| ces begin much lower. GPS manufacturers have | | | | Garmin. I looked at every GPS they offered and |
| basic units beginning at around $200. Despite the | | | | not one that I saw had any categories in their |
| low price, most of these devices still manage to | | | | POI databaserelated to RV Parks or |
| boast a lot of the most helpful features. Every | | | | Campgrounds. I was unable to try out a Cobra |
| gps unit that I looked at had spoken directions. | | | | Nav One GPS, but their 4500 model does have |
| Although the basic models use terms like turn | | | | categories for camping, propane and RV services. |
| right, instead of turn right on elm st. Almost all the | | | | The basic devices from Cobra do not.Basic vehicle |
| devices have features like rerouting. Higher priced | | | | GPS devices from Magellan lack a campground |
| devices add other options such as bluetooth | | | | category and listings in their POI database. These |
| support and up-to-date traffic conditions. But the | | | | choices were present in their more advanced |
| most essential item for many campers is a POI | | | | devices. However, I tried the Magellan 4240 and |
| database that includes RV Parks and | | | | though it had campground listings they were |
| Campgrounds and other RV services. | | | | incomplete, missing several RV Parks in my area. |
| Any GPS unit can get you to a campground if | | | | Tom Tom GPS devices had the most complete |
| you already have a destination. Just type in the | | | | line of deviceswith campground databases already |
| address and listen to the prompts. That is fine if | | | | installed and ready to go. The Tom Tom one 3rd |
| you have a planned itinerary. But what about | | | | edition ($149) had RV Parks as a POI category |
| those days when your plans change | | | | and listed all the RV Parks in my area. Their more |
| unpredictably? The pizza you had for lunch | | | | advanced devices boast the same campground |
| isn’t sitting well, the motorhome seems to | | | | data. |
| be running a little hot or you just spent four hours | | | | There is an fascinating option for GPS owners -- |
| browsing through an antique store that | | | | Update the POI database yourself. Most GPS |
| wasn’t on your itinerary. You could pull out | | | | manufacturers have software on their website |
| the campground guide, figure out where you are | | | | that will allow you do this. The software will |
| and look for a new place to spend the night. | | | | permit you to keep your POI data up to date as |
| Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just ask | | | | well as add new POI databases. There are many |
| your gps unit to find the nearest campground? | | | | databases available, some are free. Traffic |
| Although improving, vehicle GPS manufacturers | | | | cameras,school zones, stores and restaurants are |
| haven't fully embraced this idea. | | | | available individually or as bundles. For example |
| One of the biggest names in GPS devices is | | | | there is a database of all the Starbucks in the US! |