Know What's Happening With Your Rig
RV Safety & Monitoring
Tire pressure, backup cameras, CO detectors, tank levels, and security — the tech that keeps you safe and informed on the road.
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)
Tire blowouts are the leading cause of RV accidents. A TPMS gives you real-time pressure and temperature for every tire — and alerts you before a blowout happens.
- ✓TireMinder A1A — top-rated flow-through sensors; works with toad vehicles; Bluetooth to phone app. Best for travel trailers and 5th wheels.
- ✓TST 507 RV — color monitor display (no phone required), cap sensors, 6-tire coverage. Best for Class A motorhomes where you want a dedicated dash display.
- ✓EEZTire TPMS — budget option; flow-through sensors, dedicated monitor. Reliable baseline system for those new to TPMS.
- ✓Flow-through vs. cap sensors: flow-through stay on permanently and never need removal for inflation. Cap sensors are cheaper but must be removed to add air.
Backup Cameras
Backing a 35-foot rig into a tight campsite without a camera is avoidable stress. Modern wireless systems are easy to install and reliable enough for full-time use.
- ✓Furrion Vision S — purpose-built for RVs; wireless, pairs with Furrion-prep most new rigs already have. Cleanest install for compatible rigs.
- ✓Rear View Safety RVS-770613 — wired, weatherproof, works with any monitor. Most reliable long-term; no wireless interference issues.
- ✓Phone-based (Garmin BC 40): Bluetooth to phone or Garmin GPS unit. Easy install, no dedicated monitor needed. Works well for occasional use.
CO & Propane Detectors
Carbon monoxide and propane leaks are silent killers. RV-specific detectors are calibrated for the enclosed spaces and propane appliances common in rigs — don't use residential detectors.
- ✓MTI Industries 35-742-BL Safe-T-Alert — combination CO + propane detector; 12V hardwired; the industry standard for RVs. Most new rigs ship with one already installed.
- ✓Kidde KN-COEG-3 — plug-in combo CO + explosive gas detector; battery backup. Good secondary unit for bedroom area in larger rigs.
- ✓Replace every 5–7 years: detector sensors degrade over time. Check manufacture date — most have a sticker. Old detectors may not alarm even when dangerous levels are present.
RV Security Cameras
Monitoring your rig while you're away — hiking, at the beach, or at a worksite — gives you peace of mind and documentation if something goes wrong.
- ✓Reolink Go PT Plus — cellular 4G camera, no WiFi needed, solar-powered, pan/tilt. Works anywhere with cell signal. Best for monitoring the exterior while away from camp.
- ✓Blink Outdoor 4 — battery-powered, WiFi (connects to Starlink or your router), 2-year battery life. Good for campground monitoring when you have connectivity.
- ✓Power consideration: wired cameras need 12V power; battery cameras work anywhere. Solar-charged cellular cameras are the most flexible for boondocking.
Tank Level Monitors
Factory tank level sensors are notoriously unreliable — they read full when they're not. Aftermarket external sensors fix this without opening your tanks.
- ✓SeeLevel II 709-RV3 — external sensors stick to the outside of the tank wall; accurate to 1/8 full; works on black, gray, and fresh tanks. The gold standard fix for bad factory sensors.
- ✓Garnet SeeLevel II + iSee display: Bluetooth to phone app; see all tank levels from anywhere in camp without going inside the rig.
- ✓Why factory sensors fail: residue from black tank chemicals coats the probes and causes false readings. External ultrasonic sensors have no contact with tank contents.
Smoke & Fire Detection
RV fires spread faster than house fires due to the materials and tight spaces. Early detection and a proper fire extinguisher are non-negotiable.
- ✓Kidde i9010 10-year sealed battery — no battery replacement needed for a decade; photoelectric sensor reduces false alarms from cooking. Best smoke detector for RV use.
- ✓Kidde FA110 fire extinguisher — ABC-rated, 1.5 lb; mount within reach of the door. Replace or recharge after any use, even partial discharge.
- ✓Escape plan: know every exit from your rig. Practice opening roof vents and emergency exits before you need them at 2am in the dark.
Safety Stack by Rig Type
Travel Trailer / 5th Wheel
- ✓TPMS for trailer + tow vehicle
- ✓Wireless backup camera (no wiring through hitch)
- ✓CO + propane combo detector
- ✓SeeLevel II tank monitor
- ✓Smoke detector + fire extinguisher
Class A Motorhome
- ✓TPMS with dedicated dash display (TST 507)
- ✓Wired backup camera (clean install)
- ✓CO + propane detector (front and rear)
- ✓SeeLevel II + Bluetooth app
- ✓Multiple smoke detectors + 2 fire extinguishers
Van / Class B
- ✓TPMS (2-axle system, phone app)
- ✓Phone-based backup camera
- ✓Combo CO + propane detector
- ✓Tank monitor (if wet bath equipped)
- ✓Compact smoke detector + extinguisher
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