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cell phone GPS

Goostoff
Explorer
Explorer
A few weeks ago I dropped my trusty old Galaxy S3 yea I know older than dirt, but it forced me to upgrade so I bought a Galaxy S6 and instantly noticed how well google maps GPS system works on it now. We used it on a trip to Nashville and took the scenic route through St. Louis on the way home. I was shocked when we came to exits with 2 and 3 lanes and it would tell us what lane to be in to set us up for the next turn and so forth. This saved us when we were going through St. Louis, as I had never been through the area by the football stadium and that was like driving through a maze of ramps. Google maps on a new phone is awesome.
1993 Chevy C3500
2005 Cedar Creek 34RLTS
11 REPLIES 11

Jbrowland
Explorer
Explorer
I use both at the same time. When the cell coverage drops out west, I still have my old Garmin running. Plus, the Garmin has a larger screen that is easier to read while driving than on a cell phone.

Goostoff
Explorer
Explorer
I have a Nuvi 1300 but it is getting old and I bought it right before they started offering lifetime maps so I refuse to pay to update the maps.
1993 Chevy C3500
2005 Cedar Creek 34RLTS

strollin
Explorer
Explorer
msgtord wrote:
Way to many cell dead zones out west to rely on a cell map program.

That's why I use CoPilot gps app as a backup. It stores all of it's map data locally on your phone so works fine in cell dead zones!
Me, her, 2 boys & 2 girls
'05 Chevy 2500HD LT 4x4, D/A
Reese Dual Cam HP
'04 Wilderness Advantage 290FLS
Twin Honda 2000s

"I'd rather wear out than rust out!"

See our pics here

valhalla360
Nomad III
Nomad III
We have a dedicated Garmin and it's great. Includes traffic and accident conditions...but when it dies, the cell phone will become our primary.

If you are worried about losing signal, you can always scan thru the route ahead of time and will download the map.

Alternatively, we have downloaded offline maps for Spain and Italy when we have been overseas. I'm sure there are US versions available you can download as a backup.

Dedicated GPS systems are on the way out.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV

MainerBob
Explorer
Explorer
I have found that my AT&T Samsung G5mini will often lose gps signal when I need it most. My Garmin almost never does. This has happened all over the country so it is not a geographical issue.
2007 Keystone Everest 293P, 32'
2006 Silvarado 2500HD Duramax, SRW, CC, Short Bed, 4x4
Sidewinder,16K Draw-Tite Slider
Chloe, Standard Poodle
Charlie, Tibetan Terrier

gbopp
Explorer
Explorer
I like maps. But, a GPS is a nice tool to use with the maps. ๐Ÿ™‚

msgtord
Explorer
Explorer
Way to many cell dead zones out west to rely on a cell map program.
1995 Fleetwood Mallard 22B.
2014 Ford F250 Crew Cab. 6.2, 4x4.

wa8yxm
Explorer III
Explorer III
Did that on my S-III and does it on my S-V as well.

The only caution I have for you is this..

When I set up a route.. works great,, but if I am in a no-coverage area and do something else, attempt to edit the route, even update the route.... I loose the map, route and all, all gone, no on-board storage unless I specifically request it and then only if the trip is short enough to store.

That's why I use a different system for the motor home.. When doing an 800 mile "hike" the phone is going to give me problems.. The Laptop with on-board maps will not.
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times

Halmfamily
Explorer
Explorer
Google Maps is also great with updating on accidents or construction ahead and will offer a bypass if available. Quit using the OEM GPS in my vehicles and now just use my phone.
2008 GMC Sierra 3500 SLT DRW D/A 4x4 (Big All)
2006 Ford F350 PSD SRW King Ranch 4x4 (Henry) (Sold)
B&W Companion, 90 Aux Fuel Tank, Scan Gauge II, Curt f/m hitch, Swagman XC
2015 Forest River Sierra 360 PDEK
DW Diane, DS Michael, FB Draco and Sabian

Goostoff
Explorer
Explorer
I really like the ability to just talk into it and it will find the place and get me there.
1993 Chevy C3500
2005 Cedar Creek 34RLTS

buck66
Explorer
Explorer
yup use mine all the time great for road trips easy way to find your way to camp sites