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Many manufactures have come along way with their odometer displays. However they still have a way to go. The OEM Polaris RZR gauge works but it still lacks in some function and style.
When we came across the new UTV-1500 by Dakota Digital we knew we had to have it for our Polaris RZR project. The UTV-1500 not only looked high-tech and “space age” but it also provided more information than the OEM gauge provided.
The UTV-1500 gauge provides the following information.
Speedometer, selectable for either km/h or MPH
Tach bar graph
Oil pressure sensor and readout (with optional sensor pack, SEN-24-1)
Water Temp sensor and readout (with optional sensor pack, SEN-24-1)
Voltmeter
Fuel level bar graph
4x4 and engine indicators
Gear position indicators
Odometer (One time preset, user adjustable)
Two resettable trip meters
Hour meter
Countdown service odometer
Countdown service hour meter
12 hour clock
Black anodized, billet aluminum bezel
The OEM gauge provided much of the same information with the exception of actual oil pressure and water temperature which we felt was vital information especially when operating in the most extreme of conditions.
We called Dakota Digital to inquire more about the new UTV-1500 gauge. We were greeted by a knowledgeable customer service representative who was eager to answer all of our questions and tell us more about the UTV-1500 gauge.
First Inspection
When the UTV-1500 arrived, we hurriedly opened the box to reveal the new gauge. The UTV-1500 has 3 inputs, two of which are for the OEM wire harness connections and the other for the additional two sensors which measure and report the oil pressure and water temperature. The billet aluminum housing and black anodized bezel add great looks and durability to this gauge ensuring that it will provide years of trouble free operation.
As our excitement grew, we had to get the UTV-1500 installed to see it in action.
Installation
Basic installation of the UTV-1500 is very simple, requires no tools and takes less than 5 minutes. Dakota Digital recommends disconnection of the RZR battery prior to installation to prevent any damage. To install, simply reach behind the RZR dash, push firmly on the OEM gauge which is held in place by friction and the heavy rubber cover removing it from the dash. Unplug the two connections on the back of the gauge and set the gauge aside
.
With the new Dakota Digital UTV-1500, ensure the rubber gasket is around the gauge, connect the OEM harness, and replace it in the OEM gauge location, securing it from behind with two provided aluminum clamps.
That is it! If you go with the optional add-on oil pressure and water temp sensors (Sensor package sold separately, SEN-24-1) then there are a few additional steps, but it isn’t necessary for the operation of the UTV-1500 gauge. This gauge is truly "plug and play".
Once the gauge was installed, we hooked up the battery, turned the key and the UTV-1500 beamed to life with vibrant blue, yellow and red LED’s. Words can’t describe how awesome the Dakota Digital gauge looks when it first turns on.
Our Impressions
We loved the way the UTV-1500 provides critical information at a glance of the gauge. The gauge provides speed, tachometer, battery voltage, odometer, time and trips in different combinations. I also noticed that while installing lights, if the UTV-1500 is set on a different setting i.e. the trip setting, the UTV-1500 reverts to the voltage field with flashing battery voltage if the voltage drops below a specific voltage range. This is a great function as it alerts the operator of a possible issue with the vehicles' charging or electric system. These warnings indicators are displayed for high points as well as low points and can be changed to a custom setting in the user programming of the UTV-1500. The warning points also apply towards the water temp and oil pressure warning indicators as well.
Along with the warning indicators, you may also set service intervals based on mileage or hours as a countdown service hour meter.
For those who are running oversized tires, the UTV-1500 offers the ability to calibrate your odometer in order to show the proper speed and distance.
All the UTV-1500 settings are easily changed in the user setup menu and provide a high level or adjustability and user customization. The level of adjustments seemed overwhelming at first but we really found the settings to be easily manipulated.
The brightness of the UTV-1500 is automatically adjusted by a sensor built into the front of the display. This is an extremely handy feature which always makes the gauge easy to read no matter how bright or dark your riding area is.
If you are installing the gauge on an older Polaris RZR and do not want to change the vehicles mileage, you are able to easily transfer the mileage from your old gauge to the UTV-1500 within the first 10 miles of the gauges’ operation.
Needless to say, the Dakota UTV-1500 gauge is packed with features and very important user information.
In order to show you the simplicity of the Dakota Digital UTV-1500 gauge, we put together a short video narrative.
Ride Report
Our first test was one mounted with excitement. We couldn’t wait to get to drive the RZR or watch the RZR’s new Dakota gauge do its job. It is an absolute great piece of equipment and completely lives up to the legendary performance we expected from Dakota Digital.
We found no flaws while operating the gauge. Hot, cold, rainy weather had absolutely ZERO effect on the UTV-1500’s performance.
What more can we say? The Dakota UTV-1500 Works, and works extremely well.
Conclusion
When I originally looked at the price of the Dakota UTV-1500 I thought that I could put my money somewhere better. But there were features I wanted to incorporate into the RZR like a volt gauge and water temperature gauge. Obviously this was going to require me to modify the dash permanently in order for these types of gauges to fit. Plus I was going to pay top dollar for heavy duty gauges whether digital or analog.
The bottom line, I wanted my setup to do everything the Dakota UTV-1500 did. And I was only going to save a few extra dollars and end up cutting up my dash and installing multiple items in order to make this happen. The UTV-1500 gives me this ability plus some, and it provided a nice clean final look.
If you are looking to add auxiliary gauges, definitely give the Dakota Digital UTV-1500 gauge a careful consideration. It is a professional looking setup that will give you professional results.
Dakota Digital UTV-1500 Gauge Review
Linear Mode
