Tire pressure monitor system

[Bose04]

Do I really need a TPMS system for my new Rockwood mini lite 2509s? This is our first RV and we are trying to get the equipment we will need. We have installed the electric brake controller which was fairly simple. These TPMS look to be expensive and I hate to buy one if we don't need one. The RV should be in within 4-6 weeks. Thanks for any advice and type of TPMS if I really need one.

[5picker]

Think of a TPMS as insurance.
Do you NEED it... maybe not.
You will be glad you do though if something happens.

[boondocking]

It is a good idea to have a TPMS. Without it you can not tell if there is a tire problem that can led to a shredded tire with extensive damage done to the trailer.

[PNWTraveler]

So, here is the question. What to buy and where?

Last year we asked the Mercedes Service Center (in Seattle) and we were told, yes we could install that but it is very expensive. We were told they are required to use Mercedes parts. More important, we also got the impression that the system is not terribly reliable. And, no, they really didn't have a recommendation on who else could do it.

We seem to have issues with the inner tires in the rear losing air.

Thoughts? Advice?

[W5CI]

If you have two tires losing are it is probably the valve stems leaking, a TPMS cost a couple of hundred bucks but what does a tire cost or even greater what damage can a blown tire cost you. Saving one tire will pay for the system.

[aceinspp]

Years ago we had good tires made here in the good old USA now almost all made in China so it is now wise to by the tire monitor system just for peace of mind and avoid damage to your camper. Later RJD

[joshuajim]

You don't need someone to install it for you. Buy a TST 507, about $200. Installation consists of screwing the sensors on the tire stem and taking 15 minutes to program the monitor. Thats it.

[PhoneDude 8289]

Wouldn't roll without it

[aceinspp]

If you get the newer set you can remove the outer casing to reduce the weight of the system. What I did with mine and that way they are less noticeable in case someone looking to remove them for there own use. Later RJD

[tande]

Originally Posted by Bose04

Do I really need a TPMS system for my new Rockwood mini lite 2509s? This is our first RV and we are trying to get the equipment we will need. We have installed the electric brake controller which was fairly simple. These TPMS look to be expensive and I hate to buy one if we don't need one. The RV should be in within 4-6 weeks. Thanks for any advice and type of TPMS if I really need one.

Short answer.......YES

[rsdata]

Do I really need a TPMS system for my new Rockwood mini lite 2509s? This is our first RV and we are trying to get the equipment we will need.

Buying and outfitting a new RV can be very expensive... lots of things to consider when adding hundreds of dollars of things just to get going.

I bought my TPMS (TST 507) when I started my second long (3,000 mi) trip. It gives me peace of mind using my now 3 year old tires in my camper. I now have about 8,000 miles on my camper and I am glad I have the TPMS on it. I hope the TPMS gives me advanced warning of an impending tire failure... that is what it is for.

I will spend another $6-800 replacing the tires this fall at the campers 4th birthday (build date).

If you wait a bit, the cost of the TPMS systems may drop a bit... BUT heaven forbid you needed the system now and not had it... "Pay me now or Pay me MORE later"...

my 2 cents...

[Flybob]

The main reason to purchase a TPMS system is to prevent the damage a tire will cause should one fail. Unlike a car, where you can feel that you have a low or flat tire, it is very difficult to feel a failed tire on a towed vehicle. A quick search for blowout or tire failure will provide photos of the damage driving with a failed tire can do. Look at as paying a few hundred dollars for insurance against a few thousand dollars in damage to your new unit. In addition it makes the drive much more enjoyable as there is no need to continually check rear view mirrors. You set the alarm levels and drive.

[OYO]

Plus it gives my copilot something to do.

[Twice]

I got my TPMS last December. It gives me a lot of piece of mind knowing the small amount of contact The Beast (our 37 foot fifth wheel) has with the road is intact and not about to have a problem. I got the Hawkshead system with flow thru sensors. I liked it because I can see all the tires and temps on one screen.

[dmlranhc]

I bought one a couple of years ago and was very unhappy. Always getting alerts that tires were low, when they were just fine. That and not very good reception. I haven't used it since. In fact I don't have it anymore.

[grumpyoldman]

I just purchased the Tire Minder system. As others have stated it is like insurance. My truck didn't come with TPMS because it is a 1 ton. So I purchased the Tire Minder with 8 sensors. 4 for the truck and 4 for the trailer. This is after having the truck and trailer for 3 years.
IMO you probably could put off buying a TPMS for the first year because you have new tires. Probably should buy it your second year.

[SpringerPop]

Originally Posted by grumpyoldman

IMO you probably could put off buying a TPMS for the first year because you have new tires. Probably should buy it your second year.

I dunno 'bout that.

In my experience, first-year tires don't seem to be particularly immune to nails or other road hazards.

Pop

[Bullrider]

You will be glad you have one if it is ever needed. TST 507 is what we use and are quite satisfied with it. www.technorv.com has them for a reasonable price and the owners provide exemplary customer service.

[guyster]

Made it through last year on our new toy hauler with out tpms, just bought the eezrv tpms, just gives a more lax feeling while rolling down the road having a tpms. Have seen first hand what damage can happen when a tire decides to go.

[windowman]

Wouldn't run without them. A blown or flat tire will do far more damage to your equipment than the +/- $200.00 these cost. Great investment. Easy to program and install