It’s been brought to my attention that there are OBDII computers out there that can give me a lot of valuable information about my engine and drivetrain in real time. ScanGauge was recommended but so have a couple of others. It seems to me from what I can tell on the good ‘ol interweb there are two that might meet my needs. If there are others I’m all ears...So it comes down to either the ScanGauge or the UltraGauge. I’m tending to lean toward the UltraGauge MX which has a better display and an option of Bluetooth which can send the info to a tablet, which I’ve been thinking of installing anyway. It would be really cool if I could find a tire pressure unit that would also send to a tablet, but one problem at a time...Does anyone have experience with either of these two units? Any variable or thoughts that I have not considered?

Been using Scangauge II for 10 years. It's been pretty bulletproof on my previous gas engined MHs, and with a few added X-Gauges, on the new diesel chassis.

I had a ScanGauge, switched to an UltraGauge because it was easier to mount to the dash, since I had the old ScanGauge.Honestly, I like the ScanGauge better. If my UltraGauge stops working, I'll go back. It's just easier to use, for doing things like zero-ing fuel quantities and MPGs. And it turns out the extra display space on the UltraGauge just makes it seem cluttered.

I've been looking between the two, but I couldn't get past the use of the Comic Sans font by UltraGauge for their wireless unit and their website is a hot mess, which makes me wonder about the quality of their product.

I use a cheap ODB2 blue tooth adapter ($25) and a phone app (Torque Pro) and connect to my Android phone (no support for "i" stuff). I can program about 8 different screens with hundreds of pre-programmed "PIDS" that show just about all the info you could ever need on my 13 F150. Boost, IAT1, IAT2, actual coolant temp, CAT temps, and on and on...I just plug in when I want to see the gauges. Mounted a cell phone thingy, wired up a 12v charge line to it (it will suck the battery pretty fast!).It will let calls/texts come thru while on, but if I'm towing, I don't really care so much about that! ha, ha!Anyway, works for me and tells me a TON of info for about $30 total!Good luck! Mitch

We have used a ScanGuage for a couple of years. Its helpful in the operation of our Sprinter. The size fits just above the steering column. It would probably still be our choice.

ScanGauge vs UltraGauge | Good Sam Community

MDKMDK
Explorer
Jun 17, 2020
Been using Scangauge II for 10 years. It's been pretty bulletproof on my previous gas engined MHs, and with a few added X-Gauges, on the new diesel chassis.
carringb
Explorer
Jun 17, 2020
I had a ScanGauge, switched to an UltraGauge because it was easier to mount to the dash, since I had the old ScanGauge.

Honestly, I like the ScanGauge better. If my UltraGauge stops working, I'll go back. It's just easier to use, for doing things like zero-ing fuel quantities and MPGs. And it turns out the extra display space on the UltraGauge just makes it seem cluttered.
Y-Guy
Moderator
Jun 18, 2020
I've been looking between the two, but I couldn't get past the use of the Comic Sans font by UltraGauge for their wireless unit and their website is a hot mess, which makes me wonder about the quality of their product.
MitchF150
Explorer III
Jun 18, 2020
I use a cheap ODB2 blue tooth adapter ($25) and a phone app (Torque Pro) and connect to my Android phone (no support for "i" stuff). I can program about 8 different screens with hundreds of pre-programmed "PIDS" that show just about all the info you could ever need on my 13 F150. Boost, IAT1, IAT2, actual coolant temp, CAT temps, and on and on...

I just plug in when I want to see the gauges. Mounted a cell phone thingy, wired up a 12v charge line to it (it will suck the battery pretty fast!).

It will let calls/texts come thru while on, but if I'm towing, I don't really care so much about that! ha, ha!

Anyway, works for me and tells me a TON of info for about $30 total!

Good luck! Mitch
Oldtymeflyr
Explorer
Jun 18, 2020
We have used a ScanGuage for a couple of years. Its helpful in the operation of our Sprinter. The size fits just above the steering column. It would probably still be our choice.
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
Jun 18, 2020
I would never own a motorhome or truck without a Scan Gauge. I've had mine for 11 years, bought it for my 5.4L V-8 F-150 when I was towing a 22' TT. When I bought the Class C I just reprogrammed it for the 6.8L V-10 and have not looked back. The install was all of about 4 minutes, two small pieces of velcro and a wire tie for the excess coil behind the dash. It just does not get much simpler than that.

For the record I always run with average and real time mpg's displayed along with transmission fluid {X Gauge function} and coolant temp. The first trip I took with the SC I got 10 percent better mileage just by watching the displays and playing the game of trying to keep my real time mileage higher than the average. I figure I got my $139 back in about 6 months just on fuel savings.

:C
wolfe10
Explorer
Jun 19, 2020
Had and appreciated the Scan Gauge on our last two coaches.

If you drive using instant MPG and percent throttle position, it will pay for itself in less fuel consumption.
ronfisherman
Moderator
Jun 19, 2020
I have had both. Scan Gauge II is best. I used 2 of them at same time. Displayed 8 different bits of data at one time.
bobndot
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2020
ronfisherman wrote:
I have had both. Scan Gauge II is best. I used 2 of them at same time. Displayed 8 different bits of data at one time.

Aren't you suppose to be watching where you are going ?
Was that you that took out all those shrubs on I-70 ? :B
pnichols
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2020
Desert Captain wrote:
I would never own a motorhome or truck without a Scan Gauge. I've had mine for 11 years, bought it for my 5.4L V-8 F-150 when I was towing a 22' TT. When I bought the Class C I just reprogrammed it for the 6.8L V-10 and have not looked back. The install was all of about 4 minutes, two small pieces of velcro and a wire tie for the excess coil behind the dash. It just does not get much simpler than that.

For the record I always run with average and real time mpg's displayed along with transmission fluid {X Gauge function} and coolant temp. The first trip I took with the SC I got 10 percent better mileage just by watching the displays and playing the game of trying to keep my real time mileage higher than the average. I figure I got my $139 back in about 6 months just on fuel savings.

:C

D.C. - I just watch the good old (analog??, teehee) Ford dash guage for engine temperature - and of course it's never moved since I've owned our E450 Class C. What kind of engine and transmission temperatures have you seen when climbing grades and pulling your trailer in hot summer temperatures?

P.S. #1 The 5R110 transmission on our 2005 E450 mysteriously failed at around 60K miles ... and I wonder if it was because of it running too hot at times through the years when going up grades with the transmissioon NOT in Tow Haul mode ... hence maybe excessive clutch slippage and the consequent generated heat inside the tranny.

P.S. #2 Now I keep Tow Haul mode engaged almost all of the time to maybe help reduce clutch slippage heat on grades.

Forum Discussion

ScanGauge vs UltraGauge

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Scangauge vs Ultragauge for trans temp.

ScanGauge II

Scangauge Connector

Scangauge 2 recommended?

Scangauge