Forum Discussion

Splashers3's avatar
Splashers3
Explorer
Jun 27, 2019

Tire Pressure Accuracy

When measuring my RV tire pressure I have the TST TPMS, but when checking my tires before each trip, I also use one of those pressure measuring "sticks" (the kind in which you push on the stem and the measurer pops out the bottom telling you what your pressure is). The stick is much easier to use when adding air and with the TST, I have to repeatedly screw on/off...you guys know what I mean.

My quantry - the two systems are about 7-8 pounds different (across each tire, 111/112 vs 104/5). Which system would you trust as being closer to the real tire pressure? My tires are 110 PSI rated. The stick is one of the bigger models, over a foot long, not sure if that means its better than a small style.

Thanks for your help,
Mike
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jun 28, 2019
    Curly2001 wrote:
    ACCU-GAGE
    THE STANDARD IN TIRE GAUGES
    From Dials to digitals and pencils to inflators, G.H. Meiser is proud to offer a high quality gauge that will meet any need. With all Accu-gage products backed by our one year warranty, our gauges are built to last. Precise. Accurate. Durable. Accu-Gage.

    I would look at this company for great gauges. Decent price also. You can get them off Amazon.

    Curly


    Most of them on AMAZON/ebay are Made In China. They do make US models but are hard to find!
  • Curly2001's avatar
    Curly2001
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2019
    ACCU-GAGE
    THE STANDARD IN TIRE GAUGES
    From Dials to digitals and pencils to inflators, G.H. Meiser is proud to offer a high quality gauge that will meet any need. With all Accu-gage products backed by our one year warranty, our gauges are built to last. Precise. Accurate. Durable. Accu-Gage.

    I would look at this company for great gauges. Decent price also. You can get them off Amazon.

    Curly
  • TxGearhead's avatar
    TxGearhead
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2019
    Look at car racing equipment websites...JEGS, Summit, etc.
    I use Joes Racing analog and digital.
  • RobWNY's avatar
    RobWNY
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2019
    I have the EEZ TPMS that gives me one set of PSI's, then I have a AstroAI ATG230 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge that gives me a different set of PSI's and I have a VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor that gives me yet another set of PSI's. Who knows which one is accurate if any at all. The important thing is they are all within a couple of PSI so I don't sweat it. I'm sure tire manufacturers aren't that worried about their customers being off 2-3 PSI.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Jun 27, 2019
    I have a stick gauge for the truck dually tires since they aren't easily checked with a regular gauge. I check one of the tires with the stick gauge and see how close it is to the reading I get with my digital gauge. They are always within a couple psi.

    I agree that a couple psi isn't enough to get upset over. I might be concerned about 5 psi difference, and definitely with 7-8 psi difference. JMO of course.
  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2019
    I don't have a PSI mgt system for the trailer, just the truck. Always used a pressure /slide out gauge (small one) until I saw that the reading started to be all over the place. Went to NAPA no parts and bought a long one like OP described and used by our guys in the shop. So far so good.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jun 27, 2019
    This brings to mind the old adage. "A man with one watch always knows what time it is. A man with two is never sure."

    I agree with checking with another gauge to see what's up. At my local Discount Tire store they do free air checks as well as have a bucket of the stick types for free on the counter. If you have the same I would ask for a pressure check and maybe grab a stick or two and go compare them against each other.
  • cummins2014's avatar
    cummins2014
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2019
    fj12ryder wrote:
    Well, if your gauge disagrees the same amount with all sensors, then I would pitch the gauge and get a new one. One or two sensors could be off but not all of them, and not all the same amount. Time for a new gauge.



    Have used the same gauge for years, had always wondered how accurate. When I bought the new truck in 2014 it showed my tire pressures on the screen. The gauge was accurate almost to the psi. compared with the truck

    I installed the TST 507 on the fifth wheel recently. Set the tires to the desired pressure. The TST reads 4-5 psi lower then my old gauge . Truck ,and gauge match, TST does not. Decided to just split the difference with the TST. Not sure I want to get caught up in 4 psi on a 110 psi tire that I run around 100 psi
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jun 27, 2019
    I like the digital gauges from Accutire. They are easy to read, accurate, and a good gauge for the money. I've had worst results with the stick type, but like most instruments, the higher cost versions will likely give the best results.

    Jerry
  • RCMAN46's avatar
    RCMAN46
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2019
    I have found with my TST that I set the pressure about 2 psi above my target pressure before I install the TST sensor and most of the time the TST will report my target pressure.

    What I consider most important is to get the tires on any axle as close to each other as possible. Then when on the road for more than 25 miles the pressures on any axle should be within a couple psi. If they are not time to determine why.

    One time I found a tire that was about 4 psi lower than the other 3 on my trailer. Stopped at the next service area and this is what I found. A 3/8 by 2 inch bolt.



    The TPMS saved me from having a bad tire day.

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