Tire Pressure Monitoring

[Galandog]

Just having put a downpayment on the rig and planning on taking possession within a week I am wondering about TIRE PRESSURE. I noticed that some units had a TPMS....Tire Pressure Monitoring System. There is a wireless type that mounts on dash or thereabouts. What is anyones thoughts on this device? I know TIRES are a major safety issue and if I need to get a system installed I'd do it at the dealership BEFORE I take it. What say anyone?
Thanks,
Dottie

[Bethers]

Many people have added them. You'll probably get answers faster by searching the forum using that phrase. Hopefully some will respond here, but there has been lots of past talk about them. Somw would never be without them, others of us don't find them as critical. If you do, by all means have it done now.

[Dawn309]

Dottie, I had my tire pressure monitoring system put on before I ever headed out on the road. It gives me peace of mind to be able to look down and see how my tires are doing as I drive down the road. My late husband really emphasized that your tires are your safety. He was a real stickler for this.

[Acadianmom]

I have to say that over the years problems with tires have been my major problems. I finally put a tire pressure monitoring system before my last trip. Wish I had gotten one years ago. As Dawn said, the peace of mind was so worth it. With the dual wheels in the back you need valve extenders so you can check and add air to the inside tires. The valve extenders can work loose and let air out. You can't tell an inside tire is flat just by looking.

You need to be able to work what ever system you buy because I can tell you that the tire places won't know beans about it. I couldn't put them on the front tires because the valve stems aren't long enough. I have ask at 2 local tire places and they act like there aren't longer valve stems. There are too many motorhomes with the systems for that to be true. My motorhome is in the shop to get the water pump replaced and when I pick it up I'm going to ask if they know of a tire place that can help.

I think you said the motorhome you are buying is a 2004. If it has the original tires they could be 9 or 10 years old. Motorhome tires usually age out before they wear out. Most people change them every 5-7 years. The tires can look good but be dry rotted. Tires have a date number with the week and year they were made. Do an internet search and you will find sites that show you how to find the date.

I have always carried a 12-volt truck air pump. If you get one be sure the cord is long enough to reach the back wheels. Recently I found a Black and Decker air pump I really like. It's 12-volt or electric. I figure if I can get the generator started I can use it on electric. You can set the tire pressure you want and it will cut off when it reaches it.

Martha

[Dawn309]

I have to say that over the years problems with tires have been my major problems. I finally put a tire pressure monitoring system before my last trip. Wish I had gotten one years ago. As Dawn said, the peace of mind was so worth it. With the dual wheels in the back you need valve extenders so you can check and add air to the inside tires. The valve extenders can work loose and let air out. You can't tell an inside tire is flat just by looking.

You need to be able to work what ever system you buy because I can tell you that the tire places won't know beans about it. I couldn't put them on the front tires because the valve stems aren't long enough. I have ask at 2 local tire places and they act like there aren't longer valve stems. There are too many motorhomes with the systems for that to be true. My motorhome is in the shop to get the water pump replaced and when I pick it up I'm going to ask if they know of a tire place that can help.

I think you said the motorhome you are buying is a 2004. If it has the original tires they could be 9 or 10 years old. Motorhome tires usually age out before they wear out. Most people change them every 5-7 years. The tires can look good but be dry rotted. Tires have a date number with the week and year they were made. Do an internet search and you will find sites that show you how to find the date.

I have always carried a 12-volt truck air pump. If you get one be sure the cord is long enough to reach the back wheels. Recently I found a Black and Decker air pump I really like. It's 12-volt or electric. I figure if I can get the generator started I can use it on electric. You can set the tire pressure you want and it will cut off when it reaches it.

Martha

I carry an air compressor and manually check my tire pressure in all tires before taking off. If I have a tire that needs air, I plug in the air compressor and get the air pressure where I like it. Haven't had to do this but just a couple times. Be sure and check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. Meaning you haven't been driving. Best temperature to check your tires is around 50-60 degrees, from what I have learned. Below that and they will read with a slightly lower pressure. Above that and they will read with a higher pressure. I had my manual pressure gauge checked to make sure it was reading correctly. Some don't.