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Android Auto vs External GPS

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Old Dec 20, 2017 | 07:44 AM
  #16  
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You guys actually look at a map display while driving?

I prefer to set my destination and his start, "in a 1/4 mile take a left on to hey 108". Haven't needed to actually look at the display.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2017 | 07:48 AM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by HRTKD
I use the Sync Nav without a phone and when I feel like connecting the phone I use the Google Maps/Android Auto. Either way, I don't have a clear preference but, like said above by Brother Bluto, I don't like how AA takes over the phone.

My TT Toy Hauler is almost as tall as a 5th wheel trailer so I should start paying attention to bridge heights.
I'm sure you know this but I would measure your 5th wheel from the highest point while attached to your truck.Give yourself a couple extra inches and watch those bridge signs. It's usually the back country roads. Unfortunately I've come across a couple people either stuck under a bridge or with their ac units ripped off. Low branches can be an issue too. People also underestimate switch back corners. A 30+ foot trailer needs a bit of a turn radius. Lol sometimes your trailer hasnt even finished one turn before your truck has started into the next one. Luckily our countrys road systems are designed for large vehicles so its rarely an issue. Rarely enough that you can get complacent.

This thread should probably have been in the towing forum?
 
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Old Dec 20, 2017 | 07:56 AM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by Omega Man
You guys actually look at a map display while driving?

I prefer to set my destination and his start, "in a 1/4 mile take a left on to hey 108". Haven't needed to actually look at the display.
No I dont watch it. I have it set to that british female voice. I named her Dorthy. "Thanks for that helpful turn by turn, Dorthy". My wife hates her. Thats where a good co pilot comes in. They can be searching for resturants or attractions while you are driving. It does get a little annoying when your favorite song is playing on Pandora and Dorthy interrupts the song.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2017 | 08:56 AM
  #19  
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I've never been a fan of OEM navigation units, in fact I've always opted for not getting them and adding an aftermarket unit that fits what I want. My F250 is the first I have had with an OEM navigation and I have never used it. I don't like that Android Auto locks the phone down and makes it a complete PITA to use the phone for anything. I am a Waze editor and user so I use this configuration daily and have hand no real gripes other than Waze in Android Auto is a little lacking of features in it's current form. That may change in the future but being able to trigger commands works well overall to navigate and find what I am looking for.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2017 | 09:19 AM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by itzwolf
I've never been a fan of OEM navigation units, in fact I've always opted for not getting them and adding an aftermarket unit that fits what I want. My F250 is the first I have had with an OEM navigation and I have never used it. I don't like that Android Auto locks the phone down and makes it a complete PITA to use the phone for anything. I am a Waze editor and user so I use this configuration daily and have hand no real gripes other than Waze in Android Auto is a little lacking of features in it's current form. That may change in the future but being able to trigger commands works well overall to navigate and find what I am looking for.
Twas my experience as well, I tried to like the navigation in the wife's BMW but it's just a PITA, using the phone is simply better.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2017 | 09:59 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by 64f10
X2 on the RV770 ... nice GPS and I was able to load Topo maps on it for back country travels. Made my own mount for the dash and 3D printed it. Posted some pictures here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17664078
Topo maps would be sweet. I might look into this.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2017 | 10:46 PM
  #22  
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I use Google maps via Android Auto when running solo and the Garmin RV GPS when towing the fiver.
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 11:08 AM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by TrippinStfflr
Topo maps would be sweet. I might look into this.
When I purchased the RV770 GPS it wasn't listed as Topo compatible. However when I tried loading my previous topo maps, it worked, so I was quite the happy camper
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 11:21 AM
  #24  
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Does phone have to be plugged into truck to run Garmin Maps or can this be Bluetooth if so what app are you using for a map? all I've seen so far is Pandora on my screen thank you
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 11:53 AM
  #25  
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jsavelli, maybe try https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/sync-...th-sync-3.html to get familiar with your sync 3 system. I use a cable.
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 02:52 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by TrippinStfflr
I'm sure you know this but I would measure your 5th wheel from the highest point while attached to your truck.Give yourself a couple extra inches and watch those bridge signs. ?
Yup, definitely. The external GPS is only a driving aid - still must pay attentional to all signs, etc. and make decisions accordingly.
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 05:33 PM
  #27  
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Unfortunately, coming from an Apple family, Google Maps and the Google Assistant from Android Auto blow away any other NAV solution, save a dedicated trucking GPS for low bridges/restricted roads. As stated, it locks your phone down but the traffic alerts, "directions to", and any other questions you may have while en-route for Google is superior to Ford's Nav or Apple Car Play. I have both OS's (phones) due to work and AA is the best. I do look at the screen while navigating. It's fast, shows you the correct lane to be in in complicated situations, and just flows and responds better. Even finding diesel is easy with the Google Assistant. My Galaxy S8+ is on the Verizon network, and typically gets 100+ mb/sec download speeds so the Assistant is fast, solid and reliable in Upstate NY where I am. I wish Apple Car Play was better, but it isn't there yet. Ford is even farther behind, but wasn't really designed to be as powerful as Google Assistant. They are the world leader for any type of search metrics.

SD
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 07:00 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by 64f10
jsavelli, maybe try https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/sync-...th-sync-3.html to get familiar with your sync 3 system. I use a cable.
thx....still reading owner manual. It overwhelming.
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 07:36 PM
  #29  
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I read about what the apps sync3 allows and nothing for NAV? I can't seem to find if it will allow me to bluetooth a Google map or any map? They only have a select few apps that are not what I need. Unless this has to be hard wired to input?
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 10:24 PM
  #30  
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jsavelli, what I can tell you is; I linked my iphone to bluetooth first and then connected it to one of the 2 lighted USB ports on the dash. It asked me a couple questions and then popped up the phone guidance on the display and has been doing so ever since. The voice button on the steering wheel works great with just a BT connection but when I want NAV on display I plug the phone into a USB port.
 
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