RV Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems— a key safety feature.
TPMS
Onboard real-time TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) technology has been around for years. The early generation type was ITPMS (Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems). These systems electronically measured the tire rotations. This was designed on the principle that the inflation level of a tire changed the rolling distance per revelation. Therefore, a loss of pressure in a given tire would cause that wheel to rotate faster at the same speed. The second generation and most common today is the direct TPMS. These monitor the pressure and, if so equipped, the temperature of each tire.
Today, all automobiles sold in North America are equipped with a visual/audio tire pressure warning system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims that approximately 660 lives are saved each year by having the early warning from these devices. In addition, the agency reports that upwards of $533 million in fuel costs are saved by giving people the real-time information for corrective action.
RV Tire Pressure Monitoring — Peace of Mind
So, why are these not mandated on all new RV’s? Well, many things are not regulated at the same level as the mass vehicle market. The RV industry is a relatively small niche that may not be practical to govern in the same manner. Given time this will change.
I think clearly this is an option that one day will be a standard feature on all recreational motorized vehicles. However, in the meantime, specifying a TPMS be on your next motorhome is a smart move. Being proactive and adding an aftermarket TPMS on your existing unit is also a great move. Either way, it will probably pay for itself in fuel and tire-wear costs over the coming years.
There are very few products or accessories that you can add to your RV that will really save you money. The TPMS is one that can, while also providing an additional safety factor.
Peter Mercer – Watching the Air Between You and the Road