Need recommendations for an RV GPS

[ADK-RVer]

Our Magellan 9165T finally completely died after 2 years of power issues. Will not buy another Magellan. Looking at a Rand McNally RVND 7720 now. Would appreciate any recommendations or comments.

[Flying dutchman]

If you search this forum you will find enough reviews of the latest Rand Mcnally gadgets.

[ret2006]

I have had the Rand McNally 7710 for about 11 months now. I have only used it on three trips and had to send it back to RM because the on/off button would not work. They just sent me another 7710, not my original unit, different serial number, possibly a refurbished unit. When I registered it I lost my lifetime maps. Now more calls to customer service. Navigation is poor, directed me incorrectly a couple of times to very well known state park destinations. I reported them but no corrections made in the last 8 months. My Verizon cell phone GPS is MUCH better. I would probably go with the new Garmin if I were going to buy another one, which I am not, I will use my Verizon phone GPS.

[PapaSmurf]

I have a Tom Tom and set it for most use of highways. It keep it from routing me through subdivisions and stuff.

I agree with Ret2006, Google maps or Verizon (I like Google maps) do as good or better job and you don't have to spend more money. Just get a windshield mount and power cord and you are ready to go.

[ChrisMSNT]

I switched from one to another and landed on the Garmin RV 760. Bottom line is that I REALLY like it. I have two threads in the Product Review section of the forum: Product Reviews - Forest River Forums

[Witch Doctor]

The 760 garmin just routed a user under an underpass that tore his A/C off and caused quite a bit of damage and he had his RV height set, it was posted yesterday. From what I read. They are all the same will take you on dirt roads and change the route you put in from google maps. they have a glitch that refuse to do anything about.

[ChrisMSNT]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

The 760 garmin just routed a user under an underpass that tore his A/C off

Do you have the link to that thread... I hadn't seen that. None the less, regardless of what brand the GPS is, it doesn't take the place of common sense. You ALWAYS need to be on the look out for clearings, hazards, and what not. Just my $ 0.02...

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

The 760 garmin just routed a user under an underpass that tore his A/C off and caused quite a bit of damage and he had his RV height set, it was posted yesterday. From what I read. They are all the same will take you on dirt roads and change the route you put in from google maps. they have a glitch that refuse to do anything about.

If he knew his height, how did he miss the sign?

Bridges change all the time when they are repaved.
It can take months to get updated.

[BarryD0706]

Originally Posted by herk7769

If he knew his height, how did he miss the sign?

Bridges change all the time when they are repaved.
It can take months to get updated.

Easy now. We all make mistakes. He did see the sign, just a little too late. Here's the thread. Start with post #13.

[bradnailer]

So, being a bit old timey, what's the advantage of a GPS over just using a map? I have a GPS in my Jeep but never use it. When we are heading to unfamiliar territory, I check the routes out first using Google maps then just proceed with the best route.

[SergeAyotte]

I got the RND 7715, and like it for finding places to park/boondock, campground (with some info on them, etc. BUT always use map also... Learned my lesson during my tour of the Maritimes LOL!
Any GPS are dumb! The settings of "shortest time" or "shortest route" will make you take secondary roads (even if they are called highways, they are not ALWAYS such!) that you may not like at all.

[Lynkage]

Originally Posted by bradnailer

So, being a bit old timey, what's the advantage of a GPS over just using a map? I have a GPS in my Jeep but never use it. When we are heading to unfamiliar territory, I check the routes out first using Google maps then just proceed with the best route.

I have the Garmin Integrated into my Kenwood 990 and I like it alot but I still check my route BEFORE I leave on my trips. Still have maps just in the form of google instead and an atlas just in case.

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by bradnailer

So, being a bit old timey, what's the advantage of a GPS over just using a map? I have a GPS in my Jeep but never use it. When we are heading to unfamiliar territory, I check the routes out first using Google maps then just proceed with the best route.

Even on an interstate route that I am familiar with and have driven hundreds of times, I like being reminded that my exit is coming up in a couple of miles.

On unfamaliar routes, it's hard to keep consulting a map while driving. So I think having the GPS in your sightline and getting verbal prompts is much more effective, at least for me.

[Barney1]

If you have a smart phone with built in GPS feature I strongly recommend the navFree app.

It is free
Maps load to your device - does not use data to load maps like Google maps and other apps
Maps are updated at reasonable intervals
Turn by turn instructions
Did I say it was free

Download
http://www.navfree.com/GPSNavigation

[Barney1]

Originally Posted by Barney1

If you have a smart phone with built in GPS feature I strongly recommend the navFree app.

It is free
Maps load to your device - does not use data to load maps like Google maps and other apps
Maps are updated at reasonable intervals
Turn by turn instructions
Did I say it was free

Download
http://www.navfree.com/GPSNavigation

One addition you can configure the app with the type of vehicle that affects the route planning (Car vs. RV vs. Transport Truck vs. Delivery Truck vs. Motorcycle)

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Barney1

One addition you can configure the app with the type of vehicle that affects the route planning (Car vs. RV vs. Transport Truck vs. Delivery Truck vs. Motorcycle)

I was going to ask that! Very cool.

[Barney1]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I was going to ask that! Very cool.

Did I mention that it is free

[grayfox]

Originally Posted by herk7769

If he knew his height, how did he miss the sign?

Bridges change all the time when they are repaved.
It can take months to get updated.

Absolutely Herk, real time updates are not available as far as I know. There can be much delay in reporting. GPS are not perfect.

[psgrandpa1]

As have. Garmin...with annual updates.

Have not been disappointed

Also if you use IPad ...google maps is good

[bradnailer]

Originally Posted by bradnailer

So, being a bit old timey, what's the advantage of a GPS over just using a map? I have a GPS in my Jeep but never use it. When we are heading to unfamiliar territory, I check the routes out first using Google maps then just proceed with the best route.

Originally Posted by mjones12

Even on an interstate route that I am familiar with and have driven hundreds of times, I like being reminded that my exit is coming up in a couple of miles.

On unfamaliar routes, it's hard to keep consulting a map while driving. So I think having the GPS in your sightline and getting verbal prompts is much more effective, at least for me.

Well, Mr. Old Timey used the GPS in my Jeep this past weekend and it worked just fine. Mainly, I used it to find a specific store in a town near where we were camping. The only trouble I had was on a different excursion, I couldn't get it to take the route I wanted to go versus the one it suggested without a bunch of finagling.

Agree, the reminders are handy. Guess you can teach an old dog....