Magellan or Rand McNally - GPS - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Yonnie · RV-Dreams Family Member

Magellan or Rand McNally - GPS

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the Rand......so far, so good, I first had the Cobra Truckers GPS...it broke.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yonnie,

Here is a link to another forum that I frequent where the exact same topic was discussed. It is a long read with there being 8 forum pages of comments. Ordinarily if there are photos in a post, one has to be registered and logged in, but I don't think this one has any images, just a lot of stuff to read.

SOITC Topic on Magellan or Rand McNally

Terry

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the Rand McNally RV/Truckers GPS with 7" screen. Have used it once so far and it did it's job. Up to this point I've only had Garmin and still like Garmin. Although at the time I bought the RM, Garmin didn't make an RV GPS with 7" screen. I really like the big 7" screen. I prefer turn by turn directions as opposed to viewing the map. With the 7" screen you get both which works real well.

There are draw backs, the large screen is it eats up the battery if it's not plugged in. My advise would be to mount it somewhere you have access to 12v power. It's kind of big if you want to use in a car. In a smart car it would be as big as the windshield. LOL!

Would I buy it again......yes.

Don't know anything about the Magellan so can't help you much there.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the Magellan RoadMate Pro 9165T - OR - i should say our 3rd unit is on its way to us! the first one died - just shut off and would not come on again. The 2nd one will not keep charged with the 12v The battery is used up at a faster rater than the 12v can keep it charged!!! After 1 1/2 hour the battery is fully depleted and the GPS shuts off!!! Need to plug into 120 - charge it up and then get another 1 1/2 hours of use. We've asked for our money back but they don't seem to want to do that!!! they just keep sending us a replacement - and that just does not work!!!

Don't bother with Magellan!!!!

Yonnie · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks folks. I'm leaning toward the RM product. I think it'll be my Christmas gift to me...Thanks again

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yonnie wrote:
Thanks folks. I'm leaning toward the RM product. I think it'll be my Christmas gift to me...Thanks again

Yonnie:

Please take this user's report FWIW. We have 2 GPS’s now and we purchased the Rand McNally product due to our best GPS ever, the Lowrance I-Way 600C, no longer being supported with new maps.

We found the RM screen brightness to be unacceptable and returned the unit for full credit. They sell a “shade” for the RM unit due to this lack of brightness and problems in bright light. The on-line reviews have some comments about this screen issue. The screen may not be an issue for you, it was for us. For now, I’m still using the Lowrance and Linda has a Garmin which I don’t particularly like but someday I may have no choice. The Lowrance unit has spoiled me over the past 7ish years.

BTW we purchased via H & L’s link to Amazon. Amazon’s no questions return policy allowed a cost free evaluation of the unit for us. You might want to consider your purchase that way.

I suggest going to Amazon via H & L’s site so they get a few cents of “commission.” Won’t cost you anything and it helps them. We should all go via the RV-Dreams link to Amazon when purchasing. It helps support the site and Forum and costs us nothing. Just saying . . .

Bill

djpotts55 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Internet Only Sale at Camping World ends on August 26th!!!

Rand McNally TripMaker RVND 7710 GPS with Lifetime Maps and Free Hard Cover for $269.99.

Normally the GPS costs $399.00, the Lifetime Maps cost $85.00, and the Hard Cover costs $20.00. If you are a Good Sam member, you even get FREE shipping. I ordered mine today and I hope all of my RVing friends jump on this great sale price.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/rand-mcnally-tripmaker-rvnd-7710-gps-with-lifetime-maps/65122

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

A quick story regarding the Rand McNally, on our way from a site in CT to a site in NY, entered the address, began our trip, two hours in GPS directed us onto the Taconic Pkway....Things happened fast and I was not able to avoid. We had 20 miles to go on the Taconic, narrow road, a few overpasses, we almost had it until NY Troopers spotted us. Let's just say he was not happy,,,,LOL, it all worked out in the end. DON'T assume these navigators will keep you on the correct legal roads.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gene,

I'm not familiar with the Taconic Pkwy. Are RV's not allowed to use this road?

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Trabuco wrote:
Gene,

I'm not familiar with the Taconic Pkwy. Are RV's not allowed to use this road?

It's a BIG deal, no RV's, no commercial, passenger cars only. If you are ever in the area of the Taconic, do not enter.....

djpotts55 · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Rand McNally TripMaker RVND 7710 GPS sale at Camping World has been extended two more days until Aug. 28th.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I made that mistake once Gene in a pick up truck on my way back to williamstown mass............your right, That was a pretty heavy frown the officer gave me.......Right before he smiled , gave me the ticket and escorted me off the parkway.