|
|
03-17-2018, 07:15 AM
|
#1
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Spokane Valley
Posts: 119
M.O.C. #19510
|
Which would you buy first?
We finally purchased our (2018.5) 3810MS and I’m buying items that I can afford. We’re upgrading from our 31’ class C motorhome. I’ve purchased my EMS, that, to me, seemed like a no brainer. Now I’m stuck between the GPS or a backup camera. Both cost about the same. Both have valid points for purchasing right away. I drove a big rig for a few years, so backing this in a space doesn’t bother me, however, I haven’t done it yet with this setup. The enthusiastic conversations between the DW and I would be nice not to have trying to back in. They tend to start the trip on a sour note. On the other hand, a place we like to go camping a couple of times a year, I just noticed has a bridge that’s marked 12’ that we go through. These items need to be avoided. My question is for those who have a RV GPS and a backup camera. Which do you value more?
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 08:45 AM
|
#2
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
|
I got the backup camera first since I got a great deal on it. RV GPS is on the soon to be next list. In the mean time I use Goople, Waze and RMcN Delux Motor Carrier's Road Atlas
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 09:09 AM
|
#3
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
|
Backup cameras are nice but you will still need help backing into a tight spot
My thought would be you are driving forward for hours using GPS but only backing for a couple feet. You gotta get there first
But then again if you find either on sale......
__________________
James & Irene Wilson
Bee Branch, AR.
2017 Ram 1 ton diesel duallyCrew Cab/Long Bed
2018 Montana High Country 381TH Garage Full of Toys
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 09:12 AM
|
#4
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Kamiah
Posts: 332
M.O.C. #14438
|
Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge & Electrical Protection- 50 Amps
__________________
Ron&Sue
2017 Montana 3720RL Legacy
14' Ram 3500 DRW
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 09:47 AM
|
#5
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Brandon
Posts: 3,944
M.O.C. #1034
|
We got along fine for many years without the camera and consider GPS a must have item.
__________________
Darwin & Maureen DeBackere
Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada
2011/3500/Silverado/4x4/DRW/Duramax
2017/3721RL/Legacy Pkg./Pressure-Pro
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 09:59 AM
|
#6
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Coeur D Alene
Posts: 264
M.O.C. #19835
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike3387
We finally purchased our (2018.5) 3810MS and I’m buying items that I can afford. We’re upgrading from our 31’ class C motorhome. I’ve purchased my EMS, that, to me, seemed like a no brainer. Now I’m stuck between the GPS or a backup camera. Both cost about the same. Both have valid points for purchasing right away. I drove a big rig for a few years, so backing this in a space doesn’t bother me, however, I haven’t done it yet with this setup. The enthusiastic conversations between the DW and I would be nice not to have trying to back in. They tend to start the trip on a sour note. On the other hand, a place we like to go camping a couple of times a year, I just noticed has a bridge that’s marked 12’ that we go through. These items need to be avoided. My question is for those who have a RV GPS and a backup camera. Which do you value more?
|
Consider the observation camera over the backup camera. It's only few dollars more and has more uses and better resolution. In addition to backup functions it allows you to see what's going on behind you while going down the highway if you want. etrailer.com has good prices on both.
__________________
2019 Montana 3791RD
2017 Ford F350 Lariat 6.7 PSD 4.10 DRW Crew LB
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 10:21 AM
|
#7
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
|
Personally we still don't have a backup camera going on 8 years of full timing. Our Rand McNally RV GPS, however, was a must have from the start and still is.
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 10:43 AM
|
#8
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Taylor Ridge
Posts: 224
M.O.C. #18049
|
GPS would be first for me. My 2016 came with an observation camera and I use it more going down the road. Maybe am old fashion but I use the mirrors for backing and don't really look at the camera. However don't trust the GPS 100% it's good to have second source.
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 04:49 PM
|
#9
|
Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,923
M.O.C. #20477
|
Assuming you have GPS in your phone, I might go with the backup camera first. I like the camera not so much for backing but to see who may be following me closely going down the road. Neither are absolute necessities. The phrase we used when I flew aircraft was "live by the GPS - die by the GPS" - not so much because they didn't work but many folks planned less when using GPS. Agree with the comments that a spotter is still good even if you have a camera.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 05:53 PM
|
#10
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
|
We use the camera as a observation camera.It is very useful.We have had a GPS for years but now find that the GPS(google maps) on the phone is more accurate and up to date.
We see all these devices as tools that enhance our travel experience.
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 06:54 PM
|
#11
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,547
M.O.C. #2283
|
GPS
Lynwood
|
|
|
03-17-2018, 07:27 PM
|
#12
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
|
If you do use your phone, at least get a truckers atlas so you can avoid viewing low bridges in person.
|
|
|
03-18-2018, 07:34 AM
|
#13
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Frostproof, FL USA
Posts: 2,362
M.O.C. #13272
|
X2 what Dick said. Using just a I-phone for navigation, unless you are staying on interstates and US highways only, will soon get you into trouble.
We not only use a RV GPS but I consult my Trucker's Atlas prior to planning a route just to double check for low clearance issues.
Having a back-up camera is okay but I seldom look at it. The DW on her phone and having my phone on speaker is how I back up. I only use my mirrors.
The single most important piece of safety equipment IMHO for someone who is going to actually travel in their RV is a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system). A Trucker's Atlas would be next, then a RV GPS, and maybe 5th or 6th down the list would be a backup camera.
__________________
Previous: 2008 Montana 3400RL & 2014 3725RL
Current: Full Time 2022 SOB TT Toy Hauler
|
|
|
03-18-2018, 08:34 AM
|
#14
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Willis
Posts: 896
M.O.C. #20587
|
I've been leaning towards the RV GPS but just cannot part with the $$$ (Garmin RV 760LMT). I've learned to PLAN our trip using the online tools (DOT road conditions) and Truckers' Atlas mentioned so have not given in yet. Joy and I use full duplex headsets to back in so have tossed the camera idea to the bottom of the pile. I'm getting much better after several trips at backing the big boy.
__________________
2018 Montana 3791RD (SOLD)
2017 Ram 3500 DRW 6.7 Cummins Aisin, B&W RVK3600 (SOLD)
|
|
|
03-18-2018, 09:05 AM
|
#15
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
|
I don’t want to get into trouble with the forum police and hope this isn’t to far off of topic:
I prefer a stand-alone GPS over using cellphone due mainly to larger screen. Also so my copilot can check my phone while I am driving. Having said that I do like the idea of having the trucker GPS App on the phone as yet another nav. Information source
__________________
James & Irene Wilson
Bee Branch, AR.
2017 Ram 1 ton diesel duallyCrew Cab/Long Bed
2018 Montana High Country 381TH Garage Full of Toys
|
|
|
03-18-2018, 09:12 AM
|
#16
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Catoosa
Posts: 778
M.O.C. #18384
|
Simply put, if my camera goes out I won't replace it, but If my GPS goes out I will replace it. Garmin dezl.
|
|
|
03-18-2018, 09:37 AM
|
#17
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Spokane Valley
Posts: 119
M.O.C. #19510
|
Thanks a bunch
Didn’t realize the truckers atlas existed. Ordering the spiral bound, laminated version. I also didn’t realize there is a difference between backup camera and observation camera. Although there isn’t much I can do to keep someone from following too closely. I agree getting there safely should be my priority. Thanks again for your suggestions.
|
|
|
03-18-2018, 07:20 PM
|
#18
|
Established Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: southern tier
Posts: 39
M.O.C. #10728
|
|
|
|
03-18-2018, 09:51 PM
|
#19
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Tacoma
Posts: 1,567
M.O.C. #20475
|
I don't have a backup cam never saw the need for it I do use the GPS all the time!
Bob & Carol
WAshington St
2017 352RL 2008 Dodge 3500 DRW CC LL 4x4
Happy Trails
|
|
|
03-19-2018, 05:51 AM
|
#20
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 1,298
M.O.C. #5165
|
X2 for JandC. If your tires go bad, backing up or going forward will not be your first concern. Low clearance on the newer Monty's is critical. TPMS is #1, surge protector #2, Good GPS #3. After that the list just gets longer!
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|