SmarTire RV User Manual

Section 1.0

RV

Section 1: System Overview

1

What does SmarTire RV Do?

SmarTire RV is an active tire pressure and temperature monitoring system designed specifically for recreational vehicles. At the push of a button, the system provides the driver with real-time tire pressure and temperature information – even when the vehicle is in motion.

To warn the driver of an under inflated tire before it becomes

Section 1.1

dangerous, SmarTire RV provides 3 tire alerts:

2

What does SmarTire RV Do?

Pressure Deviation Alert

The Pressure Deviation Alert is the first warning of an under inflated tire. If the measured pressure inside a tire is different than what the pressure is supposed to be (SmarTire uses the cold inflation setting and the

Section 1.1

measured temperature of a tire to calculate the proper pressure), the driver is alerted to the condition with a flashing warning light and an audible alarm. This temperature compensation calculation enables the SmarTire to provide a warning of pressure loss even when tires are warm.

The default setting triggers the alert when a tire is 10 PSI under or over inflated. This setting can be customized by the user.

3

What does SmarTire RV Do?

Critical Low Pressure Alert

The Critical Low Pressure Alert warns the driver when a tire’s pressure falls below a fixed, user defined pressure level. This audible and visual warning is intended to alert the driver to a critical tire

condition in order for them to take immediate precautions.

Section 1.1

Unlike the Pressure Deviation Alert, the Critical Low Pressure Alert does not use a temperature compensation calculation. As such, if a tire’s pressure falls below the default setting (10 PSI below the cold inflation pressure), the tire truly is critically under-inflated and should be addressed immediately.

Like the Pressure Deviation Alert, the default settings for the Critical Low Pressure Alert can be customized by the user.

4

What does SmarTire RV Do?

High Temperature Alert

The High Temperature Alert warns the driver when a tire’s temperature exceeds a preset threshold. The default setting for the 4 wheel preconfigured kits is 176°F (80°C) and 195 °F (90°C) for 6 and 8

Section 1.1

wheel kits. High tire temperatures are typically caused by under-inflation

and the SmarTire system will usually provide a Pressure Deviation Alert and a Critical Low Pressure Alert well in advance of a High Temperature Alert. If triggered on its own, the High Temperature Alert can be an indication of an alternative problem such as a dragging brake or a bearing failure. Like the other two alerts, the default high temperature setting can be customized by the user.

5

What does SmarTire RV Do?

With SmarTire on board, RV owners will have peace-of-mind knowing that their tires are constantly monitored and rolling smoothly.

The Benefits of SmarTire RV are:

• Reduce accident risk

• Avoid inconvenience

Section 1.1

• Increase fuel economy

• Extend tire life

6

Core System Components

Section 1.1

7

How does SmarTire RV Work?

Section 1.2

1. Sensors mounted on the surface of the wheels using stainless steel straps measure internal tire pressure and temperature. This information along with a unique identification number is wirelessly transmitted to a receiver mounted in the vehicle.

8

How does SmarTire RV Work?

Section 1.2

2. Pre-programmed with the unique ID numbers of each sensor on the vehicle, the receiver picks-up the wireless signals sent by the sensors using antennas located on the underside of the vehicle.

9

How does SmarTire RV Work?

Section 1.2

3. The real-time tire information is available to the driver using a dash mounted display. At the push of a button, the driver will receive an update on the pressure and temperature condition of their tires. If a tire problem is detected, they will be instantly alerted to the tire condition by a flashing red light and an audible alarm.

10

How does SmarTire RV Work?

Section 1.2

4. The receiver can monitor up to 20 wheel positions and is able to monitor both an RV and a towed vehicle or trailer.

11

12

Section 2.0

RV

Section 2: Pressure Temperature

Relationship

13

Section 2 Overview

This Section will describe the affect of temperature on tire pressure. When complete, you will understand the following concepts:

• Cold Inflation Pressure (CIP) specifications

• Tire pressure/temperature relationship

• Thermal Equilibrium

• “Temperature Compensated” pressure information

• Slope Values

Section 2.0

14

Setting Tire Pressures:

Pressure Temperature Relationship

We all know that vehicle and tire manufacturers specify that tire pressures should be checked and adjusted when a tire is “cold”, but most of us may not know why, or even what a “cold tire” is. The temperature of a tire actually has a significant impact on its inflation pressure.

A tire is considered to be “cold” when its temperature is 65°F (18°C). The inflation values provided by vehicle manufacturers

Section 2.0

(found in the vehicle’s owners manual and usually on the door jam or in the glove box) are called ‘Cold Inflation Pressures’ (CIP) because they represent the correct amount of pressure a tire should be inflated to when it is “cold”. The reason that tires have cold inflation pressures set at 65°F is because a tire’s pressure will change relative to its temperature.

15

Setting Tire Pressures

Pressure Temperature Relationship

Air naturally expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Inside a contained vessel such as a tire, this expansion and contraction causes a change in contained air pressure. As a tire heats up, its pressure will naturally increase and as it cools down, its pressure will naturally decrease.

A tire inflated to a CIP of 105 PSI at 65°F will increase in pressure to 125 PSI at 152°F and decrease in pressure to 97 PSI at 32°F.

Section 2.0

As such, on days when the ambient temperature is higher than 65°F, the cold inflation pressure of a tire should be higher than the value specified by the vehicle manufacturer. The opposite applies for days when the ambient temperature is less than 65°F.

16

Setting Tire Pressures

Pressure Temperature Relationship

On days when the ambient temperature is less than 65°F, it would be reasonable to assume that the pressure in a properly inflated tire should be less than the manufacturer’s recommended CIP. This is not actually the case.

Tire manufacturers never recommend inflating a tire to less than the specified cold inflation pressure. The beads of a commercial tire can unseat if its pressure gets too low resulting in a

Section 2.0

catastrophic tire failure. The general rule of thumb is to inflate a tire to a proportionately higher CIP value when the ambient / tire temperature is hotter than 65°F (18°C) and to the r ecommended CIP value at temperatures below 65°F.

The chart on the following slide shows equivalent inflation values for a series of cold inflation pressures at various temperatures.

17

121

128

129

130

131

133

134

136

137

138

140

141

142

Recommended Pressure (PSI)

°F °C

Temperature Comparison Chart

Outside Ambient Temperature

32 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110

0 13 16 18 21 24 27 29 32 35 38 41 43

75 80 85 90

95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130

Do not exceed maximum pressure capacity of the wheel. Consult wheel manufacturer.

69 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 79 80 81 82 83 74 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 87 88 79 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 84 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 88 93 94 95 96 97 98 100 100 101 102 103 104 93 98 99 100 101 102 104 105 106 107 108 109 110

98 103 104 105 106 107 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 102 108 109 110 111 113 114 115 116 117 119 119 121 107 113 114 115 116 118 119 120 121 123 124 125 126 112 118 119 120 121 123 124 126 126 128 129 130 132 116 123 124 125 126 128 129 131 132 133 135 136 137

Section 2.0

Never inflate tires less than the recommended cold inflation pressure, even when the ambient temperature is below 65°F (18°C).

18

Thermal Equilibrium

As a vehicle moves, its tires naturally heat up due to friction from the road and the flexing of its side-walls. Weight, vehicle speed and the inflation pressure a tire starts at, all have an impact on how much and how quickly heat is generated.

As the tire generates heat, its pressure increases causing the side-walls to stiffen. Less side-wall flexing and road resistance combined with air rushing past the tire as the vehicle moves

Section 2.0

effectively counteract the conditions that cause the tire to heat up. As a result, the temperature increase tapers until the tire reaches a point of balance called Thermal Equilibrium.

19

Thermal Equilibrium

Tire “Thermal Equilibrium” is the point where the heat being generated is equal to the heat being dissipated. Tires are designed with the principles of temperature and pressure in mind in order for them to achieve Thermal Equilibrium.

Once a properly inflated tire reaches Thermal Equilibrium, it will operate at its peak; providing the best performance, handling, tire life and fuel economy.

Section 2.0

20

Temperature

Compensated Pressure

Since a tire’s contained air pressure naturally increases as a vehicle moves, it can be difficult to tell if a hot tire is underinflated. Without some form of temperature compensation, a hot tire that is under-inflated might appear to be fine because its contained air pressure is at or above its cold inflation pressure (CIP).

For example, a tire correctly inflated to a CIP of 105 PSI at 65°F

Section 2.0

will reach thermal equilibrium when its temperature increases to 152°F and its pressure increases to 125 PSI. A tire starting at 95 PSI at 65°F (10 PSI under inflated) would have to reach 202°F for the pressure to once again reach 125 PSI and the tire to reach thermal equilibrium.

When checked using a handheld gauge or a tire monitoring system that does not measure operating temperature, this tire that is 10 PSI under-inflated can appear to be normal.

21

Temperature

Compensated Pressure

SmarTire measures both tire pressure and temperature in order to provide “Temperature Compensated” pressure deviation values and alerts. By measuring the operating temperature of a tire and comparing it to the cold inflation pressure (CIP) value programmed into the system, the SmarTire will know what a tire’s pressure is supposed to be in relation to its operating temperature.

The system is able to warn the driver of an under inflated tire even

Section 2.0

if that tire’s actual contained air pressure is at or above its CIP.

22

Temperature

Compensated Pressure

The advantages of temperature compensation are even more dramatic when a tire has a slow leak. A tire that is constantly losing pressure will not be able to reach thermal equilibrium because the contained air simply can not expand enough to generate the required pressure, regardless of how hot the tire becomes. Since the leak is slow, the tire may appear over an extended period of time to be properly inflated when it is actually dangerously under inflated and operating well above its

Section 2.0

temperature capacity.

23

Temperature

Compensated Pressure

As air leaks from the tire, increased side-wall flexing and road resistance cause the tire’s temperature and pressure to increase. The pressure increase will soon plateau and begin to slowly decrease while the tire’s temperature continues to get hotter and hotter. Eventually, the tire will become so hot that its structure will degrade and then fail in the form of a blow-out and / or tire fire. This failure can occur before the dramatically hot tire’s contained air pressure drops below its CIP value.

Section 2.0

Consequently, for a tire pressure monitoring system to provide maximum value, it must be able to measure the operating temperature of a tire and provide the driver with temperature compensated information.

24

Temperature Compensated

Pressure & Slope

The SmarTire uses a “Slope” calculation in order to determine accurate inflation pressures based on measured tire temperature. The Slope calculation is the change in tire pressure divided by the change in tire temperature. The value of the Slope setting is a constant and should be 10 points higher than the cold inflation pressure value. If a tire has a cold inflation pressure of 90 PSI, its Slope should be set at 100.

Section 2.0

25

26

Section 3.0

RV

Section 3: System Installation

27

Installation Overview

The SmarTire RV system is very simple to install. A full system installation generally takes approximately 4 hours to complete on a standard 6 wheel Class A motor coach, though your first installation may take a little longer.

SmarTire for RVs consists of the following main components:

Section 3.1

28

Installation Overview

Step 1: Determine the installation location

for each component Step 2: Install the Display & Receiver Step 3: Install the Antennas

Section 3.1

Step 4: Install the Sensors Step 5: Re-mount the tires Step 6: Post installation testing

29

Tools Required

Installing the Antennas

1. Power drill & bits *

2. Silicone sealant *

3. 1” open ended wrench or crescent wrench

Installing the Receiver

Section 3.2

1. Wire cutter / stripper / crimping tool

2. Phillips screwdriver

* Tool may not be required

30

Installing the Display

1. Cleaning supplies

2. Power drill & bits *

Installing the Sensors

1. 5/16” or 8mm hexagon driver

Tools Required

Section 3.2

2. Metal cutter

3. Torque wrench *

4. Tire changing equipment

5. Tire balancing equipment

* Tool may not be required

31

Step 1:

Determine the Best Location for

Each Component

Section 3.3

32

Step 1: Location Overview

Like all integrated systems, the installation location of each component is dependant upon the location of the other components in the system. As such it is best to select the overall location of each component before starting.

Section 3.3

33

Step 1: Component Locations

Use the following sequence when determining the best location for each component:

1. Determine the installation location for the display. Pick a location that is easily viewable by the driver, can be easily reached in order to check tire pressure while driving and that can conceal the wire that connects the display to the receiver.

2. Starting at the rear of the vehicle, lay-out the antenna cables

Section 3.3

the length of the vehicle with one antenna at the rear axle(s) and another at the front axle. If a towed vehicle will be monitored, add a third antenna at the very rear of the vehicle. Determine a concealed location for the antenna cables to enter the cab of the vehicle.

34

Step 1: Component Locations

3. Determine the installation location for the receiver. Select a concealed location that is in the cab of the vehicle and within reach of a fused, ignition keyed power supply and ground. The location must be within reach of the display cable and the antenna cables. It should also ideally be within audible range of the driver so that the receiver’s audible alert can be heard.

It is important to ensure that the display is mounted in the best location for the driver. The installation location of the receiver

Section 3.3

and the entry point for the antenna cables should always accommodate the installation location of the display.

35

Step 2:

Installing the Receiver & Display

Section 3.4

36

Step 2: Installing the Receiver

& Display

1. Select a location to mount the display and a concealed location to mount the receiver. For the display, select a location that is easily viewable by the driver, can be easily reached in order to check tire pressure while driving and that can conceal the cable that connects the display to the receiver. For the receiver, select a concealed location that is within easy reach of the display cable, and the entry point of the antenna cables and has access to a suitable power source and ground. It should also be with in audible

Section 3.4

range of the driver (receiver emits audible alerts during tire pressure / temperature warnings).

2. With the vehicle’s power off, wire the receiver power cable to the vehicle connecting the positive (red) wire to a fused (2 – 5 Amp), ignition keyed 12 or 24 volt power source and the negative (black) wire to ground.

37

Step 2: Installing the Receiver

& Display

3. Run the display cable from the desired location on the dash or consol to the receiver (may require drilling a hole in the dash). Connect the display cable to the back of the display and, using the included Velcro, mount the display to the dash in a clean, easily viewable and reachable location.

4. Place the receiver in its intended mounting location and mark the mounting holes for drilling. Be sure to leave sufficient room

Section 3.4

to connect the antenna cables and the display cable. Using a 1/8” drill bit, drill the mounting holes.

5. Mount the receiver in place using the supplied self-tapping metal screws.

6. With the vehicle’s power off, connect the display cable to the receiver and then connect the power cable.

38

Step 2: Installing the Receiver

Connection Diagram

& Display

Section 3.4

39

Step 3:

Installing the Antennas

Section 3.5

40

Step 3: Installing the Antennas

1. Assemble the antennas.

A. Slide the metal retainer over the antenna whip and pull it tight so that the

rubber boot fits snugly in the retainer.

B. Install the rubber washer and screw the antenna whip / metal retainer on to

the antenna base. Tighten the assembly using a wrench. Caution: Do not over tighten the assembly.

Section 3.5

41

Step 3: Installing the Antennas

2. Since wireless signals are reflected by metal surfaces, the antennas require a clear line of sight to the tires. Magnetically mount the antennas to the underside of the vehicle in locations that are open and unobstructed with as much ground clearance as possible and never pointed upward (see Sensor & Antenna Guide for locations). They can be adhered to frame rails, bumpers, and/or the tow-hitch as required.

Section 3.5

Tow-Behind Antenna: Mount in the rear engine compartment pointed toward the rear of the vehicle.

Drive Axle Antenna: Mount as close to the axle as possible in an open and unobstructed location.

Steer Axle Antenna: Mount as close to the axle as possible in an open and unobstructed location.

42

Step 3: Installing the Antennas

Section 3.5

43

Step 3: Installing the Antennas

Section 3.5

44

Step 3: Installing the Antennas

TOW-BEHIND ANTENNA

Section 3.5

45

Step 3: Installing the Antennas

REAR AXLE ANTENNA

Section 3.5

46

Step 3: Installing the Antennas

FRONT AXLE ANTENNA

Section 3.5

47

Step 3: Installing the Antennas

3. Run the cables the length of the vehicle and drill a hole to provide access into the cab. Existing holes can also be used. Feed the cables through the hole to the intended location of the receiver.

Section 3.5

48

Step 3: Installing the Antennas

4. Starting at each antenna, attach the cables to the underside of the vehicle using the included cable ties. Be sure that the cables avoid moving parts and excessive heat.

5. Feed any slack through the hole and then seal it using silicone sealant. Be sure that the seal is weather proof and will not allow moisture to enter the cab.

Section 3.5

6. Connect the antenna cables to the receiver. If three antennas are used, connect the metal T connector to one of the antenna ports on the receiver and then connect the tow-behind antenna and the steer axle antenna to it. Attach the drive axle antenna to the remaining port.

49

Step 4:

Installing the Sensors

Section 3.6

50

Step 4: Installing the Sensors

on RV Wheels

Please read this section carefully and follow each step precisely to ensure that you do not damage a sensor and the sensors are installed in the correct, pre-programmed locations.

1. Remove the wheel from the vehicle and then remove the tire.

2. Each sensor is pre-programmed in the receiver to a specific wheel location on the vehicle. The

Section 3.6

P number on the side and bottom of the sensor corresponds to a wheel position number on the supplied Sensor and Antenna diagram. Select the sensor that is pre-programmed to the wheel you are working on.

51

Step 4: Installing the Sensors

on RV Wheels

Section 3.6

52

Step 4: Installing the Sensors

on RV Wheels

Section 3.6

53

Step 4: Installing the Sensors

on RV Wheels

3. Wrap the strap around the rim and mark it 1" past the worm gear. Cut the strap at the mark and slide on the sensor. Excess strap must be removed or it will potentially break-off and damage the tire. Note: Excess strap may also be cut after sensor installation.

Section 3.6

54

Step 4: Installing the Sensors

on RV Wheels

4. With the strap and sensor positioned in the lowest point of the drop center well, feed the end of the strap into the worm gear and pull it tight. Orient the sensor so that it is positioned at the valve with the worm gear 3” away from the edge of the sensor. The sensor must always be oriented at the valve in order to know its approximate location after the tire has been mounted.

Section 3.6

55

Step 4: Installing the Sensors

on RV Wheels

5. Hand tighten the strap using a 5/16” (8 mm) hexagon driver until the sensor can not be moved. CAUTION: Do not over tighten the strap. Reference torque: 35 in-lbs (4 Nm)

6. Indicate the location of the sensor by applying the supplied rim label to a clean and dry location on the outside of the rim flange.

Section 3.6

56

Step 5:

Re-Mounting Tires After a Sensor

Has been Installed

Section 3.7

57

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

Mounting Tires

Please read this section carefully and follow each step precisely to ensure you do not damage the sensor when mounting the tire. If steps are not taken to avoid the sensor located in the drop center well of the rim, it can be crushed when the tire beads are forced into the drop center well as

Section 3.7

the tire is mounted.

58

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

RV Tires Using Tire Irons

To avoid damaging the sensor, simply mount the tire so that the last part of the bead to slip over the flange happens directly at the sensor.

Start at one end of the tire and work towards the opposite end with the tire oriented so that the beads are first pushed under the rim flange directly opposite the sensor (1) and then worked over the flange toward the sensor (2). The bead will finally slip over the rim flange at the sensor without contacting it (3). Repeat for the bottom

Mounting

Section 3.7

bead.

59

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

Using A Vertical Tire Machine

1. Place the rim on the machine so that the rim flange clamp is at a 12 o’clock position, the sensor is at a 2 o’clock position and the mounting hook is at an 8 o’clock position.

Mounting RV Tires

Rim Flange Clamp

Section 3.7

Sensor

60

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

Using A Vertical Tire Machine

2. Advance the wheel clockwise to pass both beads over the rim flange simultaneously. The tire should mount onto the wheel without contacting the sensor.

Mounting Hook

Mounting RV Tires

Section 3.7

61

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

Using A Vertical Tire Machine

Mounting RV Tires

Section 3.7

62

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

Using A Center Post Tire Machine

1. Place the rim on the machine with the mounting shoe at a 12 o’clock position and the sensor at a 7 o’clock position.

Mounting RV Tires

Mounting Shoe

Section 3.7

Sensor

63

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

Using A Center Post Tire Machine

2. Place the tire on the rim with the bottom bead under the flange at a 6 o’clock position with the mounting shoe at a 9 o’clock position.

3. Advance the mount shoe clockwise to pass lower bead over the rim flange.

4. Return the mount shoe to the 9 o’clock position, depress the upper bead under the rim flange at a 6 o’clock position and

Mounting RV Tires

Section 3.7

advance the mounting shoe clockwise until the second bead is completely mounted.

64

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

Using A Center Post Tire Machine

Warning:

Dual wheels must always be mounted on the vehicle with the valve stems 180°from each other.

OUTBOARD INBOARD

Mounting RV Tires

Section 3.7

Valve Stem Sensor

65

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

& Car Tires Using A Tire Machine

1. Place the rim on the turn-table of a tire mounting machine with the sensor at 7 o’clock and the mount head at 12 o’clock.

2. Starting from the mount head, manually depress the bottom bead of the lubricated tire on the rim and into the drop center well until its pinch point is approximately 3” (7.5 cm) before the sensor.

(Note: The pinch point, also known as a traction point is the

Mounting Tow--

Mounting Tow

behind

Section 3.7

position on the rim where the tire bead encounters resistance when trying to slip over the rim flange.)

66

Step 5: Re--

Step 5: Re

& Car Tires Using A Tire Machine

3. Advance the turn-table clock wise using the mount head to guide the rest of the bottom bead over the flange and on to the rim. When done properly, the bead will slip over the flange without contacting the sensor.

4. Repeat for the top bead. Do not allow the pinch point to slip as the rim rotates or the sensor could be broken.

Mounting Tow--

Mounting Tow

behind

Section 3.7

5. Finish the tire installation as normal (seat the beads, install the valve core, inflate to the recommended cold inflation pressure, balance tires and mount wheels in specified locations).

67

Step 6:

System Programming

Section 3.8

68

Programming Overview

Once the hardware components of the SmarTire system have been installed on a vehicle, the default cold inflation pressure settings in the receiver will most likely need to be adjusted to match the recommended cold inflation pressure values for the vehicle’s tires. The term “cold inflation pressure” (CIP) refers to the base tire inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. CIP values for a vehicle can be found in the vehicle’s owners manual and usually on the door jam or in the glove box. Compare the cold

Default Cold Inflation Pressure Settings

Section 3.8

inflation pressure values provided by the vehicle manufacturer to the values in the chart below to determine if customization is required.

SYSTEM

4 WHEEL LOW

PRESSURE

4 WHEEL HIGH

PRESSURE

6 WHEEL HIGH

PRESSURE

69

8 WHEEL HIGH

PRESSURE

100 PSI100 PSI80 PSI30 PSIMain Vehicle

30 PSI30 PSIN/AN/ATow-Behind

Programming Tools

Cold inflation pressure settings can be re-programmed using a Dealer Programming Tool (DPT), or the Full Function Display (FFD) that comes with the system. It is recommended that the DPT be used over the FFD because it will ignore all other unwanted stray data transmissions during programming and it will automatically modify the ‘Slope’ and Critical Low Pressure Alert settings for each axle when the cold inflation setting is changed.

Section 3.8

70

FFD & DPT Overview

Section 3.8

71

For Instructions on Programming a SmarTire

Using a Dealer Programming Tool, Refer to

Section 7: Programming using DPT

Section 3.8

72

Programming a SmarTire

Using a Full Function Display

Section 3.9

73

FFD Programming Caution

The Full Function Display should not be used as the primary tool for programming SmarTire receivers. Unlike the DPT, the FFD can not screen data transmissions and may allow the receiver to be randomly programmed with stray data transmissions. The FFD should only be used to reprogram the Cold

Section 3.9

Inflation Pressure default settings, the Low Pressure Alert default setting, the Pressure Deviation Alert default setting and the ‘Slope’ default setting.

All other programming and maintenance functions should be conducted using a DPT.

74

FFD Programming Overview

FFD Programming Modes

Level 1 Programming Mode: Press and hold the “Set” button for two seconds to enter this mode in order to perform tire rotation, program the cold inflation pressures, low pressure warning, pressure deviation, and high temperature alert for each axle. Refer to page 12 of the FFD owners manual.

Section 3.9

Level 2 Programming Mode: Press and hold the “Set” button for five seconds to enter this mode in order to program Slope.

Level 3 Programming Mode: Press and hold the “Set” button for ten seconds to enter this mode in order to program the Low Pressure Alert Setting. Note: This alert is only functional on the basic Passenger Car Receiver and is replaced by the Pressure Deviation Alert in the RV Shielded Receiver.

75

Programming the CIP Setting

Using an FFD

1. Press and hold the “Set” button for more than two seconds, but less than five seconds to enter the Level 1 Programming Mode.

2. Press the ‘Mode’ button to toggle between the different programming screens until the snow flake icon, the computer icon and a designation of pressure units (PSI or Bar) are displayed. The FFD is now displaying the “Cold Inflation Pressure” (CIP) setting programming screen.

Section 3.9

76

Programming the CIP Setting

Using an FFD

3. Press the ‘Tire’ button to select the CIP programming screen.

4. Press the ‘Tire’ button to toggle to the desired axle.

5. Press the ‘Mode’ button to select the axle and the current setting for that axle will be displayed.

6. Increase the CIP value by pressing the ‘Tire’ button or decrease

Section 3.9

the value by pressing the ‘Mode’ button.

77

Programming the CIP Setting

Using an FFD

7. Once the desired value is displayed, press the ‘Set’ button to save the value.

8. Press the ‘Tire’ button to toggle to the next axle to be programmed (if required) and repeat steps 4 - 7 until all programmed axles are set to the desired CIP values.

9. Press the ‘Set’ button once to exit the CIP programming screen

Section 3.9

and again to exit the Level 1 Programming Mode.

Warning:

Any time CIP values are changed, the Slope value must be adjusted accordingly. The Slope value should always be set to 10 points above the recommended CIP. For example, if the CIP is set to 105 PSI, the Slope value should be 115.

78

Programming the Low Pressure

Warning Setting Using an FFD

1. Press and hold the ‘Set’ button for more than two seconds, but less than five seconds to enter the Level 1 Programming Mode.

2. Press the ‘Mode’ button to toggle between the different programming screens until the flat tire icon, the computer icon and a designation of pressure units (PSI or Bar) are displayed. The FFD is now displaying the Low Pressure Warning setting programming screen.

Section 3.9

79

Programming the Low Pressure

Warning Setting Using an FFD

3. Press the ‘Tire’ button to select the Low Pressure Warning setting programming screen.

4. Press the ‘Tire’ button to toggle to the desired axle.

5. Press the ‘Mode’ button to select the axle and the current setting for that axle will be displayed.

Section 3.9

6. Increase the value by pressing the ‘Tire’ button or decrease the value by pressing the ‘Mode’ button.

80

Programming the Low Pressure

Warning Setting Using an FFD

7. Once the desired value is displayed, press the ‘Set’ button to save the value.

8. Press the ‘Tire’ button to toggle to the next axle to be programmed (if required) and repeat steps 4 - 7 until all programmed axles are set to the desired values.

9. Press the ‘Set’ button once to exit the Low Pressure Warning

Section 3.9

setting programming screen and again to exit the Level 1 Programming Mode.

81

Programming the Pressure

Deviation Alert Setting Using an FFD

1. Press and hold the ‘Set’ button for more than two seconds, but less than five seconds to enter the Level 1 Programming Mode.

2. Press the ‘Mode’ button to toggle between the different programming screens until the computer icon, the plus and minus signs, and a designation of pressure units (PSI or Bar) are displayed. The FFD is now displaying the Pressure Deviation setting programming screen.

Section 3.9

82

Programming the Pressure

Deviation Alert Setting Using an FFD

3. Press the ‘Tire’ button to select the Pressure Deviation setting programming screen. The current setting for the entire vehicle will now be displayed.

4. Increase the value by pressing the ‘Tire’ button or decrease the value by pressing the ‘Mode’ button. (This alert can be disabled by pressing the ‘Mode’ button until the display shows ‘off’.)

Section 3.9

5. Once the desired value is displayed, press the ‘Set’ button to save the value.

6. Press the ‘Set’ button once to exit the Pressure Deviation setting programming screen and again to exit the Level 1 Programming Mode.

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Programming the High

Temperature Alert Setting Using an FFD

1. Press and hold the “Set” button for approximately two seconds yet less than five seconds to enter the Level 1 Programming Mode.

2. Press the ‘Mode’ button to toggle between the different programming screens until the alert icon and the temperature unit are displayed. The FFD is now displaying the High Temperature Alert setting programming screen.

Section 3.9

84

Programming the High

Temperature Alert Setting Using an FFD

3. Press the ‘Tire’ button to select the High Temperature Alert setting programming screen. The current setting for the entire vehicle will now be displayed.

4. Increase the value by pressing the ‘Tire’ button or decrease the value by pressing the ‘Mode’ button. (This alert can be disabled by pressing the ‘Mode’ button until the display shows ‘OFF’.)

Section 3.9

5. Once the desired value is displayed, press the ‘Set’ button to save the value.

6. Press the ‘Set’ button once to exit the High Temperature Alert setting programming screen and again to exit the Level 1 Programming Mode.

85

Programming the ‘‘

Programming the

Setting Using an FFD

1. Press and hold the “Set” button for more than five seconds, but less than ten seconds to enter the Level 2 Programming Mode.

2. Press the ‘Mode’ button to toggle between the different programming screens until the computer icon and ‘SL’ are displayed. The FFD is now displaying the ‘Slope’ setting programming screen.

Slope’’

Slope

Section 3.9

86

Programming the ‘‘

Programming the

Setting Using an FFD

3. Press the ‘Tire’ button to select the ‘Slope’ setting programming screen.

4. Press the ‘Tire’ button to toggle to the desired axle.

5. Press the ‘Mode’ button to select the axle and the current setting for that axle will be displayed.

Slope’’

Slope

Section 3.9

6. Increase the value by pressing the ‘Tire’ button or decrease the value by pressing the ‘Mode’ button. The Slope value should

always be set to 10 points above the recommended cold inflation pressure (CIP). For example, if the CIP is 105 PSI, the Slope value should be 115.

87

Programming the ‘‘

Programming the

Setting Using an FFD

7. Once the desired value is displayed, press the ‘Set’ button to save the value.

8. Press the ‘Tire’ button to toggle to the next axle to be programmed (if required) and repeat steps 4 - 7 until all programmed axles are set to the desired values.

9. Press the ‘Set’ button once to exit the ‘Slope’ setting programming

Slope’’

Slope

Section 3.9

screen and again to exit the Level 2 Programming Mode.

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Step 6:

Post Installation Testing

Section 3.10

89

Step 6: System Test

1. Test System Power: Turn on the vehicle and confirm that the

display powers on. The display should also power on when the vehicle’s power is switched to the accessory position.

2. Test Transmission Reception:

Method A - LF Initiator Tool: Power on the system by turning

on the vehicle. Place the LF Initiator Tool against the sidewall of a tire at the location of the sensor and press the “Initiate”

Section 3.10

button to initiate a transmission. Repeat this process for each wheel and then verify on the display that the receiver has received transmissions from each sensor location. All of the tire icons on the display will be filled in when all of the sensor locations have been received. If one or more tire icons are empty, the system did not receive a transmission. Repeat the process for any wheel positions that were not received. If the system continues to miss a wheel position, try method B.

90

Step 6: System Test

2. Test Transmission Reception (cont.):

Note: Sensors must be in Normal Stationary Mode in order for

an LF Initiator Tool to provoke a data transmission using the “Initiate” function. Since sensors in De-Energize Mode measure pressure every 15 minutes, it can take up to 15 minutes for a sensor to recognize that it is in a pressurized environment and transition from De-Energize Mode to Normal Stationary Mode. If an installation is being tested using an LF

Section 3.10

Initiator Tool and one or more sensors were installed within 15 minutes of the test, pressing the “Initiate” button may not provoke a data transmission from the sensor.

91

Step 6: System Test

2. Test Transmission Reception (cont.):

To test the installation under these conditions, either wait 15 minutes for the sensors to naturally transition to Normal Stationary Mode, or, with the system turned off, manually cause the affected sensors to transition to Normal Stationary Mode using the LF Initiator Tool’s Learn function.

Place the LF Initiator Tool against the sidewall of the affected

Section 3.10

tire at the location of the sensor and press the “Learn” button to “wake up” the sensor. Repeat this process for each affected sensor and then follow the normal procedure for testing an installation using the LF Initiator Tool.

92

Step 6: System Test

2. Test Transmission Reception (cont.):

Method B – Driving: Drive the vehicle to a speed over 15 mph

(24 kph) to activate the sensors. Within seconds of reaching the designated speed, transmission should start to be received and tire icons should begin to fill in. If, within a few minutes of driving, all of the wheel positions are not filled in, an antenna position may need to be adjusted or a sensor may need to be reprogrammed or replaced. See Training Module 5: Trouble

Section 3.10

Shooting for more information.

3. Adjust Tire Pressures: Adjust tire pressures based on the temperature compensated deviation values provided by the SmarTire for RVs system.

93

94

Section 4.0

RV

Section 4: Removing a Tire From

a Wheel Equipped with a

SmarTire Sensor

95

CAUTION

This module will outline the correct methods for removing a tire from a wheel that is equipped with a SmarTire sensor. Instructions for using both tire irons and a tire mounting machine are provided.

Section 4.1

Please read these instructions carefully and follow each step precisely to ensure that you do not damage a sensor when dismounting the tire. If steps are not taken to avoid the sensor located in the drop center well of the rim, it can be crushed when beads are forced into the drop center well as the tire is removed.

96

Removing an RV / Truck

Style Tire Using Irons

1. After removing the deflated tire / wheel assembly from the vehicle, lay the assembly on a floor mat and unseat both beads directly opposite the sensor. The sensor should be located at the valve stem (the rim mounted decal should also indicate the sensor’s location). Do no unseat the bead at or near the valve stem.

2. Ensure that the mounting side of the wheel is facing upward and both the bead and wheel flange are properly lubricated.

Section 4.1

97

Removing an RV / Truck

Style Tire Using Irons

3. Starting near the sensor, lift the top bead over the wheel flange with the tire irons and progressively work away from the sensor until the top bead is free. Be careful not to contact the sensor with the tire iron.

4. Again starting near the sensor, repeat the process for the bottom bead until the tire is free from the wheel.

Section 4.1

98

Removing an RV / Truck

Style Tire Using a Machine

1. After removing the deflated tire / wheel assembly from the vehicle, unseat the beads directly opposite the sensor and valve stem. The sensor should be located at the valve stem (the rim mounted decal should also indicate the sensor’s location). Do no break the bead at or near the valve stem.

2. Position the lubricated tire / wheel assembly on the machine so that the dismount head and the sensor are approximately aligned.

Section 4.2

3. Lift the bead over the rim flange with the bead lifting bar and advance the wheel assembly or the dismount head clockwise to remove the top bead.

4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to remove the bottom bead.

99

Removing a Passenger Car

Style Tire Using a Machine

1. After removing the deflated tire / wheel assembly from the vehicle, unseat the beads with the bead breaker shoe directly opposite the sensor and valve stem. The sensor should be located at the valve stem (the rim mounted decal should also indicate the sensor’s location). Do not unseat the bead at or near the valve stem.

2. Position the lubricated wheel on the turn-table of a tire mounting machine so that the dismount head and the sensor are

Section 4.2

approximately aligned.

3. Lift the bead over the rim flange onto the dismount shoe with the bead lifting bar and advance the turn-table clockwise to remove the top bead.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to remove the bottom bead.

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SmarTire RV User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Section 1: System Overview

Section 3: System Installation

Tools Required

Installing the Antennas

Installing the Sensors

System Programming

Using a Full Function Display

Post Installation Testing