What GPS System do you use

Went off roading this past week. Really need input on a good reliable GPS for off roading.

 

It’s not clear what features you’re looking for, but honestly, most modern smartphones have decent gps antennas and location software. Then it’s just a question of maps, and other features like navigation, uploading/downloading routes etc. I use myiPhone with maps.me, free app with downloadable (ie usable offline when there’s no cellular signal) worldwide maps. They are constantly updated and often show the narrowest, unsigned (sometimes not even official) trails including hiking and mountain biking routes.

Many National Forest and BLM maps with OHV routes are available at the Avenza store, for use with the Avenza app which overlays your location from the phone GPS, on a PDF map. Again, app is free and many maps are as well. In summary, I have never had difficulty finding my location and suitable routes, at least in the West, using my phone with free apps and maps.

 

I would highly recommend you get gaia GPS, get the membership, and download maps for areas you intend to travel.. it doesnt do turn by turn, but will get you where you want to go, google maps with offline maps works good as wel, but nothing works better than a paper map book gezetteer from delorme/garmin https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/575993 they are fairly accurate, and show most road /trail closures also you can get details maps off USGS, and download them to your phone/tablet. I currently use a Galaxy note 10.1 (older tablet) with Gaia GPS on the 3tpam mount. I found it will only record a track no longer than 2hrs before the memory (not storage) faults (fills up, and can't cope).. so looking for an upgrade to a newer 8-10" tablet that has a faster processor, and more capacity for storage.

 

Gaia GPS will also work on Apple CarPlay headunits, to include the new 2020 CarPlay-compatible OEM headunits. I have verified on my own truck this is true.

 

Thank you dman!!! I'm a Apple fan and have Macs and ihones. I was looking for something that i can route my daily trips and then download them to my iphone. Ill look at maps.me

 

Thank you so much guys

 

I've run Backcountry Navigator on my phone. Just load the maps before you leave cell service. So far I've only used the USGS and USFS maps that are included with the app, and it's had all the trails I've been on so far (mostly central CA, but had it all throughout Yellowstone (not wheelin', lol), and the map coverage is great.

I've also used Avenza with USFS MVUM's (motor vehicle use maps). THe interface is a little clunky, but it's nice having just the roads/trails (the MVUMs are GeoPDFs of the paper maps you get at the ranger stations). The maps and the app are free, too

 

Thank you so much and nice Build

 

Gaia is offering membership discounts

https://www.gaiagps.com/save40/?utm...utm_campaign=june-newsletter-1-nonsubscribers

 

Thank You so much...Stay Safe

 

I just use an old Smart phone. Its dash mounted and USB hard wired. When I upgrade my phone, the old one goes in the truck. Google maps and Gaia work fine off line with the built in GPS. When ever I am in the drive way it syncs up with my home wireless network. I also have it hooked to a cheap bluetooth ODB sensor so I can see all sorts of useless diagnostic info about my truck in real time. I thought about a tablet, but I prefer the smaller screen of the phone, tablet took up to much dash space.

 

I upgraded my tablet a few weeks ago samsung s6 256gb... found one open box for $479, couldnt pass it up.. its a $600 tablet. I do need to find a better/more stable mount as the NMW roads bounce my current mount all over the place, I had to use a piece of 10lb hold velcro to hold the tablet in place on the mount. worked ok for most of my trip. had to reseat the tablet a few dozen times.