If you’ve ever been on a long road trip in an RV, you know how important it is to keep an eye on your tire pressure. After all, a flat tire can ruin your whole trip!
That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on how to install an RV tire pressure monitoring system.
With this system in place, you can relax and enjoy the ride, knowing that your tires will always be under supervision.
RV tires are expensive, and proper maintenance is essential to keeping them in good condition. An RV tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can help you extend the life of your tires by alerting you when the pressure in any tires drops below a safe level.
How to Install an RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Installing a TPMS for RV is not difficult, but it does require some planning and preparation. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right system for your RV to installing it and calibrating the sensors.
There are two TPMS types available in the market.
A direct TPMS uses sensors mounted on each wheel or inside the tires and sends a signal to a display inside the RV.
Indirect TPMS is software-based and uses sensors built into valve stem caps. You can only work with the indirect or cap-based system for a DIY installation.
What You Need
Collect the following tools and accessories before starting the installation.
- An RV TPMS kit
- Screwdriver
- Screws
It’s a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few hours. Follow the steps below to ensure a successful installation.
Getting Ready for the Installation
Before starting the installation, you need to complete some preparatory tasks.
Be sure about how many sensors you need. A vehicle may require four to six sensors depending on the make and model. These sensors should be compatible with the air pressure level in your vehicle’s tires.
The TPMS kit is supposed to come with a receiver unit. If not, you must buy one compatible with the sensors.
Store the discarded valve stem caps somewhere safe. You will need them when removing the sensors or adding them to another vehicle.
Use an anti-seize compound to prevent the metal sensors from grazing against the valve stems. It will also reduce friction and chafing. However, it’s not a necessary item for the installation.
Steps for How to Install an RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Follow these steps to install the aftermarket cap-system TPMS in your RV.
Check the tire pressure
Your first step should be checking the tire pressure. Adjust it to the correct level if the tire pressure is low. If the tires are adequately inflated, move to the next step.
Check the RV’s owner’s manual to find the correct tire pressure. The tire’s sidewall may also have this information imprinted.
Calibrate the TPMS
Calibration depends on the system you have. There are some systems you cannot calibrate. If your TPMS has this option, set the pressure level to what your vehicle requires.
Some systems will allow you to set the pressure to a specific level. It sends an alert through a dashboard light whenever that threshold exceeds. Indirect monitoring systems don’t show a tire’s actual pressure. So, knowing the alert point will give you an idea about the current tire pressure level.
If the system does not have the calibration option, you must buy one compatible with your vehicle’s tire pressure. When the tires’ correct PSI is 35, but you buy a system calibrated at 45 PSI, it will give a warning even when the tires are inflated correctly.
Attach the sensors
It’s an important but relatively easy step of how to install an RV tire pressure monitoring system. You don’t need any prior experience. With some screws, attach the sensors to where the valve stem caps were.
Check the setup
Now, it’s time to check the setup to see if it’s working fine. Switch the system on to see if it gets a signal from every tire. If it does not, re-check the whole setup to find out if you have made a mistake in any of the steps.
Choosing the best RV tire pressure monitoring system is important to get the most accurate results and long-term service. Several companies manufacture high-quality RV TPMS.
A sound system should cover a reasonable sensing distance and provide multiple alarm modes and long battery life.
Conclusion
It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your RV’s tire pressure. Overinflated or underinflated tires can lead to blowouts, which can be dangerous. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can help you stay on top of your RV’s tire pressure and avoid potential problems.
