RV GPS

I have two GPS units, a Garmin and a Magellin. The Magellin is nearly 7 years old and has served its purpose and time to retire.
The Garmin is only a couple years old and outdated in many ways. Too costly to update the software.
If I were to get a new one, it would probably a Garmin with free updates. I find myself using my smartphone more and more. It seems to be always up to date and programmable for my needs.

danoren, given what you say is your most important issue then you really have a pretty short list of devices to consider. Your options are: Garmin delz, Rand McNally RVND series, Magellan RoadMate RV, and a new TomTom VIA 1605M RV.

The Garmin, Rand McNally and Magellan all use the same map provider: Navteq. Theoretically there will be no difference in the map. There WILL be though in reality because each vendor will have different timing as to when they buy updates from Navteq and release them to their customers. There are also differences in update frequency. Garmin is quarterly. Magellan is twice a year and Rand McNally is once per year.

TomTom owns their own maps. The main difference with TomTom is that they tend not to have the exact wording of freeway signs. Otherwise, their maps are pretty much on par with Navteq these days.

The Garmin delz is a truck navigator. You can it for an RV to the extent that you can put in the length, width and weight, but you won't find any RV "features" beyond that. You could also get stuck with some truck speed limits that don't apply to RV's in some states.

The Magellan and the Rand McNally are designed for RV's and therefore will have a lot of extra RV related features. They may not be important to you but they are there.

TomTom is new to the RV business, though they've had a unit in Europe for quite a while. Their big advantage is their routing database and it's IQRoute engine. The route selection and the ETA are stellar for the most part. It is unknown in the US how much RV specific data their map database has. They are unproven in that area in the US.

If you want voice recognition the only option is the Garmin.

jeffcarp wrote:
It all depends on what is important to you. The difference between units now days are basically: map provider and map update method, real-time traffic coverage and accuracy, historical traffic data built into the ETA and route selection, freeway sign imagery and lane guidance, trip planning / multiple stops & vias.

What are you looking for in a GPS?

The most important for me is that the GPS has to "understand" that I am traveling with a 5W trailer and not with car,routs have to be chosen accordingly (Low bridges,narrow streets,steep roads ect).
Second a good voice fetcher so I can keep an eye on the road.
Third large and good visibility of the screen .

Thank you.

I have an older Magellan but since I got the Android smartphone I use it exclusively. Gives me perfect directions plus all the other sites for rv parks, etc.

Take a look at the Garmin 2013 series. I have the 2797. 7" screen, voice activated. Lifetime maps and traffic. Lane assist with split screen. Too many options to describe.

It all depends on what is important to you. The difference between units now days are basically: map provider and map update method, real-time traffic coverage and accuracy, historical traffic data built into the ETA and route selection, freeway sign imagery and lane guidance, trip planning / multiple stops & vias.

What are you looking for in a GPS?

I use the Nuvi 465LMT in the Car, I previously used the 465 in the Motorhome. Just wanted a larger screen, went to the Dezl 560LMt.


The screen on the Dezl 560 is satisfactory and large enough for comfortable viewing for me. I like the split screen when approaching ramps on interstates.

DEZL is about as nice as you will find in my opinion (not worth much). Some people will argue that the Rand Mcnally 7720 is better but it all depends on what you like. I would say the DEZL is a more serious device than the Rand. Plus I think the dezl has a much easier user interface.

Few Write ups on the DEZL vs Rand
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f53/garmin-dezl-760-a-few-features-159881.html
http://www.doityourselfrv.com/rv-gps-comparison-review-best-options/

And of course the Posts here on rv.net.

Most smart phones have a good gps. I find I am sing my snart phone more than the gps. I have the low clearance app that works pretty well.