An unexpected tire blowout in an RV is a dangerous thing. RVs have a lot of momentum and losing control not only puts your RV at risk of additional damage, but it also threatens your life and the life of anyone riding with you.
It’s always better to plan ahead than deal with the repercussions of a blowout. Whether it’s monitoring your tire’s air pressure or keeping track of their tread, tire care certainly classifies as ‘essential maintenance’.
If you cover a lot of ground in your RV, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will make tire maintenance much easier.
These RV tire pressure monitors include sensors that are placed directly on your travel trailer tires. Those sensors send information back to a central monitoring screen that’s usually mounted on your dashboard.
An RV TPMS constantly monitors the pressure in your tires. From a practical standpoint, you’ll have a centralized tire pressure monitor that eliminates the need to walk around your RV and check each tire individually.
The best trailer tire pressure monitoring system automatically alerts you if the pressure in any of your tires falls below a certain threshold. Some of them even monitor your tires for temperature, leakage, and other useful information.
The best reason to get a TPMS for your RV is safety. An unexpected tire blowout can be life-threatening. But a TPMS is designed to alert you before that happens. These systems also extend the life of your tires and help you improve your RV’s fuel economy.
But how do you choose the best RV tire pressure monitoring system for your unique setup? Fortunately, I’ve researched the best RV tire pressure monitoring systems and compiled a list of eight top-tier systems for your travel trailer or motorhome.
I’ve reviewed the specifications and features of each system to help you narrow down your options. We’ve also suggested the best use for each TPMS on our list. I’ve also included a comprehensive Buying Guide that covers everything you need to know about these monitoring systems so that you can make the best choice possible.
Finally, the FAQ section provides answers to any outstanding questions you may have about TPMS.
Best RV Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems in 2024
There can be quite a bit of variation amongst RV tire pressure monitoring systems. So I’ve included a ‘best use’ for each of the eight RV TPMS for your travel trailer that I’ve elected to include in this review.
1. Best Overall: Tymate 6 Tire Pressure Monitoring System for RV Trailer
Those interested in overall performance and forward-thinking design will love the Tymate 6 TPMS.
This RV tire pressure monitor uses solar panels on the top for solar recharging and it includes an 850 milliamp-hour battery for energy storage.
This RV TPMS comes with six sensors, so it’s best for RVs or trailers with six wheels. But it can also be used in tandem with a secondary TPMS for larger RVs.
For example, you could use this setup for the six tires in the back of the RV (if your rig is like mine) and then install a secondary system for the front two tires.
I like that this rv tire monitoring system relies on an internal battery as its power source instead of plugging into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
This means you’ll still have your cigarette lighter available for other appliances, like a phone charger or GPS unit.
Although it relies solely on solar energy for recharging, it does boast a reasonably long battery life.
The battery is rated to last up to two years and can easily be replaced when it runs out (instead of having to buy a whole new TPMS monitor.
This system is also designed to alert you to slow and fast leaks, high and low pressure, high temperature, and other issues that could cause damage to your RV’s tires.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
2. Best For Power Saving: EEZTire RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
If you’re concerned about installing an RV TPMS that is going to drain your battery when you’re not using it, check out the EEZTire-TPMS.
This RV tire monitoring system will kick into its built-in power-saving mode when no activity is detected for 15 minutes.
As long as the sensors are under pressure, the system will continue to send signals to the monitor every six seconds, even if the monitor isn’t currently displaying data.
This trailer tire pressure monitoring system will also send both audible and visual alerts if it detects pressure issues. This doubles the chance of you recognizing an alert and pulling over safely before further damage is done.
In addition to monitoring tire pressures up to 210 psi, these sensors are also able to relay information on the temperature inside your tires.
While this system is designed for RVs or trailers with six tires, additional sensors can be added to read pressure status up to 26 times in total. I personally like that the battery in this unit is rechargeable.
For starters, this means that you won’t have to rely on the power from your RV’s cigarette lighter to keep the system functional You also won’t need to entirely replace the battery when it has been discharged.
The battery inside this system is rated to last up to 60 hours on one charge.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
3. Best LED Display: Tire-Safeguard RV 6-Tire Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Those that don’t want to have to squint to read the information on their TPMS monitor should look more closely at the Tire-Safeguard 6-Tire RV RV tire pressure monitor.
The LED display on this system is large and bright enough to easily be read from several feet away.
I also like that the thresholds on this RV TPMS are adjustable. If you’re not happy with the factory settings, you can adjust the system to alert you when tire pressure drops below (or rises above) your preferred threshold.
This system will send alerts for low and high pressure, slow leaks, and high temperatures inside your tires.
The flow-through sensor on this system includes a replaceable battery so that you won’t have to replace the entire unit when the battery runs out.
Although the battery isn’t rechargeable on the flow-through sensor isn’t rechargeable, the battery in the monitor is. This system is rated to monitor tire pressures up to 199 psi.
The last thing that I want to mention about this TPMS is that the sensors on the tires have excellent range.
This makes it a great TPMS option for longer RV or travel trailer owners that don’t want to bother with an extender or booster to ramp up the signal coming from the sensors to the monitor.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
4. Best Smartphone-Like Display: TireMinder A1A Tire Pressure Monitoring System For RV
For younger RV owners that are super comfortable with their smartphones, the TireMinder A1A TPMS features a smartphone-like compact display that’s easy to operate and mounts right to the dashboard of your RV.
It comes with an adjustable mounting bracket so you can position it wherever you feel is convenient.
The batteries in both the monitor and the transmitters are replaceable and boast a battery life of two to four weeks.
While it’s not the longest battery life amongst the TPMS models I’ve included in this article, the ability to easily replace them means you won’t have to buy new transmitters altogether.
The monitor actually comes with a micro USB car charger so you can continue to charge small electronics while this TPMS is in use.
This system is built for RVs with six tires, but it is expandable to monitor the pressure in up to 22 tires through the purchase of additional sensors. The system is rated to monitor pressures up to 232 psi.
I also like that this is a lightweight TPMS that weighs less than two pounds. It will relay both tire pressure and temperature information for each tire.
It also sends both audible and visual alerts for low and high pressure, high temperature, and other issues that could cause larger damage to your RV tires.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
5. Best Solar Powered System: B-Qtech Wireless Solar Power RV TPMS with 6 Sensors
If you want an RV TPMS that effectively recharges using the power of the sun, check out this B-QTech Wireless System.
It actually features two charging methods. You’ll have the ability to let the sun recharge the internal lithium battery if you can find consistent exposure. But you can also recharge the battery by using a USB port.
This is a wireless system, which means information is relayed from the sensors on your tires to the monitor without the use of excessive wiring.
This system has ample signal strength that transmits a stable signal over a longer distance. This system is capable of transmitting a strong, reliable signal up to 6 meters.
The enhanced signal range on this system also helps to ensure that the data being displayed on the monitor is accurate.
Along with the LED visual display on the monitor, this system will also trigger audible alerts if tire pressure, temperature, or battery power crosses its established high and low thresholds.
Finally, one of my favorite features of this TPMS is that it syncs the sensors on all of your tires to help you maintain tire pressure balance.
This can drastically improve the life of your tires and improve your fuel economy because you won’t be running one (or more) tires at inefficiently low pressure.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
6. Best Trucks with Small Trailers: Tymate Wireless TPMS with 4pcs External Sensors
The Tymate TPMS is a compact system that’s best designed for trucks with small trailers or small RVs that only have four tires.
It only includes four tire sensors, but it’s a more budget-friendly option for those towing a small trailer or driving a four-wheeled RV.
The compact monitor in this system plugs into your cigarette lighter for power and includes a bright LCD digital screen.
This screen displays tire pressure, temperature, and battery voltage. It can be set to pressure units of BAR or PSI and temperature units in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
This rv tire monitoring system includes multiple alerts to help you stay on top of various tire-related issues.
This includes fast and slow leak alerts, high pressure and high-temperature alerts, sensor fault alerts, and low power alerts.
This is an impressive array of alert modes that will ultimately keep you safer on the road.
I also like that this TPMS comes at an affordable price and has a relatively long sensor battery life.
The batteries in each of the four sensors are rated to last up to two years. They can also easily be replaced using a standard CR1632 battery when they do run out.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
7. Best For 5th Wheels: TRUCK SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES Tpms W/6 Cap Sensors
Those of you that own 5th wheels should check out the Truck System Technologies TST507RV6C TPMS System.
It comes with a total of six sensors, which actually allows you to monitor the tires on your truck as well as two tires on your 5th wheel.
Additional sensors can be purchased to monitor up to 38 tires using a single monitor.
I really like that the sensors in this system include covers that make them much more difficult to remove.
Each sensor requires the use of a cap wrench for effective removal, which is a useful addition for anyone that travels to areas where the likelihood of theft is a bit higher.
The monitor in this system can easily mount to your dashboard via multiple mounting options.
This includes a suction cup and a non-slip rubber cradle. You’ll be able to customize your monitor setup depending on the exact model of your truck, as well as your personal preference.
The full-color display makes it easy to read critical information like tire pressure and temperature.
This system relays new readings every 12 seconds so you can be sure that you’re looking at real-time information on the monitor.
I also like that the monitor includes a micro USB cable and adapter so that you can continue to charge small electronics as you’re driving.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
8. Best Budget: WonVon Wireless Solar Auto TPMS For RV
If finding a great RV TPMS at the lowest price point possible is your biggest priority, you’ll like the affordability of the WonVon Wireless tire pressure monitor system for RV.
It is easily one of the most affordable models on the market, but it still boasts an impressive variety of features and useful functionality.
Besides being an affordable option, this system features wireless signal transmission. This means you won’t have to run a bunch of excess electrical wires to connect the tire sensors to the monitor.
Signals will be relayed from the sensors to the monitor, which is where tire pressure and temperature information is displayed.
This display is a bright LCD screen that makes it easy to decipher pressures and temperatures, even as you’re driving.
The display also makes it easy to understand which readings are associated with which tires. This makes it easier for you to identify a problem before it causes more damage.
The system will also audibly alert you to abnormal tire pressure or temperature. This improves your safety on the road and allows you to preemptively address issues.
I also like that this unit is sleek and easily mounts to your dashboard. The sensors themselves screw onto your tire valves and boast anti-theft protections that make them hard to remove without the proper tool.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
Things To consider When Choosing The best Tire Pressure Monitor System For RV
Now that I’ve thoroughly addressed some of the pros and cons of eight RV tire pressure monitoring system options, it’s time to dive deeper into how to choose a model that fits your needs.
In this Buying Guide, we’ll cover the most important factors to consider before you settle on buying an RV TPMS.
TPMS Types
There are two basic TPMS types: direct and indirect. Let’s start this guide by discussing some of the pros and cons of each.
1: Direct TPMS
A direct TPMS utilizes sensors inside of your tires. These sensors read pressure levels, temperature, and other variables. This means that a direct TPMS can do more than simply monitor the revolutions of your wheels.
Using either a wired or wireless connection, the sensors inside your tires will transmit data to a central monitor.
This monitor is where you, the driver, will be able to see the information being captured and transmitted by the tire sensors.
The dashboard monitor in a direct TPMS is also responsible for analyzing and interpreting the data it receives from the sensors.
In other words, the monitor will register any abnormalities for which it is programmed. And when these abnormalities are registered, a warning light or alarm will be activated.
A direct TPMS requires an individual sensor on each tire. Its major advantages are greater accuracy and a longer lifespan. The only downside of a direct TPMS is that it will tend to cost more than an indirect TPMS.
2: Indirect TPMS
An indirect TPMS does not utilize pressure sensors inside of your tires. Instead, it analyzes the rotational speeds of the wheels as well as other signals outside of your tire.
In place of actual pressure sensors, an indirect TPMS analyzes tire pressure by way of revolution speed relative to your tire size.
When these signals are analyzed by a vehicle’s computer, it can tell whether your tire is spinning faster or slower than the recommended revolution rate.
And in making this determination, the computer can then infer whether that tire is either under-inflated or over-inflated.
The main benefit of an indirect TPMS is reduced cost. These systems tend to be more affordable than their direct counterparts.
However, getting an indirect TPMS usually means you’ll sacrifice accuracy and it will typically require more regular maintenance.
Internal Battery Capacity
Battery life is an important factor when selecting a TPMS. And it’s also one of the easiest metrics by which you can compare different models.
What you should look for in a TPMS battery life, however, also depends on how much you plan to use it.
If you’re a full-time RVer who will be moving around regularly, you’ll probably want one of the longest battery lives you can find.
This will mean less regular maintenance for you in the form of having to replace or recharge batteries.
However, if you only take your RV out for a few trips every year, you might get away with a TPMS with a battery life of a week to 10 days.
This is because you’ll only need the battery to last throughout your trip and you probably won’t mind replacing it before your next adventure.
Ease of Installation
Fortunately, all of the TPMS models I’ve included in this article are relatively easy to install.
Most are designed to mount directly to your dashboard or plug right into your cigarette lighter. The latter, of course, offer the easiest installation of them all.
But any TPMS that’s designed to mount to your dashboard should come with the requisite hardware to do so.
Be sure to check into the “additional parts and accessories” that come with a TPMS so that you feel comfortable installing it in your preferred location.
Quality of the Display
An RV TPMS is really only as good as its display because the information it collects is only useful if you can read it.
One of the most important things to look for in a TPMS display is that it clearly shows you which pressure (or temperature) reading is associated with which tire.
In other words, a bunch of pressure readings displayed in a list-style format will make it much more difficult for you to decipher which pressure goes to which tire.
A quality TPMS display should mimic the outline of your vehicle so you can easily interpret the information it is collecting.
If, on the other hand, you’re simply interested in a TPMS that will audibly alert you to any issue that arises, you might not need a super large or bright screen.
In this case, you’ll rely more heavily on audible alarms with the idea of pulling over to more closely evaluate the issue every time an alarm sounds.
Durability
When we talk about the durability of a TPMS, we’re mostly referring to the design and quality of the sensors.
While the monitor will certainly be subject to some jostling as you go down the road, it’s the sensors themselves that need to be the most durable.
The best TPMS sensors include an IPX5 or higher waterproof and ingress protection rating. This rating system is used for everything from iPhones to dry bags.
It signals how well a product is sealed from the elements. And when we’re talking about tire sensors, they’re going to be subject to the full spectrum of weather as you put more and more mileage on your RV.
What Is The Best RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
I’m going to make the answer to this question even simpler than you might think. Below, I lay out specific purposes for each of the eight RV tire pressure monitors that I reviewed above.
If you don’t feel like I addressed your specific need, feel free to drop a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
If you’re looking for the absolute best balance between performance and affordability, you won’t go wrong with the Tymate 6 RV TPMS.
This RV tire pressure monitor uses wireless technology to send signals from sensors to the monitor and the internal 850 mAh battery has a lifespan of up to two years.
Those searching for a tire pressure monitor system for RV that isn’t going to consume unnecessary battery power when it’s not in use shouldn’t overlook the EEZTire-TPMS.
This RV TPMS has a built-in power-saving mode that automatically puts the monitor to sleep when no activity is detected for 15 minutes.
Even though the display will be shut down, the sensors will continue to relay critical information every six seconds.
The best choice for anyone looking for a TPMS with a big, bright display is the Tire-Safeguard 6-Tire System.
You’ll be able to easily see the tire pressure and temperature information that this monitor displays and you’ll also be able to adjust the high and low thresholds on this system to your preference.
If you’re interested in a TPMS that looks almost exactly like your smartphone, the TireMinder A1A can mount to your RV’s dashboard just like you’d mount your smartphone for GPS directions.
This system also includes a total of six pressure sensors but can be expanded to read pressure and other critical information on up to 22 tires.
For a solar-powered system with a reliable internal lithium battery, check out the B-Qtech Wireless System.
In addition to its ability to recharge using the power of the sun, this unit can also be charged via a USB connection if you’re on the road and experiencing several days of overcast weather.
Owners of smaller RVs or travel trailers should look into the Tymate TPMS. It’s one of the most compact TPMS models on our list and it easily plugs right into your cigarette lighter.
It also includes a single USB port that allows you to continue charging small electronics through your cigarette lighter even when this system is in use.
If you pull the 5th wheel behind your truck when you want to escape for a vacation, check out the Truck System Technologies TST507RV6C TPMS.
This system is designed to monitor up to six tires, but it can easily be expanded by purchasing additional sensors that can be wirelessly connected to one monitor mounted to your truck’s dashboard.
Those that simply want to spend the least amount possible on a TPMS should look no further than the WonVon Wireless System.
It offers great features and functionality while costing you less than nearly any other TPMS on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
No matter how well an article is written, there are almost always going to be a few questions.
So while I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job with the reviews and Buying Guide above, I’m going to use a few more minutes of your time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about TPMS.
How does a tire RV pressure monitoring system work?
These systems rely on sensors that are installed on each tire. Those sensors relay critical air pressure information to a central display that’s usually designed to be installed within view of the driver’s seat.
Certain models also monitor the temperature of the air inside of your tires and will send alerts for low pressure, high pressure, and fast leakage.
Through a simple electrical wiring harness, a TPMS will send alerts to its central screen. These alerts notify the driver if air pressure falls below a specified level.
Some models come with that air pressure level pre-programmed and others allow the user to adjust the level to their preference.
Can I install a range extender for my RV TPMS?
Range extenders aid in connecting a TPMS to its sensors from a distance. This is only important if you’re talking about using a wireless system, but a range extender can be helpful to gather data from rear tires in a long recreational vehicle.
Generally speaking, most four-wheel vehicles don’t need a range extender because the distance between tires and the central display unit is relatively short.
But if you have a longer RV or you’re driving a truck and pulling a 5th wheel trailer, you might consider using a range extender to boost the signal and make the transfer of tire pressure data more reliable.
How can I test and replace the battery in my TPMS?
Regular analysis of the batteries in your TPMS should become part of your maintenance routine.
A failed battery will compromise the effectiveness of a sensor, and the most common early sign of a low battery is an unreliable signal coming from a particular sensor.
In most systems, a warning light will illuminate on the TPMS monitor if a sensor is guilty of several failed transmissions.
In this way, your TPMS should alert you when it’s time to replace the battery in a given sensor.
Unfortunately, this usually means you’ll have to replace the entire sensor. This is simply how most TPMS sensors are designed.
The reason for this is that the sensor (and its components) need to be protected from the elements so that they don’t short when you’re driving on wet roads or you just happen to hit a water-filled pothole.
Sensors use a potting material to encase all the essential components, so if the battery on a sensor fails, the easiest route is simply to replace the entire sensor.
Will these systems work with nitrogen-filled tires?
The shortest answer to this question is yes. The sensors on these systems are designed to provide accurate readings whether your tires are filled with air or nitrogen.
So, in essence, the sensors (and the system as a whole) will function the same regardless of whether your tires are filled with air or nitrogen.
But it’s also important to note that these sensors are made to withstand the effects of nitrogen, which are obviously a bit different than air.
The sensors are designed not to corrode or otherwise be negatively impacted by the effects of nitrogen.
How long do most sensor batteries last?
The answer to this question really depends on the manufacture of the specific RV TPMS you’re asking about.
The systems with the longest battery life utilize lithium-ion batteries, which sometimes boast a lifespan of five to 10 years.
That being said, most of the RV TPMS models I included had batteries that are replaceable or rechargeable.
So you won’t necessarily have to worry about a more expensive replacement of an internal lithium battery.
That being said, it’ll benefit you to understand the type of battery your system requires and always have at least one replacement on hand, just in case.
Conclusion
I hope that the prospect of purchasing a new RV tire pressure monitoring system seems a lot less complicated than when you started reading this article.
Many newfangled systems come with numerous bells and whistles.
At the end of the day, you really need an RV TPMS that can alert you to low pressure so that you can address it before larger issues come up.
Although each has its specific best use, the eight systems I’ve included in this article are all great options.
Don’t hesitate to pop into a local retailer to ask more questions and see some of these units in person if you need to but, when all is said and done, you’re almost always going to get the best price online. Happy TPMS shopping!
12 Comments
Bob Brantley
4 years agoI have a 38 ft diesel pusher with a tire monitor system on it already but i need one for my tow car, got any good ideas , priced between 120$-180$..thanks.bob.
Aaron Richardson
4 years agoFor your tow vehicle you should go for this one https://www.amazon.com/Tymate-Wireless-Monitoring-Real-time-Temperature/dp/B07HNPQ4X3?keywords=rv+tire+pressure+monitoring+system&qid=1571138621&refinements=p_72:1248861011&rnid=1248859011&sr=8-8&linkCode=sl1&tag=rvingknowhow08-20&linkId=929742a694d2cd3ced982a3867833743&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Michel Hubert
3 years agoCould I put tpms monitor on the extension of the valve that I have on my inside whell on my double whell? I have a class C motorhome.
Thank’s
Michel Hubert
Aaron Richardson
3 years agoYou can unscrew the cap on the tire valve, place the correct sensor for what you have just programmed in the right place and move to the next one.
Lee
3 years agoWhy is “Best Overall”, which is solar, not also the “Best Solar”?
Sharalyn Barnby
3 years agoI’m looking for an eight sensor TPMS for tow truck (2003 – F250) and 31.5′ 5th wheel with both on the same monitoring system. Do you have a recommendation?
Aaron Richardson
3 years agoYou can buy this product https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086V1ZH4W?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=rvingknowhow08-20&linkId=edef3145e4504625e286d5378b5fd52c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl. For sensing distance, this Package contains also have a repeater.
Ben Smyth
3 years agoI’m assume not, but will ask, can you use these on the air-bags in my class C. Would think not at least on an indirect system as there is no wheel spinning, and not on a direct system, because it’s not installed inside the tire.
Aaron Richardson
3 years agoI consider the rear airbags an absolute necessity on any class C short of the smallest versions. They are infinitely adjustable and once you find the sweet spot you would never drive with out them again. They also great for minor leveling.
Thomas Carpenter
2 years agoI noticed you left of the Tire minder 110 RV tpms in your review of top systems. Was there a reason you didn’t like that model?
Thanks,
.Tom Carpenter
Brennen Thomas
2 years agoI use the AstroAI ATG250 digital tire inflator with a gauge. After using it for a long time, I am quite satisfied with its functions. This product is more than just a pressure gauge, it is a complete tire inflation kit. It comes with almost everything you need to inflate and check tires. There is still an average error of about 1%.
Kevin Raney
2 years agoAre any of these or other TPMS systems able to connect to apple car play radios and eliminate the need for another monitor?