Garmin GPS

[hotjag1]

My gps is several years old now and I would like to get a new one. I would like a 7" screen with internal wifi for automatic map updates. I would also like one with visual and voice commands that state the correct lane to be in when turning or exiting.

I prefer Garmin and have read many reviews, but most units have mixed reviews.I'm hoping for recommendations on which one a lot you RVers have and how well you like them.
I don't need one with a dash cam but I wouldn't mind having a unit with one if all the other functions are good. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Bob_Sue]

Garmin-good, Rand McNally-bad. Ask me how I know.

[hotjag1]

drsteve wrote:

hotjag1 wrote:
Bill, I'm not that tech-savvy, but the reason I wanted internal wifi was so that the unit would automatically update new maps. I didn't have any luck on the Garmin website trying to download new mapping on my computer for my old GPS. It sounds like the RV770 would automatically upload new maps when they become available. Is that correct?

You can update it using your home computer and internet connection, or the GPS can be connected to a wifi network to download the updates.

I tried 3 times with my computer connected to wifi on three "supposedly" Garmin websites and all 3 times I was connected to a customer service rep in India that wanted to sell me something. I gave up. My current GPS is several years old so I think it is wise to buy a new one at this time.

[jeremy_kirby]

I went with the Garmin Camper 770 due to the largeness of the screen, use it a bit over a year and have no complaints. Gladly, it has not yet taken us on a wierd route. Also the fact you can just talk to it rather than typing is a huge plus for me.

[drsteve]

hotjag1 wrote:
Bill, I'm not that tech-savvy, but the reason I wanted internal wifi was so that the unit would automatically update new maps. I didn't have any luck on the Garmin website trying to download new mapping on my computer for my old GPS. It sounds like the RV770 would automatically upload new maps when they become available. Is that correct?

You can update it using your home computer and internet connection, or the GPS can be connected to a wifi network to download the updates.

[hotjag1]

Bill, I'm not that tech-savvy, but the reason I wanted internal wifi was so that the unit would automatically update new maps. I didn't have any luck on the Garmin website trying to download new mapping on my computer for my old GPS. It sounds like the RV770 would automatically upload new maps when they become available. Is that correct?

[Bill_Satellite]

Since you mention you want WiFi updates I assume you have internet available in your coach. If not you will not get traffic updates with Google but then you aren't going to get ANY traffic updates with your Garmin unless you are near a big city where there is an FM radio broadcast happening. You will NEVER know that there is a 3 car pile up ahead of you on most of the US highways. Google Maps uses VERY LITTLE data so if if you turn on your phones hot spot you won't exceed any kind of data limits.
Even if you have no internet connection while traveling you can download the entire route before you leave (while you do have an internet connection) and you will get exact turn-by-turn instructions along the entire route.

[hotjag1]

Thank-you for the quick replies. I've noticed that the reviews on the 660 and the 760 are pretty much 50/50 good or bad, but the review dates are mostly from 2017 and a few in 2018. Has Garmin improved and gotten better in 2019 or do I take my chances and hope I get a good one.

[GHOST1750]

I have a Garman 660 and love it. This is my third Garman. Would like to have a 770 but can't justify it.

[PenMan]

I have the Garmin RV760LMT with up to date maps. All I have to do is turn it on and it will get me lost. I never really trust it now. I use a trucker's atlas to plan my route and use the GPS to look ahead for diesel, food, etc. My phone has a better map program. The last time I was on I40 going through Oklahoma City it kept telling me I had to exit as there was a low clearance ahead (I'm under 12 feet high). I noticed the 18 wheelers were not exiting so I decided to take a chance but the Garmin kept telling me to exit. It even got to a point where it had a screen pop up that made me hit a button to confirm that I was ignoring the Garmin directions. Made it all the way to New Mexico and never saw a low bridge. It has done similar mis-directions many times but this was the craziest. I still use it when on the interstates to look for services at upcoming exits. My guess is if you program it to go to Alaska you'll probably find yourself heading south into Florida as it takes you around the world to Alaska. When I want to get lost I program the Garmin to head to Dallas, Texas so I can find all the dirt roads on the way. I never trust it any more but use the trucker's atlas and it has never been wrong. The Garmin was wrong many, many times. Can you tell I really don’t trust the Garmin?

[FlatBroke]

Waze on a tablet. I have had updates on traffic moments before they happen. I’ve used it on my cell phone but I like a bigger screen

[WAFlowers]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Google Maps on a 7" or 10" tablet will do an even better job!

Only if and when you have an internet connection. For some of us that often go where cell phone coverage is spotty at best that is not an option.

[TenOC]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Google Maps on a 7" or 10" tablet will do an even better job!

But will Google Maps on a tablet do a GPS update on upcoming turns??? I can see using the tablet for planning a trip but not for driving the trip. What am I missing???

[MetalGator]

We have a Garmin 770 and I really like the display and features. I am not very happy with the routes it takes up sometimes. We just came back from a 8 day trip and I sometimes scratched my head on why the Garmin wanted to route us in certain directions that were out of the way. 90 percent of the drive was interstate so there weren't any issues with low bridges or narrow roads. Thank goodness I also used google maps on my phone or several times the Garmin would have had my driving in circles.

I updated the maps right before our trip so the GPS was up to date.

[harley-dave]

We use CoPilot RV on a 9" tablet for this. Works great.

Dave

[Bill_Satellite]

Google Maps on a 7" or 10" tablet will do an even better job!