GPS Systems

[Rick Coleman]

I know the subject has been discussed at length in the past, but products are always changing and improving. I have perused previous posts. I'm looking to buy a gps for the coach and I'd like to know what you are using these days. I'm definitely not a "techy", so I'd like something a simpleton can operate.

Are these units large enough to read while driving? Do you mount them on the dash? Are some of them software you install in your laptop?

I even vaguely remember reading about one software system that warns you of "low overhead".

Sorry for all the questions, but I've never used one of these gizmos.

[Rick Coleman]

I know the subject has been discussed at length in the past, but products are always changing and improving. I have perused previous posts. I'm looking to buy a gps for the coach and I'd like to know what you are using these days. I'm definitely not a "techy", so I'd like something a simpleton can operate.

Are these units large enough to read while driving? Do you mount them on the dash? Are some of them software you install in your laptop?

I even vaguely remember reading about one software system that warns you of "low overhead".

Sorry for all the questions, but I've never used one of these gizmos.

[lundy]

I use a Garmin 2720 which is easy to use. Although more expensive than the lap-top varity, I can use it by myself while moving. It is plugged into a 12volt dash outlet and sits on the hump of the dash. Very little loss of satellite without external antenna. It is updateable but sometimes finds restaurants that have been closed or moved. It can't keep up with the new Costco's or Walmarts or new subdivisions. Only a minor irrigation. Love it and have it on all of the time.

[gary85]

We have been using GPS systems for several years-this past year in our motorhome. We have tried a number of the smaller screen models but returned them due primarily to the small screen. Co-Pilot (ALK Technology?) has been our mainstay over the years. Co-pilot is laptop based and has an RV setting for propane restrictions and overhead clearance. We keep the laptop on the dash. Ideally the laptop should be located within reach to make route changes as necessary. We also use a laptop based engine management system, on a 2d laptop,on the dash. For the toad we use the Lowrance model 500. It has a large screen (6 or 7"), uses a hard drive, is portable and is also easy to use. We also just had the Pioneer(Garmin based GPS) in dash unit installed in our Explorer, our daily driver. However, since this unit also is a radio receiver and DVD player, it is complicated. Overall, we still like the CO-Pilot best as the size of the laptop screen is very easy to see.

[Danny Gayhart]

I have been using a laptop with Delorme Street Atlas software and a portable GPS for 7 years. My current GPS is a Garmin 60 CS. The laptop gives better viewing from the driver's seat than any GPS screen. Prior to that I used a Garmin Street Pilot stand alone GPS

The Delorme software is fairly user friendly. I download and install "draw files"� on clearances, Wal Mart's, Flying-J's from the Discovery Owners web site. I have a RAM mount for the 60CS that can be moved to our Jeep when needed.

The Co Pilot works well and is very cost effective if you need RV only mapping and have a laptop.

[hrhuggie]

I have been using use the Tom Tom One for about a year now. It is small, portable from one car to another, plugs into the cigarette lighter, can run on batteries for about two hours, and usually gets me to where I want. It does not have the propane limitations or low overhead warnings. The screen is considerably smaller than a laptop but is clear and easy to read with voice turn by turn directions that increase in volume with your increase in speed. Finding restraunts, flying J, casinos, campgrounds along the route or near your destination is easy but of course sometimes restraunts etc close since your last update to the software. cost currently is about $259

[Marca]

We purchased a Garmin StreetPilot 7200 in February 2006 after having used DeLorme Street Atlas on our PC for several years. We transfer the StreetPilot from the Alpine to the TOAD (GMC Envoy) and other vehicles at home as needed. It has a rather large display but resides on all of the dashes quite nicely. We place it on a turntable in the motorhome so both the pilot and co-pilot can turn it for viewing. We also purchased the XM Radio Antenna for the StreetPilot for use in the Alpine and our other vehicles that do not have XM Radios. I found the StreetPilot as easy to learn as the StreetAtlas. It helps if you spend time learning how to use both of them prior to your trips.

The only trouble we have had with the StreetPilot is that Garmin is a little slow updating the maps and with the speed that roads, businesses, etc. change out there that causes some frustration just like StreetAtlas did if you didn't stay current with the latest version.

By the way, the StreetPilot can be set for automobile, motorcycle, and truck options. We alternate between the automobile and truck options depending upon where our travels take us. It also has some other features such as traffic navigation and weather options that we chose not to purchase. I definitely prefer the StreetPilot over the Delorme even it if was pricey.

Hope this helps and has not caused any further confusion. Happy Shopping!

[Route 66]

I have a Garmin StreetPilot 2610.

The advantage of Garmin's StreetPilot models is you can lay out your route on your computer using Garmin's MapSource and transfer the route to your StreetPilot.

I find it much easier to use the larger computer screen, keyboard, and the tools in MapSource when layout a route.

[Tboh]

DeLorme 2008 GPS for Laptop. Excellent program. $80 @ Best Buy

[WeBrzn2]

I just recently bought the Garmin Nuvi 200 for both the car and Alpine. So far, I am somewhat dissapointed that the Nuvi does not have an RV mode or truck mode. Guess I should have done a little more research or not been so cheap (paid $399, so I did not think it was too cheap!). It seems to have very up to date maps, and information, but it has taken us on some very tight streets that I know would not be included in the route for a truck or RV. It has a mode for no U-turns, yet one of the places I headed it was directing me on a route that would have required a U-turn that would not have been possible in the Alpine with the toad. Good thing I was trying it out on routes I already know.

I would recommend doing some research ahead of time (like you are doing now). I could still return the Nuvi as it is within the 30 day return policy at Best Buy, but I do like it for the price I guess.

[Route 66]

HERE is a web site with more GPS info than you thought possible, and reviews of just about every GPS unit.

[gator67]

We have a Garmin 2610 and we're very happy with it. I like the portability (it moves easily from coach to car) and the flexibility of loading the necessary maps from a laptop. I find the screen easy to read, and it's easy to operate. I got a good deal at Costco online.

[Danny Gayhart]

The link above is where I did my research for my first GPS. Joe MeHaffey has been doing GPS research for many years.

[rmmpe]

Does anybody have a source for Co-Pilot?
Can it be used in split-screen mode with Silverleaf VMSpc?