TPMS

[boxtraveller]

Not strictly a MH issue but is relevant I think to most of us.
I have a tyre pressure gauge which is used primarily on the MH and rarely on my car as they are checked when I buy fuel.
Early this week the TPMS alarm came on in the car saying all four tyres were low and needed checking and topping up, somewhat spooked by all four suddenly being out I drove to the MH storage and picked up my trusty(?) gauge and went home and left the car overnight.
In the morning I started the car to see if issue still exists, it did, so I rang the garage as it is under warranty and asked if it was likely that all four tyres would be out, they said unlikely but I should check all pressures and top up if necessary and was warned that it was very sensitive, I needed to get all four within a pound of correct pressure and of each other! then drive it for ten minutes to see if it reset!!
So I attached my gauge (Draper,not cheap) and found that it said all four tyres were 3 lbs over the correct pressure! Rang the garage and booked it in as now baffled, took the mechanic an hour to reset tyres to correct pressure, and to tell me that my gauge was crap and that I must go and get a calibrated gauge to check my tyres as their factory fitted TPMS was correct!
Anything that is calibrated needs to be recalibrated every year or so what do other owners do as I effectively have been under inflating my MH tyres for the last two years.
Most garage airlines round my way dont go over 50psi so are useless even if calibrated. Any recommendatiions for a decent calibrated tyre pressure gauge.

 

[Steve N Tracy]

Ambiant air temperature will affect the pressures both my car and the motorhome have fired off a low pressure warning on cold mornings.

 

[maison]

I don’t think I would worry about +/- 3 psi.

When parked with one side facing the sun, in summer, the “sunny side” tyres on our vehicles can be up to 3psi higher due to the temperature difference.

Drops in pressure over time does need to be monitored. It is true that home tyre gauges can be inaccurate. But, likewise, so can garage forecourt units.

 

[WhiteCheyenneMan]

I never use garage units as they are poorly maintained. I allow +10 and -5 psi on my Tyrepal and the readout is well within view for the occasional glance. My Michelin compressor, with auto-stop, is pretty close and usually agrees with the Tyrepal. I've yet to have new tyres/servicing done at any garage and have all four tyres at the same pressure. Your built-in system sounds ridiculously over fussy. Personally, I would be tempted to disconnect it and buy a Tyrepal........ though they are a bit fiddly (require lithium grease on the thread to avoid corrosion) and use up batteries much too quickly.

 

[Spriddler]

So I attached my gauge (Draper, not cheap) and found that it said all four tyres were 3 lbs over the correct pressure!

3 psi variance from the 'recommended' pressure is absolutely insignificant at m/h pressures. A drop on one tyre should be investigated, and as for the garage saying you must use a calibrated gauge . Too much reliance on hi-tec test equipment instead of hands-on experience. Many of us prefer to run at pressures that differ from the manufacturer's spec'n.
How did we all manage before TPMS?
You're in danger of becoming one of the 'Worried Well'.

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[Podney]

3 psi variance from the 'recommended' pressure is absolutely insignificant at m/h pressures. A drop on one tyre should be investigated, and as for the garage saying you must use a calibrated gauge . Too much reliance on hi-tec test equipment instead of hands-on experience. Many of us prefer to run at pressures that differ from the manufacturer's spec'n.
How did we all manage before TPMS?
You're in danger of becoming one of the 'Worried Well'.

I had trouble with tyre pressure warning system on Mercedes car. I think the sensors are too sensitive,and this is a common problem on Mercs and BMW,I’m told.
I was taught to do a quick visual check on all tyres when getting in vehicle, and what was wrong with the kicking method?!...........Yes,I know you can’t do that going along,unless you are contortionist with exceedingly long legs lol.

 

[boxtraveller]

3 psi variance from the 'recommended' pressure is absolutely insignificant at m/h pressures. A drop on one tyre should be investigated, and as for the garage saying you must use a calibrated gauge . Too much reliance on hi-tec test equipment instead of hands-on experience. Many of us prefer to run at pressures that differ from the manufacturer's spec'n.
How did we all manage before TPMS?
You're in danger of becoming one of the 'Worried Well'.

Had to look up "Worried Well" can assure you in no danger of becoming one.
Agree with the too much reliance on hi tech test equipment.
My wife has just read the thread and said no problem, I shall take it back everytime it happens, its about time they gave something back for all the cars I have bought from them

 

[boxtraveller]

I never use garage units as they are poorly maintained. I allow +10 and -5 psi on my Tyrepal and the readout is well within view for the occasional glance. My Michelin compressor, with auto-stop, is pretty close and usually agrees with the Tyrepal. I've yet to have new tyres/servicing done at any garage and have all four tyres at the same pressure. Your built-in system sounds ridiculously over fussy. Personally, I would be tempted to disconnect it and buy a Tyrepal........ though they are a bit fiddly (require lithium grease on the thread to avoid corrosion) and use up batteries much too quickly.

Apparently not possible to disconnect though will investigate further and or do as my wife suggests in reply above.