Search the Community

Dave several of the manufacturers push their wares on YouTube. Some have more features than others. I have learned that in the past I have bought things with more features/costs than others. The videos may help you decide what you want. I personally like the features of the ones that go to sleep when not in motion, the unit locks on the valve stem and the unit has a big display. Below is a great article from RV Life magazine regarding TPMS systems http://rvlife.com/stop-blowouts-monitoring-rv-tires/

Aubrey said: "I use the 510 system since it was the only one available at the time. About two weeks later, when Pete bought his, TST had introduced the 507 system and I believe that is what Pete got." AACCKK!!!! This is Pete, NOT Aubrey . . . I intended to copy and reply to his comment but entered the "Edit " mode instead. Mybad!!! My apologies Aubrey, you know, of course, your original comment was brilliant, and on target, as usual. Oh, well (sigh) as Forest Gump said; "IT" happens. Yep, I got the new and improved (at that time) 507 that allows me to easily replace the batteries. Be sure you ask them for some extra tiny rubber o-rings. You are likely to break the old one as you remove the battery. I carry a small zip lock bag with a dozen or so for future use. Also, I prefer to use the suction cup mounted monitor and attached it to the lower left corner of my windshield, well out of the way, but easy to read. I always balance my tires with the sensor mounted. They are very easy to remove with the special tool provided. I do not use the pass through type sensors. Instead I remove it with the tool if any pressure addition or deletion is required due to a large swing in temperature or altitude. An easy way to test the warning system is to turn the system on, check the pressure on the monitor, and use the special tool to take the sensor off the valve stem. The sensor senses the pressure drop and alerts the monitor of the event which then emits the warning alarm which is easily heard (unless you're a deaf F-15 pilot) from the trailer tire position if your TV window is down. I only have two sensors which I put on The Wonder Egg and rely on the Tacoma's internal TPMS system for truck tire issues.

Here is the website I found that compares several manufacturers of TPMS Systems. There are probably other comparisons out there but this site seems to focus on systems for the RV Industry. Also YouTube has several customers and manufacturers reviews with installation instructions. Several have some slick features such as turning itself off if no motion is defected (to greatly extend battery life and not having to remove the battery for storage), large screen displays with constant monitoring/reporting, extended warranties and small size so they do not extend beyond the hub of the wheel to be broken off when getting too close to a curb, and locks to prevent theft. http://www.fiveina5th.com/landing/top-4-tpms-systems-comparison/?gclid=CMe-ndvEpM4CFdgQgQodnTkJWw Thank you coy

Two suggestions for those adding a TPMS: 1. Be sure to use rigid valve stems (the kind that are held in place by a hex nut). The flexible ones will work for a while, but will fail at the most inopportune time/location. 2. Have your wheels balanced with the sensors installed, especially on your tow vehicle. Do not ask how I know these things.

All Thank you for your replies. It appears that I need to put a Tire Pressure Monitoring System on my Christmas List, no road trips in the near future. I have found a website that compares the leading brands of TPMS. The one ranked the highest is the cheapest, EEZ Tire Pressure Monitoring system. Amazon seems to have the best price as well, based upon the number of tires you want to install a monitor. I will get enough monitors to install on my truck since it has no monitoring system. It appears that new vehicles are required to have these, but they are "indirect" as opposed to the direct system installed on each tire with an instant display for each tire. Thank You coy

We do not have one yet, but it's on the list. We did have a tire failure, that I'm sure we could have saved the tire if we had advance warning of the pressure going down. We had picked up a sharp sliver of metal on the road and by the time we were aware of a problem, the tire was totally shot. No, there was no damage to the trailer and the trailer pulled straight with that damaged tire. Our Durango has a built in TPMS and I keep a close eye on my tire pressure. Stan

Short answer, no. There will always be a time when your TV throws up a shard of metal and you will never know your trailer is in distress until the tire goes. Regular pressure checks were fine back in the Olde Days when TPMS did not exist, but now they are cheap and reliable, so just do it and don't worry any more. John Davies Spokane WA

I've had 3 tire failures on my '08 Elite. The first one occurred at 65 mph and I have no idea if it was a blowout or a gradual deflation. My first indication of trouble was strong vibration. Damage was limited to cosmetic in the wheel well and the wheel rim (the tire was completely shredded, of course). The next two were after installing a TPMS made by TST (Truck System Technologies). One was caused by a leaking valve stem. The tire dealer didn't have rigid stems that are needed with the monitor and the flexible stem that was on the wheel eventually gave out. The other was merely a puncture in the tire. In both cases I got plenty of warning to avoid running until the tire was completely flat and causing damage. The valve stem failure happened on a busy interstate and rather than having to change the tire there I was able to quickly add some air and drive another mile or so to an exit, all the while reading the pressure displayed in the cab so I didn't run it flat. Note that when I first got on the road in all three cases the tire pressures were just fine. Only the TPMS will help when trouble occurs while rolling. I tell new RVers that I'd put a TPMS very high on my list of aftermarket upgrades. There is great peace of mind in being able to know exactly what the tire pressure is at all times, especially when it's cold and rainy outside and you just want to get going.

Six years ago I completely shredded a tire and damaged the wheel before I knew I had a flat on my Ollie. I then added a TPMS system and since then have had it warn me on two occasions that a tire was deflating. In both cases I was able to see the actual pressure and find a safe area to pull off the road before going completely flat. Additionally, I always know what my pressures are without having to check them with a gauge before leaving a campsite. The peace of mind is well worth the cost. I would put a TPMS as #1 on my aftermarket wishlist for any trailer.