Why no factory style Nav systems?

[Scarab0088]

The Rand McNally RVND comes factory standard in some premium RV's...It's very good (we have two 7700 series), but people still gripe about it.

A Factory Rep of a BIG RV maker was heard to say something like this...
"We do not install premium electronics anymore...we now install an audio head that "Mirrors" an external device through HDMI. This is because the buyer who wants the BEST audio and Nav will always find issue with any unit and upgrade anyway. The rest of the market will acquire Nav that they like with GPS or a Smartphone. With the touch screen "Mirroring" audio heads we are using, most all smartphones can plug and play audio and Nav on the screen which is a very popular option."

Safe travels

[hogdriver]

Mirroring is where everybody is going. Caveat; Must have a good cellphone and signal.

I have installed multiple Nav radio units in my vehicles including recently a rather spendy Kenwood DNX571TR designed for trucks and RVs but it is my last one.

I think more vehicles would benefit from basic Bluetooth repeaters of your phone. The prices to update built in maps on indash units is crazy yet phones get updated constantly and offer advanced features like traffic alerts. Check out this modest cost unit.....

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_070AV6....html?tp=20217

[Scottybdivin]

RV's typically have a lifespan that far exceeds the technology of a NAV system. Cars and trucks, not so much. After 5 or 6 years they seem archaic if not worthless. I have one in my Mountain Aire.

[Nasdaqsam]

Originally Posted by hogdriver

Mirroring is where everybody is going. Caveat; Must have a good cellphone and signal.

I have installed multiple Nav radio units in my vehicles including recently a rather spendy Kenwood DNX571TR designed for trucks and RVs but it is my last one.

I think more vehicles would benefit from basic Bluetooth repeaters of your phone. The prices to update built in maps on indash units is crazy yet phones get updated constantly and offer advanced features like traffic alerts. Check out this modest cost unit.....

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_070AV6....html?tp=20217

This is an interesting idea. I am hesitant because of the Cell phone thing. I use my phone a lot on the road so always on BT to begin with.

[ThePowells]

Originally Posted by Nasdaqsam

Why are there no OEM automotive style aftermarket navigation systems?

Something like what I have in my RAM truck. It's fast, re-calculates on the fly, updates automatically, has real time traffic and weather alerts and will last the life of the truck. I believe the real time runs off the UConnect system which I would gladly pay for if I could get one of these in my Coach.

Is there anything out there like this? I would like an in-dash unit for various reasons.

To answer the initial question, because 99% of the buyers would complain about it and want something else. Easier to just let the owners buy what they want so then they can grumble to themselves.

[powercat_ras]

Originally Posted by Nasdaqsam

Why are there no OEM automotive style aftermarket navigation systems?

Something like what I have in my RAM truck. It's fast, re-calculates on the fly, updates automatically, has real time traffic and weather alerts and will last the life of the truck. I believe the real time runs off the UConnect system which I would gladly pay for if I could get one of these in my Coach.

Is there anything out there like this? I would like an in-dash unit for various reasons.

Once your RAM truck is out of warranty if that beast in the dash ever stops working you are looking at $ 1000 - $ 2000 to get it replaced, maybe be able to get a refurbished exchange for $ 800 or so. One good reason to buy a portable GPS.

[Nasdaqsam]

Originally Posted by ThePowells

To answer the initial question, because 99% of the buyers would complain about it and want something else. Easier to just let the owners buy what they want so then they can grumble to themselves.

Now that's a true statement. lol

[Gary RVRoamer]

High end coaches often have factory-installed nav systems, but my experience with them has been poor (as it has been with car nav systems). Obsolete maps, medioccre interfaces, and often way overpriced as well.

My '04 American Tradition had the in-dash nav option and so have many subsequent years of Traditions & Eagles. Newmar has it in several of their coaches too. Some mid-price models offer them as options as well.

[MSHappyCampers]

Back in 2010 I bought a new Ford F250 PSD with built-in navigation system. I hated it! When I got ready to do a map update they wanted $199!

Not for me!

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by monkey

Guess we are Old School,,, we don't rely on GPS,,, BUT the "Lady in the Dash" on my 15 Silverado has been very good so far....Its a 'toy' to us,,, not a 'tool' .... As said, we look up directions before we leave,,,, "old school" ...
Monkey

Agree one hundred percent. I too bought a Garmin for a trip we were going to take a few years ago. It worked to get us to our location but i would have still managed by preplanning and using a paper map. Used the unit that one trip and haven't since.

The thing about factory installed, and it's a killer for me, is that the option is priced so high. Let's face it, the manufacturers are making easy money when the unit costs them maybe $50 but then make it a $1500 (or more) option. Then if it breaks, what does it cost to get repaired if the factory warranty is out? No thank you!

[emuller1]

Originally Posted by Nasdaqsam

I have had several factory systems. The Toyota and RAM are the best that I have used to date. We had a MB that was terrible might as well have nothing and my wife's BMW's good but cumbersome.

Have had both, paid $200 to update the nav system on the Lexus, could not even provide proper direction out of parking lot. Also have a ram 2500 diesel for 5th wheel and it is so out of touch cannot locate parks even when you are in one, gas station nav is very poor and so.
Love the Garmin, 760 for truck, and standard one for the car and business travel. Update minimum year at no cost.

[Nasdaqsam]

Originally Posted by Mudfrog

Agree one hundred percent. I too bought a Garmin for a trip we were going to take a few years ago. It worked to get us to our location but i would have still managed by preplanning and using a paper map. Used the unit that one trip and haven't since.

The thing about factory installed, and it's a killer for me, is that the option is priced so high. Let's face it, the manufacturers are making easy money when the unit costs them maybe $50 but then make it a $1500 (or more) option. Then if it breaks, what does it cost to get repaired if the factory warranty is out? No thank you!

We always have a map with us but one thing a map can not do is give live traffic alerts. Can't tell you how many traffic jams I sat in that could have been avoided.

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by Nasdaqsam

We always have a map with us but one thing a map can not do is give live traffic alerts. Can't tell you how many traffic jams I sat in that could have been avoided.

Agree with you there. Our little Nuvi doesn't give the alerts but i might change my thinking and actually use it if it did.

As far as dash clutter, that is one of my pet peaves as well. Still, because of the reasons stated above, i would not want a factory installed unit.

[Spk64]

Originally Posted by Mudfrog

Agree with you there. Our little Nuvi doesn't give the alerts but i might change my thinking and actually use it if it did.

As far as dash clutter, that is one of my pet peaves as well. Still, because of the reasons stated above, i would not want a factory installed unit.

I have had mixed success with any of the traffic reporting features on apps and our Garmin 760. Every once in a while it is correct, but many times reported traffic was not present when we arrived at that point and also ran into traffic not reported.

The only app I have not tried which others reported being more accurrate is Waze.