GPS

[Barstorm]

What is the best RV gps to purchase with all of the information needed while traveling?

[doc73]

I have always preferred the Garmin brands. Got a 760rv for Xmas so we will see if that like continues.

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[sgtlm17]

I have been researching them for the past month and Garmin RV760 seems to be well liked. I have it down to the Good Sam 7735 at camping world and the Garmin RV760. I am leaning Garmin.

[itat]

Barstorm, do a search on the forum and you'll find lots of opinions. Members use everything from paper maps to phone/tablet apps to full RV and Trucker GPS units. The Garmin RV 760LMT is popular.

[Eagle-751]

I agree, it's a personal choice. I started out with a Garmin hand held( now handlebar mounted to quad with TOPO map ), moved to a dash mount ( got rid of it ) and now all I use is my cell phone with google map... What I did not and do not like about Garmin is having to buy the update software. Cell phone is all free and live information on the screen...

[itat]

Originally Posted by Eagle-751

... What I did not and do not like about Garmin is having to buy the update software. Cell phone is all free and live information on the screen...

Most Garmin road units today have "LMT" in their model name. The "LM" means lifetime map updates are included. The "T" means live traffic. I have a Garmin that's going on 10 years old and I had to purchase the lifetime updates for it but it was a one time cost for North American maps.

When my current Garmin gives out, I'll be replacing it with the RV 760LMT.

[Eagle-751]

Originally Posted by itat

Most Garmin road units today have "LMT" in their model name. The "LM" means lifetime map updates are included. The "T" means live traffic. I have a Garmin that's going on 10 years old and I had to purchase the lifetime updates for it but it was a one time cost for North American maps.

When my current Garmin gives out, I'll be replacing it with the RV 760LMT.

Thank you, My unit was more than 10 years old, this is good information. I have been using my smart phone for so long now I don't think I'll be switching back now. The bigger screen is nice though. I will have to look into the lifetime update deal. I still use my legend on my four wheeler.

[itat]

Do GPS apps on a cell phone use data? Up here data is very pricey.

[sgtlm17]

Yes they use data to

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by sgtlm17

Yes they use data to

Not all of them.

Bruce

[Eagle-751]

Originally Posted by itat

Do GPS apps on a cell phone use data? Up here data is very pricey.

According to verizon yes, but when I use it for a long trip I don't see my data jumping... verizon says it only uses what is needed to update the maps. I use google map and have everything planed and updated before I go using my wifi. So I guess when I'm running down the road and my map shows the traffic slowing down or is backed up it must be. To be honest I never noticed any increase in my date use, my average is less than one gig per month.

[Eagle-751]

Originally Posted by sgtlm17

Yes they use data to

As for GPS no, as for updating the map yes. So one can argue both sides.
Edit: if you want to make sure you do not use your data you can use airplane mode and no data can be used. ( this does include text and anything that uses data ) the map and gps will still work without any issues, you will not get any road condition warnings ether...

[Barstorm]

Thanks for all the replies. I should have mention that I do not use a smart phone. I too, for years have used a Garmin for my vehicle. I needed to know how important it is to have one for a RV.

[Zooming]

Gps (Garmin) are great for plotting directions from here to there. I seldom follow the shortest or fastest route, so I'm looking for the best program or app that will let me easily decide to branch off, do my drive and probably get back on the original route. Same deal if I get off route by mistake I may not want to do U turns, rather have ability to quickly rep lot an interesting route.
Any recommendations?
I'm looking at the Garmin 760, don't know if it will do what I want..


Sun seeker 2009 2600 Ford V10

[doc73]

Not sure if I can think of something like you want... Any GPS or program (google maps, mapquest) will route from point to point. But if you go rogue they will also re-route back to the route. They will not tell you where to or even if you can branch off to go with the flow.

The closest I could think is being able to drag and drop function on Google maps where you can make the route go where you want but nothing really lets you "follow" that created route without some effort. Garmin has Basecamp where a route can be created in a computer then loaded to a GPS to follow but I have never had much luck with it actually following to route and I also found that if I got off the route I created it just picks right up with where it wanted to go and ignores the created route.

[itat]

Originally Posted by Barstorm

Thanks for all the replies. I should have mention that I do not use a smart phone. I too, for years have used a Garmin for my vehicle. I needed to know how important it is to have one for a RV.

An RV GPS will have functionality to identify low bridges and route you around them. Since you have a TT that's likely not as important (but you should still know how high your TT is). They also have a number of added benefits that, without a cell phone, would be beneficial for you. If you have a cell phone though, a lot of those things can be had for free or low cost in an app.

BTW, congrats on the new 2016 Rockwood.

[Barstorm]

Thanks again all!!http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...lies/smile.gif

[spock123]

I have a Garmin RV 760 since Christmas but I use maps too. I kinda wish it was a smaller screen, 7in is big. I like the junction view and it lets me know of a speed change, so far so good, it has worked better than expected


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[doc73]

That 7" screen is HUGE!! LOL

They have a 6" and maybe a 5" model now... The 760 screen is the same size as my trucks build in NAV much nicer to look at than the 0ld 4.3" screen though...

[MNtraveler]

Cell phone free services are great until you are out in the boonies or up in the mountains where there is no cell service. Than you have no directions and you realize you should have written them down. Been there even on car trips - not fun.