Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: Michael & Jackie on September 22, 2016, 04:32:42 pm
Title: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michael & Jackie on September 22, 2016, 04:32:42 pm
I tried to post a reply to an earlier thread but the system suggested starting over. You can review prior comments and it may help.
In that prior thread, i saw support for a couple of Garmin GPS and one by a member who had one and then supported a different model in a later post.
So...any consensus on whether to go with the Garmin RV760LMT? Seems my choice but thought do last minute check.
On the Garmin site they list a 6 inch display model, the RV660LMT and the 760 as a prior and more expensive model. Then in the thread I cite there were fans of the 2699 and Dezl760.
Beyond that is the Garmin nuvi 2789LMT that looks good.
These all seem to have active lane change guidance. I suspect the 2789 may not accept RV dimensions input but not have checked that. It is about $50 less than the RV760
Thanks
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 22, 2016, 05:57:30 pm
We purchased the RV 760LMT in Nov. of last year ($399 on Amazon Prime at that time). Have used it on a couple road trips - it seems to do everything I want it to do. I am not a totally converted disciple of the GPS faith. We use a combination of me studying/planning our next days route the evening before (on Google maps), my co-pilot following our progress "real time" on her iPad (using Google maps), and me watching the GPS with one eye while I drive. Seems to get us where we want to go, at least so far!
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: John44 on September 22, 2016, 06:28:23 pm
We use our 4G ipad like a Garmin,we still have the Garmin but we prefer the ipad.Bigger screen.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Jimmyjnr on September 22, 2016, 07:00:52 pm
We use the garmin rv760lmt and really like it , first update out of the box takes hours , so start it and go to bed . Recommend it
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michelle on September 22, 2016, 07:07:12 pm
We use a Dezl 760 for our coach; it is virtually identical to the RV760. It's not quite as good/programmable as the old Streetpilot 2720 but better than other Garmins for being able to put in length, width, height, weight. We've had a couple of small issues with it routing us around something thinking it was a divided highway when it wasn't, or that the road was closed when it wasn't. You can choose car, truck, RV, or several other options. The ONLY difference between the Dezl models and the RV models are the POI databases. Dezl has more ATA truck related POIs and RV has more campgrounds, etc. That's it, according Garmin when I asked them. And no, they won't let you buy the RV database to put in your Dezl or vice versa (but you can add your own POIs if you want.
We have the lifetime maps and traffic option. Traffic is pretty good at letting you know when there will be a delay on your route, although we also use the Waze app on our phones for more real-time information.
If you get one, be sure to get an SD card for it. The recent map updates from Garmin require the additional storage or they often only load a subset map (we got one download that was all vectored point to point as a result, not the actual layout of the roads).
I'm not sure about the 660 models but the 760s do not have pinch-zoom screens; you have to use the +/- images on the screen.
Garmin recently (I think it was recent) released an app called Garmin Smartphone Link that will bluetooth to your phone for weather, etc. I believe you have to pay for those services, though.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: George and Steph on September 22, 2016, 09:09:50 pm
We use the RV760lmt and really like it for on the road directions and pictures of exits. Prefer to also use the iPad for the big picture for its maps with the bouncing ball. Also the iPad gives us quick interface with its excellent planning tools inRoute and allStays etc etc.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: AC7880 on September 22, 2016, 10:44:07 pm
Do you mount yours on the windshield? I have the RV760, and the weight would cause it to fall occasionally on bad roads. I put a nice block of wood under it (mounted on slanted dash) to support the weight at bottom, while the GPS is mounted on the windshield. No trouble since.
We use a Dezl 760 for our coach; it is virtually identical to the RV760. It's not quite as good/programmable as the old Streetpilot 2720 but better than other Garmins for being able to put in length, width, height, weight. We've had a couple of small issues with it routing us around something thinking it was a divided highway when it wasn't, or that the road was closed when it wasn't. You can choose car, truck, RV, or several other options. The ONLY difference between the Dezl models and the RV models are the POI databases. Dezl has more ATA truck related POIs and RV has more campgrounds, etc. That's it, according Garmin when I asked them. And no, they won't let you buy the RV database to put in your Dezl or vice versa (but you can add your own POIs if you want.
We have the lifetime maps and traffic option. Traffic is pretty good at letting you know when there will be a delay on your route, although we also use the Waze app on our phones for more real-time information.
If you get one, be sure to get an SD card for it. The recent map updates from Garmin require the additional storage or they often only load a subset map (we got one download that was all vectored point to point as a result, not the actual layout of the roads).
I'm not sure about the 660 models but the 760s do not have pinch-zoom screens; you have to use the +/- images on the screen.
Garmin recently (I think it was recent) released an app called Garmin Smartphone Link that will bluetooth to your phone for weather, etc. I believe you have to pay for those services, though.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Carol Savournin on September 22, 2016, 11:16:48 pm
We always travel with TWO gps units ... one for me and one for Mr Wonderful ... AND a DeLorme atlas at the ready. Call me crazy, but I like a measure of redundancy. Our oldest GPS was getting glitchy and did not have the lifetime upgrades, so in April I made an executive decision and purchased the Garmin RV 760LMT for $317.48. Mr Wonderful had done a good bit of growling about "I am not paying $300 just for a darn GPS!!" But, guess what?? He changed his tune. We configured it for the dimensions of our rig and Toad. Jeff just loves the larger display and the extra information on sharp curves, gradients, lane changes, etc. It has extensive POIs, EVERY campground I tried was in there, much more information than our medium age unit even with the newest map upgrades. We are very satisfied with the somewhat pricey purchase. We use the standard suction base on the little black disc that comes from Garmin. I did use extra U-Glue (as seen on TV!) to secure the disc to the dash ... but we have had not trouble with that holding the weight of the unit on rough highways.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michelle on September 23, 2016, 07:07:11 am
Do you mount yours on the windshield? I have the RV760, and the weight would cause it to fall occasionally on bad roads.
No, we have the "bean bag" base and ours sits on the flat spot in the middle of the dash above the center drawer - it's in my view but not in Steve's as much since I'm the one "naggigating" ;)
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: toyman on September 23, 2016, 09:07:21 am
Garmin app in the iPhone/iPad, it's great! $50 and I have a 10", or a 5.5" on both mine & the DW's iThings. Always have them with me, ever get in a cab and get taken the long route...solved now. Rental car, no problem. BIG GPS for the FT, got that covered.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michael & Jackie on September 23, 2016, 10:12:37 am
Dave, when you use the ipad, do you have to be connected to wifi via a hot spot or have one that does cellular?
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: toyman on September 23, 2016, 01:22:38 pm
No Mike, using the Garmin App everything gets loaded on the iThing, you need no cell, or wifi connection after you load everything. There are 2 versions, one covers the lower 48, called Garmin USA, the other covers all of North America, Puerto Rico, & the Virgin Islands, & (?) maybe Hawaii. I have an OLD gen 1 iPad that I just leave in the FT.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Carl Cox on September 23, 2016, 03:25:03 pm
We use an older gen 2 iPad with a great making program called maps.me. Free and as good as Garmin or Google maps. Once you download you state you no longer need any internet. Pad is in rugged Otterbox case which is also a stand... Only catch is only iPads that could take a cell phone chip have a integral GPS...
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: turbojack on September 23, 2016, 03:28:34 pm
I have a Tomtom on my tablet. The map file is 5 GB of the US. You can get 4 new map files per year. So far it has outperformed a new rand mcnally and is on par with active google maps when they can get internet.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michelle on September 23, 2016, 03:31:51 pm
Does the Garmin app allow you to set height, width, length, and weight like the standalone Garmin specialty (RV, truck) units?
Not really an issue west of the Mississippi, but up in the northeast you can really get yourself in trouble with weights and clearances.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on September 23, 2016, 05:23:15 pm
We have a Garmin RV 760LMT Portable GPS Navigator. The glass mount wouldn't stick after a couple of months so I bought the Garmin 'sand bag' and it sits on the dash.
It does what it is supposed to do.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michael & Jackie on September 23, 2016, 06:27:19 pm
Carl, Dave and Turbo.....gotta do that! But I want the Garmin and a hardcopy to supplement those. I may have an iPad I can dedicate much of the time to this, need to see if it fits the criteria you listed, check out the app download.
I kinda wanted the Dezl that Michelle suggested because she always researches anything, but lots of experiences reported with the 760 have that at top of want list. Looked at a 60LMT today at Best Buy, really neat but 6 inch rather than 7 inch screen and I gather does not take RV input...but the functions looked very good, salesman said the 760 has all of those. Sure like the swipe screen feature versus thing to hit a button. And maybe the bluetooth helps, tbd.
My RM windshield suction mount has been excellent, re: Garmin windshield mount falling. So maybe the brand of mount important, just FYI that I have one does great.
thanks all,
mike
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Lance Camper on September 23, 2016, 06:47:45 pm
My RM windshield suction mount has been excellent, re: Garmin windshield mount falling. So maybe the brand of mount important, just FYI that I have one does great.
thanks all,
mike
Both of my Garmin mounts RV760LMT and an 4 inch screen one for the Jeep fall of the window. I should know better by now. It happened just 20 minutes ago. Started up the jeep put 'er in drive and crash it falls and hits the console between the seats. One day it is gonna break the glass.
I tried cleaning with alcohol and it only improved the newer 760LMT mount. I can't use a bean mount in the Jeep Liberty, my dash is too shallow.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Balcanthez on September 23, 2016, 11:19:13 pm
I have the RV 760LMT and it has been great. Includes hands free phone features and has advised me against a few routes that were very founded. I have a different Garmin (550) for my car and the LMT is much better in identifying when I will arrive. It takes local traffic and suggests alternate routes, which is nice. The 760 is also a 7" display, which works for me since I need reading glasses for something smaller. I researched pretty well on the GPS I wanted for my FT, and the 760LMT came out above the rest. Very satisfied with the 2700 miles I've used it (including Los Angeles traffic).
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michelle on September 24, 2016, 07:16:13 am
Looked at a 60LMT today at Best Buy, really neat but 6 inch rather than 7 inch screen and I gather does not take RV input...but the functions looked very good, salesman said the 760 has all of those. Sure like the swipe screen feature versus thing to hit a button. And maybe the bluetooth helps, tbd.
Mike, if you are comparing a RV or Dezl 760 with the same in 660, the 660 is newer and if it has a pinch-zoom screen to me that would be better than the 1" larger display.
BTW, "LMT" in a model name just means "lifetime maps and traffic" (otherwise you have to pay for map updates/traffic subscription). Caveat on "lifetime" - it's not forever, but as long as Garmin chooses to support the product.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: fouroureye on September 24, 2016, 07:58:14 am
Hi, are these voice-controlled?
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 24, 2016, 08:06:42 am
No. Look for the word "DriveSmart" in Garmin products to identify voice controlled features.
Find Out About GARMIN's Industry Leading Car GPS and Navigation Products For... (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-road/automotive/voice-activated/cOnTheRoad-cAutomotive-atFILTER_FEATURE_SPEECHRECOGNITION_01-p1.html)
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michael & Jackie on September 24, 2016, 09:34:48 am
Michelle and Chuck...no idea whar lmt meant...thanks for idea Michelle on pinch screen, sounds good suggestion. Is voice controlled great to have Chuck?
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Caflashbob on September 24, 2016, 10:39:21 am
I have an old garmin on a bean bag mount on the dash offset a bit that I leave on the record the total miles for a trip.
It also shows on the main screen the legal mph on most roads if I go to the main screen and has traffic alerts.
I see here how more recent models have added newer features. Cool.
Next to and in front of the Garmin I have an iPad in a Ram mount and a weighted base that I alternate between the allstays app and the weather radar and weather underground apps.
Thinking of a iPad Pro to allow dual screen use and clamp mounting it on the shade track in front of the drivers window.
Easier for me maybe as I am a lefty.
Third piece on the dash is an hp11 notebook running the VPMS program.
Probably keep the iPad on dash as the window mount might need too much of a reach to readjust.
The allstays on the iPad with the pinch and twist to reorientate the display is great.and is in most of the time.
Yes this requires Internet and data.
I noticed leaving the grand vention in Pueblo, co area that a u320 grand villa in front of us pulled over and sat for a bit on the edge of the road.
Finaliy figured out after looking at our weather radar app that a rain cell was passing just ahead.
If he stopped and waited a bit his detailed coach and car would stay clean and dry.
Modern technology. Wonderful stuff.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 24, 2016, 10:43:57 am
John (fouroureye) was the one inquiring about voice control...you might ask him if he thinks it is desirable.
Personally, I am not entranced with the whole concept of "voice control". Some people love it. Me - I'd rather push buttons or touch a screen. Old School, I guess. Perhaps I'll buy in when they get the technology ironed out, to where the device never misunderstands what you are saying.
I can get into heated arguments with Siri (the sweet young thing who resides in our iPad) over pronunciation. Amusing, but ultimately tiring...
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: tothetrail on September 24, 2016, 12:22:42 pm
Does the Garmin app allow you to set height, width, length, and weight like the standalone Garmin specialty (RV, truck) units?
Not really an issue west of the Mississippi, but up in the northeast you can really get yourself in trouble with weights and clearances.
If this is referring to the Garmin Navigon app, I haven't found a way to enter the vehicle data.
I use it all the time for rental cars, but I agree, if I were to take the FT to the northeast, I'd get a stand-alone unit.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michael & Jackie on September 24, 2016, 01:12:15 pm
See reply 16 by Michelle....I gather this unit does not take RV data....but looking on the web site Chuck provided, I find this unit which seems to have all but the RV data, wish it did
And it is not cheap, even on Amazon not much of a price break, it still less than what Carol reported for the 760 long ago, now cheaper, but like Jeff I think I would like to spend some less than the $350 range. Though as she wrote, if it helps move these things along more safely, I think it worth the extra $50. Better than fiberglass repairs! And hesitate to give up the RV input info, same reason.
Garmin DriveSmart 70LMT
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: fouroureye on September 24, 2016, 03:40:58 pm
My focus on voice control vs buttons is taking my eyes off the road :o
My phone will read a text, answer the phone, call someone, get weather or answer many inquiries.
Heck HUD is comming... there is an attachment for my phone that does it..
Why not the gps... Delorme had voice control, it just didn't talk back..lol
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: craneman on September 24, 2016, 03:54:15 pm
Just ordered the Garmin RV760LMT My old Tom Tom put my crane on a road yesterday that would have been tight for a VW bug. Enough is enough.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Barry & Cindy on September 25, 2016, 12:53:12 am
We think higher resolution, full touch screen with pinch zoom, larger size, lifetime map update are features that make a Garmin more functional than having truck or RV specific models without these features. Our model 2699 LMT-HD purchased two years ago (Costco $250) is the best Garmin we have owned and we use it every day.
Our 2012 Jeep Grand Summit has factory GPS Navigation, but is so poorly implemented, we never use it and have our Garmin 2699 on the Jeep dash in a bean bag mount. We move it to a motorhome dash fixed mount when driving the coach.
We also have iPad and Samsung phone with map apps (Google, Allstays, Apple, etc) but they don't hold a candle to ease of use and function to our Garmin while driving. We love and use our Allstays apps as they excel in locating campgrounds, Walmarts, Costco and fuel stops.
Our major trip planner for distances and motorhome driving is a Windows laptop running Delorme Street Atlas USA, but too bad their last version is 2016. Co-pilot manages the laptop on the dash while going the road, while the driver has the Garmin in front of them. Redundancy has been very helpful and kept us out of trouble more than once. Spoken directions from both the Garmin and amplified PC speakers alert the driver to upcoming turns.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Michael & Jackie on September 25, 2016, 01:31:47 am
Dear Barry and Cindy....I owe you a phone call and apologize for not getting back to you, but will try after church tomorrow....
I think I have/had come to about the same conclusion as you....at least I think it what you are doing....
As I think Michelle said, if west of the Mississippi, not have to have the RV version so much and the pinch and active drive would be better, and as another said, and now you, I can use the iPad to research routes before and on the way for RV related inputs, plus the hardcopy map. SO, I will download the Garmin app as another suggested, or perhaps the downloads you use, and have the Garmin for my active us....e.g. lane changes, traffic, etc....and Jackie can follow on the iPad, etc for more of the RV data alignment with the route. So maybe the 60LMT, or the 660LMT-HD....but not have to key on the RV version if that means I have to give up pinch or active drive.
I am sure that confusing to you other readers and I apologize for not stating this better, but I think I have a good plan from all the input you dear members have give.
Many thanks to all, truly. (you might think I fear the cost of this device given the effort, but compared to most coach work it is not too forbidding.....it is much more the concern of getting something that does not give the best help to actually driving that is my "fear"....I need all the help I can get!)
mike
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: AC7880 on September 25, 2016, 02:43:32 am
LMT = Lifetime maps and traffic at no further charge (updates are free)
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: toyman on September 25, 2016, 10:46:42 am
With the Garmin US App you get lifetime map updates, don't know about traffic though. I had a trucker model Garmin...may still be under the Jeep seat, found the routing for truck routes exactly that, if you had it set, it routed on "truck routes". When the App throws up the photorealistic picture of an interchange going thru Houston or Dallas, or wherever, and I can see it at 10", and what's ahead, I'm sold!
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: speedbird1 on September 25, 2016, 11:14:35 am
Having been guided down into the Dallas fruit and Veg' market by my car GPS, with a Toad, one of these is well worth the money. I saw an RV760 at just under $300 yesterday on the computer. Speedbird 1.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: John and Stacey on September 25, 2016, 11:29:40 am
Last fall my Rand McNally.Good Sam 7735LM....led me through the Blue Ridge Parkway and through downtown Ashville...fun times.
John
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Barry & Cindy on September 25, 2016, 01:38:44 pm
Be careful when choosing a model of Garmin to buy relating to the map that is included. Many Garmins come with North America coverage which includes Canada, but some are USA only, which we would never consider. Even if one never thinks they will travel to Canada, things change. The coverage is not always front and center on product promotion information.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: P. Wyatt Sabourin on September 25, 2016, 02:58:27 pm
My Garmin RV660 came with maps for Canada, lower 48, and Mexico. Maps for Canada and lower 48 have more detail then the Mexico maps, however, it worked for me in San Carlos and on the rough (potholes and Taupes) Mexico highways. The speed limits which are posted on the screen are not always correct. I paid $210 for the RV660 on eBay to replace a Rand McNally RV 5inch GPS. The RM GPS could not be updated even though it had lifetime maps. The RM docking program did not recognize the GPS, so would not talk to it. I sent the RM GPS to RM and after I got it back, it would freeze every day, requiring a reboot. This was annoying because the RM Docking program still would not recognize it. Anyone think they can make the RM work?
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: fouroureye on September 25, 2016, 06:28:37 pm
Active drive?
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Olde English on September 26, 2016, 06:03:05 pm
We have the Garmin RV 760LM, bought it a year ago for $270 the 7" screen is much better than the old one (5") and with the parameters set for our GV we would go into some RV parks or the roads leading to them where the GPS would have no RV info' available. I just completed the map update....I hope.....and the report that goes to Garmin which I hope updates their info' When we turned on to Hwy 1 from 101 at Leggett, CA. the Garmin showed No Info Aval. after 400 yds or so I pulled a 180
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 26, 2016, 06:46:59 pm
When we turned on to Hwy 1 from 101 at Leggett, CA. the Garmin showed No Info Aval. after 400 yds or so I pulled a 180
You will not regret that decision! ^.^d
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: P. Wyatt Sabourin on October 05, 2016, 02:54:52 pm
I drove the California number 1 north bound from Morro Bay to Monterey when I was told it is safe for a 40 foot motorhome. I disagree about it being safe and would never do it again, at least not north bound. Travelling south bound would make the rock faces on the other side of the road and it would be almost safe. The rock faces at corners were often right up to the edge of the travel lane such that I was forced to be in the south bound lane to avoid hitting the rock face with the rear of the coach, this while being unable to see down the road. I was told that the CA #1 is even more narrow when north of San Fransisco, so I would agree with a previous comment in this thread to avoid CA #1 with a motorhome.
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on October 05, 2016, 03:00:12 pm
[quote author=P. Wyatt Sabourin link=msg=247943 date=1475693692 I was told that the CA #1 is even more narrow when north of San Fransisco, so I would agree with a previous comment in this thread to avoid CA #1 with a motorhome. [/quote]
Yes, X-2, big time! Heck, I've driven it many times, both ways with my Land Rover, and it was pretty, but I'd never try it with any coach other than a "B".
Title: Re: Which Garmin GPS
Post by: Caflashbob on October 05, 2016, 07:40:17 pm
We(I) drove 1 north of the Bay Area almost to the end. Took the tow the last thirty miles. Could have done it but a white knuckle ride. Bragging rights not worth it. Too old.