Modern GPS recommendation January 25, 2019, 09:50:13 pm Our Garmin Nuvi 360 seems adequate for now, but seems like there have been kuddos posted for more modern units that are attuned more to RV's - something in what I recall was a 700 series???Recommendations??? Virtual hugs, Judie
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #1 – January 25, 2019, 10:19:25 pm I have the 760 LMT. Large screen and can update wirelessly.
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #2 – January 26, 2019, 12:03:11 am I have the 760 and am reasonably pleased with it. My interactions with all the garmins I've had leads me to take 'her' suggestions with a grain of salt. I have the 760 programmed with 2 profiles, one for the LD and one for the tow'd. Routes differ depending on which profile is used. The RV database is more limited than the car. The RV side does not know about the route to Bodega Bay that I've used for over 40 years, and kvetches for about 3-5 miles before recalculating onto the correct route. It is bigger and easier to see with the aging eyes.It comes with lifetime map updates which does add to the value over my old garmin.As ever, YMMVJoelPS, thanks for the dinner suggestions.
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #3 – January 26, 2019, 12:21:47 am I use Apple Maps on my iPhone*. Not perfect, but overall better than my old Garmin. New Garmins...? I dunno. But at least with this I don't have to periodically download a couple gigs of updates. It's always up to date. :-)Drawback: no self-contained multi-gigabyte map/POI database, so it needs an internet connection, which means a cell phone signal. But that hasn't been much of a problem since I started doing it this way two years ago. (Which was when I got a Ford pickup that has Apple CarPlay, so the phone's maps go on the 8" center console touchscreen and I can give it instructions by pressing a button on the steering wheel.)Apple Maps got a deservedly bad rep in the beginning, but that was six years ago. Now it works as well for me as Google Maps. Of course, I could do much the same with the Google Maps app on my phone if I wanted to.And I know this doesn't answer the question of which Garmin to buy. Except by saying "Maybe you should try your phone instead." :-) 1 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #4 – January 26, 2019, 08:04:57 am For a while new cars offered map features built in but since everyone has that on their phone now it's kind of becoming obselete and many new cars don't offer them as standard features anymore. They are going the way of the ash tray in cars. I use Velcro on the back of my phone and stick it to another piece on the dashboard. Works fine.
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #5 – January 26, 2019, 08:09:25 am Quote from: Andy Baird - January 26, 2019, 12:21:47 amI use Apple Maps on my iPhone*. Not perfect, but overall better than my old Garmin. New Garmins...? I dunno. But at least with this I don't have to periodically download a couple gigs of updates. It's always up to date. :-)Drawback: no self-contained multi-gigabyte map/POI database, so it needs an internet connection, which means a cell phone signal. But that hasn't been much of a problem since I started doing it this way two years ago. (Which was when I got a Ford pickup that has Apple CarPlay, so the phone's maps go on the 8" center console touchscreen and I can give it instructions by pressing a button on the steering wheel.)Apple Maps got a deservedly bad rep in the beginning, but that was six years ago. Now it works as well for me as Google Maps. Of course, I could do much the same with the Google Maps app on my phone if I wanted to.And I know this doesn't answer the question of which Garmin to buy. Except by saying "Maybe you should try your phone instead." :-)Andy, does Apple maps show traffic slowdowns like Google maps?
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #6 – January 26, 2019, 09:15:59 am "Apple Maps got a deservedly bad rep in the beginning, but that was six years ago. Now it works as well for me as Google Maps. Of course, I could do much the same with the Google Maps app on my phone if I wanted to."----Just my take, but, for me, Apple maps are far less useful than Google maps; the latter offer much more detail and are easier to navigate. My issue is that my old iPhone 6 doesn't offer enough screen space to see what I'm looking for, so I usually use the iPad. I don't have, and never have had, a GPS. (I did look at the larger screen XR, but many reports of poor cell signal reception in marginal areas kept me from making the switch.)
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #7 – January 26, 2019, 10:11:17 am In big cities with complex multi laned interchanges the Garmin type systems are superior both in screen size and detailed directions displayed on screen but when I go on vacation I tend to take the scenic routes and avoid these type places anyway. Years ago when I drove OTR for a short while I would have killed for even the phone version and I'm sure it's greatly reduced the stress level on truck drivers today. More than once I ended up in the wrong lane and got bumped off the interstate into some downtown area where no semi truck belongs and escape from can be extremely difficult and time consuming. I could write a chapter on the time that happened in KC and I came to a stop at a low bridge. Cops had to divert traffic in order for me to back up two city blocks and make a turn where I could eventually get back to the interstate with a police escort. I was an inexperienced driver with marginal backing skills on a narrow one way street with cars parked on both sides and gathering crowds of onlookers cheering and or jeering me along my backwards journey so it was not a fun afternoon! Fun to look back on though. I'm sure the cops involved also remember that day. Nice bunch of guys really and very understanding not to mention patient.
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #8 – January 26, 2019, 10:46:52 am I have the Garmin RV 770 LMT and would say, like Joel, I'm "reasonably pleased" with it. The route suggestions are, both in RV and Car mode, sometimes ridiculous. In my experience it is necessary to first create a route on a computer in Google Maps and then recreate it by setting step-by-step waypoints on the Garmin device. Before this became clear to me I was often very frustrated with the device. Now I still think that it sucks but I at least know my way around. On the upside, when I was - alone in the rig - driving from north to south through the LA area I probably would have had several nervous breakdowns without the device. The device gives most of the time clear and correct information about which lane to use, both spoken and with pictures of the junctions being displayed in the right third of the screen. Having a 7" touch screen is a great help, too.What I still want to do is getting a good holder for my iPad, best being placed somewhere to my right, so that I can also look at a bigger map when I have the feeling that something is odd with the Garmin's instructions. Especially given the fact that I am driving alone this would be in my opinion a good thing. If anybody has suggestions for such a holder, please let me know.I have not tried the traffic function yet. It does not work independently on the 770 but needs an app on an iPhone or Android phone and then to have phone and GPS device connected with Bluetooth (which means this function needs cellular data on the phone).Klaus
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #9 – January 26, 2019, 01:05:24 pm When I worked for a living I had the pleasure of testing many different gps systems. I've used em all over the world. Frankly they all have small problems unique to themselves. What one was good at the other one had major issues with. Today we use the Garmin RV 760LMT. We like the 'large' screen. It has in the past created some interesting paths for us but LB has taken to double checking with Google Maps and those paper things that I can't remember the name of. 1 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #10 – February 01, 2019, 01:42:38 am On our current trip, I'm experimenting with a Galaxy Tab A - and it's been great! The huge screen has been wonderful for these aging eyes. I mount it in one of the doghouse cup holders using one of these.I've used it in both online and offline modes. Online, Google Maps works great if you tether it to your smartphone via wifi. Offline, Google Maps will still work - but you'll need to download maps along your route before starting your trip.However, I'm finding I like it best in offline mode using Osmand+. The maps are top notch, and given you can easily load your own collections of waypoints to be included on the maps - that makes it very useful when using any of the RV specific data sets. For example, I've got the UCG Points of Interest loaded as well as all the camping locations from boondocking.org (see download link at bottom of that page.) Takes a bit of tweaking to get things just how you like it, but I've found the end result is better than any other navigation device I've tried.Lastly - the combination of the Galaxy Tab A and Osmand+ is cheaper than most of the decent Garmins. And, at the risk of stating the obvious...an Android tablet has far more functionality than just navigation. As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #11 – February 01, 2019, 02:35:34 pm (Edited) found the answers to my Qs— Jon
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #12 – February 01, 2019, 04:04:50 pm Today, my iPhone is used for all local navigating. Out in the boonies, where there is weak or no cell service, a GPS with a built in database is needed. There are different way so of doing this, we use a dash top Garmin, in the LD.No matter how hard we try, on long trips, we always have to drive through unfamiliar metro areas.One very big benefit of a Garmin dash top GPS is the Lane Assist feature, that shows what lane to be in, when transitioning to another freeway or continuing straight. When encountering freeway interchanges, knowing what lane to be in is worth the cost of the device, especially when pulling a toad.The IOS version of Garmin's GPS, doesn't have this feature, still, it's a handy feature when there is no cell service.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #13 – November 01, 2020, 01:39:21 pm I know that navigation systems have been discussed here numerous times but as usual, my search skills are lacking. Anyway, with constant technological improvements, it might be time to start a new thread. Looking for recommendations for a portable system for RV use.
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #14 – November 01, 2020, 02:37:14 pm Quote from: HiLola - November 01, 2020, 01:39:21 pmI know that navigation systems have been discussed here numerous times but as usual, my search skills are lacking. Anyway, with constant technological improvements, it might be time to start a new thread. Looking for recommendations for a portable system for RV use. Here's a thread from last year. Let's piggy back on it. Modern GPS recommendationChris 2 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #15 – November 01, 2020, 05:46:09 pm Greg, I second what Larry said. My Garmin 7" model has this fearure and it is helpful and reliable. I love that I am able to load Ted H's Ultimate Campground data base into my unit. A few steps up from my fairly basic model, and Garmin has a unit that you can configure for the height and weight of your RV, and it will avoid weight limited or low bridges as part of its route selection. One downside of my model is that to update the maps, I need to connect it to my computer. Better models are WiFi capable, allowing them to be updated at a WiFi hotspot like McDonalds without chewing into one's monthly usage allocation.Ken F in NM 1 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #16 – November 01, 2020, 05:46:51 pm Greg, I replied at the link Chris posted above.Ken F in NM 1 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #17 – November 01, 2020, 06:11:55 pm Thanks, Ken!Chris, feel free to delete this thread if you want. We’ll use the older one and I’ll bookmark it.
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #18 – November 01, 2020, 06:52:39 pm Two current, virtually identical, topics merged 1 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #19 – November 02, 2020, 09:28:30 am iPads (usually mini) are used in Aviation routinely. Designed to work seamlessly with the worldwide GPS systems now deployed.The link below displays only a few of the hundreds available if you wish to use your iPad in your LD. Amazon.com : ipad mountCheers!Tony R (aka codefour) As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #20 – November 02, 2020, 10:13:11 am For the past 2 or 3 years we've used an iPad Mini running the CoPilot RV app. This allows for configuring the coach dimensions and weight, which is important for routing with larger rigs. The iPad can be used for other purposes in camp, and usually is running Pandora in the background with Blue Tooth to our radio when driving. It has a complete map database installed and doesn't need a cell signal to navigate (and we find that we do drive through poor or no signal areas often enough). You can configure multi point routes to take your desired roads. I do verify with Google Sat View and Street View roads that I'm not familiar with before routing. You do have to have a cellular version of the iPad to get the GPS capability. We use Ram Mounts for the devices on our dash.Art 5 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #21 – November 02, 2020, 11:36:50 am I run WAZE on my rev's radio (I upgraded to one with apple car play) but also use the Garmin RV760. WAZE has sometimes led me astray or onto roads that I am not so comfortable with. Like into small roads in towns or with roads low clearance. The Garmin is easy to update.
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #22 – January 11, 2021, 01:45:30 pm 7 Best RV GPS For 2021 - Camper ReportFor those of you in the market for a new GPSChris 2 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #23 – January 11, 2021, 02:28:00 pm Chris, that is an interesting article. One thing struck me, however, and it is something that Andy and I have been back and forth on, and ultimately decided to amicably disagree about. The article seems to recommend an app-based GPS, RV Life. While I did not see a direct statement in this regard, the app description certainly leads me to conclude that the operation depends on having a viable phone connection. This is where Andy and I had differences. He found that the loss of phone signal was rare enough that it was not a concern. I found myself traveling back roads in Nevada, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming for hours with no phone service. I use a Garmin stand-alone, so loss of phone service never leaves me at a loss in terms of GPS availability.I do agree with the article when it suggests that stand-alone GPS devices will fade out as they are replaced by smart phones with GPS apps. I think that is the way of the future, so I plan to take very good care of my stand-alone GPS.Ken F in NM 2 Likes
Re: Modern GPS recommendation Reply #24 – January 11, 2021, 02:50:00 pm Quote from: Chris Horst - January 11, 2021, 01:45:30 pm7 Best RV GPS For 2021 - Camper ReportFor those of you in the market for a new GPSVery timely, Chris, as I am starting to seriously look at a navigation system. Thanks!
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