Camping world and Magellan GPS

[Ishler]

So I decided to retire my Garmin 7200 gps because it's become erratic. I was looking for a 7" unit, RV friendly. I was looking at the Rand McNally 7710 and the Magellan 9165, I was also looking for lifetime map updates like I have on the Garmin. Anyway neither of these units on the CW website have this. I Googled the 9165 and lifetime maps and it took me to the CW site http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...romotion/60950
Which is a pre-order (available March 11) for $359. Any search of the CW website doesn't show this version. Anyway I placed an order and it was accepted. I've found that the Rand McNally is now available with lifetime maps for the same price but I'm not comfortable about their newness to the GPS world.

[Bruce Lenhardt]

Mike, are you sure about the lifetime updates?? I just emailed customer service at Magellan and they responded with a negative on the lifetime updates. Stated that I could purchase the updates at an extra cost! Maybe camping world is adding the lifetime updates? I was ready to pull the trigger on the 9165 until I found out about the lifetime updates and the fact that it didn't show the % grade in the mountains. Ended up ordering the Garmin Dezl 560lmt. It is not 7 inches but is 5 inches. Let me know how the Magellan works for you. I fear that the Garmin is too much truck GPS and not enough RV but we'll see.

[DQDick]

Please, both of you keep us informed. I would imagine there are a number of forum members trying to decide between the options out there. Real reviews from someone we can trust would be appreciated.

[Ishler]

Bruce
All I know is what is listed in the add. The receipt also states Lifetime maps. The add says pre-order and it won't ship until 3/11, so maybe that's why they told you what they did. I looked hard at the 560 but am spoiled with the 7 in display.

Dick
I'll report back with my experiences.

[Gorgeguy]

I looked at both the Rand McNally and Magellan and bought the RM 5510 this past fall. I like the campground access but my Garmin 205w Nuvi is alot more user friendly and intuative. After two months on the road with the Monty this winter I am getting more comfortable with the 5510 but still think the Garmin is easier to make it do what I want.

[seahunter]

I just received an email from Rand McNally that they will now have Woodall's campground info loaded (and you can download it free if you already have one) - to include:

Listings for more than 12,000 private RV parks and campground locations, with amenities

Family-friendly campgrounds and pets-allowed locations

“Big Rig” parks

“Green parks”

Site information such as extended stay sites available, typical site width and pull thru information

Services such as fees, escort to site, dumping

Essential information about seasonality and rates

I have the RVND7710 but haven't used it yet. Will do review once I play around with it. It came with lifetime map updates through Camping World too.

[Ishler]

I received my 9165 on the 9th and so far I'm impressed. I've only used it in the car a few times but it navigates well, finds restaurants and business in the POI database well. We hope to take a drive in a few days that will take us by some low bridges to see how that works. I really like the sign preview that shows you what the signs look like at an interstate exit and which lane you should be in. I also like the speed limit information and warning when you are going too fast.

[junglejim]

I am glad you found one that works for you.
It is always nice to have someone(or thing) telling me where to go that knows what they are talking about.

[cdaniels]

We also ordered the Magellin RV and it arrived 3 days before we took off for a month in florida. We used it all the way south and love it. Yes the sign drop down is one of the best that was added in my opinion. Would definitely buy it again. Well satisfied.

[Bruce Lenhardt]

I received my Garmin Dezl 560lmt and took it on a recent trip to Winter Park, Colo. I was driving my SUV but set the GPS for an RV. I like it so far. It does warn of steep decents and seemed to route us around un-RV friendly roads. I also like the bean bag dash mount. So easy to put up and take down. When rerouting it does not try to get you to turn around, make u-turns, or go down back roads to get you back on the orginal route. It finds another easy route sooner. The 5 inch size is also good for us.

[1retired06]

Our Garmin has lifetime free downloads. Downside, took 13 hours to download the latest update and install.