Vacation season is almost upon us, and many RV owners are itching to hit the road for their next adventure. While setting off can be an exciting prospect, that excitement can be quickly derailed by a flat tire. Tires naturally lose air over time. Sometimes shifting temperatures can lead to a loss in pressure, as well as natural leaks. Once a tire is starting to dip below the ideal pressure, it becomes easier for more air to escape. One way to avoid an unexpected flat is to make sure you have a Tire Pressure Monitor System on your RV.

Tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS) are a simple solution to make sure you don’t end up with unexpected flats. These systems involve two components: TPMS sensors and a TPMS display. The pressure sensors are attached to the valves on each of your tires in place of your Schrader valve cap. These sensors detect the tire air pressure and relay that information to the TPMS display. This display, typically placed on the dash, gives pressure readings and will alert the driver if any tires begin to run dangerously low.

Running a flat is not just inconvenient, it can be dangerous. Most of the time, blowouts occur with little warning. A tire that is losing pressure will continue to drop until the metal rim gets close enough to the ground to start touching occasionally. This causes the signature reoccurring “bump” that serves as the first sign of danger. If you let your tire get low enough, the rim will ride on the deflated tire until the tire begins to shred.

Once this shredding occurs, the internal metal banding of the tire will begin to separate from the rubber. RV tires are heavy duty, and that means they contain thick internal metal banding. These flailing metal cables can cause significant damage to the wheel well and the underbelly of your RV. Having a functional TPMS can make the difference between stopping to top off your tires and being stranded with a flat tire and significant damage to your vehicle.

Having a TPMS on your RV is essential to avoid unexpected failure. Just because you have inflated tires when you hit the road doesn’t mean you’ll be safe from the risks. Most RVs spend a significant portion of the year inactive, and tires will naturally wear, crack, and leak. The benefits of TPMS pay for their cost by your first flat. The short time to re-inflate or throw on a spare is a small price to pay compared to the potential thousands in damages a blowout can cause. Not to mention the risk of a blowout leading to an accident.

So if you don’t have a tire pressure monitor system, or are in need of a replacement, check out our huge selection at RVupgrades. If you have any questions about which system would be best for your RV, our experts are here to help via email, phone, and chat on our website. We’re happy to help you find great deals on all the RV parts and accessories you need before your next vacation!