The vast majority of cars made in 2008 or later come equipped with a stock tire pressure monitoring system. Unfortunately, not all RVs have this awesome feature, and travel trailers and the older RVs out there certainly won’t boast any sort of RV tire pressure monitoring system.
Let’s be clear: An RV TPMS is such an important safety feature. It can also save you from having to make some seriously costly repairs. For this reason, we highly recommend installing one right away if you don’t have one already.
In this article we will discuss the function of an RV TPMS system, what to look for when shopping for one, and how to install an RV tire pressure monitor on your own rig.
What is an RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
RV TPMS systems work to keep you and your RV safe by alerting you of problems with your tires as you drive down the road.
The most basic systems will only alert you of low tire pressure. However, the best TPMS for RV motorhomes and trailers will also alert you of high temperature, high pressure, and fast leakage.
By letting you know about these problems in a timely manner, a tire pressure monitoring system for travel trailers and motorhomes gives you a chance to get off the road before damage occurs.
What are the Types of RV TPMS?
There are two types of TPMS for RV motorhomes and trailers: direct and indirect. Knowing the difference between them will help you during the shopping process, ensuring you purchase the best RV tire pressure monitoring system for you.
Direct RV TPMS
A direct RV tire monitoring system uses sensors inside your tires to keep track of pressure levels and other important data, which will be transmitted to a control module for evaluation. If the computer decides there is an issue based on the data provided, it will send a warning directly to your dashboard.
Direct TPMS systems send data through wireless means, something that allows for super quick alerts. Additionally, because each sensor has its own serial number, the system will let you know exactly where the problem lies, rather than leaving you guessing.
A direct tire pressure monitoring system for RV motorhomes and trailers is the more expensive option of the two types. Additionally, these systems tend to be a bit more difficult to install and require more maintenance. However, thanks to their extremely accurate and helpful readings, as well as their long lasting batteries, many find that these systems are well worth the extra time and money investment.
Indirect RV TPMS
An indirect travel trailer or motorhome tire pressure monitoring system works much differently. Instead of special TPMS sensors on each tire, these systems use tire rotational speeds—measured by an already installed sensor—to estimate tire pressure.
While this information is much less accurate and complete, it is more helpful than no information at all. Since these systems tend to be cheaper and easier to install, these are the best bet for those wanting something easy and inexpensive.
RV TPMS Fundamentals
You now probably have an idea of what type of system you might need. That said, this isn’t the only thing you’ll want to look for.
Since knowing what you’re looking for is key to choosing the best motorhome and trailer tire pressure monitoring system for your needs, we will use this section to chat a bit about other features you may want or need.
Information Provided
If you wish for your motorhome or trailer tire pressure monitoring system to alert you to more than just low tire pressure, be sure you check its list of features before buying.
Display
A readable display is a must. It should be large and clear enough to catch your attention should it alert you of a problem. It’s also nice to have a display with a night mode if possible.
Durability
Because RVs tend to drive on some less-than-stellar roads, it’s important that your system is durable. To get an idea of whether or not a system will last, try reading RV tire pressure monitoring system reviews.
Ease of Install
Another thing to look at is the ease of install. In most cases, individuals will be installing these systems on their own. Therefore, a simple installation process will make all the difference in the world.
Battery
Last but not least, make sure you take a look at the battery life of any system you plan to buy. The batteries should be able to stand up to weather changes and should have a long lifespan.
What is the Best RV tire pressure monitoring system?
Not feeling up to sifting through the hundreds of tire pressure monitoring system reviews to find the very best tire pressure monitor for RV motorhomes or trailers? It’s your lucky day. We’ve done the sifting for you and have put together a list of the top 3 systems available today.
EEZTire-TPMS6 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
With features such as real-time monitoring, visual and audio alarms, and a rechargeable lithium battery, we are certain users will be pleased with this product. In fact, the only drawbacks to this particular system are the high price tag and poor customer service.
CACAGOO Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The very best option for those on a budget, this is a very affordable direct RV TPMS. It is wireless, offers customizable alarm values, and monitors both temperature and pressure of each tire individually. While this product works well for the price, some customers do report inconsistent performance.
Bellacorp Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Our favorite middle-of-the-road option in terms of price, this direct TPMS for RVs features such thoughtful options as anti-corrosion sensor caps, tool-free installation, and backlighting. We do find that the system occasionally displays wrong values, so be sure to keep an eye on that.
RV TPMS Cost
Decent RV tire pressure monitoring systems can cost as little as $50 or as much as hundreds of dollars. What you spend is entirely up to you. Just make sure you read reviews, so you get every penny’s worth.
How to Install an RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Once you’ve purchased your ideal RV TPMS, you’ll need to install it. Every system should come with clear instructions. However, if you still feel lost, you might benefit from watching this video about installing TPMS on an RV.
Clearly, a camper TPMS is a must-have item. Why not start shopping for the ideal system today so you can travel with confidence the next time you decide to hit the road?
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