My wife is wanting to buy me/us a new GPS for Christmas. My current Garmin has served us well, but the memory is so small I can no longer update it and once you hit Northern Illinois or Kansas, those parts of the country don't exist in our current one.

Since our intent is to begin wandering, I am thinking an RV model might be an advantage. Is it?

Steve

 

It sure is Steve. I love our Garmin. You enter your weight, width, length, and height. It's steered me around many a low bridge on back country roads that I would have had no idea was there. The only thing it doesn't have is an option to avoid tunnels and places that restrict LP so you still have to watch that on your own. Ours also doubles as a wireless back up camera which is a plus. Lifetime updates to both maps and lifetime traffic too. The traffic function is so helpful. When you are stuck and have no idea for how far or how long, it let's you know fairly accurately.

 

......... X2

 

Depending on the age of the unit and if you have lifetime map updates, a $20 memory card (16gb) will solve the map issue. Sounds like you have the eastern US loaded. A memory card will allow you to load the entire map package

If itching for gift ideas, I would consider the Garmin RV760 over the newer RV660. Reading the reviews on the 660, looks like they may have done something wrong with that unit. The 760 is about $290 and the 660 is around $270.

John

 

using a rand McNally, they have a new model out for a pricy 300+ bucks with lifetime map updates.


My current one is several years old and they continue to provide updates and new enhancements.

 

Thanks, I had wondered about a memory card, though I would not mind the features of a newer unit as my current Garmin is many years old and has served me well.

Steve

 

Thanks, have also been looking at this.

Steve

 

I think the wife just ordered the 760 for me. Sent her the link at amazon. They had the best price at $289 with free prime shipping. There are a few out there for $260ish, but they are referbished units.

It will replace a nuvi1300. Older unit as well. It has some features I really like but my wife has a newer unit and the lane assist would be nice to have. But, some things the 1300 had, hers didn't. Looks like the 760 will be a good blend.

 

I replaced my Garmin in the truck from a 2597 to the 770LMTHD "Trucker" version and added the 8gb memory card. ($8.00) wallyworld. the card, not the Garmin.

used the 770 from Ohio to South Texas.1 month ago. nice.. and large screen and I also have the BC-30 backup camera. for back of trailer.
and use it to get around to many types of places down here.

I am happy with this unit.

I got the POI for campgrounds and Tractor Supply from POI Factory, Free.
.

 

I get POI's from the POI factory as well. I downloaded truck stops, especially fly J and Pilot as you can use a RV advantage card and get discounts on fuel.


Have several different POI's and are usually compatible with GPS's

 

If your GPS unit can responds to voice commands how well does it work? If your GPS has a backup camera, do you find it useful? How often do you use your POIs for campgrounds and fuel?

Steve

 

The POI's are updated as well which is what pays for the lifetime traffic and map updates. We use them from time to time but not constantly. The back up camera is a nice thing to have but with a 44' monster behind us, it's not a substitute for the wife being back there watching my 6 as I back up. We never use voice commands despite having the option so can't help with that one...

 

back-up camera is nice for trees and driveways... not so good for dogs and small things..
nice to pull back into the right lane with traffic. or keeping and eye on the bicycles.
get the extension cable for camera.. better video and faster refresh..

Never used the voice command... but do use voice directions...
the 770 sound is much better then my 3 year old garmin.

can not say about campgrounds from POI.. but tractor supply POI is good..

the "trucker" unit comes equipped with most everything needed for Trucks, diesel fuel and repair services, scales, rest areas....etc
I know its for Pro truckers.. and I have a Gas truck.. but still handy.

 

Garmin RV 760LMT here with wireless backup camera..
I mounted the camera in my own home grown housing on the back of the 5th wheel and it works great!
I am very happy with how it works. It will even do hands free cell phone, but I have not tried that function.

 

I HAVE used the hands free cell (bluetooth) and it works really well.