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Topic: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It? (Read 469 times) previous topic - next topic
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Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
I see Rand McNally offers a special android tablet for RV navigation that runs $500 versus the $1200 for the Pioneer In Dash Nav system that Lazy Daze offers to install as an option.

Award-Winning Navigation Customized for your RV
OverDryve™ 7 RV uses Rand McNally's robust navigation to take you where you need to go. Get RV-specific routing and updates based on the class, height, and weight of your vehicle. With features like Advanced Lane Guidance, Exits Ahead Quick View, and Junction View, drivers are able to prepare for the road ahead, whether approaching a turn, heading through a complicated intersection, merging through complex interchanges, or searching for the nearest amenities. Rand McNally's comprehensive navigation includes Lifetime Maps and a digital Road Atlas."

https://www.randmcnally.com/product/overdryve-7-rv

So wondering what  experiences have been like with the Pioneer Nav system? Or if anyone has experience with the Rand McNally tablet?
2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #1 –
LD doesn't specify the model of the Pioneer in-dash navigation system that it installs as an option (at least, there's no information on either the options list or the spec sheet), but, as with other "electronics" and solar components, what the factory installs may not be the best or most "advanced" choices. By the time you're ready to actually place your order, there are very likely to be even more choices of state-of-the-art systems, and you may regret locking yourself into what may be an inferior product choice. (Ditto solar and associated components.)

Crutchfield has a good reputation for knowledgeable customer service; you might want to check what they offer currently and talk to one of their specialists about possible future choices.

in dash navigation systems at Crutchfield
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #2 –
When I was planning my purchase 11 years ago, I considered in-dash navigation.  Ultimately I went with a stand-alone Garmin.  I do not regret the decision.  Over the years, the GPS world has been changing fast.  I can update my map set myself, as often as I want, the unit can be placed where it works best for me, I can load in Point Of Interest (POI) files as much as I want, including Ted H's data set of something like 30,000 public campgrounds, and if I have more than one vehicle, I could move my GPS from RV to TOAD with no problems.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Kenneth Fears  - 
Ultimately I went with a stand-alone Garmin.  I do not regret the decision.
I agree and would recommend the Garmin RV 770 which costs only $300 (with traffic receiver and lifetime map updates). There is a newer model, the RV 780, for $400; however, there seem to be almost no technical differences between these models. With this stand-alone navigation device it is also possible to plan routes with Garmin's BaseCamp application on a computer (with a large screen!) and then transfer them to the device - that is something that I like very much as I'm not always happy with Garmin's route suggestions, and in BaseCamp I see the whole route at once and it is easy to tweak a route to my likings.

Quote from: Kenneth Fears
I can load in Point Of Interest (POI) files as much as I want, including Ted H's data set of something like 30,000 public campgrounds.

Who is Ted H and where can I get his POI list?

Klaus
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #4 –
I've never really liked the radios with built-in GPS Nav systems that we've had in various cars and our current Tiffin.  Keeping them current is usually a pain and more expensive than it seems it should cost.  I'd highly recommend an RV specific standalone GPS from one of the major companies like Garmin.  For the past year or so we've used the CoPilot RV app on an iPad Mini.  It is not perfect, but works for us and has other uses when not driving.  I also use  Google Maps satellite view and street views quite a lot when researching possible routes.  Barbara will sometimes bring up Waze on her iPhone if we think there are traffic issues ahead.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #5 –
I will be skipping the in dash navi system. Better to go with a stand-alone system, IMO.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Klaus  - 
I agree and would recommend the Garmin RV 770 which costs only $300 (with traffic receiver and lifetime map updates). There is a newer model, the RV 780, for $400; however, there seem to be almost no technical differences between these models. With this stand-alone navigation device it is also possible to plan routes with Garmin's BaseCamp application on a computer (with a large screen!) and then transfer them to the device - that is something that I like very much as I'm not always happy with Garmin's route suggestions, and in BaseCamp I see the whole route at once and it is easy to tweak a route to my likings.

Who is Ted H and where can I get his POI list?

Klaus

US AND CANADA CAMPGROUNDS - FORMAL AND DISPERSED PUBLIC CAMPING LOCATIONS - Home

Ted is a long-time member who has developed THE app for campgrounds.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
 
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Kit  - 
App looks great - checked out a couple of the sites nearest our house (ones we know well) on his map and descriptions were quite accurate.

The military app is free. There is a small charge for the other ones.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
US AND CANADA CAMPGROUNDS - FORMAL AND DISPERSED PUBLIC CAMPING LOCATIONS - Home

Ted is a long-time member who has developed THE app for campgrounds.

Chris

That's where I got the POI's for my Garmin Dezl 780 (trucker gps). I had to do a dance to get them loaded on the Garmin but they are working well.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #10 –
To load Ted's info on a Garmin, first register on his site.  It is a nominal fee.  Then, download the POI list for Garmin and save it to a destination where it can stay.  I use a folder titled "POI Files" where I keep it and other POI files.  Go to the Garmin web site,  download and install the POI Loader program on the computer.  Connect the Garmin GPS to the computer and run the POI Loader program, following the instructions on screen to complete the installation.

My POI files include Ted's data of public campgrounds, Allstays campgrounds, propane fill locations, dump station locations, and a number of scenic drives. 

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #11 –
I bought a Garmin years ago, on special with lifetime map updates and traffic mapping.  While not the latest technology it serves the purpose and is portable.  Were I buying now, I might consider the Rand McNally as the maps include annotations relevant to those driving large vehicles.   TechnoRV has a decent write-up and occasionally offers a discount on the RM unit.

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #12 –
Put me in the camp of skipping the in dash navigation systems:
  •  With the advent of Apple Car Play and Android's similar system you can put several mapping packages from your phone on the radio's screen for nothing.  
  • My experience with an in dash system in a car was that it was difficult to keep maps up to date 
  • My experience with the car was once the factory no longer supported that system, system updates were no longer available
I have a Garmin RV760 that is getting a little older now.  I just bring it into the house and update the maps.  I tend to run both the phone app (WAZE) on the radio screen and the Garmin on the windshield as I get better traffic updates from WAZE.  Also in and near cities the maps tend to be better.  The Garmin is really good at showing obstacles like low bridges and routs you might not want to take a RV on due to restriction about propane and the like.  
Also the Garmin will work when there is no phone signal (but an in dash GPS would also work)
John 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #13 –
Question for those using their phones for navigation. What method are you using to mount the phone? I am leaning towards one that sits in a cup holder. The vent mounts would seem to be an issue since it would block most of the vent and I'm not crazy windshield mount.

Jim
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #14 –
"I am leaning towards one that sits in a cup holder. "

I got this accessory to go with our new Garmin 770, and it works fine.  I guess it would depend on where the cup holders are located in any given vehicle.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #15 –
Jim, I made a slug of wood that tightly fit in and filled one of the cup holder holes on top of my doghouse.  I then drilled into a standard mount and screwed it into the wood.  It works well, but I do occasionally bump the GPS with my right knee.  I note that my GPS has a 7" screen.  The large screen allows me to get info from the GPS "at a glance", while a 5" screen would take my attention longer to process what is on the screen.  As the screen is down and to the right, that was an important consideration for me.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #17 –
I would rather use a vent holder than a cup holder. I’ve got to have a place to put my coffee!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Judie Ashford  - 
"I am leaning towards one that sits in a cup holder. "

I got this accessory to go with our new Garmin 770, and it works fine.  I guess it would depend on where the cup holders are located in any given vehicle.

 Virtual hugs,

 Judie


Judie, I'm not seeing a link. I plan on using it in our 2014 CRV which has two cup holders in the center console.

Jim
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #20 –
Quote from: Kenneth Fears  - 
Jim, I made a slug of wood that tightly fit in and filled one of the cup holder holes on top of my doghouse.  I then drilled into a standard mount and screwed it into the wood.  It works well, but I do occasionally bump the GPS with my right knee.  I note that my GPS has a 7" screen.  The large screen allows me to get info from the GPS "at a glance", while a 5" screen would take my attention longer to process what is on the screen.  As the screen is down and to the right, that was an important consideration for me.

Ken F in WY



This is for the phone so that shouldn't be an issue. We use a bean bag mount for the Garmin. I'm tired of the Garmin's tendency to freeze and frequent inaccuracy compared to google maps on my phone. We have lifetime map updates on the Garmin and I keep it current but it just isn't as accurate as google maps.

Since we are no longer full-timing I'm looking at alternatives for the Honda. Our Garmin is a Nuvi 2539 which we like with the exception of the issues I described which have been a consistent problem with Garmins over all the models we've owned.

Jim
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #21 –

"Judie, I'm not seeing a link. I plan on using it in our 2014 CRV which has two cup holders in the center console."

Oh, sorry, Jim!  I was just speaking generically.  I got ours from Amazon, i.e.

Amazon.com: GPS Car Mount Cup Holder with Adjustable Arm for Garmin -...

but I'm remembering a smaller price tag - about half that.  Not sure I would have sprung two ten spots for it.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #23 –
We are in the "no onboard navigation system" camp.   Experience.   We have used Tom Tom for about  20 years and find it as accurate as others.    Never completely trust a GPS; keep a map handy.    We have been misdirected once and once was enough.   We also quickly learned that with the onboard navigation (in our cars) the route can't be changed if the car is moving.  This is probably some safety issue built in, but as navigator I can't change the GPS, either.    I can change the Tom Tom as we're moving and have done so many times.   We made a wrong turn in Calgary, quickly realized our error and got correcting instructions immediately.    And, with Tom Tom (I'd guess with others) the "lifetime" is about 5 years.   Apparently, we're not supposed to hang onto our faithful tech toys/tools for any longer than 5 years.   
Juli W
Juli W.
Former owner 1994 mid bath,  2006 26.5'rear bath
Re: Pioneer In Dash Nav system - Is This Option Worth It?
Reply #24 –

I have used this in the cars and in the LD before I changed the radio. It locks in the CD slot.  That would be an issue if you used CDs but I don’t, but us a jack for Pandora and XM for music or my wife’s thirty gazillion songs on her iPhone.  This device works very well even on rough roads.  It will hold an iPhone max.

Amazon.com: Mountek GRIP Universal CD Slot Mount for Cell Phones and GPS...

Sorry now that I’m home I see it is no longer available.  Try. Amazon.com: Mpow 051 Car Phone Mount, CD Slot Car Phone Holder, Car Mount...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath