also kind of matches the interior design of the T1N Sprinter and looks period correct.
It’s highly rated 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tire Pressure Sensor, Car TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System LCD Cigarette Lighter USB 4 Internal Sensor
Tire Pressure Sensor, Car TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System LCD Cigarette Lighter USB 4 Internal Sensor, Black
So this one is similar to the one above, where it plugs right into the cigarette lighter port. But the biggest difference is that it has the internal tire sensors incorporated into the air valves like the newer vans.
If you like the integrated set up of the valves like we do, this is an ideal way to do it.
Supposedly these also work to really high pressures with a pressure range of 0-116psi
433.92 MHz fequency
It’s rated pretty highly at 4.1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tire Pressure Sensor with 4 Internal Sensors
Tire Pressure Sensor, Car TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitor System with 4 Internal Sensors
So this one is cool. This is an in dash display to look stock and utilizes the more modern style internal sensors. They require you to go to a tire shop and get these stems swapped instead of your standard ones.
Obviously you’ll need to attach this to the van’s power, but it would look slick mounted in the dash.
It has limited ratings, so it’s not something we know much about. But if we test it out, we’ll update the post here to let you all know.
