Rand McNally's New RV GPS by Angie Carr, Escapees Executive Director
Rand McNally has just released an RVer-targeted GPS, the new TripMaker RVND 5510. Incorporating many of the key learnings from their market leading trucker-based units, it is the first of its kind. Several of us in the Escapees RV Club office, as well as hand-selected members (myself and Mark Nemeth included) have joined their beta-testing group for the units to assist them in the development of this much-needed product.
The sheer amount of information the GPS gives you is phenomenal. It factors in height and weight restrictions, right- or left-turn preference based on 11 different RV types, references to the printed Rand McNally Road Atlas, speed limits, Next Exit directory information and more.
Rand McNally states there are more than 14 million points of interest, including campgrounds, festivals, RV dealers and, of course, travel centers. If it sounds like I'm excited, it's because I am. It's just a really neat tool to have. In case you're wondering, beta testers get to keep the test units, but they don't receive monetary compensation. I'm not sharing this with you because someone paid me to; I'm just happy RVers will finally have a GPS targeted toward their needs.
Two Special Limited Time Offers!
Rand McNally is so pleased with our beta participation that they are offering a special $50 discount for Escapees members! This awesome offer expires August 31, 2011, so don't delay! Simply visit: www.escapees.com/randmcnally for more information.
The folks at Rand McNally have generously donated two of their new TripMaker RVND 5510 units for us to give away to you! As you probably know, nonprofit entities have been hit hard by the economy, and Escapees CARE Center has seen that first-hand. So, how about if we have some fun with this giveaway and help CARE out, too? If you donate $25 or more to CARE between July 1 and July 31, 2011, you'll be entered into the drawing for one of these new RV GPS units!
MY OPINION: Advertising looks pretty good. Like any new product. I am sure it will go through a few software upgrades before the performance reaches high quality. If it does what it says it can do, it would be a pretty cool tool even though it is a bit price.
I am currently evaluating the POI (Points of Interest) data from http://www.lowclearances.com/. They have POI files for Garmin and other major brands. The idea is to load a POI file of your height restriction and the map will warn you when approaching a low bridge.
RVPAINTER said
10:37 AM Jul 2, 2011
Thanks bjoyce - nice review - seems very acceptable and some very nice feautres. I can see one of these in my future - once the map udated price is announced as that can be a factor overall.
DorisandDave said
01:30 PM Jul 4, 2011
We just purchased this GPS. Our first real use of it will be on the 11th when we leave on our next leg to Wisconsin....so far the hubby likes it, but is reserving judgement until our trip....
You load all of your RV info in...height, length, type, etc and it programs your route and campground info for you. Enter and calculate on the computer and download to the GPS.
We'll be sure and let you know how it performs!
D.
RVPAINTER said
01:49 PM Jul 4, 2011
GREAT - I'll look forward to your review.
Defiant said
04:05 PM Jul 17, 2011
We have IntelliRoute® TND™ 500e which we puchased last year before we went to Grand Tetons,Yellowstone and South Dakota in our 36' Winnebago Adventurer, it performed flawlessly,never got us in trouble with low bridges etc., and we have used it on every trip since,that being said it still does not take the place doing your homework with maps ,we have deviated from the GPS route on purpose a few times because we preferred to take an alternate route to get to the same destination to avoid heavy traffic or rough roads. And like DorisandDave stated once you get it set up your good to go ,also the free updates seem to come on a frequent basis ,which I like. It also shows POI which I find a little annoying at times but thats just me ,but I have to admit they are helpful. So overall I am very happy with my purchase thusfar, just my 2 cents ....
HAS ANYONE BOUGHT-USED AND HAD ENOUGH EXPERIENCE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE COMMENTS ON THIS NEW RAND MCNALLY RV GPS.
A friend did this review - http://www.mytripjournal.com/travel-608052 .
Escapees news release on it:
Rand McNally's New RV GPS
by Angie Carr, Escapees Executive Director
Rand McNally has just released an RVer-targeted GPS, the new TripMaker RVND 5510. Incorporating many of the key learnings from their market leading trucker-based units, it is the first of its kind. Several of us in the Escapees RV Club office, as well as hand-selected members (myself and Mark Nemeth included) have joined their beta-testing group for the units to assist them in the development of this much-needed product.
The sheer amount of information the GPS gives you is phenomenal. It factors in height and weight restrictions, right- or left-turn preference based on 11 different RV types, references to the printed Rand McNally Road Atlas, speed limits, Next Exit directory information and more.
Rand McNally states there are more than 14 million points of interest, including campgrounds, festivals, RV dealers and, of course, travel centers. If it sounds like I'm excited, it's because I am. It's just a really neat tool to have. In case you're wondering, beta testers get to keep the test units, but they don't receive monetary compensation. I'm not sharing this with you because someone paid me to; I'm just happy RVers will finally have a GPS targeted toward their needs.
Two Special Limited Time Offers!
Rand McNally is so pleased with our beta participation that they are offering a special $50 discount for Escapees members! This awesome offer expires August 31, 2011, so don't delay! Simply visit: www.escapees.com/randmcnally for more information.
The folks at Rand McNally have generously donated two of their new TripMaker RVND 5510 units for us to give away to you! As you probably know, nonprofit entities have been hit hard by the economy, and Escapees CARE Center has seen that first-hand. So, how about if we have some fun with this giveaway and help CARE out, too? If you donate $25 or more to CARE between July 1 and July 31, 2011, you'll be entered into the drawing for one of these new RV GPS units!
I found a review on the Cedar Creek RV Owners Forum (http://www.cedarcreekrvownersclub.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2028).
I am currently evaluating the POI (Points of Interest) data from http://www.lowclearances.com/. They have POI files for Garmin and other major brands. The idea is to load a POI file of your height restriction and the map will warn you when approaching a low bridge.
We just purchased this GPS. Our first real use of it will be on the 11th when we leave on our next leg to Wisconsin....so far the hubby likes it, but is reserving judgement until our trip....
You load all of your RV info in...height, length, type, etc and it programs your route and campground info for you. Enter and calculate on the computer and download to the GPS.
We'll be sure and let you know how it performs!
D.