New GPS needed

I'm very happy with my Garmin. With a cell phone GPS app, you need to purchase a program that loads the map database onto the phone so that you'll have navigation in areas where there is no cell phone coverage. Second, you can download Basecamp from Garmin's web site, do your route and stop planning in Basecamp and then upload your trip into your Garmin and have it navigate you. Finally, you can get a Garmin that's designed for RVs.

We have two Garmins, a 5" - Model 2555 with LMT and a 65 - 6" with LM. There are a few mistakes in the maps but the only time we were led down a dead end street was due to the address supplied by AAA Tour Book.

We each have slightly different settings and get usually small variations in the routes.

We also use a Garmin 35 Dashcam. Best dashcam we've had. Thinking of a rear view camera with DVR for the towed. Both of the accidents in the last few years we were rear ended. Last one a couple months ago resulted in over $15,000 in repairs to the DW's 2017 Explorer Limited. It was on record at the time.

Don't get a Rand MacNally GPS, they are junk.

Don't really understand the animosity toward cell phone apps. We have Car Play compatible units in 5 vehicles. We can plan a route on the phone, plug it in and call it up on the 7 inch touch screen, full music library is available too.

With the smart phone you get constantly updated maps, real time traffic, lane direction, and voice commands. If I want to avoid highways I just throw that switch.

Oh, and it charges the phone and provides hands free calling.

For those who haven't seen a phone compatible head unit you might want to check them out. Considering they start a little over $300 they really aren't a bad choice.

stevemorris wrote:
if we used a dedicated tablet, would the gps function use gps data directly or cell phone signals?

MAYBE -- it will depend on the tablet - not all tablet GPS capabilities are the same. Look very closely at the specs before you select a tablet.

I have successfully used a Asus and a Samsung tablet (both WiFi only) as gps. As long as I kept the maps updated, it worked very well.

I have used Garmin for many years and usually create my routes in Basecamp first. My Garmins can do on the fly changes as well. No 'smart'phone for me.

stevemorris wrote:
we need to replace our aging tomtom, its been great but the battery is done and its no longer supported by the manufacturer

Some thoughts on that:

Are map updates still supported for that model ?
If no, ignore the next two.

Doesn't the unit still work if plugged into 12 V power with an adapter ?

Given the model number or part number for the battery, you probably could get a new one from somewhere else.

I was an early GPS adopter, have used almost every brand out there and overall prefer Garmins.

Well that's not totally true. When the wife is with me, I prefer using her phone. The GPS function is just better.
When alone, I won't be using my phone as a GPS. Just to confusing for an old guy.

I switched from TomTom to a Garmin Drive Smart. I like its 7-inch screen that allows a lot of information (street names, for example) that is easy to read. It gives an advance alert before a reduced speed limit or a school zone. It displays a "camera view" as you enter a freeway or interstate exit or onramp, showing which lane you should be in.

stevemorris wrote:
if we used a dedicated tablet, would the gps function use gps data directly or cell phone signals?

It depends on the tablet & the app. Some tablets do not have a GPS receiver, so must use tower locations (not necessarily data) for location. Not as accurate, and, of course, useless outside the cell tower coverage area.

Most tablet or phone routing apps use data for the map, however CoPilot installs complete maps on your phone or tablet during installation & does not need any data connection when used.

As to stand alone GPS, I currently use a Garmin NUVI 3580. I tried one of their newer "Drive" models when I wanted a larger screen to go with a bigger tow vehicle, however I much preferred the interface of the older NUVI, so I'll keep it until it dies.

lap527 wrote:
FYI...I never put in the whole route or trip. I put just towns that I want to go through on our destination,

In most GPS units, that is called "way points".....and most or all of them can be entered at the same time to make a complete trip. :B