Best GPS for your rig

[Machinehead49]

Hey guys. I am a relatively new jeeper with a handful of off roading trips. I have been looking for off roading GPS. I would like to be able to use something that can be removed to go mobile if I break my Jeep. Some of the stuff i have found (Garmin Montana, Garmin Oregon) is about $500 and that is just hard to swallow. I would like the option to have the topographic map option as well as to be able to save points (which I assume all GPS have the capability to do). I would also like to be able to add maps later if needed. Please let me know what you guys have found works best for you and even stuff that has not worked for you and why. I appreciate any input you provided. I have a 2003 Wrangler Sahara. Thanks in advance.

 

[Chris]

The best GPS for me is my iPhone using one of the higher end GPS apps (i.e. Garmin) that works off the grid, regardless of cell phone signal.

I know @StG58 has some opinions on GPS though, maybe he'll chime in.

 

[Machinehead49]

The best GPS for me is my iPhone using one of the higher end GPS apps (i.e. Garmin) that works off the grid, regardless of cell phone signal.

I know @StG58 has some opinions on GPS though, maybe he'll chime in.

What Garmin app are you using on your phone?

 

[Machinehead49]

What Garmin app are you using on your phone?

for the off the grid examples.

 

[Chris]

I don't actually use anything other than Google Maps. You can use it in offline mode, and surprisingly it works just fine on all the trails I use (assuming you can read a map). When I combine that with the compass, I never really need anything more... Honestly.

However, this app is pretty highly regarded in the off-roading world:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gaia-gps-topo-maps-trails/id329127297?mt=8

 

[Machinehead49]

I don't actually use anything other than Google Maps. You can use it in offline mode, and surprisingly it works just fine on all the trails I use (assuming you can read a map). When I combine that with the compass, I never really need anything more... Honestly.

However, this app is pretty highly regarded in the off-roading world:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gaia-gps-topo-maps-trails/id329127297?mt=8

Ah yes. I had heard of Gaia and forgotten about it. Thank you for the reminder.

 

[Chris]

Ah yes. I had heard of Gaia and forgotten about it. Thank you for the reminder.

No problem! It's supposed to be really good.

 

[Machinehead49]

No problem! It's supposed to be really good.

I downloaded the app today. One of my work buddies uses it and we fiddled around with it today. Looks like it should suffice. I may go with an in car gps for about $100 and then if i break down and HAVE to hump it out, i will have my offline Gaia maps on my phone.

 

[Chris]

Sounds like a good idea. I know there's a lot of guys out there who prefer a dedicated GPS unit. I'm just one of those people who figures that if I am going to pay almost $1000 for a smart phone, I'm damn sure going to get the most out of it!

 

[Machinehead49]

Sounds like a good idea. I know there's a lot of guys out there who prefer a dedicated GPS unit. I'm just one of those people who figures that if I am going to pay almost $1000 for a smart phone, I'm damn sure going to get the most out of it!

First of all I hope you aren't paying $900-$1000 for an iPhone! I paid $300 for mine. You got to switch companies every 2 years! Or at least just get a new phone every two years lol

 

[Chris]

First of all I hope you aren't paying $900-$1000 for an iPhone! I paid $300 for mine. You got to switch companies every 2 years! Or at least just get a new phone every two years lol

I bought mine outright (didn't do payment plans like most people). Buying it outright is like $849 for the 6S Plus.

When they tell you you're getting it for $300 when you sign a 2 year contract (like all cell phone companies tell you), that's total bullshit. They're subsidizing the cost of the phone over those 2 years, so you end up paying the full amount for it by the time your 2 year contract is up.

So either way, you end up paying the full price for the phone. I just paid it all upfront so then I didn't have to pay every month for it

 

[Machinehead49]

I bought mine outright (didn't do payment plans like most people). Buying it outright is like $849 for the 6S Plus.

When they tell you you're getting it for $300 when you sign a 2 year contract (like all cell phone companies tell you), that's total bullshit. They're subsidizing the cost of the phone over those 2 years, so you end up paying the full amount for it by the time your 2 year contract is up.

So either way, you end up paying the full price for the phone. I just paid it all upfront so then I didn't have to pay every month for it

Weeeeeeeeeeellllllll, I'm on a government contract and am able to buy a new phone every ten months at the new contract price so...

 

[Chris]

Weeeeeeeeeeellllllll, I'm on a government contract and am able to buy a new phone every ten months at the new contract price so...

I can't speak for anything government related. I just know for the rest of us, the whole 2 year contract and half price phone thing is just a marketing tactic

If you are indeed getting it for half price with no strings attached, then I guess it pays to work for the government!

 

[Machinehead49]

I can't speak for anything government related. I just know for the rest of us, the whole 2 year contract and half price phone thing is just a marketing tactic

If you are indeed getting it for half price with no strings attached, then I guess it pays to work for the government!

Sometimes it does. I guess it paid for my jeep too haha. Now it has to pay for my Super 35 upgrade and my ARB lockers and compressor. Might be a while before that happens though.

 

[Chris]

Well, when that happens you'll be a lucky man!

 

[Stinger]

I have Back Country Navigator on my phone and Samsung tablet. Seems to work very well.

 

[StG58]

Late to the game here, but here's my two cents worth. With a GPS unit it's all about the antenna. Most of the quality, newer units support the Russian GLONAS satellite constellation as well as the NATO GPS constellation of satellites. Having both is better.

The best of the best is a tablet with a good mapping software suite, and the Garmin "hockey puck" reciever. Download the USGS 7.5' maps from the USGS site and go for it.

Second best is a newer Garvin like the older 62st or newer 64st. Stay away from a touch screen for serious navigation. Get any one of several high resolution map chips that are available.

Always have a compass and a paper map or map book with you. Learn how to use both correctly. Practice at night and during the day.

GPS is a great tool that can kill you.