Community Forums

gdahl · 12-26-2019, 08:05 AM

We are preparing to begin a nationwide tour of up to 18 months. Our coach does not have onboard gps and we have been looking to purchase a Garmin rv gps. There are so many to choose from so wondering what people are using with good success and simple user friendly operation. Any input at this time would be greatly appreciated, we have until spring before begin our adventure.
Gary & Nora Dahl

ByeTheWay · 12-26-2019, 08:25 AM

Not having an onboard GPS is a good thing in MHO. I much prefer the portable models, which are much easier to update. I also prefer a Garmin. BaseCamp (BC) is a Free download from Garmin and allows data to be uploaded and downloaded from their GPS to your pc. BC works with pc or mac. Some report a struggle learning BC but with basic computer skills, its pretty easy. Any Garmin that allows you to input coordinates will work fine.

MSHappyCampers · 12-26-2019, 08:31 AM

Hi Gary& Nora! We are using an old Rand McNally RVND7710 that we've had for years!

If I were buying a new one today it would probably be the Garmin!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

zigzagrv · 12-26-2019, 08:35 AM

Instead of a dedicated GPS, take a look at the Co-Pilot app for RV's which can be used on a tablet. I run Co-Pilot on a Samsung tablet and it works great. You can get a Samsung tablet for under $150, and the Co-Pilot app is $30/per year including regular map updates.

With the Co-Pilot app, you can pre-plan trips with stops and save them and load them up as needed. Includes setting the size of your RV so it will avoid roads your RV is not capable of traveling. Many other useful features including traffic alerts. Check it out.

Disclaimer: I do not have any affiliation with Co-Pilot.

DKRITTER · 12-26-2019, 08:39 AM

Simple suggestion is when you get it get the latest unit available. I think the RV 785 is it now but they may have a newer one come spring. Each new model has a few more features.

We have a 780 now and would highly recommend it.

tdcolby · 12-26-2019, 08:43 AM

Whichever you choose, be sure it's RV specific as you can enter the particulars about your rig and route around low clearances, for instance.

I have a Garmin RV660LMT with lifetime maps and traffic advisories.

HDGoose · 12-26-2019, 09:14 AM

I have the Garmin RV760 GPS. We like it. This is our first RV and we didn't start small with a 33ft 5th wheel trailer. So I wanted a unit that would help me route my 50 feet and 22000 pound rig to my destinations. We programmed in the height, length and weight and we are happy with the routing. We do go to some small towns and burgs that are not popular at all.

This unit has done well for us.

CIDE · 12-26-2019, 09:27 AM

I have the Garmin RV-770 and am very happy with it. In the last two years I've driven 64k miles, 49 states (+ repeats), 11 Canadian provinces (+ repeats) and two territories. #drivin

The computer voice is very clear and has become indispensable in city traffic. I use the 'find RV park' feature almost every night throughout the US and Canada. I'm completely dependent on the GPS in Canada because I don't have cell service up there so I can't use the AllStays and RVLife apps.

It's important to me that the GPS be on the dash, over the steering wheel so I don't have to look away from the road to see it like I would with an indash/radio nav system.

BobGed · 12-26-2019, 10:01 AM

The GPS Store has the Garmin RV 770 LMT-S on sale for $200 with free shipping and no tax. Amazon Prime is $258 with free shipping but you do have to pay tax.

Just FYI the 'LMT' stands for Life Time Maps, and the 'S' means it is Smartphone compatible.

zigzagrv · 12-26-2019, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed

The GPS Store has the Garmin RV 770 LMT-S on sale for $200 with free shipping and no tax. Amazon Prime is $258 with free shipping but you do have to pay tax.

Just FYI the 'LMT' stands for Life Time Maps, and the 'S' means it is Smartphone compatible.

Don't fall for the 'lifetime' maps gimmick. The 'lifetime' is determined by the maker of the GPS and is the lifetime of the GPS TECHNOLOGY. Can be as little as 3 years, speaking from experience.

Jubilee 45 · 12-26-2019, 10:27 AM

Garmin RV770

BobGed · 12-26-2019, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zigzagrv

Don't fall for the 'lifetime' maps gimmick. The 'lifetime' is determined by the maker of the GPS and is the lifetime of the GPS TECHNOLOGY. Can be as little as 3 years, speaking from experience.

I have a Garmin Nuvi and a Rand McNally 7720 each of which are about seven to eight years old that I still receive map updates for.

momdoc · 12-26-2019, 10:48 AM

We have been using the GArmin 760 (for RVs) for the last two years and it has worked well for us (24K miles). It came with lifetime upgrades and we upgrade our maps every 6 months.

ByeTheWay · 12-26-2019, 01:16 PM

Garmin has easy to follow Videos for pc and mac on the following subjects: Downloading their free program, Tracks, Routes, Organization, Transferring Data, Adventures, and more at: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?pr...801&tab=videos