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Dickman Tire

Yahoo Message Number: 79025
Hi - I have been purchasing my SmarTire sensors through Bob Dickman (in Oregon) for the past several seasons as I've been replacing my tires. This go around I needed two more sensors which I purchased from BD. I ordered from an old receipt to make sure to get the correct high pressure sensors. When I got the sensors and installed them I noticed the new receipt said "low pressure" sensors. Needless to say I was a bit ticked off at this.

I've been working with Brian Barnhurst over the years and I called him back to express my dissatisfaction about the sensors. To my pleasure he offered to pay for road service to come to our site, remove the tires and replace the LP ones with the correct HP sensors. There are also some cryptic ID markings on the sensors that were different on the new batch from those previously installed. This also added to the confusion. Wanting to explore further, we contacted Bendix tech support about it. No one there could tell us what was going on. Bendix has since yanked support for SmarTire sensors for RVs. And the original orange ones have been discontinued. It's a bit confusing to say the least.

I'm writing here to applaud Brian (and BD) for being a stand-up guy on this one and extending a helping hand to remedy the situation. He understands the value of service. As it turned out, BD has been revamping their computerized inventory system. Somehow product descriptions and part numbers had gotten bollixed up. So the error actually wasn't the sensors but a clerical one on the receipt which lead to confusion and uncertainty. So we were able to program the silverleaf and pick-up the two new sensors (which were correct). Here's a shot of the
sensor:

http://muniac.smugmug.com/photos/i-TwbkphZ/0/M/i-TwbkphZ-M.jpg Had I been a bit more familiar with this product line I would have known immediately. If I only could have remembered the color codes. The good news is it all ended on a happy note with everyone smiling. It isn't the mistake that's important but the offer and method toward resolving it. BIG thanks to Brian for this.

Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 #31349
(Bus-Stead Lemon)

Re: Dickman Tire

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79048
Hi Scott,

Purchased 6 of these from Dickman within the last two weeks. All were orange in color. When talking with Paul from Dickman he said they had approximately 100 of these in stock. They appear to be the 'old' style that the original Smartire was manufacturing. I believe the newer style that Bendix is now making are yellow in color. Just a guess on my part as the Bendix website shows yellow sensors.
I sent my Smartire receiver to Paul at Dickman and he programmed the new sensors at no charge and sent the receiver and new sensors back to me very quickly. I was impressed! I don't have Silverleaf so programming the receiver to the new sensors was a real concern for me. Turned out to be no problem at all. I really wanted to keep the Smartire as in my opinion there is nothing on the market at this time that does as good a job. The reliability of the Smartire system has been excellent.

Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Re: Dickman Tire

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79060
Barney - I was told SmarTire (Bendix) doesn't make the RV stuff anymore. They just concentrate on commercial vehicles. And there is no reason we can't use the commercial stuff. I too agree with your opinion about the SmarTire stuff being the best out there. Getting both pressure and temperature is important. Sensors are strapped to the rims which receive heat from the brake drums so temperature readings need to be read with that in mind.
Several sensor modes were available and I'm sketchy on the exact details. I think some transmit every 5 minutes when stationary and others transmit every 20 minutes when stationary. The compromise was getting quick readings before driving your vehicle or conserving battery life with less transmits. The 5 minute units consumed their batteries quicker but provided less waiting time for a "parked" reading. I'm still unsure with the yellow high pressure sensor how to tell which is which.
Yes the SmarTire system has been reliable. My only beef is I wish their sensor products had better markings on them so a layman like me could easily know what's in hand.

At 06:34 PM 5/7/2012, you wrote: