Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
I decided to get a GPS to use in my class A MH. So far I've just shopped on Amazon and like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B5B8EDM/?coliid=I1NQ9P83CNRDB3&colid=MAE7EBB5XPPD&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I know there are other brands, but Garmin has a good reputation and everyone I know that's used them are happy with them. I'm disappointed with the the Tom-Tom on my Spyder.
But, like I said, I'm just starting to look. Do any of you have recommendations? Any ideas of units to avoid?
That's a good one. We have the Garmin 770 Dezel (heavy truck version of the RV one you are considering). What I like is that it will route you around low clearances, keeps you off weight restricted bridges, puts you on a correct route to avoid the Hazardous Cargo restrictions (you'll have propane onboard). These are things that are very useful to an RVer.
__________________
Ron and Janice
2016 Ford F350, King Ranch, DRW, 4x4, CC, 6.7 PS Diesel, remote control air lift system
2017 Durango Gold 381REF, Lambright furniture, MCD shades, morRYDE IS, 8K Disc brakes, GY G114 LR H Tires, 27,320 lbs CGVW
If you use the search function, you'll find that this has been discussed a number of times. Many of us use the Garmin RV GPSs with good results. Our RV760 (now replaced by the RV770 in the Garmin lineup) has served us well for five or six years. I also had a Garmin marine GPS with sonar on a small trawler - it worked very well, too. I've only owned one Tom-Tom and sent it back almost immediately... piece of junk.
Rob
Edit: I see that Ron and I were writing at the same time. The main difference between the RV and Dezl versions in Garmin is that the RV versions have thousands of RV parks and other related services listed. It does truck stops if you ask for them by category, too.
Rob
-- Edited by Second Chance on Friday 14th of September 2018 03:09:39 PM
__________________
2012 F350 DRW Lariat 6.7
PullRite OE 18K, Demco Glide Ride pinbox
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
. . . . The main difference between the RV and Dezl versions in Garmin is that the RV versions have thousands of RV parks and other related services listed. It does truck stops if you ask for them by category, too.
Rob
-- Edited by Second Chance on Friday 14th of September 2018 03:09:39 PM
Thanks. I was wondering about that.
Now to figure out the differences between the 760 and 770.
As Rob pointed out, the RV version has many features that are “RV specific”. IMO, the RV version is a better choice than what I have. When we bought ours, there was no RV version (that I was aware of). If the RV version were available I would have chosen it. I am fine with mine as it does the same “safety functions” so I’ll keep it for now. Best of luck with your decision.
__________________
Ron and Janice
2016 Ford F350, King Ranch, DRW, 4x4, CC, 6.7 PS Diesel, remote control air lift system
2017 Durango Gold 381REF, Lambright furniture, MCD shades, morRYDE IS, 8K Disc brakes, GY G114 LR H Tires, 27,320 lbs CGVW
I was considering a refurbished RV760 for $445, but the new RV770 is lower cost. Then I read some bad reviews of the 770 on Amazon. But they have separate sets reviews for each product package (case, dash stand, etc.).
So I'd go for the RV770, but the bad reviews are giving me pause.
I have the RV770 and have used it a few times (I am a new RVer) but it is working as expected. When the RV mode is on, it routes us around spots that would be more problematic for our size. I have forgotten to change back to automobile mode and wondered why it was picking the route it did, then realized I was still in RV mode. Again, not a lot of experience with it, but I am very satisfied with it. It has numerous little features that I like - such as warning about upcoming curves, notifying us of changing speed limits, etc. I also like that you can put in what the top speed you will be going (such as 60mph) and it will base your expected arrival time with that in consideration. A little thing, but I like not having the arrival time continually getting later due to me going slower than the posted limit. To sum up - I do like it and it worked well for my two trips out of town with it (including my maiden voyage from the dealer) and I would get it again without hesitation. Good luck with your search and hope whatever you end up with serves you well.
I was considering a refurbished RV760 for $445, but the new RV770 is lower cost. Then I read some bad reviews of the 770 on Amazon. But they have separate sets reviews for each product package (case, dash stand, etc.).
So I'd go for the RV770, but the bad reviews are giving me pause.
I appreciate ya'll's input.
I can't imagine paying $445 for a "refurbished" unit (they basically wipe the snot off the outside). If I recall, the early 770s had a few software issues that caused the occasional wonky route choice. I think they've gotten that ironed out, now. Give the most weight to the most recent reviews and see how they look. I think you should be fine with the 770.
Rob
__________________
2012 F350 DRW Lariat 6.7
PullRite OE 18K, Demco Glide Ride pinbox
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
2003 Teton Grand Freedon 2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD 2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift, hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
Are all these navigation systems necessary? I rarely use the Tahoe’s. I will use the iPad if confused and Forest Maps or the National Park app when on dirt roads but otherwise...
__________________
Winnebago TT 2101DS & 2020 Silverado LTZ Z71. 300 watts WindyNation solar w/MPPT, 2 Trojan T-125s. TALL flag pole. Prefer USFS, COE, BLM, USF&WS, NPS, TVA, state/county camps. 14 year Army vet-11B40 then 11A - old MOS 1542 & 1560.
Are all these navigation systems necessary? I rarely use the Tahoe’s. I will use the iPad if confused and Forest Maps or the National Park app when on dirt roads but otherwise...
I use the RV-specific GPS for good reasons: at 55' long, 13'4" high, and 22,800 lbs. total, I can't use just any old road. The Garmin RV (and Dezl) GPSs do a good job of routing me around places I can't/shouldn't go. I also use the Mountain Directory (have both Eastern and Western versions) for grades, etc., and pre-plan with Google Maps and other resources. In addition, local knowledge comes into play in many cases, now, after having lived and traveled in so many parts of the country.
Rob
__________________
2012 F350 DRW Lariat 6.7
PullRite OE 18K, Demco Glide Ride pinbox
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
Thank you all for your input. I did go ahead and get the Garmin RV 770 LMT. But I'm also an old-fashioned map reader and planner. So I will certainly be using other sources before I set out.
