Community Forums

Dusty111 · 04-12-2021, 10:49 AM

OK...who likes what GPS system..noobie here 05 Monaco Windsor..
looking for recommendations / experiences with GPS systems
Garmin seems to be a contender ????

bdpreece · 04-12-2021, 11:46 AM

Used to love my Rand McNally but don't buy one just for the lifetime map updates. It's what ever they want to call the product lifetime then they just stop producing map updates. The disclaimer is in the fine print but "Lifetime Maps" is in the really large print.

allenb12 · 04-12-2021, 04:11 PM

We have used Garmin for several years. We currently have the 770 RV. We really like it.

Cooperhawk · 04-12-2021, 04:27 PM

Just upgraded to the Garmin RV 780 and like it a lot. It will even work with your smart phone and display radar weather on your route.

momdoc · 04-13-2021, 06:41 AM

We have been using a Garmin (660) for the last 4 years. Good system and we are thinking of upgrading to the 780 in the next few months.

Charming · 04-13-2021, 08:42 AM

I was looking on line at some of the GPS systems and when posters decide they will upgrade from one to another, why and when do you make that decision? How far out of date are the maps? I know my area is stamping out new subdivisions every other day but the main roads have changed little in 20 years.

I'm wondering because the price of some of them does make one pause.

whalepirot · 04-13-2021, 08:56 AM

I'm newly to the Garmin 780 for RVs/trucks, bought from C'field. I gave up on Magellan due to lousy support and have various Garmins in other vehicles. Magellan defines "lifetime" as 5 years, IIRC.

While I'd have preferred the 8" or 10" displays in pricier versions, neither offered the FWD-looking, recording camera, which I deem essential, given the loonies 'sharing' the roads. I fabricated a PVC custom mount to raise it enough for a useful view, after a futile online search.

This newer series has capabilities I'll likely never use; the campground search not comprehensive.

ByeTheWay · 04-13-2021, 09:09 PM

Garmin, Dezl in MH with a Garmin Nuvi in the toad

Cooperhawk · 04-15-2021, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charming

How far out of date are the maps? I know my area is stamping out new subdivisions every other day but the main roads have changed little in 20 years.

Most Garmins come with LMT. that's lifetime map updates and traffic warnings. They update often and all you have to do is plug into your computer and they update automatically.

wayfarer2021 · 04-16-2021, 05:03 AM

Or get a Garmin 890 which has built-in WiFi. No need to connect to a computer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

Most Garmins come with LMT. that's lifetime map updates and traffic warnings. They update often and all you have to do is plug into your computer and they update automatically.

rffowler55 · 04-16-2021, 06:17 AM

We used Co-pilot for years but got frustrated with the routes that were borderline size appropriate and frequently illogical. We switched to the Garmin 785 which has an embedded front facing camera that provides lane departure and impending collision warnings. We tested the Garmin routing against the Co-pilot on our last trip and the Garmin route choices were much more aligned with what we would have selected using our old paper maps.

Jayco1 · 04-16-2021, 08:07 AM

Is there anyone out there using the Garmin RV 890 GPS -- is it any good?

Cooperhawk · 04-16-2021, 08:11 AM

I had a trucker's 890 and returned it. It really wasn't meant for RVs. I then purchased an RV 780 and so far it is a much better choice. It has a lot of features that pertain just to RVing.

DKRITTER · 04-17-2021, 06:54 AM

I tend to go Garmin, we bought a 780RV a couple of years ago and it has served us well. Several newer offerings.

One thing is NEVER trust a GPS system.

Someone somewhere programed it with a set of parameters you might not agree with or like. Learn how to put in waypoints to adjust your trip to go where/how you wish.

We tend to do our trip planning on Google Maps first then crank up the Garmin to see if they agree and adjust with waypoints as needed.

Let me give you an example;
We live on the NW side of Fort Worth and travel to Louisiana several times a year. Both Google and Garmin route me through downtown Dallas, bad idea. I add a waypoint on I-35w near I-20, it routes me all the way down to the bottom of DFW and then across on 20. This is by far the easiest and safest way to get across DFW.

Know your route before you go.