Built in GPS

We are wondering if the built-in GPS can accept preplanted trips, low clearance info and other files.  Does anybody know it’s capabilities and brand?

I think that changes over time.  When we ordered ours it was a Pioneer AVH-X2800bs if my notes are correct.  Earl or Carol can tell you the current model number.

We elected to go with a separate Garmin model.  Cheaper, free updates and most important: the co-pilot can work on it while you are moving.  We have ours mounted to a plate on the dash and it can swing enough for the copilot to reach without trouble.  And the Garmin can accept pre-planned trips.  I do the route on my laptop and transfer it to the Garmin before we take off.

If you want the model number & mounting info let me know.

If you want the model number & mounting info let me know.

Information is always helpful!  Thanks!

Madonna

I can’t speak for how good or bad that GPS unit is. I can tell you though that the dash board screen which I use for our backup camera has a lot of glare which makes it hard to see the display. We went with a Garmin model made for RV’s  and really like it. We also use the dash board mount that Jatrax  uses.

Yes, complaints about the screen glare were another factor, I forgot about that. 

Here is the thread with the information on the dash mounting plate: Proclip plate Ford E series

The GPS I have is the Garmin 770

Note there is an older model the 660 I think but the screen on the 770 is nicer IMHO.  There are also a 760 and 760 DESL.  Which I think are designed for over the road truckers and have logging features.

I prefer a GPS made for RVs with the extra features that implies, that's why I got the 770.  However, many, many people just use a regular Garmin which are cheaper.  One of the big features on the 770 is height restrictions that you can set for your rig.  However, cool as that is our PCs are not high enough for that to be a factor very often like it would on a bigger coach.  So I have to admit the RV features may not be worth the extra cost of the 770.  But the screen is big, bright and easy to read in full sun.  For me that is worth it.  YMMV.

Another feature of the Garmin units I find helpful is the ability to download various databases from the “POI Factory” website for various points of interests such as campgrounds, dump stations, truck stops, Wal-Marts, etc.  The campground database has over 22,000 campgrounds cataloged.  Most all the databases are free to download and are frequently updated.  I am not sure if the Phoenix installed units have this capability.

One more for the garmin. Another feature I like is the ability to change the measure to km when I’m in Canada. Makes it easy to see my speed and avoid the Mounties. That and the lifetime free maps. I have one unit I used to mount on my motorcycle and even with all the vibration it still works fine.

The latest unit I bought only cost me 115 bucks with all of North America and lifetime maps.

We have unlimited data on our iPhones and find them easier to use than the gps in our dash. The biggest problem is the glare and angle of view.  We just put my iPad on the hotspot and google or ask Siri for directions. It updates free and even warns us of traffic problems ahead. So much easier. The Moho gps has also taken us on narrow country roads to nowhere. It’s even directed us to a two track through a forest - we bypassed that and ended up on a highway.  Didn’t make any sense

Janey. (Basking in the sun at Ochlochnee State Park in Florida - dodging ticks)

Janey, iPhone gps is great, as long as you have unlimited data.  The gps uses a lot of data and if your out of country like Canada under my plan I’m out of luck.

Another feature of the Garmin units I find helpful is the ability to download various databases from the “POI Factory” website for various points of interests such as campgrounds, dump stations, truck stops, Wal-Marts, etc.  The campground database has over 22,000 campgrounds cataloged.  Most all the databases are free to download and are frequently updated.  I am not sure if the Phoenix installed units have this capability.

Thanks for the reminder. I had forgotten about the POI Factory.  I used it when I planned motorcycle trips in the past.

Here is the thread with the information on the dash mounting plate: Proclip plate Ford E series

The GPS I have is the Garmin 770

I’ve put it on our RV wish list on Amazon.  Will order everything right before delivery.  The mounting plates look awesome too.

We elected to go with a separate Garmin model.  Cheaper, free updates and most important: the co-pilot can work on it while you are moving.

Like jatrax, a hand-held GPS (and smart phone now-a-days) is best for us.  Irene loves to handle it in the co-pilot seat.

Not just the cost for updates, another serious issue about most built-in GPS units is that they don't let you change your destination while the vehicle is being driven.

When we bought our 2014 Nissan Altima, we didn't want to pay for the GPS upgrade in the radio.  So we ended up with the smart radio minus the GPS.  It is real hard to beat today's smart phones for most areas, but a GPS is great when there is no cell coverage.

If you are a lover of technology and want the most in your PC, get the built-in GPS and use the other devises mentioned when the in-dash is not serving you well.

Ron, I think you nailed it. I have the built in with our fusion but still use our smart phone for added features. It’s all good, people can use and enjoy one, the other or if they wish both.

I have seen many times on other RV forums (or any forum really) someone will ask about which is the best GPS unit or a similar question.  The conversation usually ends up with:
- a percentage of people arguing that a GPS is a waste as their cell phone does it better
- a percentage of people arguing that a GPS is not to be trusted and they only use paper maps because they got lost following the GPS
- a percentage of people arguing one brand over the other, usually Garmin versus Rand McNally on RV forums as Camping World sold Rand McNally
- a (small thankfully) percentage of people arguing they will never use a GPS because the government can then track them

All I can say is that this is all a personal choice and I am thankful that we have so many choices and options.

I prefer a stand alone GPS with a big screen, 6 inch or larger.  My reasoning is that:
- the large screen is much easier for me to read while driving
- the large screen GPS units also have the space for other information like direction, elevation, time to next stop, and current speed limit
- we can set the GPS to give me directions while my copilot uses her cell phone for finding rest stops or attractions, or even as a phone
- with the stand alone those stops the copilot just found on her phone can be added to the GPS 'on the fly'
- I like the Garmin ones because you can plan a whole trip on the computer and then transfer that to the GPS unit
- I dislike the built in units because the cost of upgrades is simply insane, you cannot work on them while moving, and the screen is in a fixed position which can make glare an issue

Those are my reasons but everyone needs to decide on the best solution, for them.  And fortunately we have a lot of choices. 

I do think it is important to think of a GPS unit, whether cell phone, stand alone or built in, as a navigation GUIDE.  It should be used in combination with road signs, paper maps and common sense.  If you plug a destination into the GPS and head down the road without another thought to where you are going don't be surprised if you end up on a gravel road in the middle of the desert. 

A guide book I read on wilderness navigation answers the question: How do I keep from getting lost? with: By constantly being aware of your situation at all times and not blindly following a trail or course without questioning periodically if that course is still valid.  That holds true of GPS units as well as any other method of navigation.