GPS for RV
Best GPS for RV and trucks |
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| Zenith 28 April 2010 01:23 PM |
We are in the market for a GPS for RV's, primarily to be used for driving. Has anybody experience with the Garmin Nuvi 465/465T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Truck GPS Navigator? Is it worthwhile purchasing an expensive trucking GPS compared to the cheaper 205 or other models?
I believe the older Garmin models use MSN Traffic and that Microsoft will stop that program in 2012, and it appears that Garmin now have their own “nuLink” as on the nuvi1690. Will this imply that existing models will not be supported after 2012? What maps are recommended to be used in addition to the GPS? |
| caymann 28 April 2010 04:31 PM |
If you have a BIG RIG such as a 40' Class A, I would recommend to get this.
This will prevent you from taking wrong roadways where there maybe low overhead pass or under weighed bridges The cheaper ones are for cars and will take you through anywhere a car can go but probably not a bus can. |
| marnindale 28 April 2010 05:14 PM |
Garmin truck GPS always got us lost and every time we reached a destination it started recalculating - did not confirm that we'd arrived at destination. TomTom directions were much better but for car. Recently, Cobra came out with a truck unit with maps by TomTom and it's working well so far. It has been keeping us off of side streets. Model #GPSM 7700 in case your interested. Good luck. |
| HERO Maker 28 April 2010 07:28 PM |
On the road last summer some of our ministry friends got us the 465T while I was in Kansas (Garmin Territory). I really like it much better than Co-Pilot, and have not had any problems with it. The 465T is the only trucking program they have. Used to be an older 7" screen, but it wasn't for trucks (tall and long rigs). |
| grumpydoc 28 April 2010 08:51 PM |
Zenith First welcome to the forums. Navigoddess (DW) has one of the new Garmin Nuvi GPS. One of the features she likes about the new model is the ability to put in more than one waypoint in a route. We have found that often you have to put in several waypoints to force the GPs to go the way you want. The maps we use are a Motor Carriers Atlas, which show so called designated highways. These are roads that are deemed suitable for tractor-trailer(motor carriers) traffic. These tend to be better choices for travel for our bigger rigs. Normally what she does is decide on a route by looking at the maps then she will program the route into the GPS using waypoints if necessary to get it to go the way she wants rather than the way it wants. When we go to TX for the winter we take the Expedition for our daily driver, so she drives that in the lead with one GPS and I follow in the rig with a second GPS which she has also programmed. (are you seeing a pattern here?) It works for us, best wishes Jay and Kathy |
| HobbyTalk 28 April 2010 10:13 PM |
I recently picked up a PC*Miler 540 which is targeted at truck drivers. I have not had a chance to use it while towing but have tested it just driving around and it appears to take routes suited for large trucks. It has settings for car, RV and trucks and you can program in your vehicle size. Lots and lots of features that I haven't even had a chance to use. The only real negative is that you can not use custom POIs. |
| CoolJudy 28 April 2010 11:44 PM |
I went through a GPS replacement last month and did quite a bit of research. We went with a 5" Garmin Nuvi 1490T ($270 + tax from Costco). BTW, the "T" is for traffic - not truck. Look at my posting #19 on that thread and follow the links. The 465T did NOT get good reviews from truckers and other GPS units that "claimed" to have a "truck" setting actually had a pseudo routing program that Garmin has now dropped.
As for other navigation aides, you can download a variety of "points of interests" (POIs) for low clearances, truck stops, etc. into your selected GPS. As most will recommend -- check your routing with a good travel atlas, use common sense, and don't panic if you miss a turn-off. If solo, find a safe place to get off the road, and pull out the maps. If you are the navigator, pre-study the maps before hitting the road and keep a Plan B handy. Getting there is part of the adventure. |
| Vols Fan 29 April 2010 12:25 PM |
I have the 465T and although I don't have a lot of time on it, it has been very good so far. No GPS is 100%. I do like the truck only features and you can also switch to auto. As far as an expensive truckers GPS it depends on what kind of truck or what size MH you have. If you have a tall truck or MH, it's worth it IMO. I also use the truckers atlas which also list restricted routes and heights. Bob |
| AC7880 30 April 2010 10:30 AM |
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| Zenith 30 April 2010 01:59 PM |
Thank you for all the information, it's appreciated!! |
| Neon Moon 30 April 2010 08:16 PM |
Zenith If you go to Amazon.com, and search for a particular make/model, and if they carry it, it will likely have buyers reviews listed. I just ordered a Magellan RoadMate 1700 7-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator last night ($225 & free shipping). Smity |
| chinook507 30 April 2010 10:09 PM |
I love my new Magellan, it is one of the widescreens and it is loaded with POI's. Everything from shopping, campgrounds, coffee spots, and up to date roads.( Got mine on sale for 155. |