Tags
Caravan, Fit2Go, Maintenance, Touring, Towing, TPMS, Tyre Monitoring, Tyre Pressure
Back in December last year I did a write up and little video with Andy Harris from RoadPro about the Fit2Go tyre pressure monitoring system. In the video he promised to send me one of the new Fit2Go Tyre Pressure Checker units as soon as they were released. Well Andy kept his word and yesterday I received a little package from Road Pro.
I had seen a sneak preview of one of the first early production units available at the NEC show in February and managed to have a quick run through of it very simple operation.
The unit comes neatly packaged and isn’t contained on one of those damn near impossible to open blister packs thankfully. It arrive complete with a set of AAA size batteries, a holder which has a pad of 3M VHB tape to allow it to be attached and stowed securely inside the vehicle. VHB if you don’t know stands for Very High Bond, so choose your storage location wisely… it might be a bit of a do-dah to move!
Operation is really simple. Press and hold the on button for five seconds and the unit will power up and display the status of the units own batteries.
To obtain a pressure reading, simply place the unit’s logo over the tyre pressure sensor and you will feel a slight pull as the internal magnet pulls it towards the sensor, it’s this magnet that ‘wakes up’ the sensor.
29 PSI is correct for the Amarok running light, and this sensor is showing 3 battery bars.
After a few seconds the Pressure Checker will beep and you can read the pressure for that wheel… and cleverly, you can also check on the battery level in the sensor. The display is in good old PSI, however if you don’t work in PSI and much prefer BAR, while the Pressure Checker is turned on, simply press the on/off button five times in quick succession and it will beep and the reading will now be in BAR. To change it back, simply do the same again to revert to PSI. To turn the Pressure Checker off, simply hold down the power button for 3 seconds and it will beep and turn off.
That is about as complicated as it gets.. really. The only real challenge is to find a spot to stick the holder!
I have tried a few different TPMS ‘solutions’ over the past couple of years and all have plus points and minus points. As I am one of these people who likes to do walk rounds before setting off (throw back to my flying days I guess) I really didn’t want Formula 1 type information thrown at me all the time. I wanted a simple warning system and a simple way to check the pressure without having to remove any sensors. Fit2Go ticks these boxes.
If I did have a negative point about the Fit2Go system it would be the fact that the batteries in the sensors are not user replaceable. At least I do have a way to check the status of them now. The sensors are not too expensive when they need replacing, but will be more expensive that replacing just a battery. Part of my brain is shouting “recycling” at me… and I do wonder why the manufacturer hasn’t come up with a recycling scheme… exchange your old sensors for new for a few pounds less than buying new and we will recycle them. Or maybe a discount voucher scheme when you recycle?
The Fit2Go Tyre Pressure Checker is available from RoadPro for just under £40 (exc shipping) or you can always find it on Amazon.
Caravan Chronicles 
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Hi,
I’ve read your reports on Fit2go and I am quite interested in purchasing a unit for my caravan. However I have seen (somewhere?) that the sensors cannot be further than 7 metres from the receiver. Do you know if this is correct as the distance with my car and caravan would be more like 8 metres.
Hi Philip
Our overall length is around 12.6 metres and from the Fit2Go monitor on the windscreen to the rear of the vehicle is around 3.5 metres so we are probably at about 7.5 metres between sensors and display and have not had any issues with it.
I have seen it on a 5th wheel unit and that was over 9 metres to the rear axle and apparently it was working OK.
Yes – great bit of kit, received mine too and they are very simple to use. Just wish there was an easier way of checking that the sensors were actually talking to the receiver though.
Hi Nick
I did have a little test session of removing each sensor and checking the unit alarmed… (my something -or-other kicking in!) and each time I’m pleased to say the unit worked perfectly. I adjust the rear tyre pressures when towing and each time when I have reduced them after towing the unit has picked up the loss in pressure, so I’ve built up a bit of confidence in they system.
Its funny though, we never have these thoughts about vehicle ‘in built’ systems!
Simon
I totally agree with the comment on built in systems. I have resigned myself to the fact that the system offers me a greater level of safety than I would without it! When I view it like that I feel more comfortable. I’m also very confident with the pressure checker as it has been reliable and even picked up a difference of 1 PSI between once side of the caravan being in the morning sun and the other side in the shade. All in all a great piece of kit.