A tire pressure monitoring system monitors tire pressure and alerts you when conditions are outside of set parameters, providing several safety benefits to your setup. Abbreviated as simply “TPMS,” their importance cannot be understated. This safety feature is standard on automobiles made after 2007, but most RVs still don’t include them standard. If yours doesn’t, choosing the best RV TPMS system is a smart upgrade.
Luckily, these systems are easy to install and provide numerous benefits. Let’s review why you need one, what they do, and how to install an RV TPMS.
What Is a TPMS for RV Use?
A tire pressure monitoring system uses sensors—also called transmitters—mounted inside or outside the tires to monitor pressure. These sensors then send a signal to a display monitor in the vehicle that the driver can see or hear. Some models also monitor tire temperature, allowing you to set parameters that notify you when your tires are exceedingly hot. Hot tires indicate the likelihood of a blowout.
Temperatures exceeding 190℉ are cause for concern when towing on warm days. The ideal tire pressure settings for an RV TPMS will vary by tire. Luckily, tire manufacturers make it easy to identify their recommended tire pressure range on the tire’s sidewall, which in turn allows you to program your TPMS.
Why Do You Need an RV TPMS System?
If you’ve towed for long enough, you’ve seen a tire blowout or had one yourself. Blowouts are a part of towing for many, but they don’t have to be. Trailer tires take a lot of abuse and aren’t made to the standard of the tires on your vehicle. Add this to poor maintenance, and you have favorable conditions for a blowout.
Unfortunately, blowouts on a trailer aren’t always as apparent as you think. You could be a few miles down the road before you notice what’s going on. This destroys the tire and can damage your wheels or skirting, sometimes leading to repair bills in the thousands. If you install an RV TPMS, there’s no guessing whether the road is just bumpy or you have a blown tire, especially on a multi-axle travel trailer or fifth wheel.
The bottom line is that you need an RV trailer TPMS system if you want to be safer on the road. It can alert you to high pressure or temperature, allowing you to stop and address the issue before a blowout. It will also tell you if a blowout occurs, even if you don’t feel it, allowing you to slow down and pull over safely before the blown tire creates too much collateral damage.
How The Best TPMS for RVs Works
When setting up your RV TPMS, you’ll determine temperature and tire pressure parameters. For example, if the maximum recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) of air pressure of your trailer tires is 80, you might set the parameters to 60 PSI for the low and 70 PSI for the high. If the pressure inside the tire exceeds or drops below this rating, an alert will be sent to the driver so they can slow down or pull over.
The same goes for temperature. Usually, the manufacturer will suggest a range for the PSI and temperature based on the tire’s max PSI, so you aren’t stuck figuring this out for yourself. If you want to be cautious, you can always set your parameters inside (slightly higher than the low and slightly lower than the high) the manufacturer’s recommended PSI and temperature ratings.
Technician Tip: The maximum pressure listed on a tire’s sidewall is the highest allowable pressure rated by the tire manufacturer. However, that number can differ from the recommended tire pressure on the RV’s data tag, which the RV manufacturer determines. That number is determined by the weight placed on the tire while operating. You should always use the pressure listed by the RV manufacturer, NOT the pressure listed on the tire.
Types of RV and Trailer TPMS
There are many different styles of TPMS for RVs. Some are installed inside the tires, and some are installed outside. Let’s review them.
Screw-On RV TPMS
This is the most common style of RV tire pressure monitoring system. It is cost-effective and easy to use: Simply remove the valve stem cap and replace it with the sensor. However, you must remove the sensors before inflating or deflating your tires.
Flow-Through TPMS
These sensors are similar to the screw-on in that they are easy to install and don’t require dismounting the tire. However, they have the added benefit of including flow-through valve stems, which allow you to add or remove air without removing the transmitters.
TireMinder is one of the leading manufacturers of screw-on and flow-through RV TPMS.
In-Tire Pressure Monitoring
Although much less common for RVs since you must dismount the tire, there are also in-tire tire pressure monitoring systems for RVs. These can be sensors mounted inside the valve stem or secured to the wheel via a band clamp. They are more consistent and durable than external systems since they’re not subjected to the elements. Their main downside is requiring expensive equipment for initial programming, and for diagnosing issues that require a trip to an RV service center.
RV TPMS Monitor Types
The best TPMS systems for RVs typically have one of two monitor options: Bluetooth® and Dash-Mount. Let’s review which is best for you.
Bluetooth®
If you use your smartphone for directions, this might be a good choice. The TPMS is accessible through your mobile device, allowing you to have the app running while driving for easy viewing. You can also leave it running in the background so it notifies you when conditions warrant.
A major benefit of an RV TPMS with Bluetooth capability is removing the larger display monitor. Not all tow vehicles have room for a 3” color display to mount on the dash or elsewhere in the cockpit. If you already have a phone mount in your tow vehicle, an RV TPMS system that can connect to your phone wirelessly is the way to go.
However, if you prefer locking your phone away while you drive to avoid distractions, this isn’t the best type for you. In some cases, you may be able to display the app through your in-dash screen, but you’ll likely need to consult the TPMS and vehicle manufacturer to determine compatibility.
Dash-Mount
This RV TPMS system features a dash-mounted monitor dedicated to displaying tire pressure and temperatures at all times. It does, however, take up dash or windshield space, but if you don’t mind this, it’s a great, reliable option for easy, on-the-go readings. It also keeps your phone free for directions and essential communications, provided you’re doing so in a safe, ideally hands-free, manner.
Choosing the Best RV TPMS For You
When selecting a TPMS kit, there’s more to consider than the sensor and monitor type—namely, the number of sensors you need and the type of metal they use.
Number of Sensors
In most cases, you’ll simply order the same number of sensors as the tires you have on your trailer. For example, if you have a tandem axle trailer, you’d need four sensors. However, there are cases where you would need more. Let’s provide a few additional examples:
- If you have a spare tire for your trailer that you want to monitor, you can equip it with a sensor.
- If you have a motorhome and tow a vehicle behind it, you might sync the tires of both the motorhome and the towed vehicle. In this case, you would order sensors for both the motorhome and the towed vehicle.
- If your tow vehicle’s display doesn’t feature tire pressure monitoring, you can choose an RV TPMS system to equip your tow vehicle and trailer, feeding precious safety data to a single display or your smartphone.
Brass vs Aluminum
Most RV TPMS kits feature brass or aluminum valve stems. To choose the correct kit, you’ll need to know the type of valve stem for your tire. If the tires have aluminum valve stems, you’ll need to use aluminum, but you can use brass for all other valve stem types, such as rubber.
Please note that aluminum valve stems are only used on vehicles. Trailers use rubber, solid steel, chrome, or nickel-plated valve stems.
Why Is My RV TPMS Reading a Different Number Than My Tire Gauge?
Generally speaking, tire pressure gauges are more accurate than tire pressure transmitters. Therefore, you’ll likely see a minor difference between a standalone gauge and your TPMS monitor. The difference varies by brand—most will only be off by 1-3 PSI. The important thing to remember is that transmitters monitor change, which is more important than the actual PSI reading.
Can I Use a TPMS with Valve Stem Extenders?
If you have a motorhome with dual rear wheels, you likely have valve stem extenders to fill and remove air from the inside tire without removing the outside tire. Unfortunately, valve stem extenders can make it difficult to find a compatible aftermarket RV TPMS system.
Generally, TPMS sensors are not recommended for use with valve stem extenders. However, sometimes you don’t have a choice; in that case, we recommend using straight metal valve stem extenders, which a dealer can then alter to your exact needs. Since quality valve stem extenders may require wheel demounting, this would be a good time to add the in-tire system to avoid compatibility issues with the extenders.
Technician Tip: Do not use metal braided valve stem extenders with TPMS sensors. Contact a service center to see if they can assist in installing valve stem extenders with an RV TPMS.
Installing an RV TPMS System
Although most RV TPMS systems contain similar instructions, it’s important to follow the instructions for your specific kit to ensure proper installation. Below are some basics that apply to most kits with external transmitters.
- Install a battery into one of the sensors. Be sure the battery is facing the proper orientation.
- Apply power to the monitor and enter the programming or learn mode. When the battery is first installed, the controller will identify each sensor.
- Assign the sensor’s location to the monitor in the correct spot—Left Front (LF), Right Rear (RR), etc.
- Set the baseline pressure. The tire’s max PSI is usually set as the baseline, allowing you to set the high and low parameters from there.
- Repeat for each remaining sensor.
- Mount the monitor to the dash or windshield, if applicable.
Technician Tip: Installing all batteries at once may confuse the system.
How Long Do TPMS Batteries Last?
On average, RV TPMS batteries last between two and five years. Eventually, they’ll run out of charge. Most sensors only draw power when the RV is in motion to conserve battery life. In essence, they “go to sleep” when your vehicle hasn’t moved in a while and wake up when your vehicle begins moving again. So, how often you use your trailer and how far you drive on each trip are the biggest factors that determine how long TPMS batteries last.
A tire pressure monitoring system is a must-have accessory for your RV, just like a backup camera. The best part is that you can install one yourself at home, so you don’t have to worry about another trip to the dealer.
Learn more about caring for RV and trailer tires:
- Tips For Keeping Your RV Spare Tire in Good Condition
- How To Change a Tire on a Travel Trailer
- A Guide to Portable Air Compressors For Your RV
Let us know in the comments below if you have a TPMS on your RV and how you like it.
