Folks, We're in need of a new GPS unit 'cause ours is failing in health. It won't start up sometimes, won't handle touch screen commands, won't reset and more. It's a Magellan Road mate. So, we're on the hunt for new one. We're not in need of NASA qualified ones, just one that will work when we ask it to work. I don't really care about programming for tunnels, avoiding cities and all that. We've been traveling now for a few dozen years and, haven't run in to a low bridge or tunnel yet that can't handle our rig. So, who's got one that they really, really like and, has not had any issues at all with it. All of the ones the wife and I have looked at, on line so far, they're almost 50/50 good reviews vs bad reviews. That's not good track records folks. So, let me know what you've experienced. Scott

We purchased the Garmin 2797LMT and it seems to meet our needs when traveling. Garmin 2797LMTOnce you define what features you want you will be able to narrow it down to the right unit.

Be very cautious using a laptop based GPS, the newer hard drives are not reliable when used in a high vibration environment like when moving in an rv. I had to reformat my harddrive after only a few hours use and I am not the only one.

I've started using my smartphone (LG G3), with the free version of CoPilot. Okay so far, still learning it. I've had to buy a mount for the phone. The instructions (and some people here) say that you should download maps for the area you will be in using wifi before you leave, so you reduce its' use of your data plan. On a couple trips in New England, it seems like it barely used my data plan. Wife and I have found that Garmin GPS seems to be the fastest and easiest to setup and use. We are not impressed by Magellan.I'm pretty strict about not using my phone for calling or texting while driving, so it is not an issue for me to have it being used as a GPS.

All my traditional stand-alone GPS units (Garmin and Magellan) now sit in a box unused. I've been using a Android Apps exclusively for years now (Google/Co-Pilot/MapQuest) etc. Been very happy with their features/effectiveness.I occasionally use Locus which follows a (gpx) track which I have pre-prepared if I want to make my own route through areas of interest.Gerry

Need a new GPS, recommendations etc. | Good Sam Community

Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016
what is the big issue with not charging of a RV/CAR/ETC. unit? mine is plugged into 12 volts all the time I am driving.
bumpy
koda55
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016
We use the Garmin RV660. We put our info in when we first got it and never been put on bad roads. We can also switch it over to car. We love it so far. Bought it when they first brought it out.
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Jun 24, 2016
gatesy12 wrote:
If you are looking for a RV GPS be advised that the Rand McNally 7720 LM is a piece of ****. Mine lasted less than 2 years and now wont charge so it is basically useless. Rand will try to repair it for $99 plus tax and you pay postage,your out a GPS for an extended period with no promise it can be repaired. I was in VA Beach last week and talked to someone who tried to upgrade maps and theirs died less then 2 years old. So buyer BEWARE of the RAND MCNALLY GPS

I guess that could be said of any piece of electronics that is out of warranty. I can't say that I would expect any company to do more than Rand McNally has offered to do for you.
Your example is not the usual experience for RM GPS units but it can certainly happen to any user of any product at any time.
I am not a fan of the RM unit but not because I don't believe that it is a quality product. I just believe there are better GPS units available out there.
gatesy12
Explorer
Jun 24, 2016
If you are looking for a RV GPS be advised that the Rand McNally 7720 LM is a piece of ****. Mine lasted less than 2 years and now wont charge so it is basically useless. Rand will try to repair it for $99 plus tax and you pay postage,your out a GPS for an extended period with no promise it can be repaired. I was in VA Beach last week and talked to someone who tried to upgrade maps and theirs died less then 2 years old. So buyer BEWARE of the RAND MCNALLY GPS
gatesy12
Explorer
Jun 24, 2016
mtrumpet wrote:
I realize from right off the bat that based upon previous GPS discussions here, a lot of folks don't care for this unit, (maybe because it says Good Sam on it?) but I've been very happy with it's performance. It has a lot of nice features along with the nice big 7" HD screen.

Good Sam (Rand McNally) GPS 7735 LM
AAFD
Explorer
Apr 07, 2016
I am going to try google maps, apple maps and copilot using the mirroring function on my RV radio. Ill see how well it works.

KC
mtrumpet
Explorer
Apr 06, 2016
wa8yxm wrote:
I recall reading an article in, GPS magazine, a publication dedicated to GPS devices and users.

There's actually a special magazine for GPS users? :E
I'll admit, it's got my curiosity.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Apr 02, 2016
I recall reading an article in, GPS magazine, a publication dedicated to GPS devices and users.

They took a top of the line Magelling, Tom Tom and Garmin

Gave all 3 the same start and end points and drove the route

They did this for 3 different routes chosen at random

on all 3 routes the person with the Garmin got there first and turned RIGHT into the parking lot at his desitnation.

The others took longer and turned LEFT into the parking lot (Left turns are more dangerous)

Now that said. I like a BIG and I mean BIG screen

The screen on this laptop is 17" give or take a bit.... Microsoft S&T with a dongle works great (in the motor home).. not so great in my compact car but great in the motor home.

Though S&T has been known to route me over 300 miles of freeway for a 200 mile trip. and it's been known to live up to it's name.. Sometimes it gives you STREETS, and sometimes it's a TRIP (Think bad acid). So you need to watch it's routing habits.
Tvov
Explorer II
Apr 02, 2016
BobR wrote:
My vote is for a smart phone with Google Maps. Bluetooth the phone through your radio and you will always hear the driving directions. Free and great app. Did I mention the app is FREE.

That's what I do now. For better or worse, I've stopped using CoPilot. Just didn't work great for me. I was only using the free version, don't know if the paid version is better (I assume it is).

Google Maps is great, but... it will drain your phones battery, even if it is plugged into a car's USB port. Those USB ports don't seem to provide enough power while the phone is "mapping". Buy a "power plug" that plugs into a power port or cigarette lighter to charge your phone while driving.

This may have been posted before... thread has been going on for awhile!
kiloo9
Explorer
Apr 02, 2016
Hello Scott,hope you guys are doing fine. Long time no hear from you, guess what I just finished remodeling my front TV on the Coach, just like the one I did on my Admiral came out real nice. would post pictures but forgot how to do it.
Take care buddy.

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