What Garmin GPS Model?

I have several GPS units which I use in different applications. For what you described I would suggest one of the Garmin Nuvi units. You can pay for as many features as you want but I would at least get lifetime maps and the capability of using a micro chip of different, more detailed maps like the back roads and trails for the states you want to boondock in. Also relatively inexpensive.

Try to get this years model, we got the NUVI 65LMT and really like it. There is a new 66LMT, but I can't see any difference. Be sure and get lifetime free updates on whatever you get. We like to NUVI 65 because of the large screen size is much better in the RV.

Somewhat like DJ in that I probably have half a dozen or more GPS units around for the cars, truck and boat. I like the Garmin Nuvi series as well and just recently, last six months, bought a Nuvi 2557LMT, which as indicated has the lifetime maps feature. The 5 inch screen was one of the main selling features I wanted, as well as lane assist. None of them are completely up to date on the maps. However I have noticed that location seem important to how fast the map makers update their products. The last time I was in Boston to see my daughter, it even had the alley ways showing but get out into western Colorado and some of the secondary gravel roads are not shown. I suspect they are more concerned with, keeping the ones sold and used in the larger population areas updated first.

I like that Garmins in that they all tend to work much the same. Very little learning curve needed when buying a newer model, except for one strange one I have on my boat.

Decide what features you want on your GPS unit. I personally don't need Blue Tooth or the ability to look at photos on my GPS. But I do like to plug in a TOPO micro SD chip into the side slot so having that is important to me. Also the last time I did the map upgrade, I found it all wouldn't fit on the GPS on board memory so a micro SD chip had to be added, which for me meant I had to down load my Topo chip to a larger Micro SD chip so I would have memory space for the entire new map upload. Not a real problem but a bit of a pain to do.

Moved to the Technology Corner

Wayne
Moderator

You should be able to find a nice Garmin Nuvi for around $100 or less with lifetime maps. I have an older Nuvi that I paid around $89 off Amazon a few years ago and it still works fine. Of course, the price goes up when you want more features.

I have standardized on Garmin GPS so I can transfer waypoints and tracks between the various units and Garmin Basecamp on my laptops. I have a Nuvi for the car / truck (though it does have a fault where it shuts down a few minutes into a journey unless you booted it from cold - very annoying), Sally has an older Nuvi for her cars and a Garmin watch for recording her hikes. I have a Garmin GPSMap60CX for hiking and a backup eTrex.

I do find it confusing looking at the Nuvis on-line as they seem to have so many different models all with subtly different features. Some come with lifetime map updates, some with live traffic (mine has both), some are ultra slim, some have more of a 3-D look to the maps I believe.

I do like using Basecamp though - allows me to create waypoints for my journeys in advance, then drag and drop them onto the GPS. E.g campgrounds I might use, places to visit and their respective car parks, etc.

Steve.

I have a Garmin - Nuvi 2597LMT 5". Really good GPS. I have had 4 or 5 different ones over the years and this is by far the best.

I'm odd duck out. TomTom owner here for years.

I wanted the 'biggest' screen I could find and I wanted text to speech for 'inputting' directions. I didn't want to hunt and peck to input my route. You only have to push one or two keys as she asks where you want to go and you just verbally answer.

At the time the only GPS that filled this bill was the TomTom.

After 6 years I am still using the same GPS and like every single thing about it!

I just keep reading a lot of posts here on the forum that the lower cost Garmins are almost expected to die after a year or two necessitating purchasing another one often.

I have the newest coolest Garmin ($400?) and a cheap Garmin for the toad (Nuvi something for about $95). I like them both. Get something with lifetime maps but I don't think the lifetime traffic is worth much of anything. If it's there, good but I would not pay extra just for this option.
I actually would likely not buy a toad GPS in the future as my smartphone has much better POI information and the routing is every bit as good....for free!

I went cheap, as I normally do and went with a refurbished Garmin 50 with life time maps. Works well except it has no user preference. If you always leave town by one route it will always send you out on its own route. It does correct after you get going but it is a minor annoyance.