Gps for rv

mscully103 · 02-28-2011, 08:35 PM

I have been in the market for a gps for my coach.

Looking at truck gps like the garmin 465t or the new gamin dezl...any proven suggestions?

**Kablewizard** · 02-28-2011, 09:27 PM

It's head to pick my favorite, I have a Garmin 2620, 2 Nuvi's And a tom tom. THe prices vary as do the their capabilities. Something I like is the free updates, battery back up and traffic updates to stat.

BZam · 02-28-2011, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mscully103

I have been in the market for a gps for my coach.

Looking at truck gps like the garmin 465t or the new gamin dezl...any proven suggestions?

I have Garmin 7200 and love it. Does everything I could possibly want and more.

There are some discussion threads here so just search for 7200.

Bob

BigSkyBob · 02-28-2011, 09:39 PM

I'm also a Garmin 7200 fan. I opted for the Lifetime updates and have updated 7 new maps for north America to date.

BHEMOTH · 02-28-2011, 09:43 PM

I have been using a Garmin Nuvi 255W for the last 3 years and it has proved to be excellent. I just upgraded the software for North America, the download was seamless and the improved coverage was immediately evident. I really don't need a GPS that has FM or satellite radio or Ipod capability, I just want help getting to where I want go, simply and effectively.

That said, the ability of the recently released Garmin 365T to offer a warning for low level bridges seems a must for Class A motorcoaches. I've ordered one for use with our Diplomat. I also have a Garmin Zumo 220 for my motorcycle but have not yet put it to the test.

In fairness, I have no experience with other GPS manufacturers but should the 365T and the Zumo 220 prove as competent as the little Nuvi 255, Garmin will have a customer for some time to come

OLYLEN · 03-01-2011, 08:46 AM

Another option might be a netbook and copilot with a GPS puck. Large screen Trucker option and a computer with to boot. I do have the netbook and streetsandmaps with the puck and it works great. Also have two garmin nuv a hand held and a droidx with gps but the large screen and truck routing I don't have. Looking around pricing would be just a bit more than a 465T. Just putting another option out there.

LEN

Blue Ribbon · 03-01-2011, 10:48 AM

I strongly agree with OLYLEN. At Wally World they are only $80 and if you have a notebook computer, there is no other GPS screen in the world as big as your computer. With trucker info, you can't go wrong! We've had 3 units in 7 years and really like them. An up-dated map cost the same as a brand new unit, so guess what, we buy the new unit.

RVRon · 03-01-2011, 11:24 AM

I have a Garmin 7200 Streetpilot like some others here and am completely satisfied. I have had it since 2005. The 7" screen is huge compared to the other 4.3" screens and there is another thread out there somewhere regarding a website that you can download a low clearance database and load into the 7200 as a point of interest database.
Ron

mscully103 · 03-01-2011, 12:19 PM

Thanks to all for the ideas...I like the idea of using my laptop...will check that out further...also, I had not considered the 7200 as I did not think that it was RV friendly but sounds like it as soem uploads that make it useful. Certainly like most, I would like as big a screen as I can get. I do know one thing...Garmin seems to come out on top. FYI...I tried the Cobra 7750 plat...was not impressed...slow and confusing graphics...I am sure it is beter then the quick test I gave it but for $400+ large screen or not, not my choice. Thanks again

Mike

M&EM · 03-01-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mscully103

Thanks to all for the ideas...I like the idea of using my laptop...will check that out further...also, I had not considered the 7200 as I did not think that it was RV friendly but sounds like it as soem uploads that make it useful. Certainly like most, I would like as big a screen as I can get. I do know one thing...Garmin seems to come out on top. FYI...I tried the Cobra 7750 plat...was not impressed...slow and confusing graphics...I am sure it is beter then the quick test I gave it but for $400+ large screen or not, not my choice. Thanks again

Mike

I use a portable type computer(Mac Mini) running XP with an external 15 inch monitor mounted under the cabinet where my sun visor used to be. I run Delorme Street Atlas with their Earthmate GPS pod.

Marty

mscully103 · 03-04-2011, 07:14 AM

I looked at that on the web after getting your input. Looks great...are there downloads for truck/rv considerations? Did not notice them but may not have explored fully. I just downloaded GPS Drive by Motionx for my iPad...very impressed...the app was .99 cents, free voice guidence for a month...and after one year, as I understand it, $20 to renew..works off the GPS on your iPad which means it needs to be active and therfore 3g(i assume) but may not as GPS is included on iPad even without 3g... but you would not have to run 24/7 only at critical points. Did not see anything on it however that made it RV friendly... It got some good reviews...for $.99 seemed worth checking out. Just some FYI.

RVNeophytes2 · 03-04-2011, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHEMOTH

I have been using a Garmin Nuvi...

Garmin has been my choice in planes and cars since 1995; I love the Nuvi.

But, it's a running joke in our household that all bad things in RV'ing come from following the GPS' route.

Until we get a trucking database GPS, the strictly-enforced rule here is that downloaded safe routes are adhered to, and the GPS is used for backup only.

BarbRN · 03-04-2011, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHEMOTH

I have been using a Garmin Nuvi 255W for the last 3 years and it has proved to be excellent. I just upgraded the software for North America, the download was seamless and the improved coverage was immediately evident. I really don't need a GPS that has FM or satellite radio or Ipod capability, I just want help getting to where I want go, simply and effectively.

That said, the ability of the recently released Garmin 365T to offer a warning for low level bridges seems a must for Class A motorcoaches. I've ordered one for use with our Diplomat. I also have a Garmin Zumo 220 for my motorcycle but have not yet put it to the test.

In fairness, I have no experience with other GPS manufacturers but should the 365T and the Zumo 220 prove as competent as the little Nuvi 255, Garmin will have a customer for some time to come

I use the Zumo 650 in the motorhome and it's great. I have lifetime updates on it.

BarbRN · 03-04-2011, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLYLEN

Another option might be a netbook and copilot with a GPS puck. Large screen Trucker option and a computer with to boot. I do have the netbook and streetsandmaps with the puck and it works great. Also have two garmin nuv a hand held and a droidx with gps but the large screen and truck routing I don't have. Looking around pricing would be just a bit more than a 465T. Just putting another option out there.

LEN

Can you simplify this for a non techy person? What do you run on the netbook? What's a puck?