Fuel monitor systems/for MPG

[Fleetchief]

I have an older coach, is there an aftermarket monitor/system for RV's that calculates fuel burn? instead of the figure out the difference in what you replace at the pump, someone brought up the fact that if you are checking your average between tanks, there is some unknowns that can’t be compensated for, like how level was the coach at last fill up and how level was it the next time you filled it.
I have some fuel monitors on some of our tugs that monitor fuel in and fuel return, using highly accurate flow switches, so it gives exact fuel burn.
Tugboats and "land yachts.......hmmmmm.

[DandS]

Highly recommend the ScanGauge: ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool
Not only gives you mileage, but many other functions can be monitored as well.

That looks like Muskegon harbor ??

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fleetchief Tugboats and "land yachts.......hmmmmm.

Fleetchief, I'm not sure what your year make and model are however a Scan Gauge II will give you MPG values in a few different formats. The very least expensive thing to do is the paper and pencil method and it will be the most reliable indication of what your fuel consumption is. If you can do this over 3 or more complete fills and average the values you will get a pretty good curve.

The caveat here is that the variables will be what they are, speed, terrain, cross winds however the effort would not be wasted.

This method will more than compensate for out of level and other concerns and it will give you a "working number" that you can use going forward to calculate your fuel consumption if you are plotting a course from point A to point B.

[winny2009]

Once set up and calibrated, Scan Gauge works well for average and instant mpg.

[rvnavigator]

I use SilverLeaf engine monitor for our diesel pusher. It connects into the engine monitoring port and give complete engine performance info while underway. The display is very flexible and contains a wealth of info for the driver to watch.
VMSpc | SilverLeaf Electronics, Inc.

[Theberrys]

I think your Dutch Star is a pusher. If it's on a Freightliner chassis then a OBD2 connector won't be found. Freightliner never did OBD2 because they were always over the weight requirement. So to use Scan Gauge II you would have to call them to insure they have a cable that would work with your rig.
Another consideration for a pusher is a VMS system. There are stand alone units and also a PC based solution. Both are good although the VMS cost's quite a bit more.

At this link you will find documentation to both Scan Gauge II and VMS for you to study.

http://cid-ae67fff392766057.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.Public/Tradewinds%20Docs

Dick

[Refuse1]

I'm not familiar with the ScanGauge. Does that connect to a Diesel chassis? Anyone know what kind of connection is required?

Thanks !

[Bill Adams]

Since the instant MPH is entertaining but of no real value, the MPG over an extended period is what will give you worthwhile information. A pencil and paper will give you fuel mileage figures that will be nearly identical to any electronic device after 3 or 4 fill-ups and from that point on. You can simply run a spreadsheet on your computer and let it do all of the calculations as well.
If you want MORE information than just MPG one of the software driven systems as mentioned might be of some value to you.

[DandS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams Since the instant MPH is entertaining but of no real value.

That is strictly an opinion and not necessarily true. I find the instant MPG reading on ScanGauge very useful in setting optimum speed for a given condition which can effect mileage. I agree the instantaneous readings will change constantly as you drive but the daily, trip, and tank summaries are very accurate once you have calibrated the system.

[Fleetchief]

Wow, thanks great info, i have a 2000 spartan chasis DSDP 3865 with the ISC 300, does anyone know if i have the OBD11 receptical around the drivers console?

The pic is from St Joe Michigan.

Rob

[Fleetchief]

Man that silverleaf is pricy, but it does everything but shine your shoes, the Scan Gauge 11 looks like it will do just fine, if it is accurate.
I called the co, they said he could make up a cord as long as I need it, or I could go to radio shack and make one up myself.
Rob

[Romeo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fleetchief ...Man that silverleaf is pricy...

I strongly recommend the SilverLeaf VmsPc. If you have a PC you can download the software free and check it out without the data cable.

http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/?q=node/9

If SilverLeaf didnt mention it, you can purchase a data cable that was traded in, as I did, for $229.

http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/?q=taxonomy/term/1

I have the same DutchStar as you do so I can tell you in works great. The data port is in the dash, under the fuse cover. In fact a bought a netbook PC just for VmsPc and it fits down in the fuse block area with the cover removed. Its kind of neat because the netbook display is the only thing that sticks up above the surface of the dash. That way the display is directly in front of the driver, but doesnt obstruct the driver's view of the road. I just need to figure out some sort of insulating material to cover the fuse block and to place the netbook on.

BTW, the $229 version of the data cable uses a serial port interface to the PC. If one does not have a serial port, a serial to USB adapter is necessary... but that will save you about $200 over the USB version of VmsPc.

I was pleasantly surprised when I first plugged mine in and found that it had the total history of the motorhome; total miles driven by the coach, total fuel use since new, and average MPG since new. The total miles matched the odometer.

Oh yes, another good feature; it gives us with only one transmission readout, a second display for the actual gear that the transmission is in, not just the gear that we selected.

Here is how I configured by initial VmsPc display. I will modify it once I know just what gauges I want to view.

[Clonetrooper]

Hey Rob,
Don't how how much the Scan Gauge is but my choice is the VMSpc. For appx $200 plus a pc, saw a notebook for $100, you get a lot of info. My Discovery has two plugs, under dash and in electric bay, port side aft. Done mostly 400 mile beach trips but definitely getting mine before Tex to Boston trip. 2 weeks + on the road.
Really sharp looking notch barge and tug. Wish I was still sailing but glad I'm not.
BTW really like your byline, got family in both fields of work.
Kelly

[Fleetchief]

Ok......that is really cool (VMSPC) so if I’m understanding this correctly all I have to buy is the data cable and plug it into my laptop and it will show not only fuel averages but all engine monitoring and a history of fuel burned?
That definitely seems like the way to go.
my laptop does have a serial port, at least I can plug it in and play with it until I can get the notebook, are you planning on a semi permanent mount for the notebook pc?

Rob