Why no built-in GPS systems on RV's?

[GrantC]

While GPS systems are rapidly becoming standard in new cars why is it not the same with RV's, vehicles designed to travel to new places? Is there some reason for this apart from a cost saving measure? It just doesn't seem natural.

[Bill Adams]

Personally, I would much rather NOT have a built in GPS. Now I have to have and maintain 2 separate GPS units in the RV and the toad. No thanks. I have one Garmin, I use it where ever I like and I am very, very happy.

[Izzyblueye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantC While GPS systems are rapidly becoming standard in new cars why is it not the same with RV's, vehicles designed to travel to new places? Is there some reason for this apart from a cost saving measure? It just doesn't seem natural.

National statistics reveal the average RV only travels about 6000 miles per year. It would be a huge expense for that much travel. A good portable can be used in several vehicles. It is my observation the built in jobs are way too expensive. Now if they could find a way to combine the rear view camera and a GPS is might become a good investment.

[GrantC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homer National statistics reveal the average RV only travels about 6000 miles per year. It would be a huge expense for that much travel. A good portable can be used in several vehicles. It is my observation the built in jobs are way too expensive. Now if they could find a way to combine the rear view camera and a GPS is might become a good investment.

That's just what they do on the Honda Odyssey. When the van is in drive (D) it shows the direction you're taking and when its in (R) the rear camera comes on, all from the same device beside the driver. There are no subcriptions or anything like that needed.

Once you become used to them it becomes pretty difficult to do without. A hand held is fine, you can get them on EBay and elsewhere for not a lot of money (I paid $100), but because it is hand-held it can also be a distraction while driving. The savings on gas and frustration make them a good investment, I believe.

[doc]

We have a built in navigation system in the present coach. It was there when we bought the coach or we would not have it. It is OK, but I certainly would rather have my Garmin than this thing. It is hard to use, added a pile to the cost of the coach, and doesn't have near the function and capabiltiy of the Garmin. Seldom does it ever get turned on. Miss Garmin directs us around the country and although we don't always agree on the route, she has never failed to get us there and back home.

[Wizard]

Think about if it stops working and needs to be replaced.

I can replace my Garmin for a couple of hundred and get all the newest bells and whistles.

Wonder how much a dealer would charge for that.

[two2go]

I try to avoid all embedded technology, considering the rate of change. Look at all the heavy tube TV's still installed in relatively new coaches. If you can get a current GPS for $150 every couple of years, why invest in a $1000 dash system that may not be viable in 5 years? My friend has an older luxury SUV with a very expensive "Navigation Package" option, and he can't get current map data for it any more. When he could, it was an expensive dealer install.
Please hold the built in electronic eye candy for me, thank you. I'll get what I want.

[RonK]

Our 2009 Providence has a built-in Pioneer nav/radio/cd/dvd/backup system and although it works quit well I would much rather use my Iphone (soon to be replaced with the Ipad) than any nav system I investigated.

[1940 ford]

I agree with everyone about a hand held and I feel it is easier to use than the built in's. We have a built in with a remote and it sucks. My husband is not interested in learning how to use it so Mrs. Garmin tells him where to go. He does get mad at her but at least it not me. We have taken many scenic routes per her instructions but at lease we see the country instead of freeways.
Jan

[tedward1555]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonK Our 2009 Providence has a built-in Pioneer nav/radio/cd/dvd/backup system and although it works quit well I would much rather use my Iphone (soon to be replaced with the Ipad) than any nav system I investigated.

I agree Ronk. I have an 08 Providence and the nav/pioneer radio etc is in the dash not on it... and it is very hard to read... no good backlight and it's in an out of the way place for a driver to safely watch. I much prefer my iPhone... love that "current location" to... option... can always quickly refresh it and fits in my palm easily so I can look at it at stop lights/signs and yes even when driving safely.

Just my ho
Ed

[Jim Stewart]

Built ins are several thousand dollar solution to a few hundred dollar problem. Many of the newest style mounts are great. I have one that sits on a swivel mount that can adjust to any possition with a base that sits tightly in a cup holder.

[ChiefJohn]

The first thing I did was remove the 'Alpine' GPS system (couple thousand dollars??) and install my Garmin 7200. The Alpine was built into the coach and very expensive to maintain, whereas my Garmin has a lifetime updates, large screen, and other capabilities.

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantC While GPS systems are rapidly becoming standard in new cars why is it not the same with RV's, vehicles designed to travel to new places? Is there some reason for this apart from a cost saving measure? It just doesn't seem natural.

Many do have built in Nav system, especially in the higher end (more gadgets) units. Ours came with a Garmin system.

joe

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Stewart Built ins are several thousand dollar solution to a few hundred dollar problem. Many of the newest style mounts are great. I have one that sits on a swivel mount that can adjust to any possition with a base that sits tightly in a cup holder.

Several thousand? The Kenwood I just installed in our rig was just about one thousand, and includes a full AV receiver including DVD player.

joe