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.

[WAFlowers]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
That's why I suggest that those who want a large display buy a 7" - 10" tablet and use that with Google Maps.

And what would you suggest for people that frequently go where there is no cell reception or other internet connection which Google Maps requires?

[Pops]

Thanks,vermilye

[Bill_Satellite]

That's why I suggest that those who want a large display buy a 7" - 10" tablet and use that with Google Maps.

[hotjag1]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
No, but you phone is all you need for a GPS. Why pay hundreds of dollars for a GPS that is less capable than your phone?
You can use your phone hotspot to connect your computer to the internet, connect your GPS to your computer, get to the map download page, leave it for an hour or more to download the new maps and then you will have your update. The updates are available 4 times per year and are generally only 1-2 years behind.

I have used my phone for GPS and it has been very accurate but I really like the large screen of the dash GPS when in large cities and high traffic.
It sounds pretty simple to download maps. I was having trouble with the actual Garmin website but that may have been just me on that particular day. Thanks for the explanations.

[vermilye]

Pops wrote:
Don't mean to hijack, but while talking GPS, notice the info on campgrounds list Nat, State, and Private campgrounds. Does the info on the 770 or 780 on campgrounds near your route also include Nat Forest, COE, or/and BLM campgrounds?

If your Garmin does not include non commercial campgrounds (some models do, others don't) you can add them using the Ultimate Public Campgrounds POI List.

[mr__ed]

The only time I remember my Garmin made a mistake was when I first moved to Tucson, over 3 yrs ago, and I was looking for a super Walmart. When I came close to the store, Garmin told me it was on the left, but it was really on the right side. Other than that minor glitch, it's been pretty accurate.

[Pops]

Don't mean to hijack, but while talking GPS, notice the info on campgrounds list Nat, State, and Private campgrounds. Does the info on the 770 or 780 on campgrounds near your route also include Nat Forest, COE, or/and BLM campgrounds?

[Bill_Satellite]

No, but you phone is all you need for a GPS. Why pay hundreds of dollars for a GPS that is less capable than your phone?
You can use your phone hotspot to connect your computer to the internet, connect your GPS to your computer, get to the map download page, leave it for an hour or more to download the new maps and then you will have your update. The updates are available 4 times per year and are generally only 1-2 years behind.

[hotjag1]

Okay, I read the features and differences of the 770 and the 780 on the link that "Executive" kindly provided. It doesn't appear to be much difference with the exception of 3D. A $100 difference makes me lean towards the 770.

Bill.Satellite...my phone is a hotspot, so can I download maps on the GPS when connected to my phone while on the road?

Thank-you to everyone that has offered input on this.

[Weldon]

Use your phone for best directions.

[Executive45]

As with any electronic gadget, garbage in garbage out. Regardless of which one you purchase, the 770 is significantly cheaper than the 780 cuz it's older, be sure to explore ALL it's features and know how they work. If you program the GPS to take you on the shortest route, you may find more dirt roads than you would if you asked for the fastest route. Also, if you put in "Avoid toll roads" or any of the myriad of other "options" you'll get taken on different routes. Set your GPS to your liking and it'll take you there. We have the 770 and like it a lot....For more reading click on the link below......Dennis

770 vs 780

[Bill_Satellite]

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?

No, I do not believe that this is correct. The updates are available 4 times per year and you must connect to a computer and get the computer connected to the map update site. Even if the Garmin has a wifi connection you would need a way to connect to the internet (your own hotspot or "good" campground WiFi) and then use some kind of built in software to connect to the Garmin map update website.

[William_B]

My comment about the 780 seems to be ignored. We have had a 760 replaced by a 770 and now also have a 780. Yes, we run both the 770 and the 780, and the 780 is significantly improved over the 770, much easier to create routes, better interface, much better.

[hotjag1]

drsteve...According to the Garmin website, the procedure I mentioned is the one used to update the RV770.

Thank-you for this information. I am going to purchase the RV770. I hope it all works well for me:)

[drsteve]

hotjag1 wrote:

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.

According to the Garmin website, the procedure I mentioned is the one used to update the RV770.