I believe you, as the owner, can remove the sensors and not break any law.
The law applies to manufacturers, sellers, commercial shops, etc. They can't legally remove such things.

 

Good because I took mine out at 27 miles.... just listen to the ding and look at the light like 95% of the other people with tpms. Figure if someone can't determine if they have a flat tire they probably shouldn't be on the road.
I have converted a few valve type sensors to the band style on the interior of the wheel, So that could also be an option.

 

Any word from AEV yet?

 

Nope. Sent AEV-Conversions this tonight:

Second try...

I rubbed against a rock and, sure enough, broke a TMPS valve stem. Cost me
$50 to get it replaced.

You mentioned in your response to me in November (thanks for replying, by
the way) that "We have not had any issue regarding the valve stem extending
pas the protective lip". I have an issue.

Attached are two photos of the problem. I'm looking for advice on how to
avoid another $50 repair since "not 'wheeling" is not an option.

I've posted my dilemma on JK-Forum, so there's a lot of Jeepers waiting to
hear if this is a big problem or not.

Please advise,

I guess they don't like to respond to present customers, only potential customers. When I inquired about their features they replied in one business day.

 

This time, a very quick reply (thanks, AEV). Here's what they sent:

I have had a few people report busted valve stems when used off-road, here is the situation:

• The Tire and Rim Association and the TPMS manufacturer specifies where and how the TPMS must be mounted, so we don't have any real control in the design of our wheel on where to position the sensor other than violating there guidelines. The sensors have a battery and switch that is triggered by rotational force and therefor must be mounted in the correct orientation, for example it shouldn't be mounted at a different angle etc.
• In order to put air in the valve stem using all air chucks the valve stem protector could only come up so high.
• We added the valve stem protector to make a bad situation better (bad situation being TPMS that have a metal stem and not rubber), its not perfect but its better than nothing which is what you get with most wheels.
• I don't know of any rubber valve stem TPMS units which is really what should be on a 4WD vehicle but thats up to the manufacturer.
• For off-road use, you can eliminate the TPMS system by replacing the sensors with regular rubber valve stems and if desired you can turn off the system (dash light) with the AEV Procal tool.

Matt Geiger
AEV Technical Advisor

Considering Discount Tire told me that it would be illegal for them to remove the stem completely, I guess I'm just SOL. I am thinking the band solution is probably best since the TPMS is activated by rotational forces (X and Z axis). The "can't be mounted in a different orientation" is pretty much rubbish, though I believe there are guidelines and standards AEV must use to design their wheel.

Maybe some manufacture will step up and make the rubber-stemmed TPMS?

Bottom line is if you plan to 'wheel your rig, be prepared to pay the consequences for the dumb-ass technology mandated by Congress.

That reminds me - if the opposite of "Pro" is "Con", what is the opposite of "Progress"???

 

Just get rid of the TPMS, that is for the soccer moms/dads(must be PC nowadays) to tell her husbands/wives they are low on air. Get a procal to turn the TPMS off. Honestly it is a waste for me.

 

1. Finding a shop to remove the stems is getting interesting. It is illegal for them to do so in AZ. At least that's what Discount Tire, Big O Tire, Costco, and Desert Rat told me.
2. Disabling the light is a violation of Federal law. I'm not worried about me doing it, I'm just curious how AEV is getting away with it.
3. I already have a Hypertech programmer and am very happy with it. Not sure I can justify another $125 just to turn off the TPMS system (and I know, it has a couple of other features too).
4. Granted, $50 a pop is not a cost-effective way to 'wheel. Tire shops WILL band the sensor inside the wheel. Then I can use a rubber stem and the world will be right.

 

My experience with AEV is a very positive one. I would go as far as to say that their customer service is second to none.

I initially wanted the Pintlers also but knew that where I was planning to go, Pintlers with beadlocks would make more sense.

 

I need to retract that. Responded in less then 24 hours to my second request (see above). No real solution (other than to remove the TPMS sensor in favor no sensor and a rubber valve stem).

 

Maybe AEV is limiting their placement options because they placed the valve at the spoke instead of between the spokes (like the stock wheels), also the sensor does have some (not a lot) of up/down adjustment (i.e. the angle that the valve comes out of the sensor can be adjusted up and away slightly):

If the stem protector had a larger diameter then maybe it could be higher and provide more protection?

Maybe the easies/best solution: Why couldn’t the stem be mounted completely inside of the protector? The drawback they indicate is that air chucks can’t reach in to fill the air - true - but why can’t they supply a (temporary) screw on extension for the air valve that you screw on to add air, and remove when you are wheeling?

While I know it is possible to disable the sensors, I would prefer to have the system active -and the sensors safe.