Installing ScanGauge II on Ford F53: Real-Time Data and Upgrade Options

[Brave Owner Steve]

I installed a ScanGauge II on my Winnebago Brave built on the Ford F53 chassis, plugged directly into the OBD-II diagnostic connector under the dash. It took only a few minutes to connect and mount, and it’s been immediately useful.

For those unfamiliar, the ScanGauge II gives you real-time engine and drivetrain data that the factory dash simply doesn’t show.

Engine coolant temperature (much more precise than the stock gauge)
Transmission temperature (huge for peace of mind on grades)
RPM
Battery voltage
Instant and average MPG
Throttle position / engine load

On long climbs or hot days, having actual numbers instead of vague needles makes a big difference. I’ve already caught temps rising earlier than I would have noticed otherwise.

Installation Notes (Ford F53):
OBD-II port is easy to access under the dash
Plug-and-play — no wiring, no programming required
Mounts cleanly on the dash, mine is right under the shift position indicator.
Powers on/off automatically with ignition

For anyone driving an older Brave or any Ford F53-based Winnebago, this has been one of the simplest and most useful upgrades I’ve done.

 

[Eagle5]

As I looked at the thumbnail on your first photo, it reads 96 Gallons Per Hour, and I thought "that's one heck of a head-wind!"
Then I clicked on the thumbnail to read the full image; 7.96 Gallons Per Hour.
Much better.
Looks like a great device!
Thanks, Eagle5

 

[Brave Owner Steve]

While engine/transmission details are important real time, the Scan Gauge II will also display engine emission codes for check engine light events. It helps me keep on top of what’s going on.

 

[Eagle5]

Sounds great. Knowing that you have an Oxygen Sensor, or whatever, that has gone out-of-range would be really handy.

 

[Brave Owner Steve]

Sounds great. Knowing that you have an Oxygen Sensor, or whatever, that has gone out-of-range would be really handy.

I’m

 

[gromhome]

The Scan Gauge III will display even more information at a time with it's 3x3 display. It is more, the cost is $270 on Amazon. Great technical support from the manufacturer.

 

[SALLYCAPP]

I’m also using the ScanGauge 3. A valuable tool with three pages of configurable and customizable data. It also reads and resets DTC codes. Online updates too!

 

[kamphiker2]

Have been using ScanGauge II for many years On various Motorhomes & Daily Drivers. I have even Daisy Chained 2 Gauges to obtain double the readouts (Used on my 2006 Motorhome not really need on my 2020 F53). My 2006 I was able to read CEL & Wrench codes on a long vacation trip that I was able to lookup and determine I had a Coil going bad. Clear code and a few hundred miles later showed up and repeat etc.. Several other settings I have programmed in are Transmission Fluid Temperature, Cylinder head Temperature, Actual MPH corrected to GPS, Alternator Voltage. I have the Codes for readout of the actual Gear the transmission is using but have not input the Math code into my scangauge yet. Linear Logic Customer service was a great help when I move my Scangauge from my 2006 V10 to my 2020 V10 on the Cylinder Head Temp as it required different Math Code as Ford had changed something and Linear Logic had not had any request for a update. I want to get a Scangauge 3 sometime soon to use on my Ford Maverick Hybrid to get better readouts on the Hybrid system.

 

[EverettO]

I love my Scangauge 3. And service is AMAZING. Get this. 10 days ago, I was preparing for a trip to be done this last weekend. I noticed the ScanGauge was flickering, not working at all. I got with support. We exchanged two emails. They had me test it on another vehicle. It did not work there either. They asked me to ship it back to them. I am sure it was outside warrantee. Anyway, I got it back 5 days later! I was shocked. They had reset the unit somehow, and it worked great for our trip. I am glad I got it back because now I feel naked without the data from the ScanGauge. Highly recommended!