Best GPS for a motorhome?

[MrRules]

I currently have a Garmin RV 760LM but find that it works very poorly while traveling. It seems to avoid problems that aren't there and takes me through streets that I have no business on. It has directed me several times on routes that would be 40-100 miles longer than a route that I had traveled before. I have tried to re-set the vehicle info but that doesn't seem to help. Any idea on a better model for a motorhome?

Stu

[samven1]

I would still buy the 760. Its the same screen size as the 770 and I cant find a 770 with the wireless backup camera. I have come to really like the camera and it eliminates having another screen on the dash. Of course if you already have a camera the 770 is the newer model.

[5outta6]

samven1 wrote:
The 760 will interface to your smart phone for weather and traffic also works as a hands free interface with voice dialing. I also got mine with the wireless backup camera which lets you superimpose lines(green, yellow, red) that represent how far you are from something and if you are lined up square. Be aware that map updates are usually 5 gig and up so wifi might be a bit iffy.

If you were buying today, would you buy the 760 or wait for the release of the new 770?

[samven1]

The 760 will interface to your smart phone for weather and traffic also works as a hands free interface with voice dialing. I also got mine with the wireless backup camera which lets you superimpose lines(green, yellow, red) that represent how far you are from something and if you are lined up square. Be aware that map updates are usually 5 gig and up so wifi might be a bit iffy.

[5outta6]

I'm on the fence on buying the new Garmin GPS. I contacted thegpsstore.com, which I have purchased some boating electronics from, inquiring about what the new 770 has over the 760 and 660 and here is there reply:
The larger screen is one thing. There is a whole new feature set in the 770-S. Most notably is going to be the addition of Wifi for map and software updates. Also the ability to link with your smartphone for things like sharing your location with loved ones or getting weather alerts.
As with most consumer electronics, once you buy the product, the manufacturers come out with a 'new improved model'

Whats your opinion about these new features and if its worth the extra cost over 'non current' models?

[samven1]

I have the Garmin RV760 and it has done some strange routing at times. I found that you have to be very careful about selecting avoidances. It takes you very seriously. I was once sitting in a gas station and needed to find a Walmart so I selected find near me. It did and took me 3 miles around the block to a store a 1/4 mile behind me because I had avoid U turns ON. It does not know your in a parking lot and can turn around it only knows your facing North and need to go south. After that I always zoom out to find my final destination before I move. It has taken me off the main highway and had me cut a corner on a secondary road to put me back on the same highway. It always ticks me off but I follow it because I dont know if there is a tunnel that prohibits propane or something else that my RV could not get through. But you do have to be careful if it tries to route you onto a gravel road as my car GPS has done but never the 760.

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

Co-pilot gps app if you have a smartphone or a tablet with gps. I started with the free upgraded to the premium. If your RV IS UNDER 13' tall that with due as it has a RV setting. Our new 5er is 13'4" so we upgraded to the Co-pilot RV app.

Co-pilot RV gps app

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon

[Tom_Barb]

I prefer a big screen, thus the iPad vs the phone and using my data package down loading stuff I don't need.

[n0arp]

We use CoPilot truck on a CarPC. You can use it on a phone or tablet too. It is expensive but works well. We came from the Garmin RV 760LMT and are happy with the decision.

It allows offline maps so you can use it without cell signal, too, which was a really important consideration for us.

[Tom_Barb]

Chuck_thehammer wrote:

zigzagrv wrote:

Chuck_thehammer wrote:



as for owners using a smart phone or tablet... you must never come to south Texas.. ATT & Verizon does NOT have good coverage here.

CoPilot does not need cell or wifi service....just GPS.

but a smart phone uses cell towers for gps.. called radio triangulation
. not real gps satellites.
No cell tower signal.. no gps.

look it up.

I have been wrong before.. an will again 🙂

WE simply use a stratus blue toothed to the iPad

[Sam_Spade]

Chuck_thehammer wrote:

I have been wrong before.. an will again 🙂

Well you hit that one out of the park.

Even IF there were 3 towers "in view" (which there usually is not), that method is not nearly accurate enough for GPS type service.

Yes, they have a real GPS receiver "chip" inside the phone.

[turbojimmy]

Fizz wrote:

Chuck_thehammer wrote:


but a smart phone uses cell towers for gps.. called radio triangulation
. not real gps satellites.
No cell tower signal.. no gps.

look it up.

I have been wrong before.. an will again 🙂

WRONG!!
iPhones have a GPS chip.
My iPad can pick up Both US and Russian satelites

Yes - they don't need to triangulate anymore. Same is true of non-iThing smart phones.

[Fizz]

Chuck_thehammer wrote:


but a smart phone uses cell towers for gps.. called radio triangulation
. not real gps satellites.
No cell tower signal.. no gps.

look it up.

I have been wrong before.. an will again 🙂

WRONG!!
iPhones have a GPS chip.
My iPad can pick up Both US and Russian satelites

[turbojimmy]

Chuck_thehammer wrote:
First NEVER use shortest distance. NEVER.

check the avoid routes... you may have a setting wrong.


other wise do a Full Reset...

Many . I mean Many use the Rv760 for years with little trouble.

I have the 2597 and the Truck 770LMTHD..

Garmin discontinued the RV 760 some months ago... and NOW are about to release the NEW RV770. so its a good product.

all else.. contact Garmin Customer Service..
maybe you have a defective one... or some program ERRORS..


as for owners using a smart phone or tablet... you must never come to south Texas.. ATT & Verizon does NOT have good coverage here.

I agree with the shortest route thing. It will get you into trouble trying to pilot an RV, and often times a car through the routes they suggest.

Personally I think if you have a smartphone or tablet, the separate GPS device is not needed. You can download maps for your local area as well as ones you intend to visit just in case you lose signal. When connected to the network, Google Maps (for example) does an awesome job of routing you around trouble spots real-time. My only problem is the phone sliding all around the dashboard. Yeah, yeah, there's mounts for that. On the to-do list.

[Chuck_thehammer]

zigzagrv wrote:

Chuck_thehammer wrote:



as for owners using a smart phone or tablet... you must never come to south Texas.. ATT & Verizon does NOT have good coverage here.

CoPilot does not need cell or wifi service....just GPS.

but a smart phone uses cell towers for gps.. called radio triangulation
. not real gps satellites.
No cell tower signal.. no gps.

look it up.

I have been wrong before.. an will again 🙂