Heavy haulers that pull multiple trailers face problems that normal trucks do not. A standard 18-wheeler has fewer tires and a shorter distance between the cab and the rear wheels. Tire monitoring signals can usually travel that distance without trouble.

But trucks with 22, 24, or even 34 tires are much longer. The rear trailer tires can be 60 to 80 feet away from the monitor in the cab. Thick metal trailer frames, containers, heavy cargo, and equipment all block wireless signals. Because of this, signals from the rear tires may never reach the monitor.

These blocked areas are called signal dead zones. When dead zones exist, drivers cannot see tire pressure or temperature on the farthest axles. This creates serious safety risks and increases the chance of breakdowns.

Solving signal dead zones is critical for long, multi-trailer heavy haulers.

Solving Signal Dead Zones in 22 to 34-Tire Heavy Haulers

TPMS sensors send tire pressure and temperature data using radio signals. Each sensor sends updates several times per minute. These signals include pressure, temperature, battery level, and the tire’s position.

Radio signals travel easily through open air. In ideal conditions, good sensors can send data over 100 feet or more. However, heavy hauling conditions are far from ideal.

Metal blocks radio signals. Trailer frames, cargo containers, and dense freight all weaken signal strength. Electronic equipment can also interfere with transmissions. As trucks get longer, signals lose power before reaching the monitor.

Distance makes the problem worse. Radio signals lose strength as they travel. A sensor that is 60 feet away sends a much weaker signal than one that is only 30 feet away. By the time signals from rear trailer tires reach the cab, they may be too weak to register.

Signals also bounce off metal surfaces. When radio waves reflect off trailers and cargo, they arrive at the monitor at slightly different times. These overlapping signals can cancel each other out. When this happens, the monitor may lose the signal completely.

Signs of Signal Dead Zones

One common sign of a dead zone is intermittent sensor readings. A tire may appear on the screen sometimes and disappear at other times. Turning, bumps, or cargo movement can briefly block the signal.

Another sign is total signal loss from certain tire positions. Rear trailer tires may never show up on the monitor at all. This usually means the signal cannot travel far enough or is fully blocked.

Delayed alerts are another problem. If the monitor receives data late, drivers learn about tire issues too slowly. A fast leak may already be dangerous by the time the alert appears.

Signal problems also shorten sensor battery life. Sensors that struggle to connect keep trying to transmit. This uses more power and causes batteries to drain faster, leading to more replacements.

Technical Solutions for Long Vehicles

Modern TPMS systems include tools to fix signal problems in long trucks. Choosing the right solution depends on vehicle length, trailer count, and cargo type.

Signal Boosters

Signal boosters help weak signals reach the cab. A booster receives data from distant sensors and sends it again at higher power. This makes the signal strong enough to reach the monitor.

Boosters are usually installed between the tractor and the first trailer. This spot sits halfway between the rear tires and the cab. From there, the booster acts as a relay for rear sensors.

The GUTA GB30 TPMS Signal Booster is designed for long vehicles with multiple trailers. It helps ensure that every tire, even those farthest back, stays connected.

Booster placement is very important. If installed too close to the cab, it does not help rear tires enough. If installed too far back, front trailer tires may still have problems. The kingpin area is usually the best location.

Boosters need power. Some use batteries, while others connect to the vehicle’s electrical system. This adds a small maintenance task but greatly improves signal reliability.

Choosing the Right GUTA System for Multi-Trailer Trucks

Not all heavy haulers are the same. Tire count, length, and trailer setup determine which TPMS works best.

22-Tire Vehicles

Many tractor-trailer setups use 22 tires. These trucks often stretch 50 to 60 feet long. Standard TPMS systems may struggle to reach the rear axle.

The GUTA GT80 Series is built for this size. It supports up to 22 tires and uses strong signal transmission. The color touchscreen shows all tires at once, making it easy to spot missing signals.

The system tracks pressure from 0 to 188 PSI and temperatures from -4°F to 185°F. Drivers get full visibility of tire conditions across the truck.

Two sensor types are available. Flow-through sensors allow inflation without removal, which saves time. Cap sensors are simpler and work well with standard valves.

For trucks that still face signal issues, adding the GB30 booster improves reliability for rear tires.

24-Tire Configurations

Some heavy haulers use 24 tires due to extra axles or special trailers. These trucks often carry oversized or heavy equipment.

The added length and metal structures make signal transmission harder. The GUTA GT20 Series is designed for these setups.

The GT20 supports up to 24 tires and uses a large color display. Drivers can see all tire readings clearly. Alerts notify drivers immediately if pressure drops or temperature rises.

The monitor saves power by entering sleep mode when not in use. It wakes automatically when the truck moves or receives sensor data.

Sensors use replaceable CR2032 batteries, making maintenance simple and quick for fleet technicians.

34-Tire Maximum Capacity Trucks

The largest heavy haulers use up to 34 tires. These trucks may pull two or three trailers and stretch up to 80 feet long.

At this size, signal challenges are extreme. Rear tires are far from the cab, and cargo blocks most signal paths.

The GUTA GT30 TPMS is designed for these maximum setups. It supports all 34 tires and uses advanced signal handling.

In these cases, signal boosters are required, not optional. Boosters placed at trailer connection points create a chain that carries signals forward.

GUTA’s Multi-Tire Monitoring Series offers systems built specifically for high tire counts and long vehicle lengths. These systems ensure stable communication across the entire rig.

Installation Best Practices for Long Vehicles

Correct installation is critical for reliable performance. Long vehicles require more planning than standard trucks.

Planning Before Installation

Start by measuring distances from the cab to each axle. Note where metal structures, cargo areas, or equipment sit.

Identify which tires have the longest and most blocked signal paths. These positions benefit most from boosters.

Decide where boosters should be installed. One booster often works for double trailers. Triple trailers may need two.

Plan for worst-case cargo loads. Empty trailers allow better signal travel than loaded ones. The system must work even with dense cargo.

Mounting Monitors and Boosters

Monitor placement affects signal reception. Windshield mounts usually offer good exposure. Dashboard mounts must avoid metal barriers.

Keep the monitor away from other electronics like radios and GPS units, which can cause interference.

Boosters should be mounted near trailer connections, ideally near the kingpin. Make sure antennas are not blocked by metal parts.

Even though boosters are weather-resistant, extra protection helps them last longer in harsh road conditions.

Troubleshooting Signal Problems

Even well-installed systems can develop issues over time. Knowing how to troubleshoot keeps the system reliable.

Intermittent Signal Problems

If a sensor works sometimes but not always, start by checking its battery. Weak batteries reduce signal strength.

• Inspect sensor mounting. A loose or damaged sensor may not transmit properly.

• Check for new obstacles. Changes in cargo or added equipment may block signals.

• Test the system while turning. If signals drop only during turns, signal angles may be the issue.

Complete Signal Loss

If a sensor never connects, first check the monitor. A powered-off monitor cannot receive data.

Next, inspect the booster. Dead batteries or loose connections often cause rear sensor loss.

Test the sensor close to the monitor. If it works nearby, the problem is signal distance, not the sensor.

Look for new electronic devices that may cause interference.

Preventing Future Problems

• Clean sensors during tire service to remove dirt and grime.

• Update monitor software when available to improve signal processing.

• Replace batteries on a schedule instead of waiting for warnings.

• Watch for gradual signal loss trends. Fixing small issues early prevents full failure.

Moving Forward with Reliable Monitoring

Signal dead zones reduce safety and efficiency. Drivers need full visibility of all tires, especially on long haulers.

Start by reviewing which tires on your fleet report reliably and which do not.

Explore GUTA systems built for long vehicles through the TPMS for Trucks & Commercial Vehicles collection.

For complex setups, contact wholesale@guta-tech.com for custom solutions and volume pricing. Technical support is available at guta@afterservice.vip or +1-855-492-9277.

Reliable TPMS communication is not optional for modern heavy haulers. Solving signal dead zones protects drivers, cargo, and equipment while keeping trucks moving safely.