Community Forums

Warden · 03-24-2010, 04:18 AM

Anyone have a Recomendation for a Really good GPS for RV's, right now I have been looking at the Garmin Truckers GPS 465T........ anyone have any suggestions....... right now I am using the Garmin 2720 which does the job, but wants to go it's own way at times....... I worry about low bridges and areas that RV's are not allowed.

YankeeCliper · 03-24-2010, 04:41 AM

www.AITAonline.com

Low Clearence web site !

Warden · 03-24-2010, 04:48 AM

Thanks for the link YankeeCliper

RVThere · 03-24-2010, 06:55 AM

I have the 465T and it does NOT do a great job at low bridges. My local NJ data is not current or not even available.

Low clearance website does not have many low RR bridges that are common in my part of NJ. About 10 years ago, NJ outlawed interstate trucks on Rt. 31 becuase they were using it as a short cut from I95 to I78. That law was cancelled about 5 years ago. The 465T still goes crazy whenever you get onto Rt. 31 and you are in 'truck mode' saying you are on a restricted roadway (this is a 4 lane divided highway).

I think it proved to me that NOTHING beats keeping your eyes open and reading every sign to look for low clearances ahead.

Blue Ribbon · 03-24-2010, 08:53 AM

If you have a laptop and a good place to put it, an excellent GPS can be bought at WalMart for under $90. It is a small 2" X 2" X 1" "hockey puck" antenna and the rest is in your computer. Excellent maps and many things you can do with for routing, and stops along the way.

Warden · 03-24-2010, 04:19 PM

Thanks for that tip Blue Ribbon

Warden · 03-24-2010, 04:20 PM

Thanks RVThere, Guess the 465T is out of the question

ShapeShifter · 03-24-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YankeeCliper

www.AITAonline.com

Low Clearence web site !

Just keep in mind that the list only includes most low clearances on major truck route roads. The list is not necessarily complete, and once you get off the major roads and onto the back roads (like when going to a campground) you're on your own.

Still, it's better than nothing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVThere

I think it proved to me that NOTHING beats keeping your eyes open and reading every sign to look for low clearances ahead.

And that's the absolute truth! I won't go anywhere without my GPS, but I don't let it think for me. No electronics, map, or web site is a substitute for good situational awareness.

AFChap · 03-24-2010, 04:55 PM

My coach came with an Alpine DVD based GPS ...whatever you get, MAKE SURE it is NOT DVD based and that you can download upgrades from the internet.

All that said ...with the Alpine in the MH and a portable Garmin in the toad, I have NEVER had any low clearance problems. We have traveled interstates highways, US highways, and some country roads all across the country. I have crossed a bridge or two I probably should not have...

Blue Ribbon · 03-24-2010, 05:15 PM

Many many RV friendly features. Just got the new catalog today. Wow, what a bargain, if you can have your PC Set up.

Cat # 38165

JVJ · 03-25-2010, 07:02 AM

Our Pacifica came with the Garmin NAV system....However I have not been able to get it to work....or for that fact even turn on.
So I have been looking to replace my old Gamin that was about 5 years old since some Christmas Grinch broke into my truck back just before Christmas.
I have been looking at the wide selection of GPS offerings, reading reviews and cramping my brain with way to much information to make a simple decission.
Seems the high dollar units offer many features that may be nice to have, but do I need the ability to talk on my phone via my GPS? Do I need a GPS to tell me what lane I need to be in or reminded of the posted speed limit? I am pretty sure I don't need a GPS to look at my digital photos, or play music.
It would be nice to have a GPS that give good clearance height information, but from the reviews I have read, these units are not perfect nor complete in the height informaton area. So I am starting to think, go with a basic GPS system for directions, distance, and time from point A to point B. Back myself up with a great Atlas and a few state maps. Keep my eyes open, read the signs, approach with caution and stay keen as to my surroundings.
Now, what size screen do I need? More decissions....LOL!!

Warden · 03-25-2010, 09:42 AM

Oh My JVJ, I think you hit it right on the button......all kinds of extras on them now...... I have a Garmin 2720....... I may just stick with it as well as keeping my eyes open for places I need not be at .............

JVJ · 03-26-2010, 04:23 AM

Well, after posting my thoughts in writting, it looked as if I had made up my mind on the features I really wanted. Stick to and make use of the KISS principal one again, and "keep it simple, stupid" So while on a quick jont over to Costco I came across a Megellan 1475T GPS, no real bells and whistles. Nice large screen 4.7", easy to see, large enough that my fat fingers can use the on screen button keys one at a time. Plenty of advance notice for up coming turns, little bell dings when it is time to turn also. Vocals are nice and clear, plenty of volume control, and quick Sat. connections...seemed like my Garmin always took way too much time searching for a Sat. connection. Lifetime current traffic updates. On sale for $129.
Now the down side, when in the heck did GPS manufactures start selling advertising space on the screen of a Nav System. Every so often there will be a little advertisment mentioning either "Wells Fargo Bank, a great time to start a savings account" or Walgreens.
I guess the company who supplies the lifetime up date on current traffic needs to generate operating capitial somehow, and the advertisments are extreemly small banner type ads, but that just ain't right.