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Lumatic · 07-19-2015, 06:10 PM

What aftermarket GPS do you recommend?

rodsterinfl · 07-19-2015, 06:14 PM

I am a Garmin fan. They make both regular and RV types. I have not checked for some years but about 5-6 years ago, they had the best rating for mapping in the U.S. in an interesting review that rated the mapping of the different brands. Some did better overseas, etc.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 07-19-2015, 06:47 PM

Hi, I have used my Garmin for several years and like the way it works. For my new truck, I bought a Garmin "RV" GPS and it is just fantastic.

Lumatic · 07-19-2015, 08:46 PM

Are there GPS apps for an I-tablet or a smart phone which can be used for route planning?

AStreamNerds · 07-19-2015, 08:58 PM

I am also a Garmin fan - I have one in each of our three cars. My TV has built in navigation and I still installed a Garmin. For the price of one update I got a great GPS with lifetime maps and traffic.

TinShack · 07-19-2015, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumatic

Are there GPS apps for an I-tablet or a smart phone which can be used for route planning?

The problem with Tablet or smart phone apps is most of them require an internet connection to work. If you travel to remote places like I do, they won't work without service. The entire map file would need to reside on your phone/tablet in order to work, and those files are huge.

I also use the Garmin RV GPS and it works well.

TG Twinkie · 07-19-2015, 10:11 PM

I use my Garmin to find Dairy Queen. That is about all it is good for.
Using it is like hiring a New York taxi driver. Most of the time it takes you to many out of the way places to get to the destination you desire.
I have actually named the Garmin. " NAILS" because it is like that useless secretary in the office. Always doing her nails.
I ran a comparison between "NAILS" and "GOOGIE" the name I gave mapping app on the Verizon Tablet. Find GOOGIE to be more accurate and better at alerting you when a change in course is coming up. GOOGIE not only gives you ample warning, she also gives route numbers as well as street names where applicable.
Granted GOOGIE only works where you have cell phone service.
I won't use the Garmin unless I have a road map to verify the route. Kind of redundant in my opinion.

Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums

SchuHouse · 07-20-2015, 03:14 AM

For RV I give a huge thumbs up to the Rand McNally,
We tried the Garmin RV and sent it back after two misdirections AND freezing up on an interstate exit.
After a year with the Rand it has been almost flawless ( no GPS is perfect on selecting best route.)
Added bonus I had voyager wireless camera installed on rear of AS and connects with Rand perfectly, it is great for changing lanes or backing up.

slowmover · 07-20-2015, 04:08 AM

I use the seven inch GARMIN in the big truck. I keep the map dialed out to the 30-mile scale. The other features all add to the advantage of using one. While there is no substitute for published maps, there is also nothing quite comparable to a GPS unit as chief aide.

Doc Foster · 07-20-2015, 05:38 AM

I use Garmin.
My company provides us with a Garmin nuvi that I use daily when travelling all over D.C, MD and VA
I have a Garmin in my TV and my wife has a Garmin in her CRV.
I just purchased a hand held Garmin for hiking and used it for my hiking trips in UT and NV last month.
All have worked flawlessly.

lsbrodsky · 07-20-2015, 06:18 AM

Garmin! Over many years I have used many brands on boats, hiking, and in cars. Garmin is the most intuitive, lifetime updates, easy planning on and transfer from your PC. I have the RV760 in my TV and use the BC20 backup camera on the back of the trailer.

Larry

Wingeezer · 07-20-2015, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I have used my Garmin for several years and like the way it works. For my new truck, I bought a Garmin "RV" GPS and it is just fantastic.

I use Garmin GPS units and have wondered about switching to the RV model. What are the main features that you find make it so good?

Does it help ensure that roads selected are best suited to an RV?

Is the RV park database as good as using a Trailer Life or Woodalls guide?

Do you have/use the backup camera with it?

Do you not find the larger unit to be too large sitting on top of the dash in the truck?

Appreciate any comments you might have!

Brian.

RonH · 07-20-2015, 06:54 AM

We use TomTom with lifetime updates and really like it. Friends use Garmin and really like it. I guess they all work pretty well and it boils down to personal preference.

We learned early on that GPS and maps are meant to be used together. And there are some areas where no GPS works well. We found such an area in the Rio Grande valley. Default to maps and all is well!!

lsbrodsky · 07-20-2015, 06:57 AM

I am not sure the RV road restriction is a good thing. It would not route me on the Blue Ridge Parkway until I changed the mode to "Car". But, it does warn me about uncertain RV compatibility for roads.

I cannot prove this but I do not think the database is as complete as Woodalls. I know it is not as complete as Allstays. I have had to add waypoints for some campgrounds I have used. But that is the value of its PC planning and transfer capability.

I have the backup camera mostly to see who is behind me. It is not HD but it is adequate to see cars behind me. While I can use it for backing up, the distances are not intuitive. I would rather get out and look.

I love the large size on the dash. It is not in the way for vision and I hate small screen GPS displays because I do not want to take my eye off the road in front of me very long.

All in, I am very happy with it and Garmin in general.

Larry

Msmoto · 07-20-2015, 07:08 AM

I have a Garmin Dezl, I think a 550 or at least an earlier version. Also have the OBD II connection for all the engine data while towing. So use this for engine data and one of the latest Garmin thin GPS for navigation.

A problem in setting an RV in the Dezl is that it tends to route in a way that the trip is longer . And is constantly stating it has no information regarding a road.

However, the engine data, fuel mileage, trip info is very useful. As I tow up to 700 miles in a day (14 hours) I like lots of things to keep me awake. And looking at mass air flow, other engine data can help to drive more efficiently or so I think....LOL

Ms Tommie Lauer
Greensboro, NC
2015 Serenity 30 RB / 2008 Dodge Cummins 4 X 4
WBCCI #4165 AIR #31871

Lumatic · 07-20-2015, 01:18 PM

Any other manufacturer besides Garmin make a back up camera? Can I put the camera in the back of my trailer. Are the backup cameras wireless.

lsbrodsky · 07-20-2015, 01:23 PM

Only the Garmin camera works with the Garmin. Mine is mounted to the rear license plate of the trailer. The camera needs a power supply but transmits wireless to the GPS display.
Larry

Lumatic · 07-20-2015, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

Only the Garmin camera works with the Garmin. Mine is mounted to the rear license plate of the trailer. The camera needs a power supply but transmits wireless to the GPS display.
Larry

I guess I was not clear. I was asking was does any other GPS manufacturer besides Garmin make a GPS system with a back up camera?

Gsmblue · 07-20-2015, 01:39 PM

If you want to use your existing "smarty device" like I do, then get the Garmin Navigon app. it is not cheap, but you can load the maps onto your device and not worry about signal...

| NAVIGON - a Garmin company.

works well for me.