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Best Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
It was mentioned in the beginning but a TPMS, which again stands for tire pressure monitoring system, is an electronic system that is able to read the current air pressure of your tires and other metrics. No matter which model you invest in, they will all come with the capability of doing this. But, they will not all deliver the same efficiency and readings. For instance, the max PSI they can read will fluctuate from model to model and this becomes important if you need a system for your RV or tow vehicle. Also, while most should relay the information of your tires in real-time, some systems will not update as fast as others.
For the record, in a recreational four-wheeled vehicle, the optimal PSI for your tires will be right around 30 to 35. All systems should be equipped to handle readouts of this magnitude. But, it is not just the air pressure that these systems can detect as most will also be able to detect the tire’s temperature. This can actually be one of the most important parameters to measure in regard to the performance of a tire. With this information, the tuning of the tire pressure, camber, and toe and vehicle balance can be adjusted.
Accuracy
No system is complete without the sensors that get installed into the valves of your tires. These devices are responsible for actually receiving the information that is relayed to the main unit. But, as small as they are, there are several critical attributes that can make or break them. For starters, how about if they are flow-through or not? If they are, then you can leave them installed when you need to pump your tire’s air pressure up. Yet, if they are not, you will need to remove the sensor to add air. Another important feature is its physical design.
In short, they should be resistant to corrosion and waterproof. With proper fittings, they should be all-but immune to any damage from water, dust, or snow. The last thing you want is the sensor to allow air to leak through when it is installed. In addition to this, not all sensors will be compatible with all types of vehicles. Generally speaking, there are systems designed for RV’s and others for regular four-wheeled cars. Oh yeah, and do not forget to assess their accuracy and precision.
Features
Now that the sensors are out of the way, let’s talk about the main unit itself. The sensors work in coordination with the monitor to provide you with the information you need. When looking into the design of the monitor, there are two areas of assessment. The first is the screen of the monitor. First off, it needs to be an optimal size for you to easily view while you are driving. If you have to squint at the screen to view the data, it could turn into an entirely different safety hazard. So, look for a large screen (ideally an LCD screen) and also clear and easy-to-read fonts. Oh yeah, and do not forget about the backlighting as to account for more situations, there should be a way to adjust it.
Now, the second area you want to look at is the manner in which the monitor is powered. While some will require the power from a standard 12-volt DC charger (such as your cigarette lighter socket) others may use a mini-USB port or even solar energy. Either way, look for models with a built-in battery that can hold a charge continuously for a solid amount of time (say a few days).
Ease of Use
This final section sort of caps off your journey, in a way. Installing these systems is not too tricky and only involves two areas. Firstly, you need to mount the main unit in your vehicle. This can either be painfully annoying or really easy; it simply depends if you can use a dashboard mount or suction cup mount.
As for the sensors, this installation process should be pretty straightforward. They simply get inserted into the valves of your tires. Of course, if you ever have any issues with this phase, reference the included manual or online tutorials.
Top Ten Tire Pressure Monitoring System
1. Vesafe Universal
If Vesafe would have updated the display of their TPMS, it could have been even better. As it stands, though, it is a suitable system that will give anyone peace of mind while traveling.
Read moreDesign Features
One aspect that may take some time to get accustomed to is the fact that the multi-functional buttons do not click or have any bumps. As such, it can be difficult to know where they are if you can’t see them.
Sensor Design
The batteries inside the sensors can last up to two years and are designed with anti-theft technology, in addition to being waterproof for protection.
Digital Display
As there is only one level of brightness, this becomes too bright at night and too dim in the daylight. Also, it does not turn off automatically when no motion is detected.
Warning System
You have the full control as you can adjust the alert values of the air pressure and the temperature. Either way, you receive both an audible alarm and a visual warning light.
Installation
Special tools have been included to assist you with the installation of this model to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Overall
Ignoring the display for a second, it is not hard to see why this model has received a strong amount of praise. But, for some, the display will be too much to warrant a serious look.
2. RV 6 Tire-Safeguard
What sets this next model apart from the rest of the competition is most definitely its sensor design. Besides being flow-through, the included sensors also will not require a signal booster for most vehicles.
Read moreDesign Features
This will monitor your tires 24/7 and provide you with their pressure and temperature information. Also, it is worth noting that the maximum PSI reading is 199.
Sensor Design
The excellence of the sensors was already alluded to and in addition to everything else that was claimed, they are also waterproof and will not leak.
Digital Display
While the included monitor sports a display that is far from awful, some users have expressed that a slightly larger screen would make things easier.
Warning System
With alarm icons, an audible warning, and a red light, you will be alerted when your adjustable tire pressure or temperature has fallen out of your desired range.
Installation
One buyer went in-depth about why they disliked the mounting system here. They claim that the 3M permanent mount is not suctioned and that the cord awkwardly plugs into the back of the unit.
Overall
Even though this system does come with a bit of baggage, it is one of the better models available for RV owners. Of course, this all comes back to its amazing sensors.
3. EEZ RV Products
In spite of the fact that the EEZTire System can be a bit slow to update the current PSI of your vehicle’s tires, it sports configurable warnings and also long-range sensors.
Read moreDesign Features
Even though this system can be a bit slow to update at times, it can still handle up to 22 wheels and up to 210 PSI. Plus, it will also measure tire temperatures.
Sensor Design
For your RV’s, trailers, or tow vehicles, the per axle measurements can actually be configured. Also, if needed, there is an optional booster available if your rig is beyond 53 feet.
Digital Display
This is advertised as having one of the largest monitors on the market at 3.5 inches in diameter. Plus, it has automatic backlighting for nighttime conditions.
Warning System
Both the temperature warnings and the air pressure warnings can be configured to your desired liking.
Installation
Alongside the display, this is also advertised as having one of the easiest installations and operations of any model on the mass market.
Overall
The EEZTire is yet another ideal option for those with a rig. Even though it can struggle to update the PSI readings at times, it offers great versatility and functionality.
4. CACAGOO
While the display of the last entry could be seen as one of its flaws, that is not the case here. With a wide-angle LCD display, you can see all the real-time information you need in daylight or at night.
Read moreDesign Features
Each sensor has its own ID code and you can see real-time information on all four of your individual tires. Plus, it will also display for you your battery voltage.
Sensor Design
Each sensor is rated per IP67 standards of dust protection and waterproofness. This basically means it is sealed against water, snow, and dust.
Digital Display
Again, the wide-angle LCD screen of this unit is a nice touch. It allows you to view the real-time information easily during the day or the night. Also, temperature and air pressure metrics can be switched.
Warning System
You will be warned if the predetermined range of the air pressure or temperature is not meant with an audible alarm. Also, the monitor display will add an additional warning.
Installation
A specific buyer all-but panned the installation claiming the mounting method was unsightly and messy. Meanwhile, others have claimed it will take no more than 15 minutes.
Overall
This is arguably the most modern-looking unit on this entire list due to the excellent monitor. Then again, it stacks up well in terms of performance, as well.
5. Bellacorp
The sensors on Bellacorp’s TPMS are pre-programmed to be placed on six tires of either a tow vehicle or an RV. With their anti-corrosion and waterproof design, though, they will never leak air.
Read moreDesign Features
For up to 34 tires, this system can provide real-time pressure and tire temperature information. Also, a repeater is not required for normal RV usage.
Sensor Design
The design of the sensors has alluded to a bit and indeed, they sport anti-corrosion fittings and are waterproof to three feet. But, they are also pre-programmed for six tires on RV’s, buses, or tow vehicles.
Digital Display
The display itself is fully backlit and 3.5 inches by 1.5 inches. But, what is nice is that it will hold a charge for six continuous days and will also shut itself off when no motion is sensed.
Warning System
The high and low-pressure alarms can be set from 15 PSI to 175 PSI and 157 degrees (for the temperature).
Installation
Even though hardware and suction mounting are included, the set up has been criticized for being too difficult and this is made worse by the rather poor instructions.
Overall
For those of you, who are seeking a TPMS that is suitable for heavy-duty and commercial use, look no further. However, casual users may want to look elsewhere.
6. Zeepin
Clearly, one of the most notable aspects of this next system is it utilizes solar charging. With its built-in lithium batteries, it does not require your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.
Read moreDesign Features
As with most of the other units on this list, this is capable of measuring your tires’ temperature and air pressure and also features dual metrics for each.
Sensor Design
Though these sensors have valve caps and therefore need to be removed when inserting air into your tires, they are still designed to be waterproof and resist corrosion.
Digital Display
The large and bright screen makes things easier on your eyes. In terms of how the monitor is powered, it does not occupy your DC socket as it supports USB charging and solar charging.
Warning System
The alarm values are customizable and when the readings are abnormal, you will be alerted via a visual and an audio alarm.
Installation
Pretty straightforward installation is in order here but unless you are a handyman, you do want to ensure you do not misplace the custom tools that are provided for you.
Overall
Some slight caveats aside, this highly compatible TPMS is going to be optimal for several of you. Just be wary of how quickly this unit can overheat.
7. TireMinder A1A
With the ability to monitor up to 22 tire positions and with a maximum readout of 232 PSI, it is safe to say that this next entry is highly versatile. While the accuracy has been brought into question, the results are there.
Read moreDesign Features
Outside of the impressive maximum PSI readout, this is designed to update the positions on a four-minute cycle but the system will run self-diagnostics every six seconds to determine if there are unstable tire conditions.
Sensor Design
While it was only one specific buyer, they did have serious issues with the accuracy of the sensors claiming that the readings were as much as six pounds off.
Digital Display
TireMinder did everything in their power to improve the display of the A1A and the result is a screen that is 40 percent larger than their previous models.
Warning System
Straightforward visual alerts are standard with this system, in addition to audible alerts that will get your attention right away.
Installation
The mounting options and overall installation of this model have been well-received by users, for the most part. What is nice is it offers both front and rear disconnect modes.
Overall
There are so many features to appreciate here. This includes its 40 percent larger screen, the system runs self-diagnostic every six seconds and also its mounting options.
8. Catinbow
If you simply read the design features and specifications of this next model, it may appear to be the best of the best. But, due to the lack of user feedback, this could actually be considered a slight risk.
Read moreDesign Features
There are two different units for both the temperature and the air pressure that you can switch from. For the air pressure, it will register up to 116 PSI.
Sensor Design
To ensure there is no chance of your tires leaking, these sensors have been designed to be dustproof, waterproof, heat-resistant and cold-resistant.
Digital Display
The sensors will automatically connect with the display and the LCD screen is a suitable size. In addition to this, the monitor can be powered via a mini-USB port or via solar power.
Warning System
Once either reading has reached beyond its set parameter, the integrated alarm in this unit will sound off to alert you that there could be a potential issue.
Installation
Thanks to the fact that you are provided with an anti-skid pad, you can really mount this unit anywhere your little old heart desires.
Overall
It sure would be nice if there were a little more feedback on this model but all things considered, it hits the nail on the head in nearly every major area you look for.
9. TST 507rv
The number one entry on this list is actually designed for RV’s. One of the many reasons it is so elite is due to its flow-through sensors that allow you to aid air to your tires without physically removing them.
Read moreDesign Features
In real-time, this system will accurately monitor both the pressure and the temperature of your tires. Plus, you can custom program the high and low PSI settings on each axle.
Sensor Design
In addition to the fact that each sensor can be programmed individually, they are all flow-through designed. As previously mentioned, this means they can remain on while you pump air in your tires.
Digital Display
The included monitor sports a black and white display which is fully illuminated and quite large. It can be plugged directly into your 12-volt DC charger and runs off of a built-in rechargeable battery.
Warning System
When either the pressure or the temperature has exceeded your preset thresholds, a flashing LED light will go off and also an audible alarm.
Installation
While physically installing this unit is not difficult with either a suction cup mount or dashboard mount, the included instructions make the setup process a bit more complicated.
Overall
Many will be shocked that a device with a black and white display took the top spot here. But, the performance of this unit can’t be understated and that is why it secured the top spot.
10. Yokaro
In terms of the performance of this system, it is hard to argue with the results. However, admittedly, those “results” can be difficult to see at times on the rather lackluster display.
Read moreDesign Features
One of the major specifications that you need to be aware of with this system is it is only designed to read maximum tire pressures of 87 PSI.
Sensor Design
The sensors on this system are most suitable for recreational four-wheeled vehicles. But, their modern technology ensures they are waterproof and that they will stop sending signals when no motion is detected.
Digital Display
Let’s just say that the monitor of this system leaves a lot to be desired. First off, it is quite small and secondly, several users claim that it is simply not bright enough to be read in certain situations.
Warning System
The range of the warning system is fully customizable. You can set the alarm to go off when your tire pressures get below 0 to 87 PSI (it is up to you).
Installation
Multiple users and buyers have praised the ease of installation and claimed that it works exactly as advertised.
Overall
For those of you who need to know that your everyday car tires are performing as they should, you should seriously consider investing in this unit. Despite its lackluster display, it does deliver the goods.