Community Forums

Justplanejim · 04-28-2014, 02:53 PM

Down anyone know of a OBD scanner that will link with "I" devices? I have a cheap one for my Chevy Tahoe that works really well, would like one for my coach

Skip426 · 04-28-2014, 02:59 PM

The Freightliner Chassis diagnostic connector J- 1939 , requires a special cable and computer software . Most owners install a " Silver Leaf " or "Scan Gauge D " that already has the display, on dash, and are capable of code reading. Cheaper too, if memory serves.

BTW; Welcome to iRV2.

Justplanejim · 04-28-2014, 03:12 PM

Thanks for the info and the welcome, can you elaborate on the "already has a display on the dash" comment? Mine is a 2000 freightliner, cat330 if that matters

Skip426 · 04-28-2014, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justplanejim

Thanks for the info and the welcome, can you elaborate on the "already has a display on the dash" comment? Mine is a 2000 freightliner, cat330 if that matters

The two units I mentioned are dash mounted displays with selectable sensor read outs, for use while driving. They take info from the ECM's and give you an alternative read out " digital " to your analog dash gauges.
Scan Gauge D, has a web site , and Camping World sells them. Not sure about Silver Leaf.

BTW: In the " User C P " if you go to " Edit Signature " you can fill in info on your coach and it will appear below your posts , so you don't have to type it in every time .

Like mine does below.
I'll look for a link to D.
EDIT:
http://www.scangauge.com/products/scangauged/

Wizard · 04-28-2014, 03:33 PM

Keep in mind also that your Freightliner does not have an OBD port. It has a J-1939 port

Fred Cooper · 05-19-2014, 08:31 PM

Silverleaf also sells the VMSpc that lets you use a windows pc or some windows tablets (and maybe others) as the display. This is generally cheaper than the VMS products that mount into the dash. Silverleaf will give you the software but you must buy the electronic wiring interface.

Fred

bigdog · 05-19-2014, 10:08 PM

So,with my '01 Tradewinds LTC is the scan guage II plug and play? I really miss having a good readout panel as most of the Thomas school buses I drive have them in one form or another.

jlfbatonrg · 05-20-2014, 07:45 PM

Welcome Aboard. The Scan Gauge D is designed to hook up to your diagnostic plug , usually under the dash close to the steering column. All you do is plug in the Scan Gauge and follow the instructions to set up the four gauges you want to see, The unit comes with its own display monitor. We find it very useful, cost is ~$160.00. It also provides fault codes

TWT · 09-10-2014, 01:33 PM

I'm late to the game; but a search brought me to this thread.

I have a 2005 Itasca Horizon with a CAT C7 engine. I've found two of what I believe are J-1939 ports. There is one under the dash and one at the rear of the coach, above the intercooler left of center. The one under the dash has "8410 Series" imprinted on it; but, I don't remember what was on the one at the rear of the coach. Both ports are round and have the same pin configuration.

First, does anyone know of an adapter from the J-1939 port to the current OBDII pin configuation? I know that would be too easy for me to use my old Edge Insight; but, I had to ask.

Second, the coach has the MMDC, provided by Freightliner. Can anyone tell me if that will read codes? I haven't really figured it out; and, I need to get the 'white-on-black' display to replace the green one that I can't read.

Third, If the answers to 1 and 2 are bad news, are the Scan Gauge D and Silverleaf mentioned above still the best routes to go?

Thanks for any help.

Tom

jlfbatonrg · 09-10-2014, 06:07 PM

Tom,

I don't think an ODB II scanner will work on the RV diesels. They are completely different. There are 2 scanners I am aware of that are made to attach to your J1939 plug. One is Silverleaf ( I'm not familiar with this one), and the other is ScanGauge D monitor, this is a the one we use, and are very happy with it.

TWT · 09-10-2014, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlfbatonrg

Tom,

I don't think an ODB II scanner will work on the RV diesels. They are completely different. There are 2 scanners I am aware of that are made to attach to your J1939 plug. One is Silverleaf ( I'm not familiar with this one), and the other is ScanGauge D monitor, this is a the one we use, and are very happy with it.

Thanks for the reply, Jim. I think I'm going to go with the ScanGauge D, also. I wonder if a tuner might be a good idea, as well. Just thinking out loud...

Tom

jlfbatonrg · 09-11-2014, 02:47 PM

Tom,

I think you'll happy with the ScanGauge D. Ours has provided improved mpg by showing us how I was over driving the engine. We currently monitor transmission temperature, coolant temperature, MPG, and boost pressure. We also have a separate EGT gauge. By monitoring these parameters, I have learned to be more efficient in how I press the accelerator, etc.

As to a tuner, I don't know about the tuners. I have learned to be a bit patient with the Cummins 300HP. The net affect is that we average ~9.5 mpg towing a Saturr Vue. We just finished an ~5000 mile trip out West through the Rockies. Typically we crossed the passes in 4th or 5th gear. On a couple of steep / long grades, we were forced to downshift to 3rd.

jhanan · 10-19-2014, 08:13 PM

Just installed a ScanGaugeD - very easy setup. The hardest part was finding the plug. For years I was going to get the VMSpc with a small tablet computer, but never go to that. Finally, someone came out with a low cost scanner. A pro one (e.g. for the CAT) is over $1200. Also, it is not OBDII.