Last summer, I got an emergency call from a customer named Dave who was stranded on Interstate 40 in Arizona with a blown tire on his travel trailer. "I had no idea there was a problem until I heard the explosion," he said from the side of the road. The tire had been losing pressure gradually, but without a monitoring system, he had no warning until it was too late. That call reinforced everything I know about tire safety – it's not a matter of if you'll have tire problems, but when.
At this point, you would think all motorhomes and trailers would come standard with a tire pressure monitoring system. The safety aspect alone far outweighs the cost of these units. This should be high on the list of accessories you add to your camper or motorhome after purchase.
After 15 years in the RV business, I've learned that tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are among the most important safety accessories you can add to your RV. Tire failures are not just inconvenient – they can be dangerous and expensive. The right TPMS gives you early warning of problems and can prevent catastrophic failures that could damage your RV or cause accidents.
In this guide, I'll share my top 5 TPMS recommendations – all systems I've seen prevent tire disasters and give customers peace of mind on the road.
The Doran 360RV8 Tire Pressure Monitoring 8 Sensor System is my top recommendation for customers who want comprehensive monitoring for larger RVs with dual axles. Doran has been making tire pressure monitoring systems for commercial and RV applications for years, and their expertise shows in this professional-grade system.
What sets this system apart is the eight-sensor capacity that can monitor a complete dual-axle travel trailer or the drive and tag axles of a large motorhome. The system provides real-time pressure and temperature monitoring for all tires, giving you complete visibility into your tire conditions.
One customer installed this system on his 40-foot fifth wheel with dual axles. "I can't believe I traveled without this for so long," he told me after the system alerted him to a slow leak that could have caused a blowout. The early warning allowed him to stop safely and repair the tire before it failed.
The display unit mounts easily in your tow vehicle or motorhome and provides clear, easy-to-read information about all monitored tires. The system alerts you to both pressure and temperature problems, giving you time to take corrective action.
The sensors are designed for RV use and handle the demanding conditions of road travel. They're easy to install and calibrate, and the system includes everything needed for a complete installation.
Buy Doran 360RV8 Tire Pressure Monitoring 8 Sensor System
The BMPRO ProSmart Premium RV Bluetooth Monitoring System combines tire pressure monitoring with comprehensive RV system monitoring through a smartphone app. BMPRO has been making RV monitoring systems for years, and this system represents their latest technology.
What makes this system special is the integration of tire monitoring with other RV systems like battery voltage, water levels, and propane levels. You get a complete picture of your RV's condition through one easy-to-use smartphone app.
I've recommended this system to customers who want comprehensive RV monitoring beyond just tire pressure. My customers love being able to monitor everything from their smartphones.
The Bluetooth connectivity eliminates the need for a separate display unit, using your smartphone as the interface. The app provides detailed information and historical data that helps you understand your RV's systems better.
The system is expandable, allowing you to add sensors for additional tires or other monitoring functions as your needs change. The professional installation ensures reliable operation and proper integration with your RV's systems.
Buy BMPRO ProSmart Premium RV Bluetooth Monitoring System
The Lippert 2020106863 Tire Linc Tire Pressure And Temperature Monitoring System is designed specifically for RV applications by one of the largest RV component manufacturers. Lippert understands RV needs and has designed this system to integrate seamlessly with RV electrical systems.
What I appreciate about this system is the RV-specific design that accounts for the unique challenges of monitoring trailer tires. The system is designed to work reliably in the demanding environment of RV travel while providing accurate, timely alerts.
I've installed this system in numerous RVs where customers wanted a reliable, proven solution from a major RV manufacturer.
The system monitors both pressure and temperature, providing comprehensive tire condition information. The alerts are clear and timely, giving you adequate warning to take corrective action before problems become serious.
The installation is straightforward for RV technicians, and the system integrates well with other RV electrical systems. The components are designed for the RV environment and provide reliable operation through years of travel.
Buy Lippert 2020106863 Tire Linc Tire Pressure And Temperature Monitoring System
The JR Products FX4K PressurePro FX 4 Wheel Tire Pressure Monitoring System is perfect for smaller RVs or customers who want to start with basic monitoring and expand later. JR Products has been making RV accessories for decades, and this system provides reliable monitoring at an affordable price.
What makes this system attractive is the four-sensor capacity that's perfect for single-axle travel trailers or small motorhomes. The system provides the essential monitoring functions without the complexity and cost of larger systems.
The system is expandable, so you can add more sensors if you upgrade to a larger RV or want to monitor additional tires. The display unit is compact and easy to mount in most vehicles.
The sensors are easy to install and calibrate, making this system accessible for customers who want to do their own installation. The system provides reliable monitoring and clear alerts when problems are detected.
Buy JR Products FX4K PressurePro FX 4 Wheel Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The TST TST-507-FT-12-C Flow Through Sensor Tire Pressure Monitoring System is designed for large RVs or fleets that need comprehensive monitoring for many tires. TST has been making tire monitoring systems for commercial and RV applications, and this system provides professional-grade monitoring.
What sets this system apart is the 12-sensor capacity that can monitor a large motorhome with tag axle plus a towed vehicle, or multiple RVs in a fleet application. The flow-through sensors allow you to add air to tires without removing the sensors.
One of my customers has a 45-foot motorhome with a tag axle and tows a car. This system monitors all 10 tires plus the two spare tires, giving her complete visibility.
The color display makes it easy to identify which tire has a problem, and the system provides both pressure and temperature monitoring. The alerts are clear and provide adequate warning time to take corrective action.
The flow-through design is particularly convenient because you can check and adjust tire pressure without removing the sensors. This makes routine maintenance much easier and encourages regular pressure checks.
Buy TST TST-507-FT-12-C Flow Through Sensor Tire Pressure Monitoring System
RV tires face unique challenges that make monitoring even more important than for passenger vehicles.
I learned about the importance of TPMS when I had my own tire failure on a family camping trip. We were fortunate that it happened at low speed in a parking lot, but it could have been much worse. That experience convinced me that TPMS isn't optional – it's essential safety equipment.
Proper installation is critical for TPMS performance and reliability in RV applications.
Effective tire monitoring requires understanding both pressure and temperature and how they relate to tire safety.
Pressure monitoring detects slow leaks and gradual pressure loss that can lead to tire failure. Even small pressure losses can cause significant problems in heavily loaded RV tires.
Temperature monitoring provides early warning of overheating that can cause sudden tire failure. High temperatures often indicate problems before pressure changes become apparent.
Alert thresholds need to be set appropriately for your specific tires and loading conditions. Consult your tire manufacturer's recommendations for proper pressure and temperature limits.
Correlation between pressure and temperature helps you understand tire condition. Rising temperatures with stable pressure may indicate overloading, while falling pressure with rising temperature suggests a leak.
Battery replacement is required for sensor-powered systems. Plan for regular battery replacement and keep spare batteries on hand for emergency replacement.
Calibration verification ensures that the system continues to provide accurate readings. Check calibration regularly against a known-accurate pressure gauge.
Sensor inspection should be performed regularly to ensure that sensors are properly mounted and not damaged. Road debris and weather can damage sensors over time.
System updates may be available for some systems to improve performance or add features. Check with the manufacturer regularly for available updates.
I’ve helped plenty of RVers track down TPMS issues, and over time, the same few problems tend to pop up.
Modern TPMS can integrate with other RV systems to provide comprehensive monitoring and control.
Understanding the costs and benefits of TPMS helps you make an informed decision about which system to choose.
Initial cost varies significantly between systems, from basic four-sensor systems to comprehensive multi-sensor systems with advanced features.
Operating costs include battery replacement, sensor replacement, and system maintenance. Consider these ongoing costs when evaluating different systems.
Potential savings from preventing tire failures can be substantial. A single prevented blowout can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in tire replacement, towing, and potential RV damage.
Safety benefits are difficult to quantify but are perhaps the most important consideration. The peace of mind and safety that TPMS provides is invaluable for RV travel.
TPMS technology continues to evolve, with new features and capabilities being developed regularly.
Smartphone integration is becoming standard, allowing monitoring and control through familiar interfaces. This trend makes TPMS more accessible and user-friendly.
Advanced analytics use historical data to predict tire problems before they become serious. This predictive capability can prevent failures and optimize tire maintenance.
Integration with vehicle systems allows TPMS to interact with other safety and monitoring systems for comprehensive vehicle management.
Improved sensors provide more accurate monitoring with longer battery life and better durability. These improvements make TPMS more reliable and easier to maintain.
A quality tire pressure monitoring system is one of the most important safety investments you can make for your RV. Whether you need basic monitoring for a small trailer or comprehensive monitoring for a large motorhome, the systems I've recommended here will provide reliable protection and peace of mind.
Remember that at this point, you would think all motorhomes and trailers would come standard with a tire pressure monitoring system. The safety aspect alone far outweighs the cost of these units. This should be high on the list of accessories you add to your camper or motorhome after purchase.
Don't wait until you have a tire failure to install TPMS. Invest in a quality system that matches your RV and monitoring needs. Your safety – and your peace of mind – depend on knowing what's happening with your tires before problems become disasters.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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