2017 crew cab lariat 6.7L sync3.
has anyone updated their map/gps?
some of the roads aren't on there that have been complete for a couple of years in the charlotte area.
seems like i remember them telling me it was as simple as being close enough to hook to someones wifi and update, but thought i'd hear some experiences before i try.

 

Have you set up an account at https://owner.ford.com/ ? You can download available updates from there. I also enter my own service records there (such as oil/filter changes) so Ford has access to my service history.

 

The oem navigation systems in vehicles are terrible. I bought a 2018 F250 and the maps were already outdated. Having own other vehicles with oem navigation systems i can say other makes and models are terrible to. One of the biggest mistakes i made when ordering a vehicle was with a 2015 Dodge Ram. I purchased the navigation option. Never used it because google maps was so much better. With the Ford, i had to purchase the nav because it came with the ultimate package.

 

The wifi update will update the operating system but will not update the maps portion of the GPS.

 

What? You don't get amused when your truck goes off-roading on the last segment of 485? That's the only spot I've noticed it be an issue.

Interestingly, the speed limit database seems to be accurate around here. For example, on 277 south of 77 where it drops to 50 from 55, the nav gets it right. And that change is a lot newer than that last section of 485.

 

Map updates for the OEM navigation system have to be purchased and are installed via a USB stick in the USB port.

 

The nav unit in my truck was apparently produced by the "Adventureland GPS Company" where you never take the same route twice!
Recently drove from home to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with no issues. However, the return trip immediately tried to send me down an overgrown dirt road with a sign that read "no through traffic" and may or may not have had a skull stuck on top!
The rest of the trip went quite poorly with tours of downtown Lansing and Ann Arbor's residential districts courtesy of the on board GPS.
The last time I checked, there was no map update available for my unit.

 

I'm 'okay' with the OEM navi. I was a big fan of Waze, and still use it sometimes, but the OEM one works fine, does not consume my data, and does not make my phone super hot.

 

You may need to change your route preference from "shortest" to "fastest." I just wish there was an "avoid slums" route option.

 

That would be a great route option! As it is, 95% of the time (or more) I go with "most economical". I've noticed that if alternate routes come together to form a right triangle, the GPS will try to get me to follow the hypotenuse, even if the two legs are highways and the hypotenuse goes through downtown BFE.

I tried using Waze, but it requires too much driver attention to update and monitor. Google maps does come in handy for checking the onboard nav. If they agree with each other I feel pretty sure it's the best way to go. Most of the time...

 

In my own truck I use the factory nav most of the time, but for road trips I tend to use Waze. I also use Waze a ton when traveling for work. I've never felt like it requires much if any input from me. It'll ask for thumbs up or down on reported hazards, but that's not required. after you enter your destination, that's about it. I'm curious which parts you found too distracting.

As a side note - I think the most common use I have for factory nav is when I'm just driving around without any planned route. Maybe i need to get around an accident or am curious if that side street will get me where I need to go. glance at the always-on map and I have my answer. I also like to use it for estimates of how long it will take to get home from somewhere. couple of clicks and done, I have a running estimate live on the screen. no need to plug in my phone or fire up an app. yeah, the lack of frequent updates is annoying but not really that bad IMO. Perhaps I just use my nav different from others, but I've had factory nav for years and I can't imagine buying a vehicle without it. Just knowing there is always a (relatively accurate) map of my current location displayed on my dash should I need it is very comforting to me.