GPS What Do You Recommend

[dirigible25]

I searched the Forum and can't find much on GPS recommendations, so I am wondering what your experiences have been. I have seen posts on Tom Tom, Garmin and Magellan but most of these were from 2007. What is the latest on these and what are the best features of each?

[SlvrParachut]

Originally Posted by dirigible25

I searched the Forum and can't find much on GPS recommendations, so I am wondering what your experiences have been. I have seen posts on Tom Tom, Garmin and Magellan but most of these were from 2007. What is the latest on these and what are the best features of each?

All of those come preloaded with maps/support but when your "year" runs out, you have to download new maps and support for $$$. I have had TomTom and Garmin and felt like I was getting ripped off. Finally got a smartphone and download apps for free or $1-$3 total, even live traffic alerts. Same apps will go on tablets.

If you want GPS locator, get a Spot locator with emergency email option. You can see yourself on maps and so can those folks you want to see your progress.

[dwightdi]

I got a Garmin 450LM recently. Some models come with free lifetime map updates. I had an earlier GPS which ran on my laptop. The new Garmin functions much better and is fairly easy to operate, when standing still. It is not recommended that you make entries while driving. If you have a computer knowledgeable copilot, then you could search for roadside services or attractions while on toute. It still does not pick the optimal route for traveling with a trailer. It is good to locate intown addresses, when you do not have a map. It does not completely eliminate the need for maps.

[SlvrParachut]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

I got a Garmin 450LM recently. Some models come with free lifetime map updates. I had an earlier GPS which ran on my laptop. The new Garmin functions much better and is fairly easy to operate, when standing still. It is not recommended that you make entries while driving. If you have a computer knowledgeable copilot, then you could search for roadside services or attractions while on toute. It still does not pick the optimal route for traveling with a trailer. It is good to locate intown addresses, when you do not have a map. It does not completely eliminate the need for maps.

Good advice, dwightdi, I didn't know they came with lifetime updates now. They must have gotten alot of pushback on those downloads which I recalled were pricey. And you're right, big flaw is lack of route selection options. My map apps on smartphone do allow that. And another good feature of the newer apps is the turn by turn voice directions which I find very helpful for solo navigation. And I too still have my paper maps when all else fails!! :-) Hope all this helps!!

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by dirigible25

I searched the Forum and can't find much on GPS recommendations, so I am wondering what your experiences have been. I have seen posts on Tom Tom, Garmin and Magellan but most of these were from 2007. What is the latest on these and what are the best features of each?

I recommend avoiding Magellan. Their units are good enough, I guess, but their customer service department sucks hard. Their answer to every problem is "Send it to us FedEx, at your own expense, and we'll send you a new one." Except they send you a remanufactured one. And that remanufactured one naturally will not have any of the waypoints you've previously entered, or any of the map updates you've already downloaded, so you've got to do everything all over again.

The problem I had that required customer service was that a particular map and firmware update caused the unit to lock up and become unusable. When I received the replacement unit, I had to do the download again, and it locked up the replacement unit as well. After the second repetition, I finally got so disgusted with them that I smashed mine with a hammer, and went out to buy a Garmin. Never had a problem with Garmin.

[SlvrParachut]

LOL!! I can relate. I like my smartphone. With a backup tablet. Haven't had a problem in 18 months and the apps are free or a couple of dollars. And it's one less piece of equipment to purchase and carry.

[TG Twinkie]

I have a Garmin 2555LMT. It took me a while to figure out most of the amenities. But I come from the last century.
The Garmin uses GOOGLE maps as far as I know. So it is only as accurate as Google.
It has a limited number of options for route selection. Usually to do with the shortest, fastest or most economical route.
If you live in a rural area like we do. It doesn't know exactly where we live. Because Google does not know either. We just pick the closest town to us and it works OK.
I recently programmed it for our 4,000 mile trip to Canada and back. Since it only looks for the options above. I picked the roads for the route we will be taking, by selecting the towns and cities on my preferred route. We try to travel between 300 and 400 miles a day and off of the beaten path, no interstates if we can avoid it.
I would not rely on any GPS totally. And will also carry paper maps. And even printed maps are not 100% accurate. Most state maps do not show all of the roads, especially in the western states.
There was a piece on 60 minutes a while back about a woman using her GPS. She almost died in the desert because the GPS took the shortest route home. It led her across back country roads. Some are no longer in existence because of outdated maps that were used.
You need to have a relatively good idea of where you are going, so something like this won't get you in trouble.
I do find the voice command to be helpful when approaching interchanges and so on.
Was it worth the $$$. I'm not sure yet. We have only travelled about 700 miles so far using the Garmin.
I am somewhat of a gadget freak even though I am a dinosaur. This kind of device fascinates me.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by TG Twinkie

The Garmin uses GOOGLE maps as far as I know. So it is only as accurate as Google.

I do find the voice command bit be helpful when approaching interchanges and so on.

Not sure Garmin uses Google maps. I think they have their own proprietary ones, because I've found differences between Google maps on my tablet computer and the maps on my Garmin.

It is important to download map updates when they're available (usually quarterly for portable models, annually for built-into-the-dashboard ones), but even if your maps are completely up-to-date, your GPS might try to route you the wrong way down a one-way street, or tell you to turn left where there's no left turn, so there's no substitute for paying attention to where you're going.

As a solo traveler, the voice command is indispensible for me, since I don't have anyone riding shotgun to look at a paper map. Fortunately, when I have a better idea where I'm going than does the GPS and I only have it on to remind me of upcoming turns, it doesn't talk back when I ignore it, just recalculates the route like a good little slave and tries again. Don't think I could ever find a real live navigator who would be so accommodating.

[featherbedder]

I have garmin 1350 as my son an over the road truck driver also has this model. the other drivers for the co. that he drives for also have this model, replaced there other brands with this model. Lifetime map updates, less money than other models still has all bells & whistles, other friends I recmd. to also pur. this model all very happy

[polarlyse]

I would NEVER rely 100% on any GPS. I do use one and trust it ( mostly). Several years ago we were traveling with 30' AS in Colorado. We were going to a campground in Lake City and had been there before so we knew the route to travel. While there I was talking with the owner of the CG and he told me that he gets calls all the time from travelers following GPS and coming from the Ouray \ Silverton area inquiring about following their GPS. He directs them to take the LONG way around and to stay on the blacktop. The GPS wants to take them through the mountains on the jeep trails. They are shown as numbered roads and the GPS picks them up. Now this would be a disaster if followed by a unit in tow or a motor home. So the 30 mi GPS shortcut becomes the 150 mi long way around.

Bottom line, they are good and I use my Tom-Tom regularly but I research my route ahead of time and always, always have my paper maps to refer to.

That's my story and I'm stickin to it. See ya on the road sometime.

[mojo]

Check out the Rand McNally GPS designed for RV's. You can set it to avoid dirt roads, tunnels, ferries, U-turns, etc. And it comes loaded with camp grounds and dump stations.

[switz]

I have the new Rand McNally unit that is supposedly RV friendly. The truck has a built in GPS which is a pain at times to use. I also have the Garmin nuvi 3590LM that I take when I travel for rental car use. My motorcycles have Garmin GPS units as well. I use a TomTom in the UK. I prefer the Garmin for it's consistent operating system andn the map planning software on the Mac. The Garmin units have been consistently reliable.

[crispyboy]

About 3 weeks ago I just bought our first GPS since I saw a deal on a refurbished model. It is a Magellan 1700LM. This is a basic GPS, no real bells and whistles but the screen is 4 x 7, it has a wireless camera option and lifetime maps.
I have about $190 into the GPS and wireless Camera.
I'm still getting used to the GPS unit but seems pretty good so far. The battery life isn't much so it must be hooked up to power if in use.
The wireless camera is mediocre at best. There is a small lag time when you put the vehicle in reverse, it is black and white, works best in the bright daylight and it is about worthless after dark. I think one of the problems is that it is mounted on the truck license plate which is directly behind the hitch so the camera seems to be confused on where it should focus and that makes the picture blurry. I will probably upgrade the camera some day and maybe mounting the camera up higher.
Even with all the drawbacks I was still able to hook up to various utility trailers and the Hensley on the Airstream without any help or getting in and out of the truck several times.
A better camera location would help out. I have used a truck that has a factory camera next to the tailgate handle and it was much, much better for seeing the truck and trailer hitch.

[Ahab]

Originally Posted by SlvrParachut

LOL!! I can relate. I like my smartphone. With a backup tablet. Haven't had a problem in 18 months and the apps are free or a couple of dollars. And it's one less piece of equipment to purchase and carry.

Yup,we tossed the Garmin and use an Iphone with Bluetooth and Siri. With voice command no need to look at a screen and you can ask about traffic conditions, best fuel prices, rest stops, local attractions, campgrounds and make reservations, tell people where you are, make phone calls, connect to the internet, and Siri will read aloud your text messages.

[moosetags]

We use a Garmin Nuvi 660 that we have had for over 7 years. We have updated it regularly, having purchased lifetime updates from Garmin several years ago. We have used our Garmin extensively all over the United Stated. It has been spot on with a couple of rare exceptions. What we like about this unit is that we can use an external antenna which allows us to mount the unit low on the dashboard and still get superb reception. With the external antenna, even short tunnels do not interrupt reception.

We have shopped newer Garmins in recent years, but decided to stick with the 660 because the newer unit no longer accommodate the external antenna.

We have been very satisfied with this unit for a very long time. When we bought our 660 in 2005, it cost over $700. It was one of the most expensive units on the market at that time. Now you can find them on Ebay for around $150. I'm thinking about buying a second 660 for our alternate tow vehicle.

Brian

[vswingfield]

I decided on the NAVIGON app for iPhone. Nice interface and included map updates. A little pricey, but included the map updates. I considered it a better deal than the Garmin app with its charges for updates. You know, pay a little more up front, but benefit in the long run.

After a recent app update, when I start NAVIGON I see the splash screen that says "NAVIGON a GARMIN brand". I also now have the option to buy as an in-app purchase "FreshMaps XL North America" for $39.99. So much for the updates that were a part of my decision.

I still like the app, but I am furious with NAVIGON for selling out to Garmin. I haven't dropped the $39.99 for FreshMaps either. (The $39.99 is only for two years)

[dirigible25]

Thanks for all the rapid responses. I have used my iPhone quite a bit, but wasn't sure if the larger screen would be an advantage.

I do like the turn by turn voice announced feature that the iPhone offers, but again was thinking that perhaps there was a better mouse trap. I will probably stick with my iPhone.

[SlvrParachut]

Glad we could help. I also travel solo and like the voice command, but nothing replaces a good review of the route ahead of the adventure which, for me is half the fun! Safe travels.

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

We fulltime and for a couple of years now I have been using the androd app Co-pilot live usa on my tablet and smartphone for all our GPS needs. Co-pilot also has a RV setting I use. I like using my Samsung tablets large screen for the GPS. Nice part is you don't need a data connection with Co-pilot as the maps are download to the device. Don't see a reason to buy another stand alone GPS if you have a tablet or smartphone these days. I use a lot other apps in the day to day use RVing.

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon

[Airstream25]

Originally Posted by dirigible25

Thanks for all the rapid responses. I have used my iPhone quite a bit, but wasn't sure if the larger screen would be an advantage.

I do like the turn by turn voice announced feature that the iPhone offers, but again was thinking that perhaps there was a better mouse trap. I will probably stick with my iPhone.

Smartphones work well for GPS in your home country but not good if you cross a border.