Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) can be costly, especially on a budget.
If you want to stay safe while on the road, some brands offer cheaper TPMS options. They may not have all the bells and whistles as the more expensive options, but they can still do the job.
We’ve compiled a list of the best tire pressure monitoring systems that are easier on your budget.
Let’s take a look!
About Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
As their name indicates, a pressure monitoring system tracks the status of your tires. They’ll often sound alarms when a sudden or gradual pressure loss occurs. These alerts can give you time to pull over to avoid a dangerous situation.
The TREAD Act requires TPMS technologies on vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds and produced after September 1, 2007.
Unfortunately, most manufacturers see these components as unnecessary expenses since towable RVs are exempt. As a result, countless owners haul their rigs without anything to keep an eye on their wheels.
Keeping your wheels inflated can improve your fuel economy and increase safety. This is because driving on under-inflated tires increases friction between the wheels and the road. If you’ve ever rubbed your hands together quickly, you know that this can generate heat.
The increased temperature breaks down the rubber compounds in a tire. Not only does this cause increased wear and tear, but it also drastically increases your chances of a catastrophic failure. A single blowout can cause thousands of dollars in damage. In addition, it can take weeks or months to get it fixed.
Whether you plan to travel full-time or enjoy recreational adventures, a TPMS is a must-have for your RV. While they can’t prevent every situation, they’ll alert you as quickly as possible so you can get to safety.
Dig Deeper: Is It OK To Drive With Low Tire Pressure?
Check Out These 5 Budget TPMS
You don’t have to blow your budget on expensive equipment. Some cheap TPMS units are equally effective and impressive as their pricey counterparts.
Tymate M12-3 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The Tymate M12-3 is a cheap TPMS that constantly tracks and displays data for up to six tires. Its digital display continuously shows the PSI and temperature of all your wheels.
In addition, the solar charging capabilities mean you can avoid wires clogging up your dash. However, it has AC/DC charging if you want to use it when the sun isn’t shining.
With almost 3,000 reviews, the Tymate M12-3 has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon. Customers like that installation is effortless, and the readings are relatively accurate. However, they don’t love that it periodically drops connection with sensors. They’d also prefer a larger screen because the tiny numbers can be hard to read.
While it could be better, the Tymate M12-3 is a quality option for those looking for a cheap TPMS.
Price Check: Tymate M12-3
Hieha RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The next budget-friendly tire pressure monitoring system on our list is from Hieha. The sensors on this unit are dustproof and waterproof and can read up to 198 PSI. The unit’s transmission distance of 130 feet makes it less likely to drop the signal. It’ll constantly look for abnormal readings and immediately alert you if things change.
After almost 400 customer reviews, this cheap TPMS maintains a 4.4-star rating. Consumers appreciate the easy installation. They feel it’s a tremendous value, especially since it performs well.
However, some complain that the 7.84-inch screen is too large and bulky. They claim it can take a lot of work to find a place for it on your dash. While this is a valid complaint, it’s essential to consider it case-by-case. Your dashboard might have a different shape or design where this isn’t an issue.
Price Check: Hieha
BlueSkySea TS200 RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Another cheap TPMS comes from BlueSkySea with their TS200. At less than $100, this tire pressure monitoring system is straightforward on your budget. It comes with six external sensors that support up to 116 PSI. They’re waterproof and dustproof and feature anti-theft nuts that lock the sensors in place.
An internal lithium battery powers the crisp LCD. The battery charges through a high-efficiency solar panel on the back of the display or via a USB connection. You won’t have to worry about a dead battery and can enjoy uninterrupted usage.
WARNING: Beware of ‘China Bomb’ RV Tires
Unfortunately, with 400 reviews, the TS200 often feels like a cheap TPMS. There’s a reason why Amazon customers have given this a 3.7-star rating.
One of the most common complaints is that the screen could be much bigger and easier to read. Seeing the letters at night isn’t typically an issue, but you’ll need 20/20 vision during the day.
However, some consumers have had fabulous results. One reviewer took it on a three-week road trip that covered 5,000 miles and didn’t have a single issue. Like many cost-effective options, it may or may not pay off.
Price Check: BlueSkySea TS200
Geohyecc Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Geohyecc makes a tire pressure monitoring system for drivers with a smaller budget. It has options for four or six sensors that can transmit data to the receiver up to 130 feet. The sizeable 7.84-inch screen is equal to the previously mentioned Hieha product.
With 150 ratings, this cheap TPMS from Geohyecc comes in with a 4.2-star rating on Amazon. Customers love the large screen and its readability.
Additionally, they find installation remarkably easy, and the sensor readings are highly accurate. However, like the Hieha, some users found the display too bulky.
For those on a budget, the Geohyecc tire pressure monitoring system might be at the upper end of affordability. While the four-sensor option is around $160, the price jumps considerably ($225) if you want six sensors.
Price Check: Geohyecc
Miraidon RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Last but certainly not least, Miraidon’s cheap TPMS rounds out the end of our list. The 4.5-inch display screen updates with new data from the sensors every five seconds.
It can monitor 26 tires at 188 PSI and is compatible with any size rig. It even includes an easy-to-install repeater to eliminate those pesky disconnects from dropped signals.
With approximately 100 ratings, the Miraidon has undergone less real-world testing than our other options. However, it’s a good sign as consumers have given it a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. They like its performance and the ease of reading the numbers on the display.
Some of the biggest complaints come from those individuals trying to use ten or more sensors. They claim it’s hard to get them to sync and that random dropped signals occur, even with a repeater.
Price Check: Miraidon
Is a Cheap Tire Pressure Monitoring System Worth It?
You don’t have to break the bank or budget to get a quality tire pressure monitoring system. As you can see, several manufacturers make cheap TPMS devices that are sufficient. Monitoring your tires is essential whether you tow a load almost daily or occasionally. If it helps you avoid even a single blowout, it’s money well spent.
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