Community Forums

Excursion04 · 10-06-2016, 07:54 AM

I usually use the GPS app on my phone locally or on trips. I have 2 apps one called Waze and the other is google map. I like Waze it has a few real time warnings (accidents, police, vehicle on side of the road, etc.) which some of them are inputs by other users on the road, except its only good for trips under 1000 mile (if you are planning a trip).
I also just purchased a second hand Magellan Roadmate before taking off for our trip to NY, NH, ME, MA and back to MO. I programmed it for our trip and for each stop. When we got on the road from MO heading for NY, I had my phone GPS (google map) and Magellan turned on side by side. The first day thru OH they both had us on a same route but when we got passed the halfway I noticed the arrival projection on Magellan was about 2-3 hours (both on same time zone) longer than Google map. I stopped at a rest area to check the route and setting on both (Magellan and Google Map). I notice the setting on Magellan was to avoid toll road. I changed the setting to match to fastest route. Still Magellan the routing and arrival projections were later than Google and Waze (I check the route option on Waze also since we were less than 1000 miles to destination) I followed Waze app to NY. We continued the trip to VT, ME, MA and MO and I notice the same discrepancies. At one point outside of Indianapolis Magellan routed us to 465 which I thought it was to bypass the downtown area, but once we got on 465 we were routed thru some of the local roads, which I decided to go back to I-70W route.
Before the trip I made sure Magellan map was updated, on the road I changed the Magellan to different route setting to see If it would make any difference. The only time there were both on same routing was when we were getting close to our destination. And BTW at first I thought the discrepancies were due to the fact that Magellan routes were for RV, but these were all major highways??
Anyone have had the same experience?

JohnBoyToo · 10-06-2016, 08:01 AM

I've not heard good things about the magellans from anyone that has good knowledge about what it 'should' do

Every mfg has different routing codes and logic AND, even though they may get the map data from the same place, they may implement it in a different way and/or put different weighting factors on the road ratings....

I just keep our Garmin rv760lmt updated and trust it 95% of the time as it's proven itself over many uses with only one instance of a u turn that I forced it into

even if it's not the 'BEST' route, it will get us there eventually !

MisterT · 10-06-2016, 11:43 AM

I've always used google maps since we went full timing over 2 1/2 yrs ago...

If taking a long multi-day trip, or cross country, especially to areas we are not accustomed to driving, I use my laptop to route it with google maps, and see any details in google overhead view, such as RV parks. Routing on the laptop allow you to move the route, if you'd like, to a more convenient route, or more scenic route, etc... versus what the map might normally show as the 'shortest' route - which is not always the best.

When I have a general idea of the overall route, I then use my iPhone google maps for the days point-to-point overall directions while driving, which also shows real-time traffic, if desired.

Years ago I used several different GPS devices, but found that they are clunky, hard to use the screen only input, and hard to deviate from the planned route without a lot of work. I prefer the overview of google maps while driving, anyway - I don't need a street-by-street forward view.

I also believe that the google system is more up-to-date since no 'updates' are required by the user, and I believe they use current/recent traffic to support known used routes. Too many times I've had GPS devices try to take me down a long dark seldom used dirt road, just to save 2 feet on the route.

Dale & Mark Bruss · 10-06-2016, 12:16 PM

We use ALK CoPilot on our smartphone and an Android tablet. CoPilot doesn't use the Internet, just the device GPS.

CoPilot map information comes from ALK PC-Miler fleet management software, a major trucking industry provider.

We have been using CoPilot because it has a height knowledgeable road database and keeps us from trying to scrape the air conditioners off the roof on a low bridge.

Google has no capability like this. I have found that Google maps might be more up to date and then again not and can be really wrong on where some POIs are.

Excursion04 · 10-06-2016, 03:33 PM

well I am not too impressed Magellan either. Not as user friendly as I thought it should be, plus the touch screen has a too long of delay response time. Like I said bought it secondhand for only $100. I mostly used on this trip to check for fuel stops and place to eat.

JFXG · 10-06-2016, 08:23 PM

If you need to navigate across a trackless waste a GPS (or other Nav system) is handy. I've had them in boats and Boeings. When we bought our DS to fulltime, I bought a Rand-McNally 7710. Within a few months it was in a drawer, simultaneously unreliable and superfluous.

I can read a map as well as the next guy. Now, I use Google maps for general routing, the America's Independent Truckers' Assn website to check any height clearance issues, and the Google sat view to verify details. All is well.

John & Diane, fulltiming since '12 02 DS40, FL, Cat, '04 Element NHSO RVM103

jmcannonball · 10-06-2016, 11:29 PM

The DW likes her Garmin but I use Google Maps on my Android 99.9% of the time.

Sue46 · 10-07-2016, 01:17 AM

I find Google Maps good but when I am not in a location with internet service totally useless. We just spent a month in Canada, never had any data service so all my apps were useless. We have a Garmin RV760 and I just program it for one day at a time, works all over.

steve11669 · 10-07-2016, 02:06 AM

My Garmin came with lifetime updates but I've not been able to get an update off the Garmin site.

Anyone???

Sue46 · 10-07-2016, 02:21 AM

I update every year or less with no problem. I assume you are using Garmin Express. I have found you need a wired connection vs. wifi to get the download, have no idea why but it works and that is all I care about.

4x4van · 10-07-2016, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue46

I find Google Maps good but when I am not in a location with internet service totally useless. We just spent a month in Canada, never had any data service so all my apps were useless. We have a Garmin RV760 and I just program it for one day at a time, works all over.

If you know ahead of time that you will be in an area that has no cell service, you can download maps in Google to use "offline". The GPS portion of your phone will still work even without cell service, and as long as the maps are already loaded, you're good to go. Just a hint.

Sue46 · 10-07-2016, 11:45 AM

Tbhe keyword there is "if". We never plan too far ahead(1-2 days) as you never know where you will hear of something to visit. Had no problems, GPS, Streets and not many roads solves a lot of problems.

Cilrah · 10-07-2016, 12:05 PM

I've given up on using GPS or Google Maps or anything else. We use the Waze app on my smartphone. It great, it's other drivers helping drivers. Gives you the speed limit, the speed your traveling, and warns you of road hazards and speed traps all reported current by other drivers. And, if I get out of the coach I'm taking it with me because it's on my phone. You can find almost anything because when you do a search for something it's like using Google search. The only disadvantage is that it works on cell signal instead of satilite.

Excursion04 · 10-08-2016, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cilrah

I've given up on using GPS or Google Maps or anything else. We use the Waze app on my smartphone. It great, it's other drivers helping drivers. Gives you the speed limit, the speed your traveling, and warns you of road hazards and speed traps all reported current by other drivers. And, if I get out of the coach I'm taking it with me because it's on my phone. You can find almost anything because when you do a search for something it's like using Google search. The only disadvantage is that it works on cell signal instead of satilite.

I like Waze app and use it all the time. Except if I am planning a trip with longer distance than 1000 miles, then I use a combination of Google and Waze. Unless there is an option on waze for planning a trip longer than 1000 miles?