Auto GPS ?

PapaHog · 06-09-2007, 06:31 AM

I intend to tour of the lower 48 starting in the fall. Going to go across the middle and spend some time in NC (my sisters house) as a home base and moving up and down the east coast (as weather permits) for a few months before moving to Florida and crossing the southern states making my way back home.

I need two things. Donations for Gas.:grin::grin::grin: NO that is a joke.

But the second thing I need is a good GPS for my pickup. I will be pulling my travel trailer and don't want to spend too much time lost. I have never owned a or used a GPS and want to get one now to practice so I am not learning on the fly. You know, a cigarette in one hand a beer in the other and a big mac on my knee with fries scattered about I will not have time or enough hands to learn on the road.

Things I THINK I am looking for.

Less than 500 dollars (if poss).
Easy interface between man and machine.
Easy to learn.

Also I don't even know enough to know what I am looking for so any advice about features and units will be much appreciated.

Don Becker · 06-09-2007, 06:57 AM

PapaHog, I'll send you a pm with a link to the place we've bought 4 GPS's in the past year - - 'brother's and my Rino 530's for hunting, and 'wife and daughter's Streetpilots (C340's)(all by Garmin). I expect something like the Streetpilot is what you want for a road trip and we've found ours very easy to learn and to use. I did a lot of research at the time to be sure I got the very best price I could and all agree this internet site was it. For me, they've proven to have great and prompt service and the best prices I could find. We'll be using the Streetpilot on our road trip to Montana, South Dakota, Kansas and Wyoming this fall. I have no real knowledge re Streetpilot competitors so, if someone throws a fit here re my choice, you're on your own with that. Don

wootersen · 06-09-2007, 07:32 AM

Tom Tom 510. Very popular choice. You can buy it for about $349.00. It has the voice directions, and it will function as a hands-free device for your cell phone. It can be hard wired in, or just plug into a ciggarette lighter.

Cloud-Nine · 06-09-2007, 08:25 AM

I have the Nuvi 660. (by Garmin)
Wouldn't leave home without it.
Cost about $600 if you shop but well worth it.
Dick

DMFacker · 06-09-2007, 09:14 AM

Tom tom 510 I would say is the best value at $349.00, the tom tom one XL ($399.00)is pretty much the same as the 510 but with a larger screen. The nuvi are great units but on the higher end if you want to put music, photos and things of that nature. Most of Magellans units are under that $500, but I would stull say the most bang for the buck, tom tom 510, or the one XL.