Good GPS?

Jayco-noslide wrote:
Looking to replace my Tom-Tom with a new GPS. I never could figure out how to get the free map updates so I want one where that feature is easy and obvious. Large screen not a priority. I suspect my bargain TomTom was outdated the day I got it and could never update. I don't want to pay too much over $100. I've used my smart phone but it just doesn't seem to be a replacement for the GPS that you fasten to the windshield. Suggestions?

if you like the GPS on your phone in terms of how well it works why not get a windshield mount for it? they are a lot less expensive than a new GPS. the google maps app will give you turn by turn directions. when i use that i wear a bluetooth headet to better hear the instructions.

beyond that, Co-Pilot and Rand McNally make RV specific GPS units. just be aware that the Good Sam version of the Rand McNally unit may charge an annual fee. read the fine print carefully.

Try the Garmin RV760LMT.

rk911 wrote:

if you like the GPS on your phone in terms of how well it works why not get a windshield mount for it? they are a lot less expensive than a new GPS. the google maps app will give you turn by turn directions. when i use that i wear a bluetooth headet to better hear the instructions.

Google is excellent for this, it shows live construction and congestion data as well.

However... The caveats to using the phone is that if you are on a limited data plan you need to keep track of your data. It doesn't use a lot, but it does eat some. The other issue is actually having towers on your route. Try using it on some roads out west. Not always available.

Jayco-noslide wrote:
I've used my smart phone but it just doesn't seem to be a replacement for the GPS that you fasten to the windshield.

Why not ?
I actually find Google Navigation to be better that any of the 4 brands of GPS that I have.

EXCEPT when I also need to use the phone OR when it must run for a long time on the internal phone battery OR if you want to set multiple way-points. I think that way-point thing is being fixed though.

Of all the other actual GPS units I've had, a mid-priced Garmin is hard to beat. Might not make $100 but $150 for sure. That is for a car model. Truck/RV specific features will be more.

sch911 wrote:
Try the Garmin RV760LMT.

X2.

Rob

For around $100 you won't get the 760. Garmin has several around that number, but don't expect updating to be simple.

For previous posts on this popular subject try searching this Forum for `gps' then search the results for the manufacturer of interest.
We had to buy a replacement gps when our old one did not have enough memory to handle the map files. We also have the Garmin dezl 760LMT.

pyoung47 wrote:
For around $100 you won't get the 760. Garmin has several around that number, but don't expect updating to be simple.

Agree that the 760 looks nice but it greatly exceeds his stated budget.

I'm pretty sure that there is only ONE update program for all of Garmin's most common units and it is simple and user friendly.
It certainly works easy enough on both of mine.

Dick_B wrote:

We had to buy a replacement gps when our old one did not have enough memory to handle the map files.

Got around that problem on one of my old Garmins with the addition of a memory card. Now it has to be cleared out before each new map is loaded.

We have a Garmin Diezl but often use one of our smartphones if it is just around town. We often lose the GPS signal with the phones, often just before a critical turn. This has never happened with the Garmin. Don't know why that is.