RV GPS and TPMS...yes or no

[danrn]

I am pretty sure I will get a TPMS, but have not read good reviews on many of the RV GPS's. Any comments, good or bad, and any suggestions on brand names.
Thanks,
Dan

[lanerd]

dedmiston wrote:

lanerd wrote:
No burrito, thank you very much.....

You're missing out. And burritos are WAY safer than tacos when you're behind the wheel.

Safer? I donno know... burritos have a tendency to do strange, smelly things to my digestive system, which I might add, is NOT conductive to a pleasant trip.:E

Thanks anyway...

Ron

[shagan77]

Lots of opinions. I like the TPMS system, and use it on my trailer. Not the truck. I moved up to 'good' tires last year, so it's not really as important now. As for the GPS, well, everyone's right, there's lots of GPS info available, on phones, built in to new trucks, but push come to shove, mine has saved my AC unit more than once. If you venture off the Interstate highways, you either need to do some serious research first, or just roll the dice. My RV is over 13' tall. (13' 4" at last measurement), I'm sure it varies by half an inch or more based on weight distribution, etc. I travel to Austin TX on a regular basis and there is a spot, some 90 miles north of Austin where the right lane is 13' 6". Yes, I might make it but Garmin reminds me in time to shift over to the left lane where it's over 14'.

And I know an inch is as good as a mile, but, I figure just one good bounce as I go under that overpass and I lose an A/C unit and who knows what else.

I bought the Garmin 465 Truckers version. I keep the maps current and it's done quite well by me.

Paper maps still work, phone GPS units work, my new truck has a built in Nav system (just short of worthless in my book. Not sure who does the research for GM on these, but jeeze, take a look at the Industry leader and get a clue), but at the end of the day, when you can program how long, wide and tall you are and it takes that into account when routing you it's just that much less stress when you're driving.

Enjoy!!!

[Rollnhome]

Actually I use the RV 760.
It has Bluetooth for hands free phone. Voice activated commands for phone and GPS features (such as find nearest RV park, or fuel stop). Plus it features current weather conditions and alerts. Another feature is current traffic conditions and traffic cam access linked to garmins Bluetooth smartphone app for GPS. Plus a lot more RV related information.
I use the smartphone GPS and apps for around town in the toad. I also have stand alone GPS in toad. Wouldn't be without phone.

[dedmiston]

lanerd wrote:
No burrito, thank you very much.....

You're missing out. And burritos are WAY safer than tacos when you're behind the wheel.

[lanerd]

Our coach and toad both have factory built-in Nav units...plus both have bluetooth. The Nav units can only be programed when the vehicle is in "park", and the bluetooth makes the smart phone hands free.

When in the coach, my lovely DW is the navigator and sole proprietor of the smart phone. All I do is say "yes dear" and respond to her direction commands.

No burrito, thank you very much.....and technology is great!

Ron

[dedmiston]

Lantley wrote:

lanerd wrote:
Since just about everybody now days has at least one smart phone, GPS units are getting to be a dieing breed. I don't think I would invest in one.

TPMS however.....is a MUST in my book. The cost of a complete TPMS system is cheaper than one 22.5 mh tire, not to mention the damage it can cause if it blows and takes out fender wells, wiring, cables, brake lines, etc. IMO, TPMS should be a mandatory accessory on all rv's with tires.

Ron

What do cell phone GPS users do when the phone rings just as a turn is coming up?

That's where you're faced with the real Sophie's Choice. You're already steering with your knees while you apply the Del Scorcho sauce to your combo burrito and you're mildly irritated from the last text you received. Keeping an eye on the smartphone GPS is muscle memory by now, but when that critical call comes in and your mouth is already full and the timing isn't quite right to grab for your soda to wash it down and you feel that the special vein on your temple throbbing like a caterpillar crawling across your head and you finally realize that you either have to pick which one of these crucial activities to give up on (do you drop the burrito in your lap, toss the hot sauce packet out the window, choke on the food in your mouth, spill the soda, miss the turn, delete the half-composed reply to the text, and/or just let the call go to voicemail?) or just jerk your knee an inch or so to flick the wheel to the left and steer the rig into oncoming traffic and end it all.

The GPS on the smartphone works pretty well though. It's pretty rare that the phone rings while I'm making a crucial course change, but it does happen from time to time. I just drive around the block or go to the next exit. You're way better off figuring out your course before you leave home and then just using the GPS for occasional clues.

[Bumpyroad]

lanerd wrote:
Strabo, some people are just so set in their ways that new technology asses them right by.

Ron

and some folks seem to have to dump hundreds of $$$ into a new toy every now and then and then try to dream up uses for them. sort of like using a smart phone tied to a tablet instead of just getting one more practical device.
bumpy

[lanerd]

Strabo, some people are just so set in their ways that new technology passes them right by.

Ron

[Strabo]

Rollnhome wrote:
I don't think playing around with a smartphone while driving is a great idea.
I cursed my RV 760 until I found out it was right and I was wrong. However I never trust any GPS 100%.
I have TireTraker TPMS. Would not go without them.

I dont use it while towing, Diana does, she the navigator, Tech Leader and she looks pretty doing it, we are a Team. I just take direction and her data input. Now understand the comms between her and i took some time to work out, still in progress as i speak but it working itself out...

Did you know that soon there will be a TPMS system that all you do is remove your valve stem cap, replace it with the new cap, and monitor all your tires using your cell phone thru Bluetooth?

O Yea......

[Rollnhome]

I don't think playing around with a smartphone while driving is a great idea.
I cursed my RV 760 until I found out it was right and I was wrong. However I never trust any GPS 100%.
I have TireTraker TPMS. Would not go without them.

[Strabo]

Gentlemen,

Interactive is the keyword, plus these apps use goggle maps and current situation status, and you can communicate with other motorists along your current route...So amazing, you can even see where CHP are and currently doing as you drive.

Bridges and turnoff's.....Yea its got those too and So much more.

[Strabo]

Lantley wrote:

Strabo wrote:
Ignore the call. There are great apps that do everything and more than a GPS stand alone unit. You guys ever use Waze?

O and it all can be used on our 7" Nexus Tablet!!!

Ignore the call sounds nice but your phone will leave GPS and go into phone mode. Hopefully you won't miss your turn when that happens.
I also hope that ignored call isn't important/critical either.

I have a Smart phone and a Nexus 7 both a great devices and make an OK alternative GPS but neither work as well in GPS mode as my dedicated GPS.

Its much more than a phone, it has endless possibilities, ya just have to know more about it. As far as phone calls go, we text way more than acually talk, its easier and quicker, plus texts can be set aside as needed. My Wife is our Tech Guru, she is amazing with this type of stuff. Garmins and other GPS systems are dinosaurs compared to the Android Cell Phone....

Get with the new age, its there, use it.

[arhayes]

We have the RV760 and I love it as a gps. It HAS routed us around problems, though I'd never depend on it 100%. We've already had several instances where we had to divert from the programmed route and it gave us the "insufficient RV information" warning, so that wasn't much help. However, pretty much anywhere I see an 18 wheeler I know my 13'6" tall rig will fit.??

I use TireTraker TPMS pressure/temp sensors and have been very pleased so far. With tires being a weakness for RVs, sensors are a cheap warning signal regardless of the brand you choose to use.

[Lantley]

Strabo wrote:
Ignore the call. There are great apps that do everything and more than a GPS stand alone unit. You guys ever use Wase?

O and it all can be used on our 7" Nexus Tablet!!!

Ignore the call sounds nice but your phone will leave GPS and go into phone mode. Hopefully you won't miss your turn when that happens.
I also hope that ignored call isn't important/critical either.

I have a Smart phone and a Nexus 7 both a great devices and make an OK alternative GPS but neither work as well in GPS mode as my dedicated GPS.