TheSamba.com :: View topic - Best GPS for Bus Traveling, Boondocking, and camping....

Sun Apr 13, 2008 9:53 am

There are a few threads on GPS but they are fairly dated and not specific to using one while traveling. So here goes.

I want to find a unit that besides the obvious will be really handy in:

*quickly finding places nearby with free wifi
*quickly finding campgrounds nearby
*have detailed maps of all 50 states built in.
*one useful for hiking

I'm very thorough when spending cash on gizmos like this - I tend to do alot of research so hoping you guys that are using then can give a yay or nay on specific models.

Here is the one I'm currently considering:

Maestro 3250
http://www.amazon.com/Magellan-Maestro-3250-3-5-In...amp;sr=8-1

Thanks in advance.

Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:20 pm

The Magellan Crossover GPS sounds good for the off the beaten path (topo maps ect.)but I'm not sure about the rest.

http://www.gpsreview.net/magellan-crossover-gps/

Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:28 pm

I use the Garmin Etrex Legend Cx. It's great for hiking, great for finding places to camp, and it's about the size of a cell phone, so you don't have to worry about people smashing into your bus if you leave it on the seat.

Stay away from the Legend C as it's memory is much more limited, so it spends a lot of time thinking while you pass your turn (ask me how I know).

cheers,
Jeff

Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:33 pm

I use my iphone for all of these tasks, also allows for movie watching and music listening in the bus. I like having 1 product that solves all my media needs.

-Maps
-Gps (official apple gps coming soon) currently navizon gps software works!
-Movies
-Music
-Internet

Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:34 pm

I use a vehicle unit from Garmin, a Nuvu 350. It is portable, so I can take it with me, has a built-in antenna. Upgradable via computer (USB) and can be pre-programed to take you places. Uses turn-by-turn voice prompts. I kinda like it.

Mon Apr 28, 2008 9:53 pm

I use a legend HCX by Garmin. I love it. The only compliant I have with it is that after you buy the thing, you have to spend about another $100 on software to get the detailed maps I want, such as topo or smaller streets.

I also like it because it is waterproof up to 5' as well as shock proof and dust proof.

I truly think it's the best one for the money, and if you're resourceful enough to find software online, such as I did, it makes it well worth your money then.

Also, make sure you get the HCX, it means it gets much better reception and you don't drop the signal even in the thickest woods.

Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:15 pm

UncleDannie wrote: I use a vehicle unit from Garmin, a Nuvu 350. It is portable, so I can take it with me, has a built-in antenna. Upgradable via computer (USB) and can be pre-programed to take you places. Uses turn-by-turn voice prompts. I kinda like it.

I have the Garmin Nuvi 250w in my bus.....and like it a lot....... does all i need and cost is about $249. What i really like it the wider screen..... In my agedness... :shock: .... it's getting harder to see things at a glance........ this GPS works well in bright sunlight and is portable like yours.....

I'm still learning it's capabilities but i know theres a lot..... :D

Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:51 pm

I am using the Tomtom Navigator 6 on a Dell Axim X51 PDA...

Other than the PDA sucks... The navigation system is alright... There are few parameters I would have liked such as the altitude and be able to log your trip.

As for the maps, the house numbers are usually messed up. I have been to places where roads do not exist anymore but the GPS absolutely want you to pass by them...

The POIs do not list all of the campgrounds, campsites, gas stations...

I strongly suggest to get a map in addition (up to date is better) if you choose Tomtom.

Tue Apr 29, 2008 6:30 pm

I don't want to start a flame war on this site about which GPS is best, etc. BUT, I have to totally agree with flateric. TomTom is best known as a European GPS unit, and only recently came to the US. I just don't think that they understand how we drive on this side of the 'pond'. I was researching GPS units prior to buying my Garman Nuvi 360, and heard several bad comments about them.

So, bottom line, why take a chance? Just skip the TomTom line.

The main thing about my Garman was map upgrades via web, it talks to me (very loud, as it will hook into your car radio via cassette or plug-in cable) Bluetooth so it runs my iPhone hands free (a must in California beginning July 1, 2008), and you can program it to look up any address and it will map it out for and take you there, step by step.

Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:35 am

visibleink wrote:

I want to find a unit that besides the obvious will be really handy in:

*quickly finding places nearby with free wifi
*quickly finding campgrounds nearby
*have detailed maps of all 50 states built in.
*one useful for hiking.

Guys, don't forget this. I'm not knocking anyone's suggestions on GPS units, but I don't exactly know how comfortable I would feel hiking down a trail with a 3" touch screen in my hand.

Just something to think about

visibleink, how much hiking, or outdoor activities do you plan on using your GPS for? Or are you looking for strickly using it for driving?

Tue May 06, 2008 2:48 pm

MalibuLX3 wrote:
Guys, don't forget this. I'm not knocking anyone's suggestions on GPS units, but I don't exactly know how comfortable I would feel hiking down a trail with a 3" touch screen in my hand.

Just something to think about

visibleink, how much hiking, or outdoor activities do you plan on using your GPS for? Or are you looking for strickly using it for driving?

Slow response...

I don't plan on doing a ton of hiking but it seems the GPS would be nice to throw in the backpack in case I got lost. Would the auto-travel type units help you find you way back?

I haven't spent much time researching which one to get but I'll post the one I decide on.

Tue May 06, 2008 3:17 pm

One thing I'm looking at is the number of Points of Interest built in. The Maestro 3250 has 6 million - plus maps of each state built in.

Others only have 1 million POIs - seems that with this one I would have a much better chance of being able to locate a camping spot - coffee shop with Wifi than others.

Tue May 06, 2008 9:58 pm

MalibuLX3 wrote:
Guys, don't forget this. I'm not knocking anyone's suggestions on GPS units, but I don't exactly know how comfortable I would feel hiking down a trail with a 3" touch screen in my hand.

Just something to think about

visibleink, how much hiking, or outdoor activities do you plan on using your GPS for? Or are you looking for strickly using it for driving?

I agree, this is a very valid point. Garmin's line seems to have split, into driving models like the NUVI and hand-held models like the eTrex line.

There is one that seems to bridge the gap, the Quest 2, but the price is pretty dear.

I'm still using my old school Garmin GPSIII+, but I'd sure like to have the larger screen and features of the newer units. Not having to download maps every few hundred miles would be nice too!

Wed May 07, 2008 9:51 am

GeorgeL wrote: Not having to download maps every few hundred miles would be nice too!

I hear that! I've got a fair sized memory card and I can fit about 3 states on it with 3 different sets of maps for each one.

I've got the Metroguide which is every single road, along with 6 MILLION points of interest. Everything from bars to auto shops and hair salons.

Then I've got Inland Lakes which shows all the depths and contours of most all lakes.

I've also got U.S. Topo maps, which is very helpful when hiking through state parks, or anywhere really. It shows a lot of good trails and great spots along the trail to stop for a break or a campground to spend the night even

Wed May 07, 2008 3:57 pm

MalibuLX3 wrote: GeorgeL wrote: Not having to download maps every few hundred miles would be nice too!

I hear that! I've got a fair sized memory card and I can fit about 3 states on it with 3 different sets of maps for each one.

How tech moves on. The GPSIII+ holds about five California counties' worth of street-level data in its 1.4MB internal memory. Downloading a new map set (via the old-school serial port) takes about 2 minutes.

I guess I'm due for an upgrade. Honey, my birthday's coming up! :)