Need gps recommendations

[Transplanted_Ca]

Have never had a GPS system.Wife and I have a 34' 5th wheel and plan on going to places we haven't been before so was wondering if anyone has any recommendations. Ease of use VERY IMPORTANT (NOT TECH SAVVY), also accuracy.

[cleo43]

My Android phone TomTom app has Local Search option, which works (Google Search ?) much better the POI search.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

I had the Magellan - didn't like the way it worked, using the POI database to find campgrounds, etc. Took it back. Got the Rand McNally - loved it's operation, but it failed.

A five month hassle with warranty repair/replacement - been a year with a replacement unit which is fantastic.

Only thing I don't like about the RM is the live traffic options. But I have my older Garmin nuvi1490 for that alongside on the dash in busy cities.

I've never seen the Garmin RV - but to me the key factor for an RV GPS is how easy it is to find a campground in an unknown area.

On a whim we headed to Ruidoso, NM last August. The RM GPS quickly listed all the GS parks near Ruidoso, all the commercial RV parks (with phone numbers and Woodalls ratings), I could also list just USFS parks, BLM parks - 2 in the Tularosa Basin, military RV parks, etc.

That is a key function IMHO.

Normal Garmin GPS units - you have to search for commercial RV parks under lodging, and for non-commercial campgrounds under Recreation / Parks.

[lillyputz]

lillyputz wrote:
After many issues with the Good Sam RV7725. I was able to return it to Camping world . I ordered the Magellan RV 9490T LMB. Hopefully the Magellan will perform as expected.

Lillyputz

I recieved the Magellan RV 9490T. I went through the on line set up and registration. After trying it out by putting in many addresses,I've been to, quite a few came up as NOT found. Mind you. Theses are addresses that are many years old. After spending many cups of coffee, on the phone, just to speak with a Magellan Tech, I sent it back.

I have now ordered the Tom Tom VIA 1605 M RV. Maybe, less expensive is better.

Lillyputz

[lillyputz]

After many issues with the Good Sam RV7725. I was able to return it to Camping world . I ordered the Magellan RV 9490T LMB. Hopefully the Magellan will perform as expected.

Lillyputz

[Bumpyroad]

yep, I would never buy a GPS that did not have a provision for an external SD card.
bumpy

[1775]

PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:
One sad thing - smart phones have more data storage ability than most stand-alone GPS units, and are thus not subject to the problem I've had with Garmin units where an updated map is too large to install on my GPS.

A lot of data storage is wasted on standalone GPS units - not just Garmin but Garmin included - by all of the languages and voices loaded on the unit. Delete those - save them off first to a folder on your computer if you ever think you will need the GPS to speak Swedish - and you will have lots of space for a new map file. You can also add an SD card to most GPS units that will hold overflow data including maps and additional POIs.

Not all smartphones have very much data storage - particularly Android phones - and since Android Gingerbread, Copilot will not store data on the external SD card. I am using Copilot and it is good but if you are short on data in your phone the fact that it stores maps on the phone will not help if you don't have a spare Gig to put them in.

[Paul_Clancy]

I should add the garmin hud is a wonderful device. While driving pulling the 5th wheel I am continually asking my wife what the speed limit shows on the gps and what lane I should be in and how far to the next turn. Also when the gps chimes what is that traffic or speed camera. ALL of that data is now in the hud projected in front of me. This means I never have to take eyes off what is going on in front. That has been the big drawback of gps for me. Between voice guidance and the HUD this is the perfect solution for me and I wouldn't be without.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

One sad thing - smart phones have more data storage ability than most stand-alone GPS units, and are thus not subject to the problem I've had with Garmin units where an updated map is too large to install on my GPS.

[Paul_Clancy]

Some bad info on the smartphone option. You do NOT need or use data IF using an app like copilot premium or garmin viago with maps to go. These apps install the full North america maps on the phone and use the phones built in gps chip to navigate. I have used both on iPhone 6 plus and they work very well. In fact the advantage over my garmin 3750 is the viago software works with the garmin HUD unit and iPhone 6 plus appears to have a quicker aquiring gps chip. Also map display is higher res on the 6 plus. The advantage of having a full feature gps that is always with you for trip planning etc is huge. Not for everyone but if you have a top tier smart phone with good storage it is a real option.

[1775]

Gary66 wrote:
Garmin RV760 is worth a look, I've had no issues with this model.

The Garmin RV760 is the way to go. Don't buy a Garmin or any GPS intended for a car. A car GPS will route you where cars can go and not always RVs. This RV760 GPS will route you only where your RV can go - and not on roads that you are not allowed on (as the Rand McN RV GPS I tried did).

There is also a truckers Garmin with the same 760 in the name - that is the Dezl 760 and you can see that at Best Buy. That also has an RV mode.

Either model is good for your RV.

[Bumpyroad]

CA Traveler wrote:


Number 1 is required otherwise no need for life time maps.

None of this is rocket science but more learning, etc.

1. Installing and using Garmin Express for updates.
I figured that one out myself so it can't be too hard.
bumpy

[CA_Traveler]

Garmin, easy to use but like all tech stuff there is a learning curve. Just upgraded to a 2699 LMTHD (life time maps and traffic), large screen and Voice Command which works OK.

However the OP may become challenged with follow on steps like:
1. Installing and using Garmin Express for updates.
2. Installing and using Basecamp for locations (POIs) and routes to be downloaded to the device.
3. And beyond.

Number 1 is required otherwise no need for life time maps.

None of this is rocket science but more learning, etc.

[enblethen]

The Rand McNally has the ability to go online, do a trip at their "Tripmaker" site, then down load it to the GPS.
We have a Garmin which has led us down some real paths to no where.

[Gary66]

Garmin RV760 is worth a look, I've had no issues with this model.