Portable RV GPS.....Recommendations?

Happy with my phone and Google maps. Accepts voice commands ('hey Google, is there a cracker barrel along my route?') and re-routes me based on real time traffic conditions.

I can see this being an issue for those without a cell phone though.

I have always used Garmin since the E-map. I purchased a Garmin NUVI 2589LMT a few years ago.

The "lifetime maps" offer is a joke. It lasted abut a year. The update program recommended getting a micro-memory chip for more space. I never saw another map update after wasting money on the chip.

The latest problem was a update to version 8.80 for Garmin Express installed on 11/23/18. Now the program fails to "backup" saved memory on the GPS. Hopefully; there will be a new update and "fix".

I can live with that for the time being along with the map program choosing obvious bad routes, and roads being worked on. Blame there might be states, counties, etc. not sending date to map makers.

Right now the unit works best on our E-bikes which don't require that kind of updating.

Dollar for dollar, the best buy in a GPS is your phone and Google Maps or Waze or a combination of both. There simply is not enough RV specific information that will be used in your RV GPS to justify the high costs verses these free options.

whjco wrote:

prichardson wrote:
Question for those with current Garmins. How is the audio volume? I have an older model and the voice is weak on the unit, but it has the ability to connect to the vehicle stereo system which solves that problem. From what I have been able to determine the newer units do not have that ability.

I rarely put my volume over 60% It has plenty of volume.

X1, increase the volume when I get close to my destination which requires a series of turns, off ramps, lane changes. Make sure you keep the Garmin plugged in or the controls tend not to work correctly i.e. brightness of screen. The Deznel truck Garmin is the best I have used and is my 3rd. Garmin.

prichardson wrote:
Question for those with current Garmins. How is the audio volume? I have an older model and the voice is weak on the unit, but it has the ability to connect to the vehicle stereo system which solves that problem. From what I have been able to determine the newer units do not have that ability.

I rarely put my volume over 60% It has plenty of volume.

Question for those with current Garmins. How is the audio volume? I have an older model and the voice is weak on the unit, but it has the ability to connect to the vehicle stereo system which solves that problem. From what I have been able to determine the newer units do not have that ability.

wildtoad wrote:
Garmin 770. Lifetime maps, updateable over WiFi ( no computer required ), large screen.

x2. I'll add that you can download Garmin Basecamp for free from Garmin's web site. Once installed on your computer, you can use Basecamp to test and develop routes and then upload them directly into your Garmin.

Bill J.,
Lexington, KY

Howdy!

I quit buying stand alone gps’s years ago. We fulltime and use Co-Pilot RV app for our gps. I use it on my phone and tablet. You get a lot more use out of a phone or tablet than a stand alone gps.

Co-Pilot RV GPS app

“Happy Trails”
Chiefneon

We have Rand McNally Good Sam. From Yellowstone to D.C. and several points in between it works for us.

wildtoad wrote:
Garmin 770. Lifetime maps, updateable over WiFi ( no computer required ), large screen.

XXXXX! can't beat this Garmin. Voice command allows you to make changes while you are driving with just with your voice. i.e different locations, nearest shopping stores, fuel stations, voice volume, brightness of screen and many more functions. Get life time upgrades.