do tow vehicles need tire pressure sensors

A cousin of mine spent $3500 fixing his Jeep after it had a tire problem he did not notice. Think about driving at nite, will you actually be able to see the toad all that well? Will you look at the toad every few seconds without fail to check it? If you are sure you will and are confident you will be able to see the toad under all conditions, then you do not need a toad tpms.

My cousin now has a toad tpms.

Most newer cars already have a TPMS from the factory. No, the TPMS cannot be monitored while you are towing, but the chances of a slow leak developing and leading to a flat while towing are miniscule. If you have a catastrophic blowout and you are a perceptive driver, you should hear noise or feel vibration that makes you want to stop.

The main purpose TPMS was invented in the first place was to prevent crashes caused by underinflated tires. This has saved lives, no doubt. But no one is riding in your toad and no one will die if a tire goes flat while you are towing.

I know many feel that TPMS in a toad is a necessary thing, but in my mind after doing a cost/benefit analysis I would pass on it.

classctioga73 wrote:
So could anyone recommend an economical TPMS that will have range to reach the toad vehicle. i see a lot of them on Amazon but they don't have the frequency range to use on the toad.

TST 507 with a sensor for each wheel. If you have a diesel pusher you may need a signal booster due to the rear engine.

So could anyone recommend an economical TPMS that will have range to reach the toad vehicle. i see a lot of them on Amazon but they don't have the frequency range to use on the toad.

I would no longer want to be without a TPMS. Keep in mind that almost all RV driving is long distance as opposed to a car where you are usually driving around town/to work. Picking up a nail almost always results in a slow leak that, with your car, just causes the nuisance of coming out of the store and finding a tire flat. Driving 5-6 hours in your RV after collecting a nail give the tire enough time to leak down to the danger level and fail while driving. If you already have a TPMS in your rig, it's not much more expense to add a few more sensors for the toad. My preference is NOT to get the "fill-through" sensors as they seem to be more likely to leak as opposed to the "cap" style sensors.

vjstangelo wrote:
When we purchased our new to us Class A, I selected the RVi brake system specifically since it comes with an optional TPMS that transmits tire pressure through the brake controller.

The reason why is because I was concerned that there would be no way for me to tell should a tire on the dinghy go flat and possible cause significant damage.

To those who do not use a TPMS on the dinghy, how would one recognize a tire went flat?

IF you check your mirrors and/or rear view camera often (as you should do) chances are you will notice it!

I have heard horror stories about the tpms sensors....and I have heard a few good stories. I drive slow and stop every couple of hours at the least. I then check tires on the coach and the toad. My vehichle has its own sensors so I know the tires are aired correctly and I check and adjust prior to each trip.So I feel safe with what I do. Someone else may not feel safe and feels the tpms system is what helps with their piece of mind.

Aftermarket sensors installed on rubber valve stems can cause leaks or flats. Just something to consider. When I've used them on trailers I switched to metal valves.

vjstangelo wrote:
To those who do not use a TPMS on the dinghy, how would one recognize a tire went flat?

When the guy in the next lane at the light rolls down his window and shouts and points and waves . . . .

clicky

When we purchased our new to us Class A, I selected the RVi brake system specifically since it comes with an optional TPMS that transmits tire pressure through the brake controller.

The reason why is because I was concerned that there would be no way for me to tell should a tire on the dinghy go flat and possible cause significant damage.

To those who do not use a TPMS on the dinghy, how would one recognize a tire went flat?