The BEst GPS got me thinking

06Fargo wrote:



How do you safely operate the mapping on a smart phone while driving?

Like any other GPS set up the route before you drive. Mount a holder to the dash and listen to the speaker phone or through Bluetooth and the radio.

I have rented a dozen cars in the last two years and all had Bluetooth so that my phone could talk and give me directions.

I am not big on using my phone for GPS. I do have maps with me but, also kinda like the GPS. I have held out htis long with out ever owning one, but am getting a little lazy in my old age hehe. And figured if I am goingto bite the bullet I am goring to get one that best fits the intended use.

Matt

We have what Lantley said.

I use a paper chart (map) augmented by knowing where I am over the earth.

GPS can also be great entertainment.


How do you safely operate the mapping on a smart phone while driving?

lowarance I-WAY 500, works well, you can set your limits

The biggest difference I noticed is that my Garmin RV GPS will take me a different route if I am in RV mode vs. car mode. In RV mode the GPS avoids small streets and congested areas. In car mode the GPS may take a more direct route without regard to street size.
Keep in mind I don't blindly trust GPS 100% in either mode. I'm not totally counting on GPS to avoid low bridges, or other obstacles.
The RV GPS is loaded with RV friendly POI's. All campgrounds,state parks, truck stops, Wal Marts etc. are already preloaded.
Garmin also has an optional wireless back up camera the integrates with the GPS.

A standard GPS will get the job done. I used a basic Tom Tom for years. However an RV GPS is an improvement. While it is not 100% foolproof, the GPS is aware of the size limitations of your RV (you must enter your size data during initial set up) and attempts to route your rig accordingly

It's a Nuvi with free updates and we update the POI's all the time. I don't think a new RV GPS would have different roads.

K Charles wrote:
I have a GPS that I don't use much. Does an RV GPS have different roads then an old one. My wife uses ours to find food when we're someplace new.

Yes would have updated road but by updating your POI files it would help your wife find food as new locations are opened and old ones close.

However most charge for this service

The benefit of an RV specific GPS in an RV is the low clearance avoidance in routing. There are some places that a regular GPS will get you into a lot of trouble in an RV. Low clearance POIs will not help - all they will do is warn you that you are approaching a low clearance overpass when there is no exit to do anything about it. The RV specific GPS will not put you on that road in the first place.

I have a GPS that I don't use much. Does an RV GPS have different roads then an old one. My wife uses ours to find food when we're someplace new.

sremsing wrote:
I use rv specific, rand mcnally. So far it hasn't let me down about low clearances or streets to avoid because too narrow or no turn around room. Had it about 3 years now, and no problems so far. I also always carry a road atlas just in case.

Come on now the rv specific has not been out 3 years