Schrader TPMS Solutions is showcasing its AirCheck BLE retrofit tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) at the 2026 SEMA Show, highlighting how the Bluetooth-based technology helps drivers monitor tires on trailers, RVs and other vehicles without factory-installed TPMS.
MTD spoke with Andres Caicedo, field application engineer and training specialist for Schrader TPMS Solutions, at the company's booth (#43097) about how the system addresses limitations of earlier retrofit TPMS products.
The AirCheck BLE kit includes two Bluetooth TPMS sensors and a rechargeable range extender. The sensors monitor tire pressure, temperature and battery status, transmitting information to a smartphone app compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Caicedo said the system is particularly useful for drivers towing trailers, where tire problems may otherwise go unnoticed until a failure occurs.
"If, for example, you're pulling a trailer, you don't know what the pressures are back there," he said.
The system provides pressure and temperature alerts that can help drivers identify developing tire problems before they result in more serious damage. Caicedo said elevated temperatures can also provide warning of potentially dangerous conditions associated with excessive heat.
Addressing previous TPMS limitations
According to Caicedo, Schrader's earlier retrofit TPMS systems relied on radio-frequency communication and a separate display module to show tire pressures. Those systems were originally developed for passenger vehicles, but customers began using them on trailers and RVs, exposing limitations in communication range.
"The previous generation was designed to use on cars," Caicedo said.
The AirCheck BLE system uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology to communicate with a smartphone instead of requiring a dedicated display. Its rechargeable range extender helps maintain communication between the sensors and the driver's phone over longer distances.
Caicedo said that makes the system suitable for applications involving longer trailers, including those used to transport race cars and recreational equipment.
Unlike some range extenders that require external batteries and additional wiring, Schrader's unit has an integrated rechargeable battery and charges through USB-C.
Caicedo said the range extender can operate for up to six months on a single charge under regular use. Schrader's product documentation specifies up to 28 days of battery life when the extender remains continuously connected to a smartphone.
Installation and dealer applications
Caicedo said another advantage of AirCheck BLE is its use of internally mounted TPMS sensors rather than external valve-cap sensors.
"It installs just like a regular sensor," he said.
The internal design helps protect sensors from damage, corrosion and theft, which can be concerns with external valve-mounted systems.
For tire dealers, the retrofit kit provides an additional service opportunity for customers with trailers, RVs and other vehicles that lack factory-installed tire pressure monitoring.
Schrader offers two- and four-sensor kits, as well as individual replacement or expansion sensors. The system supports up to four axles, dual-tire configurations and a spare tire. Users can manage up to five trailer or vehicle profiles through the app.
Schrader introduced AirCheck BLE in North America in 2025. The company is exhibiting the system at SEMA booth #43097 in the South Hall Lower Level.
For more information, visit Schrader's AirCheck BLE product page.
