Rand McNally 7710 GPS

[Bigd2]

I have always been surprised at the number of late model RV's that do not
come with a factory installed GPS. I know there are several that do have it as an option. I would be very interested to know what other forum members have done and what your thoughts are on the new Rand McNally
RVGPS. I hope this link works:

TripMaker® RVND™

Thanks
Dick

[traveldawg]

I think I have sat on the side lines long enough on the topic of GPS' or, more specifically, RV GPS'.

I have a JVC audio/GPS system installed in my MH. It works well. But it doesn't allow for a few things I think all GPS' should have:

Ability to customize the route for both shorter distance AND longer distance on the same trip (or leg of a trip). Much like Google maps does on line, I long for the day when I can touch the screen and drag the planned route over to a route I prefer. This seems to be major gripe I have with all current GPS' - not enough customization.

Having said that, I would look for these features on a GPS...
> display that shows a lot of detail (roads & POIs) without having to zoom in to a ridiculously small area/scale;
>> my JCV doesn't show anything of detail until I get to less than 1/2 mile scale; that is awful. My Garmin does a better job of showing more detailed maps a zoomed out scale, but still not enough for my liking. Tom-Tom is no better.

> I would love to see a GPS that tells me ahead of time about a POI or set of POIs I want to know about (e.g. rest stops). With the small scale one needs now to see these it is too late to stop by the time they show up on the map.
>> how come I can get smart phone apps that pinpoint rest stops and truck stops based on my location but a GPS can't?

> map display must show: next turn direction, distance and time to next turn (including what it is - e.g. exit number, street name), posted speed limit, remaining trip time, estimated time of arrival.
>> the GPS' I have looked at that might be suitable for RVs are the RVND 7710, Magellan Roadmate 1700 w/RV map set, MAGELLAN ROADMATE 9165T. I'm not sure any of these show me all the map detail and information I want on the map screen.

General comments:
> the web sites for these GPS units show far too little detail of what a lot of the screens look like.
> the web sites should have a demo one can run through to see how the GPS units work (this would show me what screens show what information). That I have to go to a store and drag a working unit outside to test this functionality is stupid. The makes of most GPS units miss this important point. I think it why so many get returned.
> a smart phone app is much more useful for POIs than any GPS I have looked at. They allow for searching for specific POIs, sets of POIs (again, the example of rest stops). My iPhone is even a bit more responsive and useful for detailed and quick map routing in many cases.

To end on a positive note: I'm OK for now with my in-dash JVC. I like the blue tooth, the voice-over of the announcements over what ever audio is playing.

I suppose I could go on. But for now I'm keeping my $350 until I figure out the next step to take.

oh - so far I have found that a GPS is no substitute for a real good navigator in the passenger seat.

Wish me luck in finding a GPS system I like.

[wnytaxman]

I too am curious about the Rand McNally GPS. I currently use a Garmin 465t. It works for the most part, but like any GPS, you have to be aware of where you are SUPPOSED to be going. If you know, it can save you many headaches.

I'm glad I don't have an in dash model GPS. The technology changes so rapidly in those units that an in dash model would probably be obsolete by the time the rig got to the dealers. I've had in dash GPS's on both my Chevy Avalanche and my F-150 and both of those units were beyond terrible. The Chevy GPS told me to go from Buffalo to Altoona, PA, via Erie and Pittsburgh, or roughly 300 miles to make the 200 mile direct trip to Altoona. After I bought my Ford in Houston, my GPS kept on telling me to turn around when I was over 150 miles into my current route. A lot of the in dash units leave much to be desired.

[texnet]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

After I bought my Ford in Houston, my GPS kept on telling me to turn around when I was over 150 miles into my current route.

You will never know what adventure you missed by not following your GPS

[docj]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

I'm glad I don't have an in dash model GPS. The technology changes so rapidly in those units that an in dash model would probably be obsolete by the time the rig got to the dealers.

X2; we just replaced our dash radio and specifically wanted one that didn't have a GPS built in. The built-in GPS systems we've had in the past both required expensive update disks and in one case the manufacturer simply stopped supporting that model and wouldn't provide any more updates. Our Garmin has lifetime updates for free.

[Midniteoyl]

Ability to customize the route for both shorter distance AND longer distance on the same trip (or leg of a trip). Much like Google maps does on line, I long for the day when I can touch the screen and drag the planned route over to a route I prefer. This seems to be major gripe I have with all current GPS' - not enough customization.

Its called 'via' and is used on Garmins.. you use to be able to do it on MapQuest too, but I believe it got taken away..

[Bigd2]

Hey Traveldog..

I had to go back and read your post twice to find out what you really think about GPS units. If you ever find that GPS you talk about please call me, I'll be first in line. Camping world is offering the new Rand McNally for 40 bucks off with lifetime updates. Now that I think about what some others have said about in dash models not being standard it's a good thing.

Thanks
Dick

[Ed S]

I have the Garmin 465t as well, but wanting to research the Tripmaker RVND 7710. So far seems no one as purchased and been able to give feedback. Price is very far if you get what they say. 7 in is nice for the mh but to large for car (talking from experience) and not sure with my rig if it may be to large as well. Non the less, I want more infor on this bad boy.

[JMonroe]

Our new coach came with an in-dash GPS. Its junk. We have been setting our ancient Garmin on top of it for the last year. I did just order the new 7" Rand McNally RV specific GPS. Time will tell whether it was a good purchase.

[MaverickBBD]

Traveldawg, you hit the nail on the head! You ever think about building your own?
I went with the Nuvi by Gramin because I wasn't sure of the technology at the time. Now I have come to realize the error of my ways. There are soooo many features lacking that I wish I had.

Now that the screen has teeth marks in it. Darn Hound puppy, it is time to upgrade. I can tell you there are not a lot of rv oriented programmers that work for these companies. Just like Cain (Grasshopper) I continue to search. TY Master Po.

As far as factory installs, I think they face the same dilemma. I just look at the AM/FM radios in my rig (Magnadyne) and am thankful they didn't instal a GPS.

[Midniteoyl]

Dont expect more from other GPS's than from your Nuvi...

[Bobb.25]

I too have been frustrated trying to use the GPS for route planning. It would be nice if you could create a desired route using PC based software, Mapquest, etc.. with the drag and drop features, and then transfer the route to a GPS. However, what transfers are simply a bunch of "destination" points and the GPS feels free to pick whatever route it chooses in between these points. You have to carefully choose enough points to restrict its freedom of choice. I am presently using a Garmin 765 and Mapquest, and after a very unpleasant experience last summer on narrow dirt roads over a "shortcut" chosen by the Garmin, I have become suspicious of the routes it takes.

At this time you seem to be able to add mutliple "route stops" when planning a route, and the Garmin will transfer them, So I guess the trick, at least in 2011, is adding lots of stops along the desired route.

If someone were to market a GPS that actually transferred a route, and not a destination point, I would be interested.

[Midniteoyl]

You use to be able to use MapQuest to route and then send that to the Garmin... But, you should be able to use Bing or even Google.. Though its not really intuitive like MapQuest was.

Garmin Nuvi GPS Tricks, Tips, Work Arounds, Hints, Secrets and Ideas -- Page 9

And, you still have Garmin Map Source to use... You did get Map Source, correct?

[WoodLark]

Originally Posted by Ed S

I have the Garmin 465t as well, but wanting to research the Tripmaker RVND 7710. So far seems no one as purchased and been able to give feedback. Price is very far if you get what they say. 7 in is nice for the mh but to large for car (talking from experience) and not sure with my rig if it may be to large as well. Non the less, I want more infor on this bad boy.

Ed, the reason no one has been able to give you a review of the RVND7710 is they have not been available. Supposedly they were to start shipping October 1. I ordered one a couple weeks ago from Camping World and they gave me an expected ship date of October 18. Once I receive it and try it out, I'll let everyone know how it works for me.