GPS Navigation / traffic

Larryjb · 06-09-2018, 07:28 PM

Pulling a trailer near an in major cities can be nerve wracking at best. I've been looking at navigation devices that support traffic, but don't require wifi or data plans. So, I've been mainly looking at Garmin and Tomtom. Both offer "lifetime" free maps and traffic, according to their definition of lifetime. ( That is, as long as they decide. )

I've heard great praise for these devices, and horror stories. Some have said the traffic warnings took them through horrible city traffic and routes hard to navigate with a trailer. Others have said they wouldn't have survived without it. We plan to take the I-5 to Anaheim, one of the worst traffic in North America.

Any thoughts?

**inghamm** · 06-09-2018, 08:32 PM

Besides Google Maps, I also use and android app called Co-Pilot. It's maps are downloadable, so you can use it when you are out in the boondocks and have no reception. That gives me some peace of mind. Traffic data is an additional cost per year. Also, traffic data needs reception - I don't know how you could get it any other way.

**Bill** · 06-09-2018, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

... Both offer "lifetime" free maps and traffic, according to their definition of lifetime.

When I hear that a device has a "lifetime guarantee", I always ask myself "Whose lifetime?" And the answer always seems to be that the "lifetime" is the lifetime of the device. That is, when the device fails, its lifetime is obviously over, and so the guarantee is no longer valid.

Sounds a lot like your conclusion.

Bill

Larryjb · 06-09-2018, 10:35 PM

I've been using OsMand. It has downloadable maps and has been great until you need to know which exit lane you need. The GPS is not sophisticated enough to direct you to the appropriate lane. Perhaps Co-Pilot is better at that.

Android apps won't be ideal because I use a tablet which is not convenient to mount legally where electronic device laws are in effect. In some jurisdictions, I'd risk fines if a smartphone were in any way accessible for use.

Tomtom and Garmin have "live" traffic data, or can use RDS information. I'm not sure how the "live" system works. RDS traffic information is transmitted over an FM channel.

I guess, to be more specific, does anyone have any real world experience with Tomtom or Garmin with regards to traffic information, and navigation involving appropriate lanes for exits?

**inghamm** · 06-09-2018, 11:12 PM

Co-Pilot is pretty good with exit lanes, but it sounds like you need a non - android solution.
Lots of people use Google Maps for navigation, with smart phones mounted on the dash, so I would be surprised to find that illegal. Texting is rampant here in Seattle area even though it is very against the law.

Larryjb · 06-09-2018, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inghamm

Co-Pilot is pretty good with exit lanes, but it sounds like you need a non - android solution.
Lots of people use Google Maps for navigation, with smart phones mounted on the dash, so I would be surprised to find that illegal. Texting is rampant here in Seattle area even though it is very against the law.

The police have been pretty active cracking down on distracted driving. One kid got a fine for using his smart watch!

**commodor47** · 06-10-2018, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill

When I hear that a device has a "lifetime guarantee", I always ask myself "Whose lifetime?" And the answer always seems to be that the "lifetime" is the lifetime of the device. That is, when the device fails, its lifetime is obviously over, and so the guarantee is no longer valid.

Sounds a lot like your conclusion.

Bill

Bill,

The lifetime free maps update on my Garmin device is only valid as long as there is enough storage space to install a map update. If a map update cannot be installed your free lifetime update becomes void. I found that information buried on their website. Make sure you insert an SD card with enough extra storage. Also check their website to see what size storage SD card applies to your device. My device has a storage SD card size limit of 4GB. Anything larger is not seen by the device.

Dick

**commodor47** · 06-10-2018, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

. . . I guess, to be more specific, does anyone have any real world experience with Tomtom or Garmin with regards to traffic information, and navigation involving appropriate lanes for exits?

Larry,

My Garmin device does not offer traffic info but does have exit lane assist. That has proved useful on numerous occasions. A series of arrows display which lanes to be in when approaching a change in route. It also displays a picture of your exit with enough time to anticipate the turn.

Dick

Shane826 · 06-10-2018, 09:15 AM

I have Google Maps with traffic on my iPhone. It offers alternate routes for trFfic and accidents, tells you which lane to get into, etc. Works great for the most part. HOWEVER...

Memorial Day weekend we went to Hersheypark in south PA, had to roll through the mountains to get there. On the way home, we were at a fork in the road waiting for a light to change. GPS says “Accident ahead, alternate route available.” So I scroll ahead on the screen and its miles of red line, meaning traffic is stopped. So we follow the alternate route, thinking it will take us along side streets to bypass the accident. WRONG. It took us up and over a mountain on winding mountain roads. Absolutely terrifying. The road back down had 180° switchbacks. My friends were following me in their VW and said they were impressed with how I controlled the rig coming down. Their car is a stick shift and they didn’t leave 2nd fear on the way down.

Moral of the story; the GPS doesn’t know you’re pulling a trailer and doesn’t care that your best bet is open roads. It’s job is to find you the shortest route, period.

Larryjb · 06-10-2018, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by commodor47

Larry,

My Garmin device does not offer traffic info but does have exit lane assist. That has proved useful on numerous occasions. A series of arrows display which lanes to be in when approaching a change in route. It also displays a picture of your exit with enough time to anticipate the turn.

Dick

This alone, may make it worth it.

Shane, I understand that Garmin has an RV specific navigation device. However I heard that some people pulling trailers were pulled through impossible areas anyway. Now that Garmin and Tomtom are offering free lifetime updates for both maps and traffic, the device may pay off for trips in unfamiliar cities.