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Fri Jan 05, 2024 5:31 pm

Just finished replacing our 7-year old Garmin dash-mounted GPS unit with the upgraded DriveSmart 65 model. We discovered we could no longer perform map and firmware updates on the older one using the proprietary Garmin Express computer software. The newer unit downloads updates directly via WiFi, and comes with several new features including a larger 7” screen. I know many opt to use a smartphone for vehicle navigation, but this is our preferred technology.

Fri Jan 05, 2024 5:43 pm

which model wouldn't update? i run a bunch of different Garmins but haven't tried to update them in the last 6 months.

my kids and wife laugh at me when traveling as i have a Garmin, Google Maps, and my wife has Apple maps going. they rarely agree on a route but i like the choices. plus a magazine holder of maps between the shifter and the console. belt and suspenders.

it's so cool to tap into a multi billion dollar GPS system in your vehicle. still have friends that won't use them.

Fri Jan 05, 2024 6:26 pm

I like two GPSs. A smaller GPS running, with turn by turn guidance.
And an iPad that's zoomed in tight with satellite imagery, streams named, roads named.

Fri Jan 05, 2024 7:14 pm

DanHoug wrote: which model wouldn't update? i run a bunch of different Garmins but haven't tried to update them in the last 6 months.

my kids and wife laugh at me when traveling as i have a Garmin, Google Maps, and my wife has Apple maps going. they rarely agree on a route but i like the choices. plus a magazine holder of maps between the shifter and the console. belt and suspenders.

it's so cool to tap into a multi billion dollar GPS system in your vehicle. still have friends that won't use them.
Our Garmin DriveSmart 50 will no longer update via Garmin Express. I have tried both Windows and Mac versions of the software — no joy.

Fri Jan 05, 2024 8:23 pm

I was disappointed when Garmin terminated support of he Garmin North America app. I bought it for $50 and it added some very helpful functionality to the iphone. That did prompt me to look for a new app and I landed on Gaia maps. It's about $40/year ( :shock: ) but it offers many map layers and backcountry details not offered in other maps.

Thanks for the update on the Garmin support for the hardware. I boxed one up a few years ago and it'll be interesting to see if it's time to send it to the dump. :(

Sat Jan 06, 2024 6:43 am

Interesting, I'll need to check my Garmin for update compatibility.

I remember the days of paper maps during the 1960's and 1970's where they went out of date almost monthly. The US was building new highways at such a rapid pace and rerouting existing highways so frequently that our maps were often horribly inaccurate.
The map makers eventually started adding proposed and under construction highways on any new map printings.

I still prefer paper maps for the long journey but do carry a Garmin and an iPhone for electronic navigation aid.
I find that the electronic versions are very good about pinpointing exactly where you are at with great precision, but a paper map gives you a much better overall full picture of where you are and might want to go.

Sat Jan 06, 2024 6:59 am

Garmin (muted) for driving as I prefer glancing at its display vs being commanded by it or a passenger.

Gaia (free version) for hiking has replaced all my topo maps. An excellent app.

Paper maps for tabletop trip planning.

On long family vacations in the 50s I would always hit up the map rack in gas stations for new material. There was something compelling about looking at a map, looking out the window and then looking back at the map to see exactly where you were.

Sat Jan 06, 2024 6:59 am

I used wrist garmins and watches (i believe tactix) over seas that have all been bricked. They can no longer be updated and just dont function properly. Like Dan we run waze, google maps, and apple maps.

We predownload maps on Google when we know we will be out of service. There is no need for a garmin anymore in my case. The only reason I can see someone needing a garmin is for RV and truckers that need overheight re-routing, etc. Its a bit heartbreaking throwing away gear that worked perfectly (albeit without the bells and whistles of color screens etc).

Sat Jan 06, 2024 10:43 am

I have two Garmins (nuvi 3597 and nuviCam) both are supposed to have 'lifetime' map updates. Before a recent road trip I tired to update them but neither would update even switching cords and ports on my Macbook Air. Finally tired the wife's Macbook because she hadn't uploaded a newer OS. That did the trick and both units updated as they should.

Sat Jan 06, 2024 11:53 am

blyhigh wrote: I have two Garmins (nuvi 3597 and nuviCam) both are supposed to have 'lifetime' map updates. Before a recent road trip I tired to update them but neither would update even switching cords and ports on my Macbook Air. Finally tired the wife's Macbook because she hadn't uploaded a newer OS. That did the trick and both units updated as they should.
Yes, I believe a recent iOS update for our MacBook Air rendered the Garmin Express software useless.:cry:
The newer Garmin units connect via WiFi to perform online updates. Works flawlessly!

Sat Jan 06, 2024 2:58 pm

Yeah I've had 2 Garmins and one TomTom. The first garmin didn't have lifetime upgrades, but the other one did. I prefer the Garmin over the TomTom.

BYW, when I was living in New Mexico a couple of years ago, the Garmin was nice to have as Waze was iffy on my cell.

Sun Jan 07, 2024 11:32 am

The mobile navigation aid market clearly belongs to the ubiquitous smart phone. Garmin now pairs their newer units via a mobile phone app (Garmin Drive) to provide additional features like live traffic, weather, driver alerts, and expanded points of interest. With larger screens and vehicle mounts now available for mobile phones, it is really a matter of preference for users.

Sun Jan 07, 2024 7:13 pm

Well, I completely deleted the Garmin Express software and all associated files on our newer MacBook Air. I performed a fresh install of the software and gave it permission in Settings under "Files & Folders" to access the device. I was then able to "add" the older GPS unit and update it. Curious...

Sun Jan 07, 2024 7:20 pm

Red Ryder wrote: Just finished replacing our 7-year old Garmin dash-mounted GPS unit with the upgraded DriveSmart 65 model. .... I know many opt to use a smartphone for vehicle navigation, but this is our preferred technology.
Could you post a photo showing how you've mounted the unit? Planning to add one myself.

I too prefer a dedicated GPS device vs. using a smartphone. Smartphone is like a swiss army knife - does a bunch of things, but excels at none of them; great for use in an emergency, but cumbersome if you have to rely on it often.

Sun Jan 07, 2024 7:29 pm

I placed an adhesive mounting pad directly on the metal area forward of the padded dash and equidistant between the two defroster vents. Then used the standard Garmin windshield mount (i.e., suction cup). Easy to reach from either the driver’s or passenger seat (since Mrs. Red Ryder is the primary navigator!). The power cord is hidden below the instrument cluster.

Sun Jan 07, 2024 7:42 pm

For ten years--previously in my Vanagon, now in my Eurovan--I've been using an iPad--the same iPad all along--mounted to the dash or windshield, with Gaia GPS software.

It's a first gen iPad Pro with cellular capability (which means it has a GPS). It's driven about 150,000 miles with us. Still going strong.

The cell service for this device is $6 per month base rate, plus whatever data we use.

With this system you don't invest in a GPS navigation device, which have proven to become obsolete every few years. Instead, you buy the iPad (or other tablet--Gaia GPS is available on iOS or Android) and download the app.

Then build your routes at home, on your computer, in a web browser, at Gaia's website. Use Google My Maps to build driving routes and import them into Gaia. Save your routes and select entire areas to save the core map data (downloading whole states, or even the whole continent are both possible). All data is cached and we can navigate in airplane mode, with cellular and wifi disabled.

No pairing of devices, and no special apps on your computer. Just connect your iPad to the internet and open Gaia GPS to update it from the edits you made on their site.

Having used dedicated GPS devices and iPads, my experience is the opposite of tdivan82's--the dedicated GPS is a narrow scope, limited function, easily obsolete, expensive device, while an iPad (also expensive) with the right software does all the things the GPS does, plus so much more, for so much longer. (I agree, though, just a smartphone would not be adequate for me either.)

We use that same iPad to watch movies on the road, to listen to music, to send email, take photos, read The Samba, to check weather--in a nutshell, to do so many things. Need a computer while in camp? iPad. Need a device to act as a wifi hotspot? iPad. (Or other tablet brand of your choice.)

For kayaking, yes, my Garmin devices are great. In that environment, I love the small, waterproof, durable form factor! (Trying to keep my post relevant to the original subject.)

kourt

On I-10 headed to Florida, October 26, 2023. iPad with Gaia GPS showing the way, with a closeup below.

Mon Jan 08, 2024 12:36 pm

Lots of great nav solutions out there! Thanks for your input!

Tue Aug 05, 2025 9:53 am

kourt wrote: For ten years--previously in my Vanagon, now in my Eurovan--I've been using an iPad--the same iPad all along--mounted to the dash or windshield, with Gaia GPS software.

It's a first gen iPad Pro with cellular capability (which means it has a GPS). It's driven about 150,000 miles with us. Still going strong.

The cell service for this device is $6 per month base rate, plus whatever data we use.

]
I just started looking into GPS units for the van, since in many places in Northern New England (I'm looking at you Vermont) and in especially in Newfoundland, cell service is often not available.

I thought the GPS in an iPhone (or other phone) did not need cell service, but my experience has differed on this. Especially if you are not just tracking yourself, but trying to enter a destination, it seems that cell service is needed to locate such.
If I were to use an iPad, I'd have to toggle it to my iPhone to avoid yet another monthly charge.

If this is wrong (No cell service needed) , feel free to educate me, or point me to a website that explains such.

If I'm right, please let me know what are your preferred GPS units.

Tue Aug 05, 2025 10:56 am

vanagonjr wrote:
I just started looking into GPS units for the van, since in many places in Northern New England (I'm looking at you Vermont) and in especially in Newfoundland, cell service is often not available.

I thought the GPS in an iPhone (or other phone) did not need cell service, but my experience has differed on this. Especially if you are not just tracking yourself, but trying to enter a destination, it seems that cell service is needed to locate such.
If I were to use an iPad, I'd have to toggle it to my iPhone to avoid yet another monthly charge.

Look into an app called "Magic Earth". Its available on Android, not sure about Apple. It explicitly allows for offline map data, so you can route to a destination with no data service required. It even works on an old phone with no sim card, you only need GPS turned on, and occasional use of WiFi from your home to update the maps to the latest before you start driving.

Tue Aug 05, 2025 11:11 am

vanagonjr wrote: [I thought the GPS in an iPhone (or other phone) did not need cell service, but my experience has differed on this. Especially if you are not just tracking yourself, but trying to enter a destination, it seems that cell service is needed to locate such.

It depends on your phone and your app. Your phone needs a GPS antenna and then you need to use an app that uses the GPS antenna. For example, Google Maps use your data connection for location and map loading.

For example, with a Galaxy S25 you can see all the different connections (non cell data) it has here. https://www.rfsafe.com/phone-specs/samsung-galaxy-s25/connectivity/ You can see that GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), BDS (China), Galileo (Europe), QZSS (Japan).

So if I use an app like OsmAnd+ or Gaia GPS (does not work, disregard) that download maps of an area and then overlay my position, then I don't need my cell's data connection. I used OsmAnd+ when I was riding around northern India / Himalayan Mountains (Hemis NP) and I had no problems with connections. There was certainly no cell service there. In fact, locals even commented that my maps were better than what they had.