GPS for RVs

as for downloading a 6 gb map file..

I use my local library .. I asked if and when... was told right after they open the doors.... and NOT on weekends..

Free, just bring your laptop and Garmin... mine does it in 45 minutes.
both 2597LMT AND 770LMTHD (Trucker). then added the RV POI for free.

I like the trucker version better than the RV760. and I have the BC-30 back-up camera was well.

mine is good.. maybe 95 percent. better when wife or mother-in-law. :)
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2oldman wrote:
Bait post. Op gone.

Johno02 wrote:
Just remember that the #1 rule for any GPS is not to ever trust what it tells you.

Then there isn't much point in having one.

That doesn't mean that it can't be a useful discussion.

Bait post. Op gone.

Johno02 wrote:
Just remember that the #1 rule for any GPS is not to ever trust what it tells you.

Then there isn't much point in having one.

CA Traveler wrote:

RPreeb wrote:

Aridon wrote:
Never trust a GPS. Plan your route with google maps and verify the roadways with a trucker atlas either in print or online. If there is an accident I'll verify the new route BEFORE taking it and not going to trust some random GPS that hasn't been updated in years with my roof.

This would lead one to ask: Why aren't you updating your GPS maps?

Some answers:

Last time I checked the maps are 2+ years old when downloaded. But regardless never trust them.

And it's one very large file like several GBs. Not a issue with high speed bandwidth which I don't have. Garmin should split it up into multiple files with the ability to start/stop downloads as the USER needs.

And the map delay makes we wonder about how often other data like CGs, stores etc are updated.

I prefer looking up CGs etc on the phone for one simple reason: When they update their database I get the updated information immediately and not later when I download GBs of data.

I have a smart phone, tablet, laptop, and hot rod desktop, as well as my Garmin Nuvi 1490. I use any or all depending on where I am, but most of my planning is done at home on the desktop. That doesn't invalidate the GPS. It just confirms that the data on it is usually spot on. My GPS is not RV specific, but I don't need it to be, since I have other backup systems to use when I go beyond its capabilities.

No GPS is 100% accurate 100% of the time, but that doesn't make it a bad idea to use one. I've been sent up a farmer's driveway before when roaming around eastern Colorado, but if I'd been towing my TT, I'd never have been there, since I don't explore while towing. I wait until I have parked the TT and then do my adventuring in the TV. I haven't yet been anywhere that I couldn't check the Earth view on Google Maps before leaving home. I like to know entry driveway configuration etc., before I get there with the TT.

I sometimes use the GPS to get into the neighborhood, then rely on other reference sources for pinpoint navigation. I also will pin the end of the entrance for a POI on Google Maps, then enter the Lat/Long in the GPS. That eliminates any possibility of error. Consumer GPS receivers use an algorithm to assign standard street addresses, and if the address you are seeking doesn't conform to that standard, then you can be routed anywhere from a a hundred yards to 1/4 mile or more off. Lot numbering systems can be quite different when going from one city to another.

As stated previously, the Garmin RV 660LMT is the current model. Is it perfect? Heck no, but it is the best GPS I have used to date which includes TomTom and the Rand McNally RVND 5510.

Along with the RV configuration of the unit I also like the hands free Voice Activated Navigation and the Active Lane Guidance features of the unit. The screen is much easier to see in bright light compared to the Rand McNally unit I had.

Best advice I can give regardless of which GPS you buy is hook it up to your computer and download the latest maps and updates before you use it for the first time. Also download the complete manual and learn to how use the unit to take advantage of all of its features. The RV 660 comes with lifetime maps and traffic so periodically hookup it up to your computer and update it. And my last piece of advice is never put blind faith in any GPS.

RPreeb wrote:

Aridon wrote:
Never trust a GPS. Plan your route with google maps and verify the roadways with a trucker atlas either in print or online. If there is an accident I'll verify the new route BEFORE taking it and not going to trust some random GPS that hasn't been updated in years with my roof.

This would lead one to ask: Why aren't you updating your GPS maps?

Some answers:

Last time I checked the maps are 2+ years old when downloaded. But regardless never trust them.

And it's one very large file like several GBs. Not a issue with high speed bandwidth which I don't have. Garmin should split it up into multiple files with the ability to start/stop downloads as the USER needs.

And the map delay makes we wonder about how often other data like CGs, stores etc are updated.

I prefer looking up CGs etc on the phone for one simple reason: When they update their database I get the updated information immediately and not later when I download GBs of data.

Aridon wrote:
Never trust a GPS. Plan your route with google maps and verify the roadways with a trucker atlas either in print or online. If there is an accident I'll verify the new route BEFORE taking it and not going to trust some random GPS that hasn't been updated in years with my roof.

This would lead one to ask: Why aren't you updating your GPS maps?

Never trust a GPS. Plan your route with google maps and verify the roadways with a trucker atlas either in print or online. If there is an accident I'll verify the new route BEFORE taking it and not going to trust some random GPS that hasn't been updated in years with my roof.

I think my Garmin RV760LMT works well. I also use my Google map on my phone when I'm getting closer to where I'm going just for verification.

I've never been steered wrong except for one time it made me go one exit past where I thought we were going. I'm guessing it felt I couldn't make a bit of a tight turn with my rig. A few extra minutes added. Of course the next day I was able to see the turn, was dark when we got in, I saw it was a very makeable turn and I did make it easily leaving.

Love the rear camera that came with my RV760 as well.

Also my gps has up to date traffic notices that actually work pretty well.

And it's connected to my phone to let me know about weather issues in the area.

I just use Google Maps on my tablet. BUT, I verify ahead of time what the most straightforward way through a town will be. Google can get creative sometimes, and creative is the last thing I want at 10 pm, hitched to the trailer, looking for the Walmart so I can get a few hours of sleep.