TPMS and dually equalization system

[PJL]

I'm spending money in advance of taking delivery of our 45A in late February. One of the things I'm debating is whether or not to use a dual tire equalization system such as the Cat's Eye in conjunction with a TPMS system. A portion of the cost of the Cat's Eye is offset by needing 2 fewer TPMS sensors, as you only need 1 sensor for the two 'equalized tires' on each side of the drive axle. Anyway, trying to think thru the pros and cons of this approach. My list is as follows:

Cons: 1. A TPMS warning on the 'equalized tires' will not tell you which of the two tires needs attention. However, I assume this won't be too hard to figure out once a TPMS alarm sounds. 2. Even though you need 2 fewer TPMS sensors, the total cost will still be slightly greater than not including the equalizer system in the design.

Pros: 1. Easier to fill drive axle tires as one valve fills both tires and keeps the pressure of the 2 tires identical. 2. No need to worry about inner dually valve extenders, extenders conflicting with TPMS extensions and no need for value extension stabilizers. 3. Slow leaks in one of the two equalized tires (or even sun heating an external dual tire above a shaded inner tire) will be automatically equalized, maintaining consistent wear between the duals. (The equalizer has a check valve if one of the 2 tires has rapid air loss or loses more than a set percentage of the target tire pressure - preventing a blowout from causing both 'equalized' tires going flat.)

I know this is a small decision and not sure there is a bad answer. Just wanted to see if I was missing something in the pro/con list before making my decision.

Also, if I use an equalization system, they are ordered based upon the target PSI of the dual tires. I will be ordering prior to taking delivery. Based upon reading previous forum posts, I am assuming it is fairly safe to assume the drive axle tires on the Cornerstone will be running at 85-90 PSI. We full time, without abnormal weight carrying requirements effecting weight on rear axle (i.e. no motorcycle lifts or stacker trailers). If any Cornerstone owners are running more than 85 PSI in the drive tires with your higher PSI requirements being based upon actual weights and tire charts, please speak up and let me know. Please include anything that may be driving higher than normal drive axle weight ratings.

Thanks

[mel s]

Originally Posted by PJL

I'm spending money in advance of taking delivery of our 45A in late February. One of the things I'm debating is whether or not to use a dual tire equalization system such as the Cat's Eye
if I use an equalization system, they are ordered based upon the target PSI of the dual tires. I will be ordering prior to taking delivery. Based upon reading previous forum posts, I am assuming it is fairly safe to assume the drive axle tires on the Cornerstone will be running at 85-90 PSI.

PJL
I've been using the Cat's Eyes since '02 and I like them.

However unless you have $$ to burn, I suggest you wait until after you have your coach...after you have it weighed.... and after you determine the tire pressure you will need and will be running....before you buy the equalizers.

Mel
'96 Safari, (with 100 PSI Cat's Eye Dual Tire Pressure Maintenance System)

[TXBart]

I use a TST TPMS to monitor all 8 coach tires and 4 toad tires.

The inner duals on my 2014 Anthem had long enough extenders that I didn't have to do anything to install the TPMS sensors. I can't imagine Entegra changed that.

I had a valve core/stem leak that took about 1-2 weeks to lose 5 pounds. If I had an equalizer system I may still be chasing the air loss.

I normally use the coach's compressor, without booster, to add air to my tires. The compressor's capacity is barely up to the volume of 1 tire, you'd have to bring a sandwich if you were airing 2 simultaneously.

Just my opinion, if it was valid for everyone no one could sell equalizers.


Vance & Robin
Dexter and Winston - Old English Sheepdog Security Service
2014 Entegra Anthem 42DEQ

[PJL]

Mel, typically I would agree, but seems like every Cornerstone out their that has actually weighed and checked the tire charts are running 85 PSI. The charts may say less than 85, but Spartan recommends no less than 85. I assume, which I know is a slight risk, that I won't be any different, since I won't have any abnormal rear end weight such as a Hydralift or a trailer with significant tongue weight.

TX, your point sounds valid as a potential Con to using equalizes with TPMS. Was thinking I would remove the valve extender on the inner dual when installing th equalizer.