oldyeller
Denver
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Joined: 04/13/2005
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Educate me--I guess I am behind the curve-how many of us are using GPS devices to navigate and plan trips etc.
It seems like lots of people have invested in these devices to handle inner city navigation in their personal cars.. but over the road drivers and Rv'ers like us...lots of use? a little? is it worth the investment? What is the best purchase and use....hey opening a map is tough enough.
Fill me in!! Yes I am considering it....but very little "hands on" experience....especially having my "hands full" when going down the highway...in heavy traffic leaves me wondering if its just another gadget like a cellphone...not sure I need the distraction...
O.Y.
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goin2themountains
Aztec, NM
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Joined: 04/04/2007
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Garmin 700. We get the best use in a strange city or town for street directions. It has saved us a lot of wandering aimlessly. Not that that isn't nice also. Point to point, I use Google or Mapquest, but always have Gremlin (our Garmin) on. One trip, arriving at a relative's house where I had never been in the middle of the night, made it worth the price.
Puller: '08 HD3500 4x4 dually,CC Duramax/Allison.
Pullee: 2008 Montana 3605RL 10th Anniversary Package, Reese 16k w/ slider (holdover from old shortbed)
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SAR Tracker
SoCal
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Joined: 05/29/2003
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personally, I like a map.
It gives me a bigger picture of the surrounding areas, and by studying it prior to the trip/day's journey, I get a better idea of where I'm going.
Now, sure... if you're looking for a specific address or a business, and you have no clue where it is, then a GPS is nice.
Rusty & Cheryl
2011 F250 2WD 6.2L Gasser
2008 Weekend Warrior FB2100
"Common sense is in spite of, not the result of, education" - Victor Hugo (1802-1885)
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Rick_D
Victoria, B.C. Canada & Palm Springs, CA(Jan-Apr)
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Joined: 09/13/2006
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A GPS is invaluable to me when pulling a 5'er through a city or into a strange town. After having used one for 2 years now, I would hate to be without it. For one thing, I never get lost! If I make a wrong turn anywhere, my gps simply tells me how to get back on the freeway or the road back to my rv park.
It's a great investment - I haven't used a paper map since I got my gps. I'm using a pretty simple one by LG.
Rick & Paulette - 2007 Chev Silverado Classic 2500HD CC/SB
6.6L Duramax/Allison - Prodigy Brake Controller
2011 Heartland Big Country 3250TS Fifth Wheel
Rick & Paulette's RV Travel Blog
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trnfla
Tampa
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Joined: 06/17/2006
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Garmin Nuvi 350 for all my local and long distance trips.
Please say a Prayer for my 5 year old Granddaughter (Discovered she had Leukemia at 9 months), she has been in remission and tests keep coming back clean.
Now 2004 Winnie Minnie 31C
Had 2007 Zeppelin 190 Hybrid,
1999 30' Dutchman Classic FW
NiceCamps.com
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richfaa
Ohio
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Don't know how we managed to get anywhere before GPS.Just can't do without one.
2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky. 08 Ford F-350 6.4L
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Fiver Captain
Central Florida
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Joined: 12/06/2008
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I use mine even locally because it gives me traffic updates. However, for a trip to somewhere I'm not familiar with, I use the GPS backed up with a perusal at maps either on line or paper.
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davelinde
Lake Nona, Florida
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Joined: 11/02/2003
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use it all the time.
FAR FAR less distracting then a paper map. Especially good if you miss a turn. The GPS re-routes and tells you how to get back on track. No fuss, no muss, no panic... just listen and turn as directed.
Dave Lindemulder
Tammy, Mark & Kirsten
04 Dodge 2500 4x4 SLT QC/SB HO-CTD/48RE
01 Volvo VNL660 singled VED12
09 Heartland Cyclone 3210
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jay2003
San Joaquin Valley, California
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Joined: 04/14/2005
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SAR Tracker wrote:personally, I like a map.
It gives me a bigger picture of the surrounding areas, and by studying it prior to the trip/day's journey, I get a better idea of where I'm going.
Now, sure... if you're looking for a specific address or a business, and you have no clue where it is, then a GPS is nice.
This is a very good point and for that reason I use both.. although my printed map is actually on my computer.
Never ever rely 100% on a GPS from any manufacture. GPS devices are great however a lot can be said for properly taking the time to plan a route and getting an idea of where you're going before you go. I've been using GPS devices for years now and IMO simply putting in the destination address and pressing go is not always the smartest way to do things. You never know what neighborhood you will be directed through or what too small bridge you will be told to cross... or what steep grade you end up on.
That said.. maps have errors too and many times come from the same sources that GPS maps come from. Advantage of a printed or computer based map is that (as stated) you can get an idea of the surrounding area and alternative routes a lot better instead of letting the little GPS device put you into a position where you can't make a U turn with your trailer.
05 Toyota Tacoma DC 4x4 SB Off-Road Package w/Tow 128" WB Toyo Open Country A/T Tires
2005 KZ Jag 24JB
WD hitch w/ friction sway
Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx
Honda EU2000i Generator
Me.. the wife, the 7 year old, and the 4 year old
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hitchup
Fulltiming and on the Road.
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Joined: 02/17/2005
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davelinde wrote:use it all the time.
Especially good if you miss a turn. The GPS re-routes and tells you how to get back on track..
We do too. We had a TomTom 300 until we bought the F450 w/factory installed. Nearly all of our kids use them now as they travel.
Sometimes, road delays force us to take alternative routes. Very handy in our travels over the last 2 1/2 years we've used them. We also have fewer disagreements on which Exit, which Route to take.
Best advice: get one with a large enough screen. And pre-pare by reviewing your route in advance. Sometimes, the info is way out of date and it helps to watch road signs and review a map enroute.
2009 DRV Mobile Suite 38TKSB3 (38RSSB3)....our custom home w/2011 upgrades
2010 Ford F450 KR CC 4x4......his office
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005
"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."
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