Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge Review: The Ultimate Co-Pilot for Your Dashboard?

I remember the feeling vividly. We were halfway through a grueling 8-hour tow, pulling our travel trailer up a long, winding grade somewhere in the Rockies. My eyes were darting between the road and the dashboard of my diesel truck. The factory temperature gauge sat stubbornly in the middle, the “normal” zone. The tachometer looked fine. The speedometer was, well, slow. But I could feel the engine working overtime. I could hear the turbo spooling, and a nagging voice in the back of my mind kept asking questions my dashboard couldn’t answer: What are my Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs)? Is the transmission getting too hot? How much boost am I actually making? Am I on the verge of a costly DPF regeneration cycle? Flying blind with thousands of pounds behind you is a uniquely stressful experience for any truck owner. This information gap is where potential mechanical failures are born, turning a dream road trip into a roadside nightmare. It’s precisely this problem of incomplete data that a dedicated digital monitor aims to solve.

What to Consider Before Buying a Digital Vehicle Monitor

A digital gauge monitor like the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for taking control of your vehicle’s health. In a world of “idiot lights” that only illuminate after a problem has become serious, these devices provide a real-time, comprehensive stream of data directly from your vehicle’s brain—the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The main benefit is preventative maintenance. By watching critical parameters like coolant temperature, transmission fluid temperature, EGTs, and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) status, you can spot trends and address potential issues long before they trigger a check engine light or leave you stranded. It transforms you from a reactive driver into a proactive vehicle owner, armed with the same level of insight a professional mechanic would have.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who relies heavily on their vehicle, particularly truck owners who tow, off-road enthusiasts, and performance-minded drivers. If you own a modern diesel, monitoring regeneration cycles and EGTs isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for the long-term health of your emissions system. It’s also perfect for the tinkerer who has modified their vehicle and needs to keep a close eye on how those changes affect engine parameters. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those who use their car for simple A-to-B commuting and have little interest in the inner workings of their engine. For someone who just wants to diagnose a check engine light once a year, a simpler, less expensive handheld scanner might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The physical size of the monitor is a major consideration. The Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge features a large 5-inch screen. You need to visualize where this will mount on your dashboard or windshield without obstructing your view. Consider the included mounting hardware and whether you’ll need a vehicle-specific dash pod for a clean, factory-like installation.
• Capacity/Performance: This refers to the device’s brain. How fast does it boot up? How quickly does the screen respond to touch? Most importantly, what Parameter IDs (PIDs) can it display for your specific year, make, and model? A monitor is useless if it can’t show you the data you need, so always verify vehicle-specific capabilities before purchasing.
• Materials & Durability: Most monitors, including this one, are housed in durable plastic. While lightweight, you want to ensure it feels solid and not flimsy. Pay attention to the quality of the screen itself—is it prone to glare? Is it bright enough for daytime use and can it dim sufficiently for night driving? The quality of the OBD-II cable and its connectors is also vital for a reliable, long-term connection.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great monitor should be intuitive. How easy is it to customize the gauge layouts? Is the menu system logical? Maintenance primarily involves software updates. Check how these updates are delivered—typically via a PC connection and software download—to ensure you can easily keep the device running with the latest features and vehicle support. This is a key part of its long-term value.

Having a dedicated monitor can truly change your relationship with your vehicle, giving you peace of mind and saving you money in the long run. It’s a powerful tool for any serious driver.

While the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Sleek, Modern Command Center

Unboxing the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge, the first thing that struck us was the screen. At 5 inches, the high-resolution display is the centerpiece, feeling more like a modern smartphone than a typical automotive accessory. The plastic housing is lightweight (the whole unit is only 11 ounces) but feels well-constructed and durable enough for life inside a vehicle. The design is slim and modern, a significant upgrade from older, clunkier monitors. Inside the box, you get the CTS3 unit itself, a windshield suction cup mount, and the necessary OBD-II cable with the HDMI-style connector that plugs into the monitor. The boot-up time is impressively fast, and the touch interface is immediately responsive, allowing for quick swipes between different gauge screens. Setting it up on our 2015 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel test vehicle was a breeze; it immediately recognized the vehicle and started populating a default list of available PIDs. It instantly felt like a professional-grade tool, and the clarity of the display promised to make monitoring on the go an effortless task.

Deep Dive: Putting the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 to the Test

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a device like this, you have to live with it. We installed the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge in our test truck and used it for several weeks, covering everything from daily commuting to heavy towing and long highway stints. This wasn’t just a test; it was an integration into our driving life, and the CTS3 quickly proved to be an indispensable co-pilot.

The Display: Your Vehicle’s Vitals in High Definition

The screen is, without a doubt, the star of the show. It’s the primary reason you choose a CTS3 over a smaller, simpler device. The 5-inch display is not just large; it’s incredibly sharp and vibrant. We found it perfectly readable in direct sunlight, and the built-in ambient light sensor did an excellent job of automatically dimming the screen for comfortable night driving, preventing any distracting glare. The capacitive touch is as responsive as a high-end tablet, making navigation a fluid and intuitive experience. Where this display truly shines is in its customization. You can set up multiple gauge screens and swipe between them with a simple gesture. For our towing test, we configured a dedicated screen showing transmission temperature, coolant temperature, EGT, engine load, and boost pressure. For daily driving, we swiped over to a screen focused on fuel economy, DPF soot percentage, and RPM. You can choose from dozens of gauge styles (analog or digital), set custom color schemes, and arrange them however you see fit. This level of personalization is what elevates the CTS3 from a simple tool to an integrated part of your dashboard. We confirmed this sentiment with one user who praised it for displaying “tons of information [in a] very compact way,” highlighting how effectively it consolidates critical data into one easy-to-read location.

Data is Power: Monitoring the PIDs That Truly Matter

A beautiful display is useless without the data to back it up. The core function of the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge is its ability to tap into your vehicle’s OBD-II port and display a massive array of Parameter IDs. For our Ecodiesel, this was a game-changer. As one user noted, they bought it specifically to “monitor regens,” and we can confirm it excels at this. We set up an alert that notified us the moment a DPF regeneration cycle began. This allowed us to stay on the highway and let the cycle complete successfully, preventing the costly maintenance issues that arise from interrupted regens. Beyond that, we monitored EGTs while towing, ensuring they stayed within a safe range to protect the turbo. We watched the transmission temperature climb on steep grades and knew when to ease off to let it cool down. This isn’t just data for data’s sake; it’s actionable intelligence that directly impacts your vehicle’s longevity and your own peace of mind. The device allows you to set audible and visual alarms for any parameter. For instance, we set an alarm to trigger if the coolant temperature ever exceeded 230°F. This feature alone can save you from a catastrophic engine failure, making the device pay for itself many times over. The ability to see exactly what your engine is doing in real-time, under any load, is the most powerful feature of the CTS3.

Installation and Expandability: Plug-and-Play Powerhouse

Getting the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge up and running is incredibly straightforward. The installation is truly plug-and-play. You simply connect the main cable to your vehicle’s OBD-II port (usually located under the steering wheel), run the cable up to your desired mounting location, and plug the other end into the monitor. The included suction cup mount is surprisingly strong and held the lightweight unit securely to the windshield through bumpy roads and temperature changes. For those wanting a more permanent, integrated look, Edge offers a wide range of custom dash pods that replace a piece of your factory trim, making the CTS3 look like it was installed at the factory. What truly sets the Insight platform apart, however, is the Edge Accessory System (EAS). The main cable has an input port that allows you to daisy-chain additional sensors. This is crucial for users who need to monitor parameters that aren’t natively available on the OBD-II network. The most common addition is an EGT probe that can be installed directly into the exhaust manifold for the most accurate temperature readings possible. You can also add turbo timers, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors for a truly custom monitoring solution tailored to your vehicle’s specific needs.

More Than Gauges: Diagnostics and Performance Tools

While its primary function is as a digital gauge, the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge is also a competent diagnostic tool. If your check engine light comes on, you no longer have to guess what’s wrong or pay a mechanic just to read the code. The CTS3 can read and display the specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and provide a description of the issue. More importantly, after you’ve addressed the problem, you can use the device to clear the code and turn off the light. This feature alone is a massive convenience. But Edge also included features for the performance enthusiast. The device has a built-in performance meter that can calculate and log your 0-60 mph time, 1/4 mile time, and braking tests. While not as precise as a dedicated drag strip timing system, we found it to be surprisingly consistent and a fun way to measure the impact of any performance modifications. It’s important to clarify that the Insight CTS3 is a *monitor*, not a *tuner*. It does not add horsepower or change your vehicle’s ECU programming. However, it is the perfect companion to one of Edge’s tuning products, providing the critical data needed to monitor the engine’s health while running a performance tune.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is echoed by many other owners. The consensus is overwhelmingly favorable, especially within the diesel truck community. One owner called it a “very awesome unit for the price” and “very important on a diesel,” emphasizing its value for monitoring while “towing and normal driving.” Another user with a 2015 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel was pleased that “All the PIDs I needed are there,” specifically for monitoring DPF regens, which confirms our own findings. Users in vehicles from a VW Jetta TDI to various domestic trucks have found it to be a valuable addition, with one simply stating, “Working great, and looking good too! Love it!” However, no product is perfect. We did find one very concerning report from a user who experienced their screen freezing after two months, rendering it “completely useless.” They also reported an inability to get through to the manufacturer’s technical support line. While this appears to be an isolated incident, it’s an important data point to consider and highlights a potential risk with any complex electronic device.

How Does the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Compare to the Competition?

The Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge operates in a crowded market of diagnostic tools, but it carves out a specific niche. It’s a premium, dedicated, always-on monitor. Here’s how it compares to three popular alternatives.

1. ANCEL VD500 OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner EPB ABS SRS Oil Reset

The ANCEL VD500 is a highly specialized handheld scanner designed primarily for Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) vehicles like VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat. Its strength lies in its ability to perform deep system diagnostics beyond the standard engine codes, including ABS, SRS (airbag), transmission, and performing service resets like oil lights and electronic parking brake (EPB) service. While it can read generic engine codes on non-VAG vehicles, its advanced features are brand-specific. Someone would choose the ANCEL VD500 over the Edge CTS3 if they own a VAG vehicle and their primary need is deep, occasional diagnostics and maintenance resets, not real-time, permanent performance monitoring. It’s a mechanic’s tool for a specific job, whereas the CTS3 is a driver’s tool for constant observation.

2. Autel MaxiAP AP200 OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner

The Autel AP200 represents a completely different approach. It’s a small Bluetooth dongle that plugs into the OBD-II port and pairs with a smartphone app. Its power is in its portability and the comprehensive software that provides full-system diagnostics and numerous service functions, often rivaling professional-grade tools. A user would opt for the Autel AP200 if they prefer using their smartphone as the interface and want a powerful diagnostic tool they can keep in their glove box. It’s not designed for the always-on, at-a-glance monitoring that the dash-mounted Edge CTS3 provides. If your priority is deep diagnostics in a compact, wireless form factor, the Autel is a superb choice. If you want dedicated gauges without tying up your phone, the CTS3 is the clear winner.

3. FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner

The FOXWELL NT301 is a classic, budget-friendly handheld code reader. Its purpose is singular and clear: to tell you why your check engine light is on and to clear the code. It does this job very well, providing live sensor data and emissions readiness status. It is a no-frills, reliable tool for basic DIY diagnostics. A driver would choose the FOXWELL NT301 if their only concern is addressing the check engine light on a budget. It lacks the massive, customizable color display, advanced PID monitoring, performance tests, and expandability of the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge. The NT301 is for solving a problem when it occurs; the CTS3 is for monitoring your vehicle to prevent problems from ever happening.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Worth It?

After extensive hands-on testing, our conclusion is clear: for the serious truck owner, tower, or performance enthusiast, the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge is an absolutely essential piece of equipment. It closes the critical information gap left by factory dashboards, providing a level of insight that empowers you to protect your investment and drive with confidence. The brilliant, responsive, and highly customizable 5-inch display is the best in its class, turning a stream of complex data into easily digestible information. While the price point is higher than a simple handheld scanner, its value as a preventative maintenance tool is immeasurable. The ability to monitor EGTs, transmission temps, and DPF cycles in real-time can easily save you from a multi-thousand-dollar repair bill down the road. While we acknowledge the isolated report of a unit freezing, the overwhelming evidence from our testing and other users points to a reliable and powerful device. If you view your vehicle as more than just an appliance and want the ultimate command center for its health and performance, this is the one to get.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of your vehicle’s performance and gain a true understanding of what’s happening under the hood, we wholeheartedly recommend you check the latest price and explore the full feature set of the Krazy On Highways Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge. It’s the best co-pilot a driver could ask for.