Tire Pressure Monitoring System - Need vs. Want

[TerryM]

I'm thinking about a tire pressure monitoring system. I've done the usual research, reading the other posts, looking at vendor websites, etc.

I understand the theoretical need for a system and I like gadgets. I'm struggling with the practical need.

How often do tires blow or lose air?

Since we are new to motor homes I might be naive to the frequency of issues but I don't see many discussions of problems. Maybe the lack of problems is due to most people using a TPMS so issues are identified early and before they are serious problems.

Any insight?

Thanks,
Terry

[truk4u]

Terry,

If your interested in Pressure Pro, let me know via phone or e-mail, I'm a Dealer for them and will save you a little money.

Here's the website: http://www.tirepressuremonitor.com/

[Trendycat]

Terry,

There will be a range of opinions on this but I'll chime in with mine. We had never owned any type of RV before we bought our Wanderlodge in 2008.

I did extensive research on TPMS systems at the time since I was concerned about the issue, especially since I was trailering our Land Cruiser, adding 4 more tires to the mix.

In the end, I felt that the expense and complexity of the TPMS probably wasn't justified. Especially since I replaced all tires that were more than 4 years old or showed any signs of cracking/aging.

I check my pressures and visually inspect the tires every time I go to move the bus/trailer. I also stop every 2-3 hours while traveling to walk around and do a visual inspection.

A couple of weeks ago I discovered a cut or beginning tread separation on a trailer tire (despite the tire being less than a year old) prior to the start of a trip. The pressure in the tire was still fine, so a TPMS would not have alerted me to that.

I think that having good tires (not aged or worn) combined with a visual and pressure check before every trip (and along the way) is adequate protection. It does require more effort than simply checking the readout from a TPMS system but it catches things the TPMS can't.

That's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Bruce

[Bill Price]

Look at "Houston I Think We Have a Problem" posted by Jim Skiff regarding serious tire explosion. This article will give you some idea what you could be dealing with. Not to be taken lightly. I am still seeing Doctors over this issue.

[TerryM]

Bill, I read the "Serious Tire Explosion" thread a few weeks ago and immediately bought a tire pressure gauge and chuck with a 15 foot hose. See the images made me a believer in the dangers.


Right now I'm following about the same strategy as Bruce. Check tire pressure before I hit the road and then do a walk-around every 2 or 3 hours.

[jack14r]

there is nothing that is as easy to install and monitor as the pressure pro and it also works with silverleaf electronics.I don't care if you check your tires everyday while on the road,what happens if you cut a tire on the drive or on the tag,I doubt you will notice the leak until it is too late.I have seen tire fires on coaches and trucks that have destroyed them.I won't leave home without the pressure pro on my coach,toad or trailer.