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Old 02-14-2018, 11:52 AM   #1
Almost There
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
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GPS Suggestions

I am looking at a 1978 MCI-8 and wanted to get a RV GPS for it to help with driving this big ass thing around.

I was looking at the Garmin RV 770, doesnt include the rear camera but I can add it later.

Any thoughts/feedback on a good RV GPS for this coach bus?

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Old 02-14-2018, 11:56 AM   #2
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I have that one and really like it.
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Old 02-14-2018, 12:03 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by somewhereinusa View Post
I have that one and really like it.
What features would you say are most advantageous versus a typical car GPS?
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Old 02-14-2018, 01:33 PM   #4
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On this topic...

I am wondering if anyone here has or has ever used any of the Rand-McNally Trucker GPS devices. There is a pretty good sale going on for the next 48 hours and I am tempted with the features of this one...
IntelliRoute® TND™ 740

7" HD Vibrant Display
FREE! Lifetime Map Updates
Truck-Specific Routing
Audio Out Capability
- Enabling Drivers to Route their Device Sound through their Truck Audio Systems Easy-to-Use Interface
Over-the-air Map Updates
Advanced Lane Guidance & Lane Assist
Customizable Warnings
- Set Warnings for Speed Limit Changes, Sharp Curves & More
- Set Display Preferences & Warning Distance Driver Scorecard Shows Miles, MPG, Idling & Vehicle Fault Codes
Electronic Driver Logs
Electronic Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting
HOS Alerts & Warnings
Multiple Operating Authority Capable
2 USB Ports for Diagnostics


More features than I need in a Skoolie but it has some I really like the idea of. Hope to hear some quick feedback.




https://rand.factoryoutletstore.com/...gitemid=437667
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Old 02-14-2018, 04:27 PM   #5
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Oh well...too late. I just bit the bullet and ordered the next model down (TND 720LM) for $249 bucks. Has all the features (I think) I need and more. Rand Mac is selling Factory Refurbs for about $90 bucks less than the new I have seen. Hope it works as I need a new GPS for my car for the time being.

Would still like to hear any feedback on the brand though.
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Old 02-15-2018, 07:14 AM   #6
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Use your IPad, plus you can play games while your driving
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Old 02-15-2018, 09:08 AM   #7
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Quote:
I was looking at the Garmin RV 770
My bad, I have the LMT 760RV not the 770. My main reason for the like is the large screen. I can see it with these old, tired eyes. Also large screen makes input easier. It has free lifetime upgrades. I can load custom POIs. It's a bit clunky to add or remove stops on a current trip. I keep it set on auto not RV, too many places it don't have info on. I figure if a place has school kids I can go there.

Quote:
has ever used any of the Rand-McNally Trucker GPS devices
I don't remember the model # but I had a Rand-McNally truck gps. It was one of the worst units I ever had. It's routing was terrible. Didn't really know where low bridges were. Didn't know what hwys were truck legal.
When I retired from trucking I was running two GPS units at the same time. One was the RM the I don't remember the brand of the other. I ran two just to get a reasonable idea of the route I wanted. Both of the truck units were crap. They also never agreed. I'm not sure, I think the RM only had a ABC keyboard not QWERTY, input was really slow.

As a cross country truck driver I've had a number of GPS units over the years. The absolute best was a Lowrance but, they don't make land GPS units anymore. It was also my first. Next best was Garmin Street Pilot, they don't make it anymore either. Not only were both of those good at routing, I could enter a complete trip from one end of the country and instantly see how many miles from current location to every stop. I could tell dispatch when I would be where, or pretty close using 50 mph average speed,invaluable for getting more loads.

I don't think that the "truck" feature is all that important in a GPS, I used the car ones for years. I quite often went into neighborhoods to pick up cars. In many large metropolitan areas people can not tell you how to get to where they are and think a dually is a big truck( I could tell you stories). You just have to pay attention.
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Old 02-15-2018, 10:17 AM   #8
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I have used GPS extensively over the last 6 years. With them I have navigated all over the US, on a motorcycle.

Currently, on the bike I have a Garmin Zumo 665 and a Garmin Montana 650.

For that purpose they are wonderful.

For the bus I will be looking long and hard at the Garmin Dezl 770, and I would run the Zumo 665 alongside it mainly because that unit has both SiriusXM and Weather subscriptions.

When I went to Nebraska to bring my bus home I took the 665 with me because I can use it on a suction mount, powered from the accessory socket. It did a great job getting me there in a rental car and home in the bus.
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Old 02-15-2018, 02:14 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdarchitect26 View Post
Use your IPad, plus you can play games while your driving

be sure you have a Cellular iPAD to do this... the wi-fi only models dont contain a GPS chip... you dont have to activate the cellular, it just has to be a cellular model.

I use my iPAD mini with various GPS programs based on where im going..

CoPilot Truck works good and is pretty conservative on routing so its not always the fastest but wont get you on any roads bad for large vehicles..

WAZE is great if you are going to go through high traffic areas. but wont ensure you dont end up in a neighborhood..

Google maps is google maps..

I lkike the ability to jump online and search for rest areas, Pizza joints, espresso shops etc with the iPAD vs a standalone GPS which is Just a GPS.. and the only traffic which works is online traffic or SXM.. the old RDS traffic receivers suck and are worthless (my garmin had that crappy thing)..
-Christopher
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Old 02-15-2018, 05:04 PM   #10
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Oddly, I just ordered a GPS for our bus too. Was doing some digging and ended up going with a Garmin Drive 60LM. It isn't RV specific but I couldnt see paying 4x the price for one that was.

This one has a 6" screen.. junction view.. lifetime updates.. and can be hooked up to multiple cameras as well (back-up cameras, etc)

I ordered a factory refurb for $59. I think it'll do the trick.

https://www.gpscity.com/refurbished-gps/&p=1&c=7

I'll also have a good atlas which can be had from the local truck stops.
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