basic sync4 navigation
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 430
Likes: 126
FORD NAV vs. Waze and Google Maps
I tried FORD NAV, WAZE and Google Maps and most of the time WAZE is my choice for nav. Sometimes WAZE gets it wrong and I use Google Maps instead. Android Auto is free to use on my Sync 4, so I don't see a need to pay for another subscription service.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 545
From: Florida
People still want built-in maps because cell coverage isn't universal and folks don't want to go through 12 extra steps to download some map for offline use that may or may not work. For the price of these trucks, it's not unreasonable to expect a quality GPS system that just works, and works well. It's not that hard.
I don't understand why the phone proponents can't leave those who expect or need a quality built-in system alone? Why do you care? Why do you offer advice of, "Just use your phone!" as if a truck owner didn't know they could navigate with their phone (Wow! Really? I didn't know I could navigate with my phone!!!??? Thanks for the incredible insight!), and in fact answering a question that wasn't asked? There are obviously reasons folks don't want to navigate by phone. Answer their question (as some here have), or let 'em be. Quit throwing phones in peoples' faces.
I don't understand why the phone proponents can't leave those who expect or need a quality built-in system alone? Why do you care? Why do you offer advice of, "Just use your phone!" as if a truck owner didn't know they could navigate with their phone (Wow! Really? I didn't know I could navigate with my phone!!!??? Thanks for the incredible insight!), and in fact answering a question that wasn't asked? There are obviously reasons folks don't want to navigate by phone. Answer their question (as some here have), or let 'em be. Quit throwing phones in peoples' faces.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,483
Likes: 4,975
People still want built-in maps because cell coverage isn't universal and folks don't want to go through 12 extra steps to download some map for offline use that may or may not work. For the price of these trucks, it's not unreasonable to expect a quality GPS system that just works, and works well. It's not that hard.
I don't understand why the phone proponents can't leave those who expect or need a quality built-in system alone? Why do you care? Why do you offer advice of, "Just use your phone!" as if a truck owner didn't know they could navigate with their phone (Wow! Really? I didn't know I could navigate with my phone!!!??? Thanks for the incredible insight!), and in fact answering a question that wasn't asked? There are obviously reasons folks don't want to navigate by phone. Answer their question (as some here have), or let 'em be. Quit throwing phones in peoples' faces.
I don't understand why the phone proponents can't leave those who expect or need a quality built-in system alone? Why do you care? Why do you offer advice of, "Just use your phone!" as if a truck owner didn't know they could navigate with their phone (Wow! Really? I didn't know I could navigate with my phone!!!??? Thanks for the incredible insight!), and in fact answering a question that wasn't asked? There are obviously reasons folks don't want to navigate by phone. Answer their question (as some here have), or let 'em be. Quit throwing phones in peoples' faces.
I would not be so negative, or negative at all, to the oem nav and it's subscription fee if it was actually a good system, but it's not.
I tried paying the subscription one year, and other than the weather map, I was just totally unhappy with it.
So, I now use google maps, and they are not great either, but the one thing that is great about google, is the satellite view, also the update that allows full screen viewing.
So, we all want better, and we all want to help everyone get the best nav on the screen possible.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 759
Likes: 95
When traveling for work, I need to use their app so that I get closer to the true business miles traveled. With this particular vehicle program, if you manually enter your start & stop location, it gives you mileage for the most direct route, not counting any detours, etc.
If I use Google maps or whatever in conjunction with this app, my phone has locked up numerous times. That is why I currently pay for the subscription.
I was going to use my Garmin with lifetime maps, but it bricked itself the last time I went to update the maps.
If I use Google maps or whatever in conjunction with this app, my phone has locked up numerous times. That is why I currently pay for the subscription.
I was going to use my Garmin with lifetime maps, but it bricked itself the last time I went to update the maps.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 545
From: Florida
Well, a lot of it has to do with how crappy the oem nav is, everyone wants to help by suggesting the better working alternatives.
I would not be so negative, or negative at all, to the oem nav and it's subscription fee if it was actually a good system, but it's not.
I tried paying the subscription one year, and other than the weather map, I was just totally unhappy with it.
So, I now use google maps, and they are not great either, but the one thing that is great about google, is the satellite view, also the update that allows full screen viewing.
So, we all want better, and we all want to help everyone get the best nav on the screen possible.
I would not be so negative, or negative at all, to the oem nav and it's subscription fee if it was actually a good system, but it's not.
I tried paying the subscription one year, and other than the weather map, I was just totally unhappy with it.
So, I now use google maps, and they are not great either, but the one thing that is great about google, is the satellite view, also the update that allows full screen viewing.
So, we all want better, and we all want to help everyone get the best nav on the screen possible.
People have their reasons for needing an OEM solution. I appreciate folks who try to help a fella find that solution, but the automatic default phone suggestions doesn't help those guys. It just tells them what they already know, but not what they need in their particular case. Some of the folks around here forget that not everyone freaks out when they have to be without their phone for more than 30 minutes. Oh, the horror! Yet, GPS discussions around here always devolve to, "Just use your phone!" It's not the solution everyone needs and it's tiresome.
OEM solutions can be as good as a Garmin, Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze... if OEMs wanted them to be. If customers never demand that good of a solution, they'll never get it. By the way, every GPS system I've ever used, which includes every one mentioned here, have let me down. Rule #1 for using a GPS is that you still need to know where you're going. Honestly, Apple and Google aren't nearly as good as they used to be either. Both have failed multiple times on me within the last year.
Trailering
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
From: SE PA
When I ordered my 24 F250 KR I was told that the Ford Nav allowed the trailer height/weight to be entered, so you would not be sent down the standard Google maps routing. Was one of the reasons I went with the Ford again. Truck still on order, so can't confirm it. Don't see anyone mentioning this as a reason for the factory nav?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 545
From: Florida
When I ordered my 24 F250 KR I was told that the Ford Nav allowed the trailer height/weight to be entered, so you would not be sent down the standard Google maps routing. Was one of the reasons I went with the Ford again. Truck still on order, so can't confirm it. Don't see anyone mentioning this as a reason for the factory nav?
From other posters, I think there are stand-alone devices or apps that do a better job of dynamic trailer routing.
Trailering
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
From: SE PA
Thank you. My TT is 10'8" and 34'. Sounds like I may have to continue to use the Garmin RV gps. Was hoping to leave that one behind to free up some of the dash
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 1,172
From: East TN
I must be weird. I use the truck's built-in NAV all the time. Does it always pick the absolute best route? No, but neither does Google on my phone. I don't want another device hanging off my dash. I don't use Android Auto and I don't like squinting at my phone. For the few times it didn't have the exact destination address, I simply look on my phone for something close by and use that address. That gets me close enough and I can use the phone for the last 1/2 mile if I really need to.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 545
From: Florida
I must be weird. I use the truck's built-in NAV all the time. Does it always pick the absolute best route? No, but neither does Google on my phone. I don't want another device hanging off my dash. I don't use Android Auto and I don't like squinting at my phone. For the few times it didn't have the exact destination address, I simply look on my phone for something close by and use that address. That gets me close enough and I can use the phone for the last 1/2 mile if I really need to.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 121
Likes: 36
Heck, BMW is charging a subscription to have the car's heated seats turned on!
So, Ford is doing the same money grubbing deal with their crappy navigation system.
This sort of thing goes right along with the hundreds of other subscription services for everything from diet plans to streaming to whatever.
It will only stop when people refuse to subscribe and pay, which means it will NEVER END!!!
So, Ford is doing the same money grubbing deal with their crappy navigation system.
This sort of thing goes right along with the hundreds of other subscription services for everything from diet plans to streaming to whatever.
It will only stop when people refuse to subscribe and pay, which means it will NEVER END!!!
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 84
Likes: 26
I must be weird. I use the truck's built-in NAV all the time. Does it always pick the absolute best route? No, but neither does Google on my phone. I don't want another device hanging off my dash. I don't use Android Auto and I don't like squinting at my phone. For the few times it didn't have the exact destination address, I simply look on my phone for something close by and use that address. That gets me close enough and I can use the phone for the last 1/2 mile if I really need to.
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 94
Likes: 29
I have a 2024 F450 Limited and subscribed to Ford Navigation. Previously used a Garmin RV Navigator. I find the 2 very similar in information & navigation. One feature I'd like to change is the Navigation Input while moving... I read in some post a way to activate this in previous models. Anyone know how to activate this in 2024 model.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 121
Likes: 36
I have a 2024 F450 Limited and subscribed to Ford Navigation. Previously used a Garmin RV Navigator. I find the 2 very similar in information & navigation. One feature I'd like to change is the Navigation Input while moving... I read in some post a way to activate this in previous models. Anyone know how to activate this in 2024 model.