In this project, we are going to review RVi's Tire Patrol TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). In reality, Tire Patrol is an add-on to the Command Center, which consists of a central hub and monitor. All devices communicate with the hub, and the hub sends data to the monitor.

Products that integrate with the Command Center are:

1. RVi Brake 3 towed vehicle braking system
2. Tire Patrol TPMS
3. RVi Towed Vehicle Battery Charger
4. Future products

In addition, the Command Center with it's associated hub perform several intergal functions:

1. Leveler (hub has the accellerometer, displays level on monitor)
2. Departure checklist
3. Field upgradeable firmware (keeps the system current with new features as well as bug fixes)

Since we have a 5th wheel RV, I cannot review the RViBrake3 Braking System. My review is therefore limited to the Tire Patrol system as well as any future enhancements applicable to towing a trailer.

Installation was fairly simple, which consisted of installing the sensors on each wheel, configuring the hub and monitor, then setting the RV type (changes the graphic and number of tires monitored), and setting minimum and maximum tire pressures per axle.

Two vehicles can be monitored simultaneously, so if you have an older tow (or towed) vehicle, it can monitor vehicle and trailer, or motorhome and toad.

When comparing Tire Patrol sensors to the Tire Minder sensors, they are a physically a bit larger, but lighter. They are certified for rubber as well as metal tire stems.

One nice touch is that the Tire Patrol sensors are marked as to their location on the vehicle. With other sensors, you can use a Sharpie to mark them.

Also, the batteries are not replaceable on the Tire Patrol sensors, while they have to be replaced more-or-less annualy on the other sensors.

The batteries for the Tire Patrol, while not replaceable, will last 2 to 3 yrs. When no tire pressure is detected, the sensors go into "sleep mode" which greatly extends battery life. Expect 3yrs if the sensors are removed in the off season, 2yrs if left on the tires in storage.

When the batteries go dead, you simply send them into RVi along with $15 for each sensor, and you will get new ones. I suppose there are advantages and disadvantages to this approach. First, there are no batteries to replace, so you save $5 per sensor for each battery replacement (Tire Minder used to provide free batteries, but I am not sure that program exists anymore).

Also, the replacement sensors are new, and with the latest firmware, so when you look at the cost differential of not having to buy batteries, the difference in expense may not be significant.

To install the sensors, simply screw them on to the tire's Schrader valve until snug. Pay attention to the marking of the sensors so you place them on the correct tire.
p>You will have to decide where to mount the hub in your RV, and whether Vertical or Horizontal. Also, you need a source of 12V power for the hub. It does have a battery, but it will only last a few hours.

Setting up the display includes setting maximum and minimum tire pressure for each axle. This allows you to use different settings when monitoring two vehicles, as well as to compensate for unbalanced loads.

The display itself is pretty basic, and provids current Tire Pressure, Tire Temperature, and Sensor signal strength. Alarms exist for over and under pressure, along with rapid pressure loss, as well as a 3 month warning that the sensor battery is low.

Additional alarms exist for low hub and monitor battery.

Another feature that is particulary handy is the RV leveling feature. The hub contains an accellerometer that determines the current tilt. If you "zero out" your RV prior to leaving (assuming you are on level ground), you can use the Control Center's leveling function to determine where the most flat location at the campground is.

This is really a system approach to TPMS, designed and built in Colorado, USA, and I think you will agree that it is far above other TPMS offerings.