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Old 08-11-2019, 03:14 PM   #43
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Got the new Garmin RV 785 today

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis_K View Post
FYI, If you have specific questions on using BaseCamp you can try posting them here with a BaseCamp heading or try asking in the BaseCamp Forum https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/ in the approate PC or MAC area.



There are lots of knowledgeable BaseCamp users who can answer.


Dennis,

Yes. Good reminder about that forum for learning more about BaseCamp.

Spent a ton of time over there and a couple of us (specially thanks to Jason Bell) hammered through the Trip Planner issues along with a couple other desires, such as no longer having Google Earth connection within BaseCamp.

In the case of RVTW, however, its shortcomings have nothing to do with anyone else. It’s their lack of proper features and coding that make it useless for “sending” trips to a Garmin.
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Old 08-11-2019, 07:38 PM   #44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hoosierrun View Post
How is everyone's RV780 working? Mine is occasionally buggy, locking up and requiring a hard reset (simple power down, power up doesn't work). What really turned me off is when I missed my exit on I 10 (not paying attention). The GPS had quit working with no notice presumably a few miles back. It has done this a few times but the other features are so nice, I hate to send it back. I also get numerous disconnects from the smart phone, especially when coming back into a 4G area after being in a dead area. I will just not reconnect on its own. Anyone else having these problems?
Not yet with the 785 but have not left cell coverage yet. Since that's Bluetooth direct I wouldn't think that's what is going on.

Presuming you've done the few firmware updates with Garmin Express you may have a hardware problem. Perhaps you can get a warranty exchange.

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Old 08-12-2019, 06:59 AM   #45
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I am trying to understand why so many folks are using other software, apps, equipment to trip plan. Last night I planned a 7-stop trip in my Garmin RV 785 by starting at home, entering and saving each successive address, adding it as an additional stop, and ending back at home. I am totally new to planning a “long” trip (3,280 miles total, it says) as we’ve pretty much only camped within a few hours of our home in state parks previously. Is this insufficient? Will this route me safely around bridges and other “obstacles” we should avoid with our travel trailer? I did enter all of the vehicle and trailer stats and set my average speed to 55 mph. I tried to carefully go through all the menus for other appropriate settings. It took a while, but I’ll learn it fairly quickly with practice, like most technology.

On another note, we drove around in the truck without the trailer last night to see how well it would find a couple of nearby campgrounds. I was pleased with the advance notice, volume and clarity of the turn by turn instructions. It did a great job of warning of upcoming curves. We did not go anywhere with enough elevation change to check that. The speed limit change warning was nice, too. I also like that I can search for Kroger Fuel Centers near towns that will be along our trip route. Gotta take advantage of those fuel discounts! It did have problems finding a satellite while in one of the modes. I need to play with this some more.

I appreciate any advice you can share with me!
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Old 08-12-2019, 09:35 AM   #46
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Lane Departure Warning setup

I chatted online with Garmin a little while ago. I have not been aligning the horizontal portion of the crosshairs with the HORIZON where the sky meets the earth. I will see if that improves the performance later on today and post results. Meanwhile, someone else may want to try this.

I wonder if this means that the LDWS will only work on straight, flat roads!
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Old 08-12-2019, 10:46 AM   #47
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulnDeb View Post
I am trying to understand why so many folks are using other software, apps, equipment to trip plan. Last night I planned a 7-stop trip in my Garmin RV 785 by starting at home, entering and saving each successive address, adding it as an additional stop, and ending back at home. I am totally new to planning a “long” trip (3,280 miles total, it says) as we’ve pretty much only camped within a few hours of our home in state parks previously. Is this insufficient? Will this route me safely around bridges and other “obstacles” we should avoid with our travel trailer? I did enter all of the vehicle and trailer stats and set my average speed to 55 mph. I tried to carefully go through all the menus for other appropriate settings. It took a while, but I’ll learn it fairly quickly with practice, like most technology.

On another note, we drove around in the truck without the trailer last night to see how well it would find a couple of nearby campgrounds. I was pleased with the advance notice, volume and clarity of the turn by turn instructions. It did a great job of warning of upcoming curves. We did not go anywhere with enough elevation change to check that. The speed limit change warning was nice, too. I also like that I can search for Kroger Fuel Centers near towns that will be along our trip route. Gotta take advantage of those fuel discounts! It did have problems finding a satellite while in one of the modes. I need to play with this some more.

I appreciate any advice you can share with me!
PaulnDeb,

This could be very long answer, and there is a ton of threads regarding the usage of “other” software. In fact, one of mine was moved to the Tips in the Stickies section. It’s about Mapping app, etc.

So, basically...here’s the 30K’ overview...

Do you HAVE to use any other than a GPS to plan your trip? NO...not at all. And, with the RV-specific models, they will give you the same warnings, if not more, than some software or website.

So, why use a full-featured GPS & Navigation program like BaseCamp to research and create your route? Well, in short, it gives you a lot more control and info over your trips. The fact, alone, that I can LOOK and plan my trip ON A 23” MONITOR makes a huge difference. It’s also FAST, since I’m using the power of my desktop Mac which has a whole lot more processing power. I can make changes and additions SO quick and easy and make the routes perfect BEFORE sending them to my GARMIN.

As to WHAT program people use, there are basically 3 main ones, they are: BaseCamp, Good Sam Trip Planner, and RV Trip Wizard.

BaseCamp is the best, in my experience, and I’ve used it since version 1. I’m currently using GoodSam as a secondary means to see campgrounds “on the fly” when I map out a trip. It really helps to see the CG reviews and amenities and is something that BaseCamp can’t do. It gives me extremely accurate times, mileage, elevations, and...most importantly...transfers all of my routing info to my Garmin with 100% accuracy right down to the TIME of DEPARTURE for every Route/Trip.

Forget RVTW, it’s a waste of $40/year...I got a refund. Why? Because the MAIN thing I wanted to do is “Send my route to my GPS”; a feature they brag about...and IT DOES NOT DO THAT! You’ll see my very pungent explanation earlier. I’m sure it’s contributed to a LOT of gray hair in the dumps. The other brag-point is “Drive Time” and “Mileage” Radius/Circles, which are “as the crow flies” so are therefore absolutely useless.
So, Until their developers change the coding of their website, I can’t recommend them for anything other than playing around.

So, BaseCamp...as much of a finicky little problem-child it can be, is still...by far...a VERY useful tool for the Garmin users; whether on a MAC or PC. It’s FREE, and Garmin has no claim to continue supporting that program, sadly.

Hope this Helps
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Old 08-12-2019, 09:56 PM   #48
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Thank you, Captain Gizmo. Since Basecamp is free, I think I will give it a whirl!
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Old 08-12-2019, 11:05 PM   #49
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RV 785 Alone

I agree with the statement it is much easier and faster to plan on my 23" Monitor even using a Windows PC...RVTW makes this even easier because you are able to put in max travel distance and a circle shows on your map so you can search for your next stop at or near that Max...no searching for a specific city like you have to with RV785. Once you select the area you can see and call up all available parks in that area and see information and traveler ratings for those parks and get a link to their specific website where you can start the reservation process. Can't do this with the RV785 or with Base Camp.

I am leaving on my first trip with my RV785 Thursday...5400 miles. I planned my trip in RVTW and then downloaded the gpx file to Base Camp where I created routes and then exported to my RV785. I did it as an Adventure created in Base CAmp and upon opening RV785 Found each of those exported routes listed as saved trips on the Garmin....so, you can export a gpx from RVTW but not direct to the Garmin GPS...My intention is to use each of the various routes between my stops found in RV Trip wizard on a one by one, day by day route.

I have made a short local trip today with the Garmin and especially like the OK GARMIN voice search feature...previous I tried to use apple car plan and my iPhone just to find a Starbucks or a lunch stop...now using voice search I can quickly find them and then tell Garmin to navigate to the stop. If we don't have reservation Garmin will show us RV parks ahead on the route.

In short, I think RVTW is a good tool and really wanted the Garmin not to plan, but to compliment those plans with features I used to have to get on my iPhone and using google maps.

Have fun traveling, and planning! that's the point right?

The design of my Winnebago Intent isn't exactly perfect for the Garmin with dash cam as I have about 3.5 feet from the steering wheel to the windshield and really can't mount the unit high enough to point at the horizon as recommended and have the unit close enough to me to use the voice features and touch screen when needed. The video from the Dash cam is excellent and although I see some dash I get a great view of the entire road including side streets bordering my route. I liked the warning features of sharp curve, school zone, severe downhill, etc...
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Old 08-13-2019, 11:03 AM   #50
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Feiter View Post
...RVTW makes this even easier because you are able to put in max travel distance and a circle shows on your map so you can search for your next stop at or near that Max...



...


Glad you’re figuring things out and find RVTW is working. Let me adjust one statement you’ve made, however:

The “Distance Circles” in RVTW are nothing more than STRAIGHT LINE...”as the Crow Flies”! Useless when you’re going up a 4% grade for 20 miles.

BaseCamp ABSOLUTELY gives you that capability, and then some, WITH ITS MEASURING TOOL! Not only can you draw a “straight line, that mimics RTVW, but even better, you can TRACE a route as detailed as you want. It will even do a calf for drive time; something lacking in RVTW.

I agree that you need other tools to do CG research. But paying $40 a year for that is not worth it for me, when I’m still using the same other apps to research; aka Allstays, GS, CGReviews, etc.
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Old 08-13-2019, 12:58 PM   #51
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Thought a picture of BaseCamp's Measure Tool might help. Here's an example where I just followed an existing route; like if you wanna see how far it is to the next Pilot.

I've never used it much, until lately. Again, pretty good way of checking mileages without having to plot a route first. Doesn't' give you time & speed compensation, but is a lot more accurate that a "straight-line".

I wished it was as good as Google Earth, in that it calc's elevation as well.
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Old 08-13-2019, 01:37 PM   #52
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainGizmo View Post
Thought a picture of BaseCamp's Measure Tool might help. Here's an example where I just followed an existing route; like if you wanna see how far it is to the next Pilot.

I've never used it much, until lately. Again, pretty good way of checking mileages without having to plot a route first. Doesn't' give you time & speed compensation, but is a lot more accurate that a "straight-line".

I wished it was as good as Google Earth, in that it calc's elevation as well.
FYI, If you are using BC v4.6.2 then you can show your route in Google Earth with a couple of clicks or keystrokes. Then all the Google Earth tools are available. I do it often.
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Old 08-13-2019, 01:54 PM   #53
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FYI, If you are using BC v4.6.2 then you can show your route in Google Earth with a couple of clicks or keystrokes. Then all the Google Earth tools are available. I do it often.
This feature was removed in the newer versions. Caused quite a kerfuffle!
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Old 08-13-2019, 02:02 PM   #54
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I planned my trip in RVTW and then downloaded the gpx file to Base Camp where I created routes and then exported to my RV785. I did it as an Adventure created in Base CAmp and upon opening RV785 Found each of those exported routes listed as saved trips on the Garmin....so, you can export a gpx from RVTW but not direct to the Garmin GPS...My intention is to use each of the various routes between my stops found in RV Trip wizard on a one by one, day by day route.
FYI, making an "Adventure" from Tracks isn't the best solution. Adventures are designed around Hiking and Trekking, not driving. Complete different application.

Instead, use the "Create Route from Track" function.

For creating daily "legs", the Trip Planner works well too, albeit pretty buggy on the Mac, for sure.
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Old 08-13-2019, 07:41 PM   #55
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Initial impressions on unboxing the 785:

OK, got the 785 from theGPSstore.com and have finished the updates and setup.

OS:
Yes, it's DEFINITELY Android-based. I'm not sure this is a wise decision for the "RV audience" masses. I've dealt Android-based GPS units, and while giving you the power of running an Android tablet, they also bring all the problems associated with it. One HUGE problem, is updates to the Android OS. This is a huge stumbling block for any device relying on GOOGLE to send a Device-specific update to a 3rd-party vendor such as Garmin. You'll be WAY WAY WAY behind the update curve.

MOUNTING/VIEW:
Hmm, argh, this could be difficult. The mount is awesome, but the neck is crazy short and won't allow for a horizontal-surface mount, as in the center dash area! Looks as though the ONLY place the 785 can go is the WINDOW. And, needing a clear view for the camera, I can see why the windshield will be the only viable place to mount it. That said, I really question whether it will be SOOOO far away, that seeing, let alone touching the screen may be very, very hard.

USING WITH MACS:
Ugh, here we go AGAIN!!!!
Yeah, so...OBVSIOUSLY...Google will NEVER play nicely with anything Apple. Stupid.
So, unlike a normal GARMIN GPS that mounts PERFECTLY onto any Mac, and makes transferring data easy....the Android-based 785 will now need to rely upon the Android File Transfer program, installed on your Mac, to mount the 785 and allow file transferring via whatever method you need.

UPDATE: So far, I'm getting nothing but communication errors in BaseCamp between the Mac and 785, even running AFT.


This is the first blush overview. I'm going to do some testing with BaseCamp later. But, if you trust my experience and opinion, I would say that if you want a simpler and perhaps even more reliable RV GPS, I'd stick with the 770/780 for now.

Again, this is my opinion after just an hour or so.
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Old 08-14-2019, 04:03 PM   #56
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Wow! I am learning so much from all of you. Due to family emergency I may not respond for a few days, but am reading updates via email and appreciate all the advice! Thank you all for taking the time to help rookies like us.
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