XJ never came with TPMS. Add an aftermarket cap-style or internal-sensor TPMS (TireMinder, Steelmate, FOBO) - particularly useful for airing down + back up on the trail.
When you wheel and air down to 12-15 psi then air back up to 35 psi for the highway, missing a slow leak is manageable. TPMS helps. Three types:
(1) Cap-style external (TireMinder, BellaQuelle, ZEEPIN): screws onto each valve stem replacing the cap. Battery-powered, lasts 6-12 months. ~$50-100 for 4 sensors + display. Bolt-on install but visible/loseable, and you can't deflate without removing the sensor (some have button to vent).
(2) Banded internal (Steelmate, EEZ TPMS RV): strap-on inside the wheel. More accurate, no exposed sensor. Requires wheel-off install. ~$150-200.
(3) Stem-mount internal (mimics OEM TPMS): replaces valve stem with sensor stem. Most permanent, hidden. ~$200-300 for 4. Requires wheel-off install + balance.
Which is right for XJ: cap-style is the typical choice — cheap, straightforward to swap between trail and highway sets. If you have a dedicated trail tire set AND a highway tire set, get two sets of cap sensors (one set programmed per wheel set).
Most cap-style TPMS includes spare sensor support — you can monitor a 5th tire (full-size spare) which is useful overlanding.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| TireMinder TM-77 (4 cap sensors + display) | TireMinder | ~$150 |
| FOBO Tire Plus Bluetooth TPMS | FOBO | ~$130 |
| Steelmate TP-S1 (internal banded) | Steelmate | ~$170 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.