Which GPS unit do you like and why?

[Deeann]

Hey, Ladies,

I have been contemplating buying a GPS for travel. I've never had one and I'm clueless. What do I look for when choosing one? Which ones do you like?

I appreciate all advice. Thanks!

[mitch5252]

I just today bought another Garmin - a Nuvi 2457LMT (the LMT stands for lifetime maps and traffic, which is not that important to me).

Although I already have a Nuvi, it did not allow "multi stop routes". This new one allows me to make a route on Streets & Trips with as many stops as I want and then import it into the GPS. I can also import custom POIs, say, for instance, All Starbucks In The US.

It also has a newer Garmin feature with detailed audible lane assist to help you get in the correct lane before it's too late. It speaks street names, instead of just saying, "turn left in xxx feet". This one supposedly will say things like "turn left at the clock tower", or other such landmarks.

I haven't had it in the truck yet. Maybe tomorrow. The route I created in S&T and then loaded into the Garmin, was a route full of forced routing to go WAY around Houston when I leave here.

Garmin has a pretty easy to use comparison chart on their website to see which features you might need or want.

[Bethers]

I have a very old TomTom and since it still works, see no need to replace it. I don't need bells and whistles, because I program it to go the way I want, not the way it wants. Like Mitch, I do my preliminary planning with Streets & Trips - but I have to admit, I'm one of those who sees a sign along a road that catches my interest, and I turn to check it out. Then have to replan the rest of the route ... sometimes where I'm staying or going next

[retiredhappy]

I like my Nuvi that has lane assist. I LOVE that it tells me which lane to stay in on a multilane freeway.

[mitch5252]

I like my Nuvi that has lane assist. I LOVE that it tells me which lane to stay in on a multilane freeway.

..
I LOVE that feature, too!

Here's an excerpt from the Garmin website:

Comprehensive Driving Guidance You See and Hear

Active Lane Guidance with voice prompts prepares you to drive through an exit or interchange with confidence. As you approach, an animated model uses brightly colored arrows to indicate the proper lane needed for your route; a friendly voice offers additional help. Bird’s Eye junction view offers a detailed view of interchanges, looking down as if from overhead. photoReal junction view realistically displays junctions and interchanges along your route, including the surrounding landscape. Brightly colored arrows indicate the proper lane to drive. nüvi 2457LMT also depicts real road signs as they appear along your route.
..

[grammynmaggie]

I have Garmin Nuvi also..I think Garmin makes
the best GPS
donna

[bluepinecones]

I have an older Garmin nuvi and like Beth, since it still works I had no plan to replace it. However after reading Mitch's post may be tempted. Maybe I could use older one as gift.

[FinallyTime]

For the motor home I bought a big screen Rand McNalley at Camping World. It allows me to put in the height and length of the motorhome (with toad) then routes me according to that. When I went to the OR GTG I couldn't understand why it would not take me on what appeared to be a direct route. Later I found that route had a tunnel with low clearance. I like that it is already loaded with RV points of interest, i.e. campgrounds, RV service and repair centers, easy access gas stations, etc. I find the search features easier to use than the Garmin Nuvi I have for my car.

[JudyJB]

I also have the big screen Rand McNally from Camping World. In fact, this is my second. I had charging problems with the older one, but this is a newer model and seems to be working fine. It was expensive, but the feature of not getting you into trouble with low bridges, narrow bridges, and weight limits on roads is well worth the money. When I first bought my RV, my old RV took me under a bridge that was only 12' high, and my vehicle was 11'8" tall! It also almost took me under a 10' 8" bridge and I had to back up through a red light packed with cars. I figure the GPS is worth the cost of ripping off my satellite dish or my AC unit!

It also helps you find truck stops, camp grounds, propane, and RV services, which is very valuable in a pinch. It also shows you the turn direction after the next turn, and tells you which lane to get into. The large screen is a real benefit when you are driving such a large vehicle.

[linann]

Rand McNally RVGPS RVND 7720 LM -- after friends kept telling us about all the features. Choose from 11 types of RV's, program the size, or select the car mode. The speaking voice is easy to understand and gives information well in advance, including the number and direction of lanes and distance to the next maneuver. There is plenty of info about rest areas, RV campgrounds and services, hotels, restaurants, etc. The virtual dashboard tells you sunrise and sunset time based on your location; your elevation; all kinds of info about your speed, trip and fuel. This model can be connected to WiFi through a hotspot for current weather, predictions and alerts. We purchased the unit online, cheaper than buying from Camping World.

[Excel]

I have the Rand McNally also...don't like it near as much as my old Garmin that lasted many, many years & finally stopped working )& yes I called Garmin for repair/replacement similar, but they had nothing similar... ) Anyhow, my problem in my class C RV is how to mount it.... It won't stay on the dash & too big for the window (& I'm afraid it will loose suction & fall while I'm driving)... Any suggestions would be appreciated.... BTW... spent a lot of time with some big wig from Rand McNally who fixed some of the problems I was having (factory codes, etc.), so it's somewhat decent, but still, don't like it all that much (maybe I just got a lemon)... too expensive to get rid of... though I've thought of that.... For me, if I had it to do all over again, would buy a Garmin... not only are they great, their customer service is absolutely outstanding...
Options anyone ????

[monik7]

I have the Rand McNally also...don't like it near as much as my old Garmin that lasted many, many years & finally stopped working )& yes I called Garmin for repair/replacement similar, but they had nothing similar... ) Anyhow, my problem in my class C RV is how to mount it.... It won't stay on the dash & too big for the window (& I'm afraid it will loose suction & fall while I'm driving)... Any suggestions would be appreciated.... BTW... spent a lot of time with some big wig from Rand McNally who fixed some of the problems I was having (factory codes, etc.), so it's somewhat decent, but still, don't like it all that much (maybe I just got a lemon)... too expensive to get rid of... though I've thought of that.... For me, if I had it to do all over again, would buy a Garmin... not only are they great, their customer service is absolutely outstanding...
Options anyone ????

I have the Rand McNally 7720 and always attach it to the windshield. Has never lost suction or fallen off.
Sandi

[JudyJB]

It is very heavy and I have had problems lately with it falling because the mount I have is glued onto the dash in the wrong position because it belonged to my very old TomTom GPS from 18 months ago. I went to Best Buy and bought one of these: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dashboard-mount-for-select-tomtom-gps/2033136.p?id=1218306461911&skuId=2033136&st=categoryid$abcat0307026&cp=1&lp=7
Basically, it is just a heavy pad with a non-slip bottom. It does slide a bit, but the unit stays attached.

What I need to do is find the extra dash mount that I know I own and put it in a better position so the GPS is resting better on it, however, that extra mount has been put in a very safe place, and I can't remember where I put it!!

[Deeann]

Thanks for all the replies, girls. I'll be looking around on the internet over the next week or so to purchase one while everything is on sale for Christmas. The Garmin seems to be a popular unit. I'll check their website and read up on their products.

I don't have to worry about low bridges and tunnels since I sold my TT this month. From now on I will be truck camping as I travel. Which reminds me not to hijack my own thread. I'll open another thread on cab over campers. I'd like to have one of them.

[Bethers]

Thanks for all the replies, girls. I'll be looking around on the internet over the next week or so to purchase one while everything is on sale for Christmas. The Garmin seems to be a popular unit. I'll check their website and read up on their products.

I don't have to worry about low bridges and tunnels since I sold my TT this month. From now on I will be truck camping as I travel. Which reminds me not to hijack my own thread. I'll open another thread on cab over campers. I'd like to have one of them.

OMG, someone not hijacking a thread and it's their own thread lolol ... yes, we are known for doing that, aren't we?

BTW, if/when I purchase a new one, I'll probably go with the Rand McNally because I like that it is geared specifically to rving/camping.