KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: boo on December 22, 2020, 11:21:11 PM
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Question: How do you know if your tire gauge is accurate?.
Please explain.
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Get three different types. Keep the two that say the same reading....
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Good answer. I prefer the metal pencil type, usa made if possible.
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I'm with John on this one. Metal (not chromed plastic) pencil type. I try to get the Milton, with the 0-50psi scale. They fit in my pocket, my tankbag or toolbox conveniently.
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Wasn't Dill an American maker?
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I'm with John on this one. Metal (not chromed plastic) pencil type. I try to get the Milton, with the 0-50psi scale. They fit in my pocket, my tankbag or toolbox conveniently.
Just ebay-ed a Milton!
Thanks for the heads up on metal ones. Didn't know they still made them!
Stig
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I just searched and found the Dill gauge. I'm not familiar with them. Looks pretty good though.
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I have a metal pencil type, and an analog Accu-gage, don't like digital, they need batteries
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The Ryobi inflator I have has a analog pressure gauge built in. I use it for filling and checking all my scooters. Tire pressure varies anyway depending on temperature and elevation. I prefer a dial type gauge myself. Tires should be checked cold before you ride because they will increase in pressure as your tires heat up.
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Just the fact of taking the gauge on and off the tire could be more then the accuracy of the gauge. Just the fact you check tire pressure is a positive regardless of what you use. Just remember to do so when the tire is cold before you ride.
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I like the dial type with a short length of hose. It also has the bleed valve on it so you can slightly overfill your tires and bump the bleed valve until you get the perfect psi.
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I add 1 lb extra to compensate for taking the gauge off.
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Thanks for your opinions.
It seems everyone is guessing as to the accuracy of their gauges, or taking the manufacturer's word for it.
I have been told you need to have your gauges calibrated by someone with professional test equipment. I don`t know of a business in my area that does this.
We pull a camper and it is advised to keep the trailer tires properly inflated "65" psi", because they are prone to overheating and blowouts. I guess I have 8-10 pressure gauges and most readings don`t match.
I have also read, the higher the pressure, the gauges are less likely to give accurate readings.
I know 1 or 2 pounds is not a big deal. I just like accuracy.
I have gauges that are advertised as being real accurate but can vary as much as 3 psi.
Wish I knew of a business that can do a proper calibration on my gauges. I would like to have a couple of gauges that are really accurate. Would prefer not to guess.
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If a person is that concern about it you can buy a certified gauge usually a large dial type gauge that track people use. Like I said tire pressure can very a lot depending on the heat in the tire. A couple of pounds isn't a issue unless your racing.
I have pulled RV'S for over 20 years. The largest problem with RV tires is they are marginal at best, most refer to them as China bombs. RV manufacturers use the cheapest tires available. I run Good Year Endurance on my TH TT that are a quality tire. On the 5th wheel I run load range G Sailun tires that are overkill for the load range and used extensively by the RV community. Look at your weight of your RV then look at the axle rating and tire weight rating and let me know? You will see there is very little margin for error. RV tires are rated for maximum load at maximum pressure and if under inflated generate heat that destroys the tire (especially when already marginal).
Again check your tire pressure when cold, not after you drove on them or the tire will be under inflated.
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Tire pressure will increase when the tire is hot 4 to 6 pounds. For every 5,000 feet in elevation above sea level tire pressure will increase 2 to 3 pounds.
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Kansas kymco, I recently pulled the "China Bombs" off my trailer and installed Goodyear Endurance tires.
I plan to research this tire gauge thing further and ask questions around town.
First attempt in quest for accurate tire gauges:
psi % conversion: examples
65 psi @ 1% = .65 psi
65 psi @ 1.5% = .97 psi
65 psi @ 3% = 1.95 psi
65 psi @ 4% = 2.6 psi
38 psi @ 1.5% = .57 psi
38 psi @ 3% = 1.1 psi
38 psi @ 4% = 1.5 psi
100 psi @ 3% = 3 psi
On some gauges, accuracy can be off even
more than the examples above when reading
on the low and high end of the scale.
ANSI standard
scientific gauges = +/- 0.1% accuracy
grade A gauge = +/- 1% accuracy
grade B gauge = +/- 2% accurcy
grade C gauge = +/- 3% accuracy
grade D gauge = +/- 4% accuracy
Most gauges will be more accurate in
the middle range.
Gauges with large dials tend to read with
more accuracy.
Grade A gauges with a high psi rating are
a little hard to find but, they are out there.
Scientific gauges can be as accurate as 0.1% accurate and they are expensive.
"Master Tire Gauges"
Master tire gauges are manufactured to more
exacting tolerances and as a general rule are
more accurate than other gauges. Usually
classified as Grade A gauges / 1.0% accuracy.
Tire pressure gauges can be calibrated if you
can find a shop or business that has a
"tire pressure gauge calibrator station".
A calibrator station looks like a horizontal
air cylinder with a small pump handle attached.
It will also include a precision large psi dial
on top of it.
Some industrial supply stores sell them.
I think it is the law in California, repair shops and
tire stores have them in their businesses and
are required to check their tire gauges regularly.
In the last few days I stopped at two tire stores
and one Autozone inquiring about "calibrator stations".
They did not know what I was talking about.
My search for new information and a local business
that has a "tire pressure gauge calibrator station
goes on.
Since I posted last, I purchased a new tire gauge. It
is a Vondior 0-100 psi Master Grade A 1% accuracy gauge.
ANSI accuracy through the the full range. Cost $22.60..
I also purchased a Measureman large dial 0.25% accuracy gauge to use as a Master gauge on my "tire gauge calibrator station".
Still would like to find a "tire gauge calibrator station"
in my local area to check and mark all my gauges.
ps: Update, may not need to find a station now that I have my own.
My interest in tire gauge accuracy started because I
ride motorcycles, motor scooters, and pull trailers at interstate speeds.
Will investigate this subject further.
A side note about accurate testing equipment. Calibrator stations can get very expensive. avg. price is around $600.The more I look, the more I find. Also, precision pressure dials can be very expensive.
Names of two tire gauge pressure stations. Dill and Imperial. There
are more to be found. ps: found a Dill for $450. Bet a person can
make one of these. They look simple.
Found a Haltec air checking station for $249.. Don`t know about
the quality of this unit.
More info to come soon for those who are interested.
Link to picture of my homemade " tire pressure regulator station".
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPU2ui_wZA3P8UpSAlBuVOOMl0y6ZaCAXmDXNuv
Link to picture of bourdon tube.https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNxhdEV62q5zRrpUWtBFZHNzBARVI328J5ee69g
Link to picture of Huva cup removal from pen type gauge. https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipMURwqC6tTi06LnZ7wJ13ZTfUKLvYo1IJi0IzKU/photo/AF1QipN4S0-f_yfRuVCsN_bK3WygkP73Nf7-UdMnABwJ
The Master gauge on my station is certified accurate to 0.25% psi. That is 1/4 of 1 % psi. A Shrader valve is attached to test other gauges against the Master.
Other information: Most dial gauges use a bourdon tube to operate.
Pen type air gauges that can be pulled or screwed apart can be calibrated. Screw the gauge apart, remove the Huva valve and adjust the screw down inside the tube. Test it against a Master gauge or a gauge you have confidence in as being accurate.
I am in the process of testing all my gauges. So far my "air gauge testing station seems to be working good.
I hook my "air gauge calibrator" to my 110 psi air compressor and set the pressure wherever I want. 30psi, 40psi, 50psl, 65psi. and check questionable gauges against my Master gauge.
More important information.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPLz7DuaJfO0ra1zdKdGoKW_wi92aJMhPwWnnwo
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boo: Please report any new info your research finds.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/GpzfHwTf/P1140014.jpg)
Just got my new Milton!
USPS using old Air-Italia pilots and equipment for their air-drops - sent my daughter out in the cold with a ladder to fetch it from the gutter over her window.
It's a beaut~!
Stig