Tire pressure monitors to save your Airstream

When you're rolling down the road, it's almost impossible to feel when a trailer tire loses air pressure.  Most people find out far too late, after fragments of tire have torn the aluminum body of the Airstream—causing thousands of dollars in damage. (See photo showing damage from a blown tire.)

On the road, "stuff" happens: nails, potholes, curbs, and many other threats to your tires. The best way to prevent damage is with a good quality tire pressure monitoring system.

Our pick: TST

There are many tire pressure monitors on the market, but we like the TST system best. The monitor (which rides on your dashboard) is a compact unit, easily mounted with a bracket or Velcro, and it's rechargeable. The backlit display is clear and it's easy to set up.

Not only does it accurately monitor the pressure of each tire, but it also monitors the air temperature in the tires. Overheating of a tire is a very useful warning sign. Once the pressure or temperature go out of spec, the TST system alerts you with a visual signal and an audible alarm so you can pull over and prevent a much bigger problem.

High reliability

Some of the other tire pressure monitors we've tried are cheaper, but they aren't always accurate. Some require "repeaters" to get the wireless signal from the Airstream wheels to the your tow vehicle. The TST system will reach your tow vehicle no matter what Airstream you are towing. Some competing brands have bulky monitors, and convoluted setup programs that make installation a hassle.

Easy to use, easy to maintain

If you're comparing these systems, also ask how much it costs to replace the batteries in the sensors when they run down—or if you can even do it yourself. Some other brands require you to send the sensors into the manufacturer for replacement at considerable cost. The sensor batteries on this system are easily replaced by you, with commonly available CR1632 batteries.

Installation is simple. You just unscrew the caps on the tire stems, screw on the sensors with a special tool (included), and then program the monitor with the locations of the sensors. It takes just a few minutes. As a bonus, the sensors are theft-resistant and can't readily be removed without the special tool. (You even get a spare tool, in case you lose one.)

Save your Airstream!

More than once, having a tire pressure monitoring system has saved us from a serious tire failure. It's inexpensive insurance for any Airstream compared to the cost of even a small amount of aluminum damage. We recommend one for every Airstream owner.

Each system includes a three-year warranty from TST, and toll-free customer assistance at 770-889-9102.

When ordering, be sure to choose the system that fits your Airstream

If you have a single axle trailer, choose a 2-sensor system. If you have a tandem or triple axle trailer, choose a 4-sensor or 6-sensor system. An 8-sensor system is available for outfitting truck and trailer at the same time.

Pick the type you need, and click "Add to Cart".  Extra sensors are available in case you want one for the spare tire, too!