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Lets do GPSs again
I have a Rand McNalley RVND7720. It has been begging for an update and so I tried. It will not connect to either Windows 10 or Mac. I tried 2 different USB cables and different ports.
Just finished a very unsatisfying customer support call in which they concluded after 30 seconds the USB port on the device is bad and I can pay to have it fixed. Well that won’t happen, it was just too clunky to update always giving problems and it did take me on a couple of bad routes that were unexpected given the height and weight entries that are supposed to keep you away from problems not generate them.
Except for the weight and height restrictions I’m happy using google maps on the phone. I always have a set of printed directions before I leave the house anyway – thanks to these rerouting events.
What else are folks using and recommending? Is it even worth replacing a dedicated device?
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25 Replies
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Given my technical skills and my burning desire to exhibit expertise with all my electronic devices ranging from my smart phone to my ipads to my super sophisticated WiFi devices and programs, I treat my GPS like a throwaway.
Trying to update, use all the features, and get familiar with obscure capabilities on electronic devices to me is a waste of time and my limited brain power so if my GPS pukes or gets seriously outdated I search the web for a replacement, put the old one in the trash and move on.
Whatever you buy is outdated a week or less after the purchase anyway.
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Other than height issues (which you should have planned for in advance) Google Maps and WAZE will get you where you need to go, keep you informed of traffic issues and upcoming obstacles better than any stand alone GPS.
It’s all I use.
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Joe,
I use the Garmin RV 780, I think that’s right got it from Buddy, and the updates via wi-fi have been very easy, but you need some really good speeds, it takes awhile.
2000 Featherlite H3-45
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Leesburg, FL -
Thanks for the feedback. I think I will use the phone apps for a while and see how it goes. We are in a habit of going to the same places right now and so I was not using it for any routing. The map was used to see upcoming intersections but other than that it was a fuel log. Which I always keep in “the log book” anyway.
I can’t see dropping 4 bills on a paper weight. I have not used waze but I will add it to the list.
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I use CoPilot. It has a low annual fee and is updated daily as long as you have internet access. The system Does Not need internet to operate just to update. You can set height and weight restrictions. If you do have internet connected while using you also get traffic updates and rerouting .
Chuck
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I used Co-Pilot for a couple of years on an iPad and really liked it.
Jon’s had so many coaches and traveled so many miles that he is a human GPS and doesn’t require a electronic device.
He’s been there and done that.
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Buddy is right. My only reason for my GPS now is just to track miles to my destination and occasional new destination. I rarely use it for guidance.
I know it is a sad commentary when we can be traveling along and I know the mile marker for rest areas or fuel stops or Cracker Barrels.
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Waze is good for the car but don’t use it in the Bus, In the car on Waze if there is traffic it will guide you off the Fwy on to side streets where in the bus it’s not good,Waze doesn’t know your size and weight. I use the Garmin 770 LMT for rv’s that you put in total length width and weight and height so hopefully it doesn’t put you in a bad spot.
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I just had a new Kenwood system installed and haven’t had a chance , which will come next week, to use it on the road yet. It has all the bells and whistles and is designed for over the road trucking use with all of the associated info such as bridge clearances and such in it. I can give an evaluation after my upcoming trip to Naples but I think that I’m gonna love it. It also gets Sirius radio and is the screen for the rear view camera. It Bluetooths to the phone for hands free phone service and other things such as waze.
JC
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I’ll look at the co-pilot. And wait the hear the report on the Kenwood. I had stopped using the Rand McNally for routing because of bad rerouting. It once wanted me to avoid a low weight bridge and tried to send me across a dam with an even lower weight rating! I crossed the offending bridge (legally, it was rated higher than my 22 tones) while a new bridge was being constructed. But the re-route would have been a bad day.
I put in a pioneer unit with Sirius and bluetooth for the hands free phone unit. I like the set up.
I have the phone (and previous GPS was) mounted to the drives side front column, I’m not really sure I want a large I-pad up there. I think the phone can handle the Pressure Pro Pulse FX and Google maps at the same time.
We will be on the road again the second week of Nov. worth a try.
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I have to admit great success with a device I have used often and for years. It’s name is called MAPS.
I make great use of a digital version for pre-trip planning called GOOGLE MAPS.
In the paper version I use one designed for old truckers and it is the large print version that shows clearances, weight restrictions and the locations of highway inspection stations.
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Jon, by old truckers do you mean it has extra large print
Only for seasoned citizens, like me.
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I have used the Garmin for about 5 years with no problems and updates are very easy but can take awhile. My favorite feature is the constant speed limit indicator and notice of speed changes coming up.
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Google Maps also shows current speed limits, your current speed and you can set it to make a tone should you exceed that limit by a certain amount. I don’t believe that it’s there as a default setting so you have to go into the menu to turn it on.
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My device called MAPS is large print. Life is so much easier when I can see details.
Since my GOOGLE MAPS is on my desktop or lap top my speed reading is never measured because it is always zero. Even if it read my speed it would be 62.
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