In-Dash Backup Camera w/ Rand McNally Navigation, Sirius Satellite Radio, etc?

What brand of In-Dash system does PC use?  I ask because I have one in my current RV (on a Ford 450) and it is almost useless due to sun glare.  I'm just wondering if I'm going to have a similar problem with the system used by PC.  Maybe I should just get the separate backup camera and continue to use my Garmin.

Peg

We decided to stay with Garmin after some research.  I do not know what brand PC uses and I'm not sure it is the same as the one they used when we ordered in 2016.  But there were comments about the screen being hard to read at that time.

We have had in dash GPS on our last two cars and I've decided never again.  The updates are ridiculously expensive, it is usually a closed system so you cannot do route planning on the computer and transfer the route.  And worse, you cannot use the GPS when the car is moving.  I never try to work it myself if I'm driving, but that's what the co-pilot is for.  And the ability to change things on the fly is useful enough that I'm sticking with Garmin for that alone.

You might want to read through this thread, there was some information there that might be of use.

https://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php?topic=3032.0

What brand of In-Dash system does PC use?  I ask because I have one in my current RV (on a Ford 450) and it is almost useless due to sun glare.  I'm just wondering if I'm going to have a similar problem with the system used by PC.  Maybe I should just get the separate backup camera and continue to use my Garmin.

Peg

Hi Peg,

I have read of other owners, both PC and on other forums, about the glare issue.

The hand-held GPS units are seemingly much more friendly to use.  Not just to address glare, but also for the passenger to hold the unit ergonomically in-hand, and to be able to change destinations, search for restaurants and over-night parking all done while the driver is driving.  Unsure about the units PC installs, but in-general, in-dash units cannot deviate once the vehicle is in motion, this to prevent driver distraction interacting with the unit while driving.

I see jatrax commented above on some of the same issues.

I tried using a free standing RM nav unit a while back.  It was a total disaster and support was even worse than dealing with the software problems.  I vowed to stick with Garmin - even though I have had some very minor logic issues with their software.  I have nice, large Garmin unit we bring along when we travel.

One thing I will say, I would not suggest a combo unit.  We added a data unit subscription for our iPad ($10 a mo for AT&T) and stopped arguing over what the radio screen was showing  nothing at all!

I have the in-dash unit in my 2016 PC and probably would not elect to have one in the next PC as there is a glare issue and also the fact that it is not angled toward the driver, making it difficult to see.  The other issue is that once you turn the engine off, the gps is off so there is no working on your route until you restart and then there is warm up time.

Our 2018 PC 2552 has a Pioneer in-dash radio/back-up camera. The radio is good, connecting with bluetooth (the reason we got it) is effortless. The in-dash switch for A)power while ignition on, B) off, C) power from house batteries is super.
Now for the bad, the navigation is horrible and it defaults to on anytime the engine is started. Each time you must punch through the menu to turn the dang thing off!
The screen for me has no glare because it is polarized and that is the problem. I have prescription polarized sunglasses which renders the screen unreadable.

I wish PC offered a bluetooth capable radio with back-up and not include the nav feature.

Steve

Our new 2552 (2 weeks old), has the pioneer system, with Bluetooth and no navigation.  We opted to display the side cameras on the Pioneer system and the 2 backup cameras on the monitor. We had the option of reversing the displays but I'm glad we set it up the way we did. There is some glare on the pioneer screen with the side cameras).  Additionally, due to the location of the cameras on the side of the cab, the wider body of the camper box interferes with full camera side visibility. The side mirrors are the best I've ever owned, providing exceptional side visibility.  Additionally, the cameras have  a slight delay after engaging the turn signals which i found annoying. In hindsight I should have skipped the side cameras.   As a side note we purchased the new JBL surround sound system and it's totally awesome, well worth the money if you like music!  P.S. We are still ecstatic with the quality and workmanship!!!!!

Thanks so much for the reply.  So if I understand, you have the separate backup camera monitor above the rear view mirror and the side camera displayed on the Pioneer touch screen.  I agree with what you said about the side cameras.  I have them on my current RV and never look at them.  Might as well not have them.  But my backup camera is also on my touch screen and I can't see it because of the glare.  So you only use the touch screen for the radio and bluetooth? 

You are correct.  I have 2 backup cameras (one pointed down so I can see the hitch, the other looks behind) and they are both on the monitor above the rear-view mirror.  I do have to switch feeds on the backup monitor to change cameras.  I'm using a stand alone Garmen GPS, that I currently have on a windshield suction mount.  Although the side cameras display on the pioneer monitor I'm really only using that monitor for the radio and Bluetooth. I like my current setup, and if I had to do it over I would skip the side cameras.