GPS Navigation Systems

[mowerman1193 42]

Thinking about getting one of these for our travels..Seems we are always on the road chasing those Craigslist deals down etc..

Never really been around one or know much about them..It seems as though shopping around and looking the sales people just get me more confused..One thing really stands out to me is they say some have a Lane Assist to warn you to get into the correct lane etc. But I question if they all might do that and the sales guy just trying to sell me a higher priced one..

What are some good options/features to look for with these things? Lets see if you all can get me even more confused and give up the idea of having one, LOL

Thanks in advance for any info,

Kevin

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,880]

Get the GPS that has the features you need. Example. I have a Diesel F250 which in NY needs to be registered commercial because of the weight. Because of that the truck is not legally allowed on Parkway's. Most GPS's do not have a "truck" mode which will route around that restriction, but a few do. If you have a requirement like that, or tow a trailer be sure you look into units which will route around restrictions that you have.

[W9JAB 156]

I just needed a basic GPS, I have the ability to make turns with my vehicle so if I blow a turn I can recover (Smart Ass).

But I did want the largest screen I could get..

I found a off brand at Target for around $100 it work great but did take some time to

learn how to use it. (best done in the driveway not the highway)

The first time I did use it I was going from Chicago to Michigan. Somewhere in Indiana,

getting routed through an abandon industrial park, My wife said hay aren

[Butch 194]

I love GPS BUT it does make you lazy. When I used to use road maps I would look at landmarks to know how to get back. I would look at signs and other things. With GPS you get lazy and only listen to the voice and look at the GPS map when you need to. If the GPS were to break I'd be screwed.

There will be times you will have to out think the GPS. GPS relies on maps that need to be upgraded. If you travel a road with left turn lanes and the left turn lanes are eliminated for safety purposes your GPS won't know that and will tell you to turn left. GPS does not know about road construction or detours. You may not like the way it takes you to get somewhere. It doesn't know bad neighborhoods or lousy bumpy roads.

There is a difference between "turn left", "exit left" and "stay left". When there are a lot of large highways merging and crossing it can be hard at times to understand what the map is showing and what the voice actually wants me to do.

But it is a great tool that are relatively cheap today. You really need to own one awhile before you know what functions you want it to do.

It has gotten me to every place I wanted to go EXCEPT KenB's. It was off by a good 1/8th of a mile.

I would still carry road maps. I do and have used them.

Just my 2 cents.

[rmaynard 16,292]

Back in August, I asked the same question, since I am in the market for one.

Here is the thread:

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...=if+wheel+horse

Bob

[Buzz 502]

I agree with Butch, use GPS but carry a map. We named our GPS Bernice, and we have the only GPS with PMS. She gets upset if you don't follow her directions exactly. Turn left NOW. Make a u-turn NOW. I had to shut her off once this summer. We had taken my grand-daughter to DuPont Childrens Hospital in Delaware for tests. We had just crossed the Delaware Memorial Bridge back into NJ when the doctor called and wanted us back to the hospital, he didn't like one test result. I took the next exit and headed back into Delaware. Bernice went nuts! HANG A U-TURN NOW Can't Bernice we're on a bridge (now she's got me talking to her!) Finally I turned her off, unplugged her, and tossed her into the back seat. The moral of this story; if your GPS is a female, make sure it comes with Midol.... :)

[mowerman1193 42]

Thanks for all the comments. I think for now I will just buy a cheap basic one and learn a little about them..I was actually looking at the Rightway 550 model the other day at ABC Warehouse. Glad I am not a impulse buyer as they had it at $130. Come home and looked online and Amazon & Best Buy both have it for $80. Best Buy's outlet center has a Dale Jr. model for only $50 but in doing research it looks like you may have to pay for updates, and you have to contact Rightway Co. to request a disc to update it. I like the price though but for the extra $30 I think the 550 model is a better deal with free download updates from a PC.

Anyone have any comments about this model? Might be better off to go with a refurbished name brand TomTom or Garmin? as some are fairly cheap as well.

Thanks,

Kevin

[Butch 194]

I have one of the cheaper Garmins with it's own built in memory and really like it. One problem you do have with these GPS's is the sunlight can wash out the screen. I have a hood for mine and still the sun can wash it out.

I'm pretty sure there is a fee for all map upgrades but don't quote me on it.

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

I like the built in GPS in my 4G EVO Android phone(rooted). It's the best I've used yet and is always up to date. I also have the phone setup to automatically send me a message whenever a new Wheel Horse is posted on Craigslist. It takes 720p video, 8 mega pixel photos (average quality) and a flashlight app that turns on the camera LED flash is handy also. I use it to tether my laptop to high speed internet (3G is decent also). Since it replaced my high speed internet connection, land line it, camera, video camera and GPS it makes the cost worthwhile to me. The stock battery sux so I bought one that lasts for days.

** Assuming it's available in your area

[Butch 194]

I have GPS with Verizon wireless on my Samsung Rogue but never use it. My son uses it and likes it because it reroutes you around accidents and construction.

[Kelly 1,033]

I have a cheap TOM TOM with large screen, it does everything I have asked it to, I love it, but a good old paper road map goes with me every where.

[tgranthamfd 29]

I have a TomTom One, cheep, simple to use, and a decent screen. Basic north America map included. Updated maps for a fee. Around here it doesn't like country addresses. There are a lot of updates you can get for free. Only thing I wish it had would be an expandable memory card slot.

[mowerman1193 42]

Well I ended up buying the Rightway 550 and so far I love it, though I have not had to take any major trip yet I have used it to run to a few places and of course I have learned to take a paper map as well, LOL

I noticed one thing right off. Although they do typically get you where your headed but sometimes it will take you down a private drive etc to get there..Such as my uncles private drive that live right next to me, LOL

A few years ago he got tired of people going through it every once in a while so he blocked it off with a fallen tree. I will have to tell him that maybe those people was just following their GPS, LOL

Thanks for all the replies,

Kevin