[VAL] Tire monitors

["Tom Patterson" <pattersontom@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Like many, I have had tire failures in the past, and blame my problems on 
trying to run the tires for too long.  Now I watch the tires carefully for 
any signs of cracks, rather than just looking at the tread as I used to do 
when I first started pulling a trailer.  I am also now ready to replace the 
tires as often as is necessary.

Tire failure is expensive.  The flailing rubber has damaged my trailer wheel 
wells in the past.  Part of the problem is that I was not even aware of a 
failed tire until advised by another motorist, due to the dual axles. 
Whatever, it taught me that it is a LOT cheaper to spend the money for new 
tires as needed.

Because of this, I also installed the SmarTire system on all four wheels of 
the trailer.  This system monitors tire pressure, and has alerted me to low 
pressure in the past.  On one occasion it did alert me immediately of a tire 
failure, and I therefore suffered no damage.  The system also monitors 
temperature.  I have always left it set at the factory default, but I 
suppose that I should be carefully watching temperature as well.

-Tom