Posted by Paul Wegemann on February 15, 2011 at 9:20 AM
I'm looking for a GPS for my truck that has a large screen and a decent set of maps that contain lots of back roads. Does such a thing exist, and if so, can anyone make a recommendation?
Thanks,
Paul
Posted by Jack Garrett on February 15, 2011 at 9:55 AM
I've been using a Garmin Nuvi 255W for 2 years and so far I love it. I was in Crested Butte year before last and it showed al lot of the back roads...I was pretty surprised. There will be times that some back roads just don't show up. Be sure you get the latest updates.
I'll second the Garmin Nuvi series. I'm not sure which one I've got but it's an older model and still has great features. One of the things I really like is the display that shows the speed limit right next to your actual speed - sometimes I get a bit carried away.
Also, many, many back roads show up too. It's quite surprising. I would strongly recommend that you buy some sort of update package to keep current with the maps and that you keep the software updated.
The only other brand I've seen in use is Tom Tom and it, umm, sucked. Whichever brand/model you choose, consider getting the previous year's version. It may not have ALL the bells and whistles the newest version has but it will have the same (most current) maps and cost about 1/2 the price.
Good luck.
Posted by Bob Falcone on February 15, 2011 at 11:51 AM
I've got a TomTom unit (the 430XLTM, if I remember correctly), and love it. Large screen, lifetime free map updates, and live traffic updates (also free). I've found that TomTom does a very good job with updating new road construction, etc. I've seen some Garmin units in use, and thought that were less intuitive to use than TomTom, but that's just me. I also like that the TomTom is powered by a USB cable, reducing the number of different cables I have laying around the car.
Like the Garmin mentioned in Jacks reply, the TomTom will also display the speed limit of the road you're on, along with the speed you're doing, so you know just how fast you were going when the State Trooper stops you.
Posted by Jack Garrett on February 15, 2011 at 11:55 AM
I trust the speed thing on my Nuvi more than I trust my speedometer for sure!
Discussion
12 repliesThanks,
Paul
Also, many, many back roads show up too. It's quite surprising. I would strongly recommend that you buy some sort of update package to keep current with the maps and that you keep the software updated.
The only other brand I've seen in use is Tom Tom and it, umm, sucked. Whichever brand/model you choose, consider getting the previous year's version. It may not have ALL the bells and whistles the newest version has but it will have the same (most current) maps and cost about 1/2 the price.
Good luck.
Like the Garmin mentioned in Jacks reply, the TomTom will also display the speed limit of the road you're on, along with the speed you're doing, so you know just how fast you were going when the State Trooper stops you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZXM_g3mqew&feature=player_embedded
Jack, that was funny!