Is Having GPS In The Radio Worth The Time and Money?

In dash gps units suffer from expensive upgrade capabilities. Stand alone units can be taken inside and connected to a computer for free upgrades.

Our 2009 has a radio that supports a GPS, but didn't come with the receiver. I think having the GPS that far away would take my eyes off the road for too long. Just changing the station on the radio sometimes takes my eyes off the road longer than I like. I prefer the GPS on the windshield.

-Michael

The stand alone GPS can also be replaced easily when better technology appears.

No. Keep it simple. Independent GPs is usually larger, obviously portable (from MH to toad, for instance) and easily updated when necessary. Our philosophy has always focused on not spending money we don't have to.

I wouldn't go through the hassle. If you want a new radio, replace it without a GPS. I rather use a 4G tablet and GPS software like Google Maps and Waze.

Very personal choice. As for me, I love my built in GPS on my F350. Large screen is very easy to read. And voice control by hitting a button on the steering wheel is great. Down side is the expense to upgrade maps. But I only do that every 2-3 years.

I used Garmins in the past, either windshield mount or dash mount on bean bag type base (preferred). And free map updates with some models. But I like the built in much better than one hanging from the windshield or sitting on the dash.

When we ordered our Nexus 32SC, I got the option for the Touch screen Stereo w/Nav/Backup monitor/Sirius/Bluetooth which I now regret. With its location, the screen is hard to see because of reflections from inside the coach. Also I like to keep the rearview monitor up along with the GPS screen. Add going through menus for changing from one function to another while driving was a disaster waiting to happen. As a result I removed the plastic "cubby hole" from the dash and installed an LCD monitor for the rearview camera. Next, I installed a GPS in a location similar to where a rearview mirror would mount. I just use the stereo now for listening. The Bluetooth option is a plus for receiving phone calls or sending music to the receiver, but if I could do it over I would go for individual devices. With the Nexus and the E450 I once had, the radio location doesn't seem to be suitable for using a GPS.

We prefer standalone as it's easier for the copilot to put it in his/her lap to reprogram on the fly.

Stand alone GPS with lifetime maps and TRAFFIC.
NOT cell phone APP as when cell phone is down/ out of range (and that happens a lot in AZ, NM, Utah, NV, TEXAS, MS, LA, It occurs even on interstates, US ROUTES (not interstate), state routes etc. Do not mind being lost/ using maps in urban areas but sucks in the middle of no where with no easy orientation to get you on the map.

donn0128 wrote:
In dash gps units suffer from expensive upgrade capabilities. Stand alone units can be taken inside and connected to a computer for free upgrades.

I agree. Plus you can get more use out of the same unit, by using it in different vehicles.