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03-26-2012, 07:32 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Claypool
Posts: 279
M.O.C. #9711
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GPS
I am considering a new GPS and was wondering if any one has purchased one of the Rand McNally ones that are designed for RV's? I also understand Garmin has a new one out that is designed for RV's too, but I have seen them yet. Any input would be helpful.
Thanks,
Don
__________________
SOB Curt 25 K 5th wheel hitch
2012 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Long Horn
RDS 60 gallon fuel tank, air lift air bags
Wheel to wheel SS side bars
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03-26-2012, 09:37 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 5,816
M.O.C. #9257
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A big thing to consider when purchasing a GPS is how updates are performed. Hopefully whatever unit you select can be done via a USB and at your computer, or the unit does not have to be connected to the vehicle to perform the update or the update does not take very long.
I have an incredible but very expensive Pioneer AVIC Z1 unit uses Hard disk for its database and program execution - very quick and holds a lot of data. I recently purchased the update DVDs and these TWO DVDs hold a bunch of POIs and the software to be updated. It will take approximately 3 hours to perform the update! Keeping in mind the car has to be on or running for the update to occur. Others who have done this needed a couple of days to complete the update because when you shut the car off, the process stops until you turn your vehicle on again so it can continue. Then there's a critical part of the update when updating the unit's firmware that one must NOT interrupt the update for about 15 to 20 minutes. What a hassle!
Whatever brand or model you pick, I hope whatever you pick is easier than this unit to update. You will want one that is update capable since you'll want install new POIs, data, software and firmware as opposed to buying a new unit every time you want new stuff. I bought my unit with update capability but selected this one because of the features and intelligence. Being a big time nerd, I don't mind the complexities, but just want to provide the heads-up for anyone who might not want to be surprised.
(DW and I are planning a long trip to get this done, about two hours out, stop for breaks and activities, then two hours back, should do it.)
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03-26-2012, 10:10 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ontario
Posts: 722
M.O.C. #1328
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Just purchased the Magellan RV9165T-LM and am very happy with it so far. I've taken a few car trips in the RV mode and it seems to work very well at avoiding low bridges and advising turns.
__________________
Mike & Donna Ishler Ontario, NY KE2LU FN13
2017 3720RL TST S637's
2017 Dodge 3500 Laramie CTD 4x4 Auto
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03-26-2012, 10:10 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,372
M.O.C. #8728
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I bought the Garmin 465LMT (Lifetime Maps and traffic) from Amazon. I'm very happy with it. I retired my 10 year old Garmin Street Pilot to my work truck and it still works fine.
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03-26-2012, 01:03 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 4,200
M.O.C. #11401
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My TomTom caused me to have to back Monty about 1/4 mile in St. Louis , Mo. Took me to railroad tresses about 10 ft. above rd. We were trying to get to a KOA.
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03-26-2012, 01:29 PM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: The Dalles
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #11255
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I got the Rand McNally 5510 this past fall. I like it, but I think my Garmin NUVI 205W that I use in my car is more user friendly. But then I have had 8 Garmins including driving, hiking and aviation so I am more familiar with GArmin's way of doing things. But I give the 5510 a thumbs up.
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03-26-2012, 02:31 PM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Grain valley
Posts: 356
M.O.C. #5098
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03-26-2012, 04:16 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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We have always had great luck with Garmin. However when we get close to a Campground, we follow the directions in the Book vice what Garmin tells us. We figure the campground knows the best route for an RV to take to get into the campground. We have not owned one specifically loaded for RV travel.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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03-27-2012, 05:12 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Siloam Springs
Posts: 2,206
M.O.C. #8890
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We have had the Rand McNally for almost a year and like it. Like all the RV Park information.
It warns you of down grades and sharp curves. Tells you all rest areas and WalMarts on your route you can park at.
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03-27-2012, 07:42 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Waterford
Posts: 3,693
M.O.C. #7500
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I stopped using my truck's gps. My Droid phone is easier to use and I always have it with me no matter which vehicle I use. And it's free!
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03-28-2012, 02:01 PM
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#11
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sidney
Posts: 91
M.O.C. #9399
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We bought the Rand McNally from Camping World. We love it. In 2010 we headed off down a state road in Penn, and no signs warned us of any danger. However 23 different motorists came p alongside of us and warned us we were bout to DIE. Apparently just ahead we were doomed to try and go under an overpass that had just 10 feet of clearance. WE got off in time. A year or so later I read about the new RV Friendly Rand McNally GPS in the Good Sam Magazine, and I thought that would be a great thing to have.
We bought one in Feb, paid $359 with our Presidents Club discount at Camping World. We are on our way home from Yuma, AZ and in Corning, CA right now. WE love the new GPS, with it's 7" screen so easy for driver and passenger to see the route, and so many neat features. We have entered all the specifics for our Monty, length, height and weight and when traveling in the RV Mode, hopefully we should never be directed down a road with a narrow, unsafe bridge, or with low overheads, tunnels that do not permit propane, etc.
This is the BEST GPS we have ever owned. Well worth the money.
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03-29-2012, 12:21 AM
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#12
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Corpus christi
Posts: 117
M.O.C. #6844
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We have the Rand McNally with the 7" screen and love it. I just down loaded an update for the computer dock for it which lets you load custom POI's to it. I added all Passport America and Escapees parks and National parks etc. among others.
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04-01-2012, 02:05 PM
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#13
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Claypool
Posts: 279
M.O.C. #9711
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Thanks for the information. Sounds like I better start shopping for a Rand McNally, but I think I will go for the 5 inch one.
Don
__________________
SOB Curt 25 K 5th wheel hitch
2012 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Long Horn
RDS 60 gallon fuel tank, air lift air bags
Wheel to wheel SS side bars
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04-02-2012, 03:59 AM
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#14
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Millbury
Posts: 188
M.O.C. #9245
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Don, I think I'm with you. I was thinking of getting a Garmin 465t for the truck. But with all this info I will look into the Rand McNally.
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04-02-2012, 04:12 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,284
M.O.C. #11675
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Wiesehan
Thanks for the information. Sounds like I better start shopping for a Rand McNally, but I think I will go for the 5 inch one.
Don
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Try to figure out where it will be mounted - that 7 inch screen is NICE! I might suggest cutting out two pieces of paper - one 5 inch and one 7 inch screen size. Then put them where you think the unit will go. Mine has to be far enough away that I am really glad I have the 7 inch as it is much easier to see.
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