Have you ever wondered about the importance of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for your RV? With numerous options available in the market, it’s crucial to choose the right one for your travel trailer. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting a TPMS for your RV.
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Number of Tires – A Critical Consideration
When it comes to monitoring tire pressure in your RV, it’s essential to evaluate the total number of tires. Let’s delve into the different setups commonly found in RVs and the factors you need to bear in mind.
Motorhomes
If you’re traveling in a motorhome, it’s not enough to monitor only the tires on the motorhome itself. If you’re towing a vehicle or trailer behind your motorhome, it’s equally important to monitor those tires using a TPMS. Although the towed vehicle may have its own built-in TPMS, it won’t help you while you’re in your motorhome. The ideal TPMS monitor allows you to keep an eye on both your motorhome and towed vehicle’s tires, all on one device.
Blowouts on towed vehicles often go unnoticed until someone flags it down. By monitoring all the tires on the ground, including those of the motorhome, tow dolly, towed vehicle, or trailer, you can promptly address any tire-related issues.
Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels
Suppose you’re towing an RV with a truck. In that case, it’s advisable to monitor all the tires on the RV, as well as those on the truck, regardless of whether the truck has a built-in TPMS. Many RVers prefer the convenience of monitoring all their tires on a single device, with the ability to set custom alarm parameters. This approach offers a complete overview of both the truck and RV tires on one display monitor.
While monitoring the truck’s tires is optional when a built-in TPMS is present, we strongly recommend monitoring all the tires on your RV, irrespective of the truck’s monitoring system. This way, you can ensure comprehensive tire safety.
Valve Stem Types – A Crucial Consideration
When selecting a TPMS system for your RV, pay close attention to the type of valve stems on your vehicle. RVs typically feature three types of valve stems: rubber, hybrid rubber/metal, and metal. Additionally, some dual tires have braided extensions. It’s crucial to determine whether your valve stem is rigid or not. Simply put, try wiggling the valve stem and observe its movement.
Rubber valve stems are flexible and easily moveable, while hybrid valve stems display slight movements near the base. On the other hand, metal valve stems are rigid. If you have valve extensions, they are considered rigid if they are either metal or if they are securely connected to the rim without any movement.
Most TPMS manufacturers offer small cap-style sensors that are compatible with all valve stem types. If you’re unsure about your valve stem type, cap sensors are the safest choice. However, manufacturers like TST also provide flow-thru sensors that can be used exclusively on rigid, metal valve stems. Flow-thru sensors, distinguished by their longer length and heavier weight, are not recommended for passenger or towed vehicles with shallow wheel wells. For passenger vehicles, lower-profile cap sensors are recommended, regardless of the valve stem type.
Please note that if your RV doesn’t have rigid valve stems, but you prefer to use flow-thru sensors, a tire shop can help by replacing your rubber or hybrid valve stems with metal ones.
Valve Stem Locations – A Factor to Consider
RVs showcase a wide range of valve stem placements. It’s fascinating to observe the myriad locations, with some even hiding behind rims. Dealing with dual tires further complicates matters, as some have extensions while others don’t.
Before purchasing a TPMS, acquaint yourself with the position of each valve stem on your RV tires and assess its accessibility. If you come across valve stems that are challenging to reach, you may need to add valve extenders to facilitate easy placement of the sensors. Remember, there’s always a solution to valve stem complications, so don’t let this hinder you from protecting your tires with a TPMS. If accessing the valve stems proves problematic, a tire shop can provide assistance by adding extensions or relocating the valve stem to a more accessible location on the tire.
If your valve stem requires additional length to accommodate the TPMS sensor, TechnoRV offers valve extenders ranging from two to four inches, as well as angled extenders ranging from 45 to 135 degrees. These extenders allow you to redirect the sensor away from the rim or adjust an inward-facing valve stem for better access. To explore the valve extender options available at TechnoRV, click here.
Ready to Add a TPMS to Your RV?
Once you’ve determined the number of tires to monitor, identified the valve stem type, and familiarized yourself with their locations, you’re ready to select the perfect RV TPMS for your needs. At TechnoRV, we offer three TPMS models with four different sensor options. With the TST 507 TPMS and the new TST 770 TPMS, you can mix and match sensor types on a single monitor. So, whether you prefer flow-thru sensors on your RV and cap sensors on your towed vehicle, we have the ideal combination kit for you!
In addition to cap and flow-thru sensors, we also provide an internal-mounted sensor option that can be mounted on any tire with any valve stem configuration. However, please note that internal sensors require professional installation.
RV TPMS Models available at TechnoRV.com
- TST 770 Cap Sensor Systems
- TST 770 Flow Thru Sensor Systems
- TST 507 Cap Sensor Systems
- TST 507 Flow Thru Sensor Systems
- TST 507 Hybrid/Marine Sensor Systems (Cap style)
- TST 507 Internal Sensor Systems (Mounted inside on the rim)
- TireMinder i10 Cap Sensor Systems
- TireMinder APP Cap Sensor Systems
If you’re unsure about which model suits your requirements, let Eric, our TPMS expert, guide you through a comparison of the TST 507 with the TireMinder i10 and APP model TPMS. Visit our website to explore the insightful video.
We’re Here to Assist You!
If you have further questions or need assistance, the TechnoRV team is here to help! We’re more than happy to guide you through the decision-making process. You can reach us via phone, chat, or email at TechnoRV.com.
For a LIMITED TIME, enjoy a 15% discount on TST Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems and all the accompanying products when you use the code DAD15 during checkout. Hurry, this sale ends on June 14th.
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