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Torque Pro App Review: Complete RV Engine Monitoring with OBD2 Diagnostic Tool

Electrical Easy 30 minutes setup 7 views
Electrical guide

What's the best RV engine monitoring app for someone who's tech-challenged?

So here I am, living my best RV life until I realized I know absolutely nothing about what's happening under the hood of this rolling money pit I call home! I recently bought an OBD Link adapter and an Amazon Fire tablet specifically to use the Torque Pro app for engine monitoring. I'm pretty much a caveman when it comes to technology, and I'm currently stuck trying to figure out how to set up the dashboard.

I keep hearing horror stories about transmission temps and engine issues that could have been caught early with proper monitoring. Problem is, I have no clue how to actually configure the app to show me useful data. Anyone have tips for getting the Torque Pro dashboard set up for someone who's totally tech-challenged? Bonus points if you can help me understand how to get meaningful information without wanting to throw my device out the window!

Dear Marcus T.,

Quick Answer

Torque Pro with OBD2 adapter monitors trans temp, engine parameters, and codes. Excellent for RV monitoring. Android only. Setup with custom dashboard.

Tools & Parts Needed

OBD2 Bluetooth adapter Android device

The Quick Answer

Setting up your Torque Pro dashboard on your new Amazon Fire tablet with the OBD Link is actually straightforward once you know the steps. The key is connecting to your RV's OBD port first, then customizing the dashboard to show the specific engine parameters you want to monitor. Since you've already got the hardware (OBD Link adapter) and software (Torque Pro app) ready on your Fire tablet, you're just a few configuration steps away from having a professional-looking engine monitoring setup that's much easier to read than your phone screen.

What's Causing This

The confusion you're experiencing is completely normal - Torque Pro is a powerful app with lots of options, which can be overwhelming for first-time users. The dashboard setup process requires you to first establish communication with your RV's engine computer through the OBD Link adapter, then select which engine parameters (like coolant temperature, oil pressure, transmission temperature, etc.) you want to display and how you want them arranged on screen.

The Amazon Fire tablet you chose is actually perfect for this application since the larger screen makes it much easier to see multiple gauges at once compared to a phone. The OBD Link adapter you purchased is also one of the better Bluetooth OBD adapters for RV use, as it maintains a stable connection and works well with Torque Pro's extensive parameter list.

Tools You'll Need

  • Your Amazon Fire tablet with Torque Pro app installed
  • OBD Link Bluetooth adapter (already purchased)
  • Your RV with engine running (for initial setup and testing)
  • Access to your RV's OBD port (usually under the dashboard on driver's side)
  • Pen and paper to write down any error codes or notes during setup

Step-by-Step Fix

Initial Connection Setup:

  1. Plug the OBD Link adapter into your RV's OBD port with the engine off
  2. Turn your RV's ignition to "ON" position (engine can remain off for initial pairing)
  3. On your Fire tablet, go to Settings and turn on Bluetooth
  4. Open Torque Pro app and tap the settings icon (gear symbol)
  5. Select "OBD2 Adapter Settings" then "Choose Bluetooth Device"
  6. Look for your OBD Link device (usually shows as "OBDLink" followed by numbers)
  7. Tap to pair - it should connect within 10-15 seconds
  8. You'll see "Connected" status when successful

Dashboard Configuration:

  1. Start your RV's engine and let it idle
  2. In Torque Pro, tap "Dashboard" from the main menu
  3. Tap the "+" button to add new gauges
  4. For RV use, I recommend adding: Engine Coolant Temperature, Engine RPM, Battery Voltage, and Fuel Trim values. Oil Pressure and Transmission Temperature may not be available via OBD on all RVs
  5. Tap and hold any gauge to move it around the screen
  6. Pinch to resize gauges - make critical ones like coolant temp larger
  7. Use the wrench icon on each gauge to change colors, limits, and warning thresholds
  8. Save your layout by tapping the menu button and selecting "Save Layout"

Setting Up Alarms:

  1. Go to Settings > Alarms
  2. Set coolant temperature alarm according to your engine's specifications (typically 220-240°F depending on engine type)
  3. Set low oil pressure alarm if your engine supports it
  4. Enable audible and visual alerts
  5. Test alarms by temporarily setting a low threshold

Final Testing:

  1. Take a short test drive while monitoring the dashboard (have a passenger watch the readings, or pull over safely to check displays)
  2. Verify all gauges update in real-time
  3. Check that connection remains stable during driving
  4. Adjust gauge positions if any are hard to read while driving

When to Call a Pro

You should contact a professional if your OBD Link adapter won't connect to your RV after trying multiple times, or if you're getting consistent "No Data" readings from engine sensors that should be available. Some older RVs (pre-2008) or those with aftermarket engine management systems may have limited OBD parameter availability that requires professional diagnosis.

Additionally, if you discover concerning readings like consistently high coolant temperatures or unusual engine parameters while using your new dashboard setup, it's wise to have an RV technician verify these readings with professional diagnostic equipment. The Torque Pro app is excellent for monitoring, but any critical engine issues should be confirmed and addressed by a qualified mechanic familiar with your specific RV's engine and chassis combination.

This article is for informational purposes only and may contain errors. Always verify technical specifications and safety procedures with your equipment manufacturer's documentation or consult a qualified professional before performing repairs. See our terms.
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Tags: #Torque Pro #OBD2 #monitoring #app