Forum Discussion

Mrgunguy's avatar
Mrgunguy
Explorer
Jun 17, 2020

ScanGauge vs UltraGauge

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?
Class C
  • Desert_Captain's avatar
    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
  • Oldtymeflyr's avatar
    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.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    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
  • Y-Guy's avatar
    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.
  • carringb's avatar
    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.
  • MDKMDK's avatar
    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.

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