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Old 06-29-2021, 10:21 AM   #1
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Tire Pressure Gauges... good and not so good?

The ones that were like a Pencil... and fit into the shirt pocket were very common decades ago. Like a Doctor's thermometer. The white pressure marked center piece indicated the tire pressure.

Now there are all kinds of battery activated gauges.

I found that the pressure gauges used at one garage may not agree with those at another. The system may operate all of their air powered tools off the 100 PSI system. If there is a lot of work going on, your needing 70 PSI to 80 PSI cannot be reached as the system is below that pressure.

For higher PSI tires... probably a Truck Stop with Air Service. Up to 50 PSI was easy... once above 65 PSI... more... tricky.

The F350 need 65 PSI in front and 80 PSI on the rear tires. Getting 80 psi took a bit of effort using the tire shop's system and not those provided at the Serve Yourself parking spot.

What to do? Even modern gauges may not agree. I just have to use ONE and accept that is about as close to being accurate with Cold tire Pressure or Hot tire Pressure. I prefer Cold and expect the pressure to rise once towing and on the Highway.

I started using a DuraPro as it is easy to handle and stable to apply against the valve on the wheel. I compared my PSI to that from a tire servicing garage. They were close enough for me.

An Accutire gauge was a bit more difficult to apply pressure onto the tire valve. I have large hands, but this fits my wife's hands better.

Both were found at Costco at different times for $12 to $14. Both come in a handy carrying case.

The DuraPro showed 68PSI COLD to the garage's 68PSI COLD.
The Accutire showed 68.8 PSI COLD.

I will use the DuraPro gauge for the F350 and Airstream pressure checks to keep the numbers 'relative'. Not switching gauges back and forth getting different results, although these were very close and within 1 percent. That is Good enough for me.

These were in the range that would satisfy me in comparison this AM, getting ready to leave. This is with 16 inch Michelins on a 27 foot International. I expect the HOT temperature to increase once on the Highway. These have Nitrogen, so possibly the PSI will not increase as much as a compressor with Water Vapor not run out through a dryer to remove moisture.

We are almost ready to get moving and the tires were the last items to check, after each brake was test spun and manually locked up using the Ford's manual setting at 8... which gives me good braking without locking up. Not too much... not too little braking. All wheels spin well and bearings are quiet and drum brake shoes not resisting from being too tight. Thursday and we are gone... somewhere... and when we get there... where ever... that will start this next Adventure.

What are your findings?
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Old 06-29-2021, 05:45 PM   #2
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Thanks for sharing. I’ve been using a Wheel Master gauge but I’m not happy with it. Numbers are not very wide and often not accurate. I’ll see what my Costco has in stock.
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Old 06-29-2021, 06:51 PM   #3
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For use on the road I've got two. The first I grab is the TireMinder electronic one. It comes with two interchangeable heads so it even works on the dual wheels on my coach. Pretty accurate, as far as I can tell, and very consistent. I also carry a dual head mechanical gauge as back up to the electronic one.

For filling tires back at home, what I find most convenient is a Milton inflation gauge. This is the one I use: https://www.miltonindustries.com/gau...inflator-gauge

They can be found for less money if you shop around and catch one on sale. I find it really handy and usually it reads within one or two PSI to the TireMinder electronic one.
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Old 06-29-2021, 06:57 PM   #4
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The Accutire is very accurate and recommended by tire engineer Roger Marble, I have half a dozen, but just be aware that when they die (2-3 years) it is sudden and final. I got stuck in Mexico AIRED DOWN ON THE BEACH and it died and I had no spare gauge. I now carry a spare, mechanical gauge. (I have a lot of good gauges in the garage but accidentally went to MX with no backup). I recently picked this one up and it seems to be another good one. Of course Milton was the best but most of their offerings are now Chinese made, if you want to spend $200-$300 they still have some US made ones.
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Old 06-29-2021, 07:55 PM   #5
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Looks like Accutire has changed the design, no wonder I got all the two packs so cheap last year. They are very easy to press onto the stem with large hands, I use my thumb on the flat part above the valve
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Old 06-29-2021, 10:40 PM   #6
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Wink Keep it simple, Stu.

$10 for 2.

KISS.

Over and out.

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Old 06-30-2021, 09:02 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OTRA15 View Post
$10 for 2.

KISS.

Over and out.



That one would not work for me...tops out at 50psi and I would need it to go to at least 80psi. Ask me how I know...got into a situation where one like that pictured was all I had...no bueno.

Dave
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Old 06-30-2021, 09:18 AM   #8
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That one would not work for me...tops out at 50psi and I would need it to go to at least 80psi. Ask me how I know...got into a situation where one like that pictured was all I had...no bueno.

Dave
I have not had good luck with those either and have found large discrepancies with that type, over 25% in one case.
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Old 06-30-2021, 09:29 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmassey321 View Post
That one would not work for me...tops out at 50psi and I would need it to go to at least 80psi. Ask me how I know...got into a situation where one like that pictured was all I had...no bueno.

Dave
Yes, that would be a non-starter for me too. I think even my wheelbarrow tire is more than 50lbs.

First trip out with a previous 5th wheel realized at the first stop I forgot/misplaced my tire gauge. The self serve gas attendant gave me one of those, the H rated trailer tires required 120 psi.

Having more than 1 good tire gauge onboard is a must.
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Old 06-30-2021, 09:41 AM   #10
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I bought this one first. I found it was up to 5 to 10 lbs off my TPMS systems readings. If it was consistently off each time I could have lived with that. I then ordered this professional version and it is always within 1 lb of my TPMS. That is a number I can live with.
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Old 06-30-2021, 10:23 AM   #11
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That one would not work for me...tops out at 50psi and I would need it to go to at least 80psi. Ask me how I know...got into a situation where one like that pictured was all I had...no bueno.

Dave
There is a similar one for higher pressures.

No Internet, WIFI, Bluetooth, batteries, or electricity required.

KISS
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Old 06-30-2021, 10:54 AM   #12
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I bought an analog one at a truck stop. Goes up to 150psi. It is about 15 inches long like a pencil and is fantastic. Has one valve at the end of the tip and another a few inches up and at an angle. About $15 bucks. Works every time.
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Old 06-30-2021, 10:57 AM   #13
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I was a career mechanic and service station flunky, the last of the genuine full serve stations in my community. All, and I mean all, tire pressure gauges, are, or will be tomorrow, suspect with regard to accuracy! I always checked mine regularly against a manual, all metal, dual foot truck gauge, made in the USA in the fifties, that resides in a protected area in my toolbox. (It was my Dad's). When you have a large reserve of 190 p.s.i. air, ya better pay attention when airing tires, or be ready to dodge shrapnel. Never limit yourself to one gauge, be aware of your compressor operation, and I agree with the premise that simpler is normally better if you buy quality. Admittedly, quality is unfortunately becoming a very rare commodity.
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Old 06-30-2021, 12:10 PM   #14
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Old codger input = a little humor

Never had to add air in 5 year ownership of our Michelin 16 inch tires on trailer in 20,000 miles. TV Michelin’s are the same story. Even tire wear on both are easily seen every time we stop. No wear over the end of the tread for too low psi, and no untouched tread on the edges when psi is too high.

Still a big believer in 70 psi on 80 psi tires. Tread wear confirms this is a great plan along with confirmation of the process at various Discount Tire stores around the country that stay impressed with my even tread wear!

Hardest thing on these tires are crummy roads, especially on a toll road in Kansas yesterday!
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Old 06-30-2021, 12:17 PM   #15
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we used EEZ tire for the last 3 years

no issues. it can track up to 26 sets of tires

we only need 6 when on the road with the AS
and 4 when just driving the TV
it also allows separate hi/low temp/pressure thresholds for each tire
that help a lot as the AS and TV tires are very different


as it runs 24/7 it keeps track of pressure and temp.
it has helped us a few tires with low pressure and too high a temp in the summer

its better to us a permanent soln , than just a manual one as it keeps track WHILE you drive
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Old 07-04-2021, 10:19 AM   #16
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I like the dial type they sell in truck stops. Like the dial gauge on a professional gas welding rig, they use some kind of mechanical pressure measure. You will know if you got one that's junk or good. You have to find or modify one with a foot that fits inside the wheel cover openings. The one I have right now has a foot that unscrewed from a tire filler. Also use an Ace brand squeeze and read in the little glass window, connected to my own compressor. They are consistently 2 lbs apart.
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Old 07-04-2021, 10:29 AM   #17
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Have you all noticed that sometimes that some devices can't get a good solid connection with the valve? I've seen this on my TV and sometimes on the Airstream. The good old reliable pressure gauge which has worked just fine, suddenly fails to connect security to the end of the stems when you get new ones put in. Sometimes the stems are too long and deflect as you push the end of the gauge onto them.

Jack
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Old 07-04-2021, 10:38 AM   #18
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If you have a Viair compressor you probably got the dial gauge built in.
I back that up with a dial gauge with a short hose. I look for one where my normal pressure is about 75% of the dial.
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Old 07-04-2021, 02:14 PM   #19
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I really like the Topeak Smart Gauge D2. Works well for my mountain bike, road bike, car and Airstream. Presto and Schrader, compact, swivel head, 2032 battery, and good accuracy.
Rich

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Old 04-22-2022, 08:51 PM   #20
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JACO Tire Pressure Gauges - accurate to .5 lbs.

I found an affordable gauge with .5 lbs. accuracy from JACO. They have several models up to 200 PSI but I chose the Elite Pro Digital 100 PSI version for $30.. Lifetime warranty and local customer support. Wish I had found this when I was a full time mechanic!
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