I decided to get a GPS to use in my class A MH. So far I've just shopped on Amazon and like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B5B8EDM/?coliid=I1NQ9P83CNRDB3&colid=MAE7EBB5XPPD&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I know there are other brands, but Garmin has a good reputation and everyone I know that's used them are happy with them. I'm disappointed with the the Tom-Tom on my Spyder.
But, like I said, I'm just starting to look. Do any of you have recommendations? Any ideas of units to avoid?
RonC said
03:07 PM Sep 14, 2018
That's a good one. We have the Garmin 770 Dezel (heavy truck version of the RV one you are considering). What I like is that it will route you around low clearances, keeps you off weight restricted bridges, puts you on a correct route to avoid the Hazardous Cargo restrictions (you'll have propane onboard). These are things that are very useful to an RVer.
Second Chance said
03:07 PM Sep 14, 2018
If you use the search function, you'll find that this has been discussed a number of times. Many of us use the Garmin RV GPSs with good results. Our RV760 (now replaced by the RV770 in the Garmin lineup) has served us well for five or six years. I also had a Garmin marine GPS with sonar on a small trawler - it worked very well, too. I've only owned one Tom-Tom and sent it back almost immediately... piece of junk.
Rob
Edit: I see that Ron and I were writing at the same time. The main difference between the RV and Dezl versions in Garmin is that the RV versions have thousands of RV parks and other related services listed. It does truck stops if you ask for them by category, too.
Rob
-- Edited by Second Chance on Friday 14th of September 2018 03:09:39 PM
PrairieRV said
04:58 PM Sep 14, 2018
Second Chance wrote:
. . . . The main difference between the RV and Dezl versions in Garmin is that the RV versions have thousands of RV parks and other related services listed. It does truck stops if you ask for them by category, too.
Rob
-- Edited by Second Chance on Friday 14th of September 2018 03:09:39 PM
Thanks. I was wondering about that.
Now to figure out the differences between the 760 and 770.
RonC said
05:23 PM Sep 14, 2018
As Rob pointed out, the RV version has many features that are “RV specific”. IMO, the RV version is a better choice than what I have. When we bought ours, there was no RV version (that I was aware of). If the RV version were available I would have chosen it. I am fine with mine as it does the same “safety functions” so I’ll keep it for now. Best of luck with your decision.
PrairieRV said
06:44 PM Sep 14, 2018
I was considering a refurbished RV760 for $445, but the new RV770 is lower cost. Then I read some bad reviews of the 770 on Amazon. But they have separate sets reviews for each product package (case, dash stand, etc.).
So I'd go for the RV770, but the bad reviews are giving me pause.
I appreciate ya'll's input.
vannchan said
10:44 PM Sep 14, 2018
I have the RV770 and have used it a few times (I am a new RVer) but it is working as expected. When the RV mode is on, it routes us around spots that would be more problematic for our size. I have forgotten to change back to automobile mode and wondered why it was picking the route it did, then realized I was still in RV mode. Again, not a lot of experience with it, but I am very satisfied with it. It has numerous little features that I like - such as warning about upcoming curves, notifying us of changing speed limits, etc. I also like that you can put in what the top speed you will be going (such as 60mph) and it will base your expected arrival time with that in consideration. A little thing, but I like not having the arrival time continually getting later due to me going slower than the posted limit. To sum up - I do like it and it worked well for my two trips out of town with it (including my maiden voyage from the dealer) and I would get it again without hesitation. Good luck with your search and hope whatever you end up with serves you well.
Second Chance said
08:03 AM Sep 15, 2018
PrairieRV wrote:
I was considering a refurbished RV760 for $445, but the new RV770 is lower cost. Then I read some bad reviews of the 770 on Amazon. But they have separate sets reviews for each product package (case, dash stand, etc.).
So I'd go for the RV770, but the bad reviews are giving me pause.
I appreciate ya'll's input.
I can't imagine paying $445 for a "refurbished" unit (they basically wipe the snot off the outside). If I recall, the early 770s had a few software issues that caused the occasional wonky route choice. I think they've gotten that ironed out, now. Give the most weight to the most recent reviews and see how they look. I think you should be fine with the 770.
Rob
RonC said
09:51 AM Sep 16, 2018
One more point about the Garmins you are considering (both RV and Dezel) ... they offer lifetime updates ... free. That is a pretty big deal, IMO.
-- Edited by RonC on Sunday 16th of September 2018 09:52:43 AM
Glenn West said
04:13 PM Sep 16, 2018
i use tablet and CoPloit
LarryW21 said
07:51 PM Sep 16, 2018
Are all these navigation systems necessary? I rarely use the Tahoe’s. I will use the iPad if confused and Forest Maps or the National Park app when on dirt roads but otherwise...
Second Chance said
09:15 PM Sep 16, 2018
LarryW21 wrote:
Are all these navigation systems necessary? I rarely use the Tahoe’s. I will use the iPad if confused and Forest Maps or the National Park app when on dirt roads but otherwise...
I use the RV-specific GPS for good reasons: at 55' long, 13'4" high, and 22,800 lbs. total, I can't use just any old road. The Garmin RV (and Dezl) GPSs do a good job of routing me around places I can't/shouldn't go. I also use the Mountain Directory (have both Eastern and Western versions) for grades, etc., and pre-plan with Google Maps and other resources. In addition, local knowledge comes into play in many cases, now, after having lived and traveled in so many parts of the country.
Rob
RonC said
10:53 PM Sep 16, 2018
X2
dovenson said
01:41 AM Sep 28, 2018
CoPilot on an iPad works great for us. We like the big screen of iPad.
PrairieRV said
07:50 AM Oct 4, 2018
Thank you all for your input. I did go ahead and get the Garmin RV 770 LMT. But I'm also an old-fashioned map reader and planner. So I will certainly be using other sources before I set out.
I decided to get a GPS to use in my class A MH. So far I've just shopped on Amazon and like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B5B8EDM/?coliid=I1NQ9P83CNRDB3&colid=MAE7EBB5XPPD&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I know there are other brands, but Garmin has a good reputation and everyone I know that's used them are happy with them. I'm disappointed with the the Tom-Tom on my Spyder.
But, like I said, I'm just starting to look. Do any of you have recommendations? Any ideas of units to avoid?
If you use the search function, you'll find that this has been discussed a number of times. Many of us use the Garmin RV GPSs with good results. Our RV760 (now replaced by the RV770 in the Garmin lineup) has served us well for five or six years. I also had a Garmin marine GPS with sonar on a small trawler - it worked very well, too. I've only owned one Tom-Tom and sent it back almost immediately... piece of junk.
Rob
Edit: I see that Ron and I were writing at the same time. The main difference between the RV and Dezl versions in Garmin is that the RV versions have thousands of RV parks and other related services listed. It does truck stops if you ask for them by category, too.
Rob
-- Edited by Second Chance on Friday 14th of September 2018 03:09:39 PM
Thanks. I was wondering about that.
Now to figure out the differences between the 760 and 770.
So I'd go for the RV770, but the bad reviews are giving me pause.
I appreciate ya'll's input.
I can't imagine paying $445 for a "refurbished" unit (they basically wipe the snot off the outside). If I recall, the early 770s had a few software issues that caused the occasional wonky route choice. I think they've gotten that ironed out, now. Give the most weight to the most recent reviews and see how they look. I think you should be fine with the 770.
Rob
One more point about the Garmins you are considering (both RV and Dezel) ... they offer lifetime updates ... free. That is a pretty big deal, IMO.
-- Edited by RonC on Sunday 16th of September 2018 09:52:43 AM
I use the RV-specific GPS for good reasons: at 55' long, 13'4" high, and 22,800 lbs. total, I can't use just any old road. The Garmin RV (and Dezl) GPSs do a good job of routing me around places I can't/shouldn't go. I also use the Mountain Directory (have both Eastern and Western versions) for grades, etc., and pre-plan with Google Maps and other resources. In addition, local knowledge comes into play in many cases, now, after having lived and traveled in so many parts of the country.
Rob