Do I really need a RV Garmin?

[bayoubelle]

I am in the process of purchasing a new nav system. I have had several Garmin products, my Nuvi just died. My Streetpilot is still going, but the maps are about 10 years out of date and it is no longer supported, such a shame, it was a great little system.

I don't need it in my vehicles, both have nav systems, so I will only be using it in my RV.

Do I really need a RV nav system? I have a class C, 32ft in length and less than 12' in height. I am towing a Focus, so our overall length is approx 48'.

I always review which roads I am being routed on with a map and info from folks on this forum. I don't trust navigation systems to route me correctly all the time.

Advice? Before I spend $400 on a system.

[MarkTwain]

SidecarFlip wrote:

bayoubelle wrote:
I am in the process of purchasing a new nav system. I have had several Garmin products, my Nuvi just died. My Streetpilot is still going, but the maps are about 10 years out of date and it is no longer supported, such a shame, it was a great little system.

I don't need it in my vehicles, both have nav systems, so I will only be using it in my RV.

Do I really need a RV nav system? I have a class C, 32ft in length and less than 12' in height. I am towing a Focus, so our overall length is approx 48'.

I always review which roads I am being routed on with a map and info from folks on this forum. I don't trust navigation systems to route me correctly all the time.

Advice? Before I spend $400 on a system.

Garmin's non support of their products upsets me as well. I also have a Street Pilot and it's a dandy GPS but Garmin is all about commercializing and not about after the sale support on maps, so I too have a rock that works well but don't work..lol

I just bought a Magellan and it was 68 bucks. Even has a dashcam and 'Lifetime Maps (4 downloads per year) so unlike the Garmin, it won't become a rock. It's a Magellan Road Mate 6230 LM bought it on Woot.

The lifetime maps sold me. Wish my Street Pilot had lifetime maps....

It's very easy to use, has the usually voice directions (with the Australian Lass that everyone likes...

I figure for 68 bucks, it's hard to go wrong and so far, I'm impressed.

Garmins phone tech support has been outstanding for me. The tech's are very competent and have always solved any issue.

[SidecarFlip]

Trackrig wrote:

bob213 wrote:
OK Let's reword the question and try again for us non-smart phone people.
If you were buying a stand alone GPS unit do you need to spend the extra for an"RV" model or will a regular "Automobile" version work?

I have the 760 and several smaller Garmins. I much prefer the large screen of the RV GPS and the loud speaker so you can easily hear the instructions when you're in heavy traffic. I'll be buying the new 770 for another vehicle.

Bill

I seldom looked at my Street Pilot and seldom look at the Magellan either. I just listen for the most part. The Magellan has the priority lane function as well so it puts you in the correct lane. After the Street Pilot fiasco, I'm done with Garmin.

[Trackrig]

bob213 wrote:
OK Let's reword the question and try again for us non-smart phone people.
If you were buying a stand alone GPS unit do you need to spend the extra for an"RV" model or will a regular "Automobile" version work?

I have the 760 and several smaller Garmins. I much prefer the large screen of the RV GPS and the loud speaker so you can easily hear the instructions when you're in heavy traffic. I'll be buying the new 770 for another vehicle.

Bill

[bayoubelle]

Thanks for clarification and all the help. I was thinking a non-RV model would be all I need. I always check with other folkI use the truckers atlas and paper maps to review all my routes. We have just become so dependent on the nav systems, they make the ride a little more enjoyable. That voice command lets me know time to pay real close attention to where the DH is driving.

As for how the vehicle nav systems work, not great. I have a Toyota Highlander (terrible system and not user friendly at all) and a Ford Focus (more user friendly and maps slightly better, but not great). The biggest issue is finding a POI, both systems make you go through so many steps, then they can't find it. The Toyota does have the Entune app that lets me find a POI on my phone and transfer to the car, Ford doesn't.

I think I will just get an auto one for now, unless I can find a good price on an RV system.

Thanks

[SidecarFlip]

bayoubelle wrote:
I am in the process of purchasing a new nav system. I have had several Garmin products, my Nuvi just died. My Streetpilot is still going, but the maps are about 10 years out of date and it is no longer supported, such a shame, it was a great little system.

I don't need it in my vehicles, both have nav systems, so I will only be using it in my RV.

Do I really need a RV nav system? I have a class C, 32ft in length and less than 12' in height. I am towing a Focus, so our overall length is approx 48'.

I always review which roads I am being routed on with a map and info from folks on this forum. I don't trust navigation systems to route me correctly all the time.

Advice? Before I spend $400 on a system.

Garmin's non support of their products upsets me as well. I also have a Street Pilot and it's a dandy GPS but Garmin is all about commercializing and not about after the sale support on maps, so I too have a rock that works well but don't work..lol

I just bought a Magellan and it was 68 bucks. Even has a dashcam and 'Lifetime Maps (4 downloads per year) so unlike the Garmin, it won't become a rock. It's a Magellan Road Mate 6230 LM bought it on Woot.

The lifetime maps sold me. Wish my Street Pilot had lifetime maps....

It's very easy to use, has the usually voice directions (with the Australian Lass that everyone likes...

I figure for 68 bucks, it's hard to go wrong and so far, I'm impressed.

[rk911]

bob213 wrote:
OK Let's reword the question and try again for us non-smart phone people.
If you were buying a stand alone GPS unit do you need to spend the extra for an"RV" model or will a regular "Automobile" version work?

the only reason to have the RV version is for underpass clearance and weight restricted roads. given the size of your RV I'd say the auto version would be sufficient but if you plan on actually using it then I'd spring for the RV version. you won't need it until you do.

[azdryheat]

Google Maps on my droid and GPS in my truck's dash has taken my toy hauler all over the country just fine. I wouldn't waste my money on another GPS. I also verify the routes with a Trucker's Atlas.

[Dick_B]

Of course you don't need an RV Garmin or any Garmin or any nav. system. Many RVers believe one can get around using paper maps. I don't happen to agree and have the Garmin Dezl 760?
BTW how are the nav systems in the vehicles working out?

[fj12ryder]

A regular automotive GPS will work fine. Using POIFactory will give you all the alerts you need, along with LowClearances you'll be golden.

[bob213]

OK Let's reword the question and try again for us non-smart phone people.
If you were buying a stand alone GPS unit do you need to spend the extra for an"RV" model or will a regular "Automobile" version work?

[RedRocket204]

The Garmin RV GPS is very nice. Is it needed? No, but I still prefer to use it over my cell GPS when RV traveling.

A couple nice things I find more useful on the Garmin:

Much bigger screen
Your RV specific dimensions added in to switch between that and other vehicles you add
Easy ability to pre-route and save your trips if you want to go a specific route
Configurable propane warnings for roads you need to route around
Ability to add an integrated wireless backup camera - I do have a Garmin BC30 wireless camera on the back of my RV and it works very well.

[wa8yxm]

The short answer today is Perhaps not.

THe longer answer....For most GPS stuff I use my phone,, For major trips I fire up Nicrosoft Strets and Trips on the other laptop and use the GPS dongle but for Most stuff I just use my phone and Google Maps,

So it's up to you'
'Google maps tends to be up to date Since it is online. I have even given them an update or 3.... Other systems are at least 1-2 years out of date when you buy the update

[bayoubelle]

My issue with the iPhone, is when I use it I don't have my maps displayed. I have the Copilot, but when I plug it in to charge I don't get voice prompts. I like to always see the map and to hear voice prompts. iPhones don't give you those options.

I also like the way Garmin gives you that great view of the interstate exits ahead.

[padre1944]

I use Co Pilot app on my Android. Gives you more flexibility in settings, especially from low bridges. You can specify road types and speeds you are likely to drive. Has saved me from a low bridge and a difficult backing situation.

[Trackrig]

Go try navigating with a cell phone, then make a decision on a GPS. I'll never use a cell phone again for navigation.

Bill