GPS for RV

John8545 · 02-02-2014, 06:59 PM

I'm interested in purchase of GARMIN RV gps, unfortunately Rand McNally one left bad taste with me, ended up sending it back with no contact from company, loss of $350!, so I'd like to hear from anyone that uses one. Thank you, and safe travels!

atom ant · 02-02-2014, 08:31 PM

Here was my post from the other forum: Garmin RV 760LMT

I bought one. My impression

Pros:

Large screen
Top of my list - campground info by type of service based on current location
Hands Free phone (Bluetooth)
Phone connect for weather and other online features
Traffic (with or without phone)
Backup camera (I haven't tried - no camera)
Lane change info, intersection and destination pictures
RV cautions and routing for height, weight, length (also a con)

Cons:

Cord is huge, like a toaster
Not the best resolution out there for such a large screen
RV cautions - If the road data (height, weight, length limits) are unknown, it routes you around regardless of whether you fit or not. In many of the county roads it tries to send you 100s of miles away to avoid unknown territory. If you kill navigation and just leave it on map, it tells you that you are in uncharted territory. You can switch to AUTO vs RV mode, and it will take you directly where you need, but with no consideration for height, weight, length.

I like the Nuvi features - but for $150 you can get a 7" Samsung WIFI tablet and some apps and probably do as well if not better, and probably a much better screen. Just my opinion so far.

John8545 · 02-02-2014, 08:53 PM

Thanks Atom Ant, last lesson costed me $350, don't want to learn all over again!

johnboytoo · 02-02-2014, 10:07 PM

While I have two garmins and still use them because they are the best -
I've started to use my Samsung 10" android tablet or iPad with copilot -
not quite as good as the garmins nav functions, but close and it doesn't take an internet connection once you download all the maps onto the device...

good luck !

John8545 · 02-02-2014, 10:43 PM

Thanks guys, I have used GARMIN truckers gps with very good results, but it is outdated a bit and at 5 inch screen, gets a bit hard to read. I think I will upload updates and continue using it.
Safe travels!

Campers · 02-03-2014, 01:54 AM

I use the Rand McNally and it works well for me. Have a nuvi as well but I like the Rand better. I guess every one has their favorites or there would be only one GPS out there.

Safe travels Cheers. Bud

John8545 · 02-03-2014, 02:02 AM

Glad to hear your RMcN works fine, mine would freeze just when needed, could not reboot until battery went dead. Spent close to two hours with techie, re-installed software four times, and still did not work. Got so upset I packed the damn thing and sent it to RMcN headquarters, and of course, not a single peep from them. So far I use GARMIN truckers gps and it works very good, only reason I'd change is for bigger screen, old peepers don't work as good!

0nTheRoad · 02-03-2014, 04:10 AM

I hav the Garmin DEZL 760 which is the trucker version of the 760. I bought it before they came out with the RV version. I'm very happy with this unit, it has not let me down. I too have Co-Pilot loaded on both my iPhone and iPad and have used both BUT the Co-Pilot is a straight forward GPS, there is no way to tell it of your weight/height so it will route based on an auto.

Before purchasing the Garmin I researched the RV specific Rand McNally. Magellan and Garmin, I decided on the Garmin based on very mixed reviews on the Rand Mc and poor reviews on the Mag.

The DEZL doesn't have the campground database that the RV version but I've downloaded POI files for campgrounds and many others like Truck Stops, Walmarts, Costco, etc. so I can search for pretty much whatever I choose to.

Good luck on your choice...do the research

johnboytoo · 02-03-2014, 04:14 AM

If you are members of Good sam, they have a trip planner too:

the two times I've looked at it - pretty good !

http://www.goodsamclub.com/travel/

John8545 · 02-03-2014, 04:55 AM

Thank you guys, GARMIN DEZL 760 is in a lead for replacing older GARMIN. Lot more research ahead of me, lol! Thank you all!

Steve & Linda · 02-05-2014, 03:54 PM

A question for Garmin 760 owners...do you use the suction cup provided or did you purchase the optional beanbag?

atom ant · 02-05-2014, 03:56 PM

I got the beanbag, but Ford has a large flat area on the dash that holds it. Not sure what the GM has.

0nTheRoad · 02-05-2014, 04:35 PM

I too purchased the bean bag mount. I also have a Ford with the large flat area on the top of the dash, I also put one of those rubber grip pads between the dash and the bean bag mount, the 760 is heavy as are all the 7 inch GPS's so it bounces around when you go over bumps, the grip pad helps keep it in place.

homeguy · 02-05-2014, 05:44 PM

I use the suction cup mount but have it mounted lower on the glass. At times, when it gets too warm, the suction cups tend to release from the glass and by having it lower, it can only fall about 2".

johnboytoo · 02-05-2014, 09:52 PM

bean bag x3....

0nTheRoad · 02-05-2014, 10:31 PM

Rand McNally just released an update to the iPad iOS GPS http://rv-pro.com/news/rand-mcnally-...-to-rv-gps-app.

Anyone on here using the app, if so how do you like it?

TroutTravelers · 02-06-2014, 10:27 PM

We had a Magellan, that froze all the time, did all we could with tech, & downloaded all info. Just gave up. We think it picked up a virus from downloading software updates.

Purchased the Rand McNally RV, from Campers World with the 2 yr. warranty & so far so good. Still learning to use it.

John8545, what happened with the one you had that was disappointing to you?

b41wright · 02-08-2014, 12:22 AM

we have the garmin 760 rv lmt it also is voice command nice feature way better than the old nuvi. I found that google maps did not give enough warning when traveling slow like around 35 it would notify you when you were right on top of your dest. a little tough when you are pulling a trailer.
Bill

Aguanga4me · 02-10-2014, 01:21 AM

We purchased a Magellan Roadmate with a 7" screen. So far, we've relyed on it to direct us for 9,000 miles with perfect results. Highly recommend you check them out on their web-site as they normally run specials. PS, AAA members get a 10% discount.

Oriana · 02-10-2014, 03:42 AM

We picked up a 7" Rand McNally/Good Sam last May in Burlington WA. Worked well until about 1/2 way down the I-5 when the screen went dead. Reboot didn't help.

Took it back to the Camping World in Mesa this morning, without any receipt. No problem, checked our record and handed us a new one at no cost. Now that is great service.

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