Having an RV tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a necessary safety precaution for every RVer. When you’re driving a house down the road, a tire blowout could be catastrophic! We have operated with a wireless TPMS system for many years now and would recommend everyone use one.
Maintaining proper tire pressure as you travel cross-country is critical. It might seem like a challenge to constantly check your tires, but it doesn’t have to be with the right system. Let’s take a look at your best RV TPMS options.
What Is an RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
An RV tire pressure monitoring system allows you to observe real-time data regarding your RV tires wirelessly. It shows information regarding tire pressure primarily, but some systems also provide data about temperature or air leak speed.
The tire pressure sensors attach to the valve stems or inside the tire, and a receiver module mounts inside the RV, so you can monitor tire pressure while you drive. If something isn’t right, you’ll know right away and can pull over to resolve the problem.
How Do RV Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Work?
There are two main types of tire pressure monitoring systems. We’ll cover all the details of these systems later. For now, you just need to know that it picks up data from a sensor on your RV tire’s valve stem. When the pressure drops below a certain level, it will notify you on your monitoring console.
Some systems offer more details than that, but that’s the basics. Keep reading to learn more about what your tire pressure monitoring system can do for you.
Who Needs An RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
If you ask us, every RVer needs one! We spend a lot of time on the road and in a large vehicle, no less. This means we’re more likely to run into issues.
Adding a tire monitor is a simple and cost-effective way to keep you safe. It also helps extend the life of your tires. In the long run, this could save you a lot of money and stress.
Types of RV Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
There are two types of tire pressure monitoring systems vehicles use however most RV’s only use a direct system. Here are the basics of each.
Direct
A direct TPMS uses an added sensor to your tire’s valve stem. It provides real-time data and is a “set it and forget it” style gadget. The system will alert you if the tire pressure drops to 25% below recommended levels. Many also provide information regarding slow leaks and tire temperature.
These systems use radio frequencies to communicate tire data wirelessly to a receiver in the vehicle. This system is able to provide accurate tire pressure of each individual tire.
Indirect
An indirect TPMS is a bit more complicated and not possible to install aftermarket. This system works based on the antilock braking system in your vehicle.
It senses how quickly each of the wheels is spinning. If one wheel is rolling at a different speed than the others, it’s usually because of improper tire pressure. You’ll get a notification and can make the necessary adjustments.
These types of systems are installed by the factory and will be found only on a few motorized RVs and cars. As all passenger cars made after 2007 were required to have TPMS onboard and indirect systems were cheaper to integrate for many manufacturers. The drawbacks of the system is you don’t actually know tire pressure, and they can only sense if one tire goes low. If all tires are low because of temperature, the system will not alert.
Best RV Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems on the Market Today
There are lots of choices for an RV tire pressure monitoring system. We’ve tried almost all of them and will share our favorites here.
1. TST Tire Pressure Monitoring System
TST stands for Truck System Technologies and this system is used by the big rigs on the highway running millions of miles. This is our personal favorite system with its ease of use and setup. It also includes sensors with user-replaceable batteries.
This system can be powered by its internal battery or by a USB cord from dash power. It also includes a repeater for very long rigs towing a car. Personally, on our 35-foot fifth wheel, we have not needed the repeater or had any problems.
The only drawback to this system is the screen needs to be viewed straight on to see it properly so it needs to be pointed right at the driver.
This product is also sold by Mobile Must Have who we have found provides excellent support and only sells the highest quality products. We have also partnered with them to bring you a 5% off coupon. Use MOTM5 at checkout to get 5% off your entire order!
2. EEZTire TPMS
The EEZTire TPMS is versatile. It lets you purchase anywhere from 4 to 26 anti-theft sensors so you can get exactly the number you need for your rig–plus a few spare. It also comes with a three-year warranty, and many users report excellent technical and customer support.
- ■ REAL TIME/24x7 SAFETY & HIGH FUEL ECONOMY - EezTire TPMS...
- ■ ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ALERT SYSTEM - the monitor is motion...
- EASY OPERATION & MAINTENANCE - EezTire TPMS monitor has one of...
The system is easy to install. Just add the sensors to your valve stems and hook up the large display monitor inside the RV. If you tow an RV, you’ll love the option to monitor both your vehicle and trailer tire pressure. You can use it in your vehicle with tow mode turned off, too.
The EEZTire system monitors both tire pressure and temperature. If something goes wrong, you receive an almost instant audio and visual alert so, no worries if you forget to turn it off. It will automatically default to a power-saving mode if your rig sits for 15 minutes.
Both EEZ and TST use very similar technology and we have even found that their sensors are interchangeable. Both are excellent systems.
3. Tymate RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Another option for an RV tire pressure monitoring system is the Tymate system. It comes with six sensors and alerts you to five types of tire health issues. These include high or low pressure, high temperature, rapid air loss, and low battery in the sensor.
- 🚐Auto Solar Charge🚐 Tymate Tire Pressure Monitoring System...
- 🚐Five Types Of Alarms and User-set Alarm Values🚐 Tymate...
- 🚐Auto Backlight & Sleep & Awake Mode🚐 Tymate Tire Pressure...
We love the fact that the internal display has an automatic solar charging option. If it’s cloudy, though, you can run it off your cigarette lighter or USB port. Options are always good in the RV world!
The sensors will begin sending data to your console as soon as you’ve been driving for 5-10 minutes. All you need to do is install, and you’re ready to go. Tymate also offers 24/7 customer service.
4. TireMinder Smart RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Finally, you can’t go wrong with the TireMinder Smart system. You can use it with motorhomes, fifth wheels, and trailers. Plus, there are options for 4, 6, or 10 transmitters, depending on your rig’s size.
- Compatible with iPhone, iPad and android devices (requires IOS 7+...
- Constant monitoring for high/low pressure, slow leak, rapid leak,...
- Monitors up to 22 tires (0-232 psi) with simultaneous pressure...
This TPMS is unique because you’ll use your phone to monitor tire pressure rather than setting up a console. You’ll want a mount for your phone, so you can see the screen while driving.
Once you pair your Android or iPhone with Bluetooth, you’ll get real-time tire data. The TireMinder RV tire pressure monitoring system tracks pressure, temperature, and slow or rapid air leaks.
What to Look for When Buying an RV TPMS
When deciding which TPMS to purchase for your RV, there are a few things to consider.
User Replaceable Batteries
Some units come with sensors that cannot have their batteries replaced. If this is the case, when they die you may need to buy all new sensors or send them in for replacement. Because this is a hassle we recommend purchasing a product that has batteries you can replace.
Ease of Installation and Use
We recommend reading user reviews before purchasing a TPMS for your RV. Not all systems are easy to use or install. There isn’t any point in having a monitoring system if you don’t know how to install or use it. Again, simpler is usually better.
Display Type
There are various options for display type. Some provide a written readout, others a picture with audio and visual signals. The display size can also vary. If you have poor eyesight, bigger is better since you’ll be trying to read it while driving.
Most options have an external console to provide the display. As you saw with the TireMinder, there are also options to use your phone for the display. It comes down to your preference, but consider what you think will be best before purchasing.
Budget
Your budget will also play a role in which tire pressure monitoring system you opt for, and there’s a massive range of prices. Indirect systems are the cheaper choice in almost every case.
Keep in mind the number of sensors when budgeting as well. Some packages include only four sensors. This probably isn’t enough for most RVs. You’ll likely need six to ten or more.
Reviews
Finally, it’s always wise to read user reviews and ratings before buying a product. People on the internet will let you know if they’re unhappy with the product. So read reviews before making your final purchase, and you’ll likely end up with a quality system.
Get a TPMS for Peace of Mind
If you’re an RVer, you need an RV tire pressure monitoring system. Without one, you leave your tire health to chance. Considering the size of most RVs, this is an enormous risk. A blowout could cause severe damage to life and property.
It just isn’t worth it if you ask us! That’s why we highly recommend you get a TPMS soon. You’ll love having the added peace of mind on your next road trip.
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Samantha Nichols
Wednesday 1st of June 2022
Your article is very detailed and engaging. I will continue to follow your new posts. thank you!
Cyrus Juliet
Sunday 29th of May 2022
A tire gauge allows you to keep track of the air pressure in your RV's tires. You'll be able to tell if you need to let some air out of the tires or take your RV to the nearest gas station to have them pumped with more air. This small device is far more significant than you may realize, therefore you should attempt to get the greatest one you can afford.
Samantha Nichols
Saturday 28th of May 2022
I added the TPMS to my 27ft RV and it had been easy to put in by spraying it with the soapy water they recommended afterward. It had no leaks, which I feared. I had to tweak the alarms a bit because the factory settings were a touch low in order that they kept blaring. I upped some psi and now I'm not worried.
Beryl Lucero
Tuesday 26th of April 2022
I love your articles! Thank you for the valuable information. If I'm busy one week, I just check out your Sunday Edition. Awesome!
I have a suggestion for your site. Your articles can get lengthy, I find myself constantly going back to previous information or just trying to return to the top of the article. Could you put a "return to top" under each section, or at the minimum, "return to top" at the end of each article? It would make them more user-friendly.
Thank you again for all the great advice and insight to the RV world.
Mortons on the Move
Sunday 22nd of January 2023
Gosh, I got way behind in the comments, but a great suggestion! I will see what I can do.
Dalton Bourne
Monday 28th of March 2022
I went on Rte 301 in Virginia about two miles from the Nice Bridge. My tire lost 20lbs of pressure and kept failing. Thankfully, the Tymate tire pressure monitoring system alerted me to a loss of pressure in the rear right tire on my dual-axle fifth-wheel camper. I like the ability of this device to monitor three tire parameters in real-time, including tire pressure (current, low, and high), temperature, and air leaks quickly. The last person I love. There's also a low battery indicator for the sensor, allowing RV owners to determine when the part needs replacing.