Adding trip computer/ engine monitor?

[brians1969]

I thought it would be nice to add a trip computer/engine monitor to my older motorhome that doesn't have all that cool stuff built in.  I would like to solicit ideas from everybody.

There are the ones from the 80's  that some of us older people remember:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Autocomp-8000B-Increase-Fuel-And-Driving-Efficiency-Complete-NEW-/191410012272?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c90ed0070&vxp=mtr

There are newer ones but they require OBD II interface.
There is this one where OBDII is optiona:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ONBOARD-COMPUTER-WITH-OLED-DISPLAY-USB-mpg-fuel-gauge-meter-and-more-/301413544945?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item462da5b3f1&vxp=mtr

Then there is this one originally designed for a scooter if you are a computer project guy:

https://www.techfirma.com/techfirma/scooterputer


Ideally it would be nice to have something that does trip computer stuff, mpg and engine monitor. GPS would be a plus.  On a nice size screen.

Any thoughts?

[HandyDan]

That Autocomp 8000B is a good unit.  They are as rare as hen's teeth, and to find a new, complete, and in the box is a great find.  There used to be a post on an RV.com forum that showed the complete install of one, but unfortunately that thread is long gone.  I thought I saved a picture or two of it, but so far I can't find it. 
Dan

[Rickf1985]

A GPS will do most of what that 800 is doing, and more accurately. Look in marine catalogs for fuel rate monitors. I will warn you, they are pricey. The advantage of the GPS is that you can download it to a computer and display it as a graph and print it out or save it for future comparison. The GPS will keep a running log of all things mileage related including fuel mileage but that is dependent on what you tell it your mileage is. That to me is worthless because it changes all the time. The fuel flow meter is best, especially if you get a digital one with memory. A digital fuel flow meter and a GPS can be synced on a chart by the time stamp of both units. I don't know how but I have seen it done.

[HamRad Mobile]

Good morning; 

     Somewhere in a box, I also have an old fuel economy computer from back in the 1960s that used a clock,  a fuel flow rate sensor, and a magnetic pickup watching four magnets strapped to the side of the drive shaft to yield distance traveled.  The only thing I know I do not have is the manual.  I am hoping the fuel flow rate sensor is still in there.  I will need both to put it into the Winnegago Elandan.  Seeing the direct result of sticking your foot into the carburetor does help influence how you drive for best fuel economy.  With the "reduced fuel economy" of the GM 454 cid V8 engine, and today's fuel prices in spite of the most recent drops, that old system sounds like a good idea for the Elandan.  And it will also provide an immediate indication of the results of anything done in my efforts to improve the Elandan fuel economy.  There are several things going into it that should affect the economy. 

     I wish I knew where that box is right now.  It would be nice to at least see the manufacturer name and the model designation for it and to share with the group.  For those of us with older motor homes (those prior to OBD connectors and systems), these fuel economy computers are a useful tool.  I know it was not an Autocomp. 

          Enjoy; 

          Ralph 
          Latte Land, Washington