Understand Tire Pressure Monitor Systems
If you’ve been following KYD since SN1, you know that we paid our dues with blowouts. It didn’t take long before we got a TPMS system, but not really knowing the difference between various brands and models, we got our third blowout on the tire where the sensor wasn’t working. Sigh.
If you’re not familiar with TPMS systems, it stands for Tire Pressure Monitor System and they do just that… monitor the tire pressure as you drive down the road. The reason these systems are so valuable is that they can help identify a slow leak allowing you to pull over and address the problem before the tire blows.
A good system will also monitor the temperature of a tire so you can tell if a tire is running hotter than the others also identifying a problem before it occurs.
When it comes to towable RVs, you may need a system that will reach from your trailer tires all the way to your cab. Both the models we use and recommend below include a booster to help keep a strong signal.
For motorized RVs, using a TPMS system for your tow vehicle is equally important, if not more, because you may not notice a blow out on the vehicle your towing until a fire has occurred.
Tire Minder i10
We just recently started using the Tire Minder i10. It’s a great device, easy to set up with a slick screen that shows the pressure of all the tires on the home screen. If you’re interested in this model, use promo code KYD at Innovation Tire to save $20.
TST CAP System with 2 to 12 Sensors
For the past 2 years, we’ve been using TST for our TMPS system without any issues. It’s scalable to as many tires as you need and reliable.
Which system do you like the best?
Hello!!!
So my wife and I just got our first RV. We found your channel and have been watching your videos like crazy. The first trip with our camper was from Springfield MO to Woodland Park CO. No joke!! We got the Tire Minder system and it made me very comfortable knowing the tire pressures. Thanks for the advice!! We love your videos and tips, keep up the great content.
I can’t overstate the importance of a TPMS system for any RV’er. We chose a TireMinder system and it gave plenty of warning about a tire puncture and a cracked rim on another occasion (the roads can be rough out there!). No doubt, these early warnings saved us from greater damage just a few miles further down the road. We were able to plug the punctured tire rather than replacing it, and the cracked rim was replaced under warranty. Those two things alone paid for the TPMS. I advise people to travel safely and confidently – install a well-rated TPMS system and you won’t be disappointed.
Hello KYD love your travels and channel has helped s on our journey so many times it is not funny. We recently completed a east coast trip from Illinois to Vermont to Maine. This is the first long trip since we added the TST monitor to our gas class A Thor. Hurricane. I noticed that the temperature reading on the front wheels is always higher and more so as we sit in traffic. The unit picks up the temps from the engine thru the front wheel wells and it takes some time to go back to what would be normal operating temps. Have you heard this or experienced this issue. You learn to observe the front tire temps a little differently but can be challenging in stop and go traffic. overall we are happy with TST and have added sensors to our tow dolly and car as well.
I was wondering why you use a separate TPMS when one is built into your Ford F250? I am contemplating using the built in FORD TPMS or just purchasing a separate system. Is it because the FORD system only does pressure and the sensors are just as much if not more than a separate system? Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for all the awesome videos and great ideas.
Just wondering how you determine the number of sensors? I see your model is 6 but 4 are just on the Airstream. We’re towing a 14000 lb 5th wheel. How do I figure out what we need? Thanks! Hoping sometime to join a meet!
I based the # of sensors on the # of tires I wanted to monitor. I purchased a total of 8: for the TV and 4 for the TT.
Edit: 4 for TV and 4 for TT.
What are the pros and cons of the TireMinder and the TST systems for a Class A ?
I based the # of sensors on the # of tires I wanted to monitor. I purchased a total of 8: for the TV and 4 for the TT.