RV Accessory Review: ScanGaugeD Diesel Vehicle Computer

Product Overview: The ScanGaugeD is specifically designed for Diesel Pusher RVs, over the road long-haul trucks and other large diesel vehicles that utilize a  9-pin or 6-pin diagnostic port. The ScanGaugeD features more than 15 built-in digital gauges, 5 sets of trip data, the Performance Monitor as well as the exclusive X-Gauge™ programmable gauge system. With X-Gauge on your diesel pusher, you can monitor parameters such as EGT (Exhaust Gas Temp), Transmission Oil Temp, Engine Oil Temp and much more. The ScanGaugeD comes with a unique dual connector cable designed to accommodate both the J1939 protocol with a 9-pin diagnostic port as well as the J1708 protocol with 6-pin diagnostic port.  So no worries about purchasing the wrong system.

Product Review:  I have used a few other engine monitors before in other RV's, most recently the Silverleaf VMS 240 system which has more features than the ScanGauge, but opted for this unit since I do not have much room on my dash.  I installed this in my Truck Conversion motorhome which has most of the gauges covered on the dash, so was most interested in the diagnostics and fuel economy information the unit could provide.  Although not as feature rich as the Silverleaf with real-time code descriptions, gauge clusters and easier navigation, the ScanGauge is only a tenth of the price and provides trouble codes which can be looked up on the internet.  You can monitor up to 4 different gauges at a time on a single screen which is perfect for my application.  My first use had me sold when a check engine light came on, the code flashed on the ScanGauge, my wife quickly looked it up on her smartphone and we knew we had a EGR problem.  The next rest area we stopped and I checked all of the connections and the code cleared with no issues from then on. Also by monitoring MPG I was able to find that sweet spot where we maintained the perfect traveling speed while getting pretty decent fuel mileage. Another feature that I really like is the ability to change the display color to match the other gauges on the dash so it does not stick out like a sore thumb.  The cord provided will be long enough for probably 99% of all RV's, but since I was using this in a truck I had to extend the 6' cable included due to the location of my diagnostic connector.  This was easily done with a ethernet cable and a mating ethernet connector.  We have been using the ScanGauge D for 2 1/2 years now and it as always worked perfectly.

For more information on the ScanGaugeD & the ScanGauge for Gas & Diesel vehicles with the standard ODBII connector click the button below.