Help With New GPS Decision
Sat, 06/03/2017 - 8:44pm
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17 years
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I will be purchasing a new Motorhome for retirement in the not to distant future, and I know my current GPS will not suffice for that purpose. I have looked at both the DESI and RV770LMT. Both have features that keep you off of roads unsuitable for a large class A motorhome, but I think that the RV770LMT will be a better fit with the RV campground POI's, Dump Station POI's, and the ability to set the size of your motorhome in the setup. Anyone have in experience with either of these units that could give some pros and cons of the two units? Thanks in advance

Perhaps a
Presentation of where you might be intending to go in the motor home might be appropriate?
I mean, it might matter if you intend on spending most of your time on tel larger highways or if your intent is to be on narrow mountain roads.
I dunno.. Considerations like those don't tend to come into play with family like autos..
But when you start getting into larger vehicles... Additional considerations might be warranted.
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!
My Opinion
I've had a Garmin RV760, the predecessor of the RV770, for several years now and am quite happy with the unit. By adding the profile of your vehicle, the RV770 will steer you clear of unsuitable roads, bridges, parking lots, etc. I use the 760 frequently when pulling my trailer. The unit can be switched to "automotive mode" for use in smaller vehicles. The 770 is also compatible with Smartphone Link which I also recommend. IMO, a 7" screen is a necessity for use in larger vehicles.
I used a Dezl 760 for a year or so. I sold it because it was more suitable for trucking applications. The features of the RV 770 are geared more for recreational vehicles with a database that is specific for that use.
Some consideration should be given to mounting the unit however. Due to it's size / weight, bean bag or friction type mounts can be a problem. I also found suction cup mounts to be less effective than when used with smaller GPSr's. I personally prefer RAM fixed mounts and use them in all my vehicles.
Great Information
Thanks for the detailed information bdhsfz6 on the comparision of the two units. Exactly what I needed. I was definately leaning toward the RV770LMT, and now you have confirmed that is the way to go. I have read a couple of reviews where the users have said the unit did take them down impassable roads for the RV size they had programmed in. Have you had this issue. It is a concern for me as I do plan on doing a lot of state parks and boondocking, so the roads will not be interstate hiways, but in a lot of cases, clay, gravel or just small paved roads to get to and around the campground areas. Just want to make sure it doesn't take me down the wrong roads with no way out.
RV770LMT
A review of the RV770LMT by an actual RV user. Also includes a 12 minute video clip by the user.
http://www.outsideourbubble.com/garmin-rv-770-lmt-s-gps-best...
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
Good Thread, Thanks
I have a newly retired friend who as looking for just this kind of info. This came in very handy for him. Thanks!
Good information, Thanks
Good information, Thanks
RV 760
I too have been using the Garmin RV 760 for the past few years and prior to that the Diesel and would also recommend it for RV use. We have a 38' fifth wheel that we tow with a Freightliner and it has worked very well for us. Nice to be able to input your vehicle specifics so it can help keep you from getting onto roads that are not adequate for you rig.
Travel Safe what ever you decide!!
Low bridges
I purposely set my height to 15'6" just to test this 770. going around some Arkansas Mtn roads it never told me about any low bridges. BUT then maybe there weren't any. Then while going through DFW area it kept rerouting me to avoid low bridges. But it didn't alert me to any known Red Light cameras that I know are in the Red light POI, But some others it did.
Happy trails,
Ron
great unit
The build quality of the older RV760 7" display is awesome.. much better speaker and casing then the newer RV 770LMT-S one out.
I do own and like the LMT-S screen and other features better..including the glass screen,brightness,dimming down real nice,rapid acquiring gps satellites, and great touch response, some minor newer features as well.
I had the Dezl 760 and 2797..and even thou it has a flimsier feel and bad quality speaker I like the newer one and will keep it for a while.. sold my Dezl and 2797.
RV770
Well I came across a whole bunch of youtube video clips about the
RV770
These will keep you busy for a while !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98LdZlH41A0
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
On One Occasion..
Thanks for the detailed information bdhsfz6 on the comparision of the two units. Exactly what I needed. I was definately leaning toward the RV770LMT, and now you have confirmed that is the way to go. I have read a couple of reviews where the users have said the unit did take them down impassable roads for the RV size they had programmed in. Have you had this issue. It is a concern for me as I do plan on doing a lot of state parks and boondocking, so the roads will not be interstate hiways, but in a lot of cases, clay, gravel or just small paved roads to get to and around the campground areas. Just want to make sure it doesn't take me down the wrong roads with no way out.
On one occasion, my RV760 routed me on a narrow dirt road which was not suitable for RV travel even though I had unpaved roads checked in the avoidance menu. Luckily, it was a through road and I made it without issue. I've had this occur using automotive units as well. IMO, the HERE unpaved road database is to blame.
As a result, I created a profile in the 760 using slightly larger dimensions than the RV rig I drive. If I have the time before a trip, I'll review the planned route in Google Earth to look for trouble spots. So far, these procedures seem to have solved the issue.
If you haven't already looked into these, I highly recommend Garmin's BC30 backup cameras. They are compatible with your RV770 and are a snap to install due to the wireless design. In my case, I have one mounted on the rear of the tow vehicle and another on the rear of the trailer.