Radio / Nav Software Update... now maps??

[jelag]

So reading one of the forums I find there is a software update (free) to upgrade the factory software in the Radio/Nav unit on my truck... from what I had... 13.xxx.xx to 17.xxx.xx ...

I spent some time and down loaded the software and followed the instructions and it was an easy but longer than expected upgrade... in that what I thought would be 20 min turned into almost 90 minutes in my case...

The long and short of this is I see no difference but have been really unhappy with the way the factory nav system routes you... often on a side street with lots of stop signs when 3 blocks away is a much larger road with timed stop lights that's much faster to travel on.... and of course the times when its just takes a incorrect route to get you to where you wish to go...

So the question is.. now that this software is up to date do I spring for the NEW MAPS at $149. with free shipping before the end of the year... I didn't buy when it was on sale for $99 because I was unhappy with the performance of the software and continue to use a Garmin...

Have any of you used the new software and does it FIX what I call screw ups in the software? or have you just given up on the whole darn thing like I had done and continue to use a Garmin..

To add fuel to the fire... we are now retired and often travel for 2-3 months a year, often on roads we've never traveled towing a 5er.... thus the want/need for good maping... I currently upgrade the maps on the Garmin 2X's a year (free) and have been happy with the service.

Thanks for your thoughts..

 

[Ozymandias]

Hi, I googled around and found this.

https://www.pacificaforums.com/forum/401-electronics/18633-8-4nav-route-options.html

Is it possible that you're set to shortest and rerouting?
My wife uses the 8.4 nav all the time and she never complaint about it.

 

[JR]

I stopped updating vehicle maps years ago due to the insane prices. A good quality GPS unit would be money better spent IMO. Some come with lifetime updates.
For as often as I need it I have a mount for my phone on the dash. Google maps constantly updates and has real time construction and accident info. You wont get that out of the vehicle GPS.

 

[Jeff Knight]

Rand McNally has one for RV's. It will direct you according to the size of your RV.

 

[Whitewolf]

I haven't updated maps because of the stupidly insane price. You spend the money we spend on these trucks and then have to pay for updates? The routing problem I have is it takes me off a toll road and then right back on. $$ When I travel with our 5r behind us I use the Garmin with absolutely zero problems and free upgrades.

 

[hotram9203]

Where would you even find the updates for a 2012 Ram vehicle? I just purchased mine 3 weeks ago, was wondering about updating.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Where would you even find the updates for a 2012 Ram vehicle? I just purchased mine 3 weeks ago, was wondering about updating.

https://here.navigation.com/north-america/

Sam

 

[hotram9203]

Thanks, I got a update coming, had a 50.00 off deal going.

 

[TFucili]

Rand McNally has one for RV's. It will direct you according to the size of your RV.

I have the Rand 7" tablet. Like all GPSs it too frequently gives a "bum steer". It often chooses routes that are not the best, and because you can't just drag the route like google maps, you are left to add dummy via points to force it to take your desired route. The maps are often not up to date. For instance, this Summer I had to go to Jean, NV, and took I-11 at Boulder City. It was not on the map so it just showed the vehicle icon going cross country. This also happened in Durant, OK. The tablet also rattles on the magnetic mount, and sometimes does not charge. My buddy has a Garmin trucker GPS, and has many of the same routing issues. It's a shame that none of the options seem to have their act together.

 

[GSykes]

I have the Rand McNally as well, free updates and two programs. One for just the truck and the other for the truck & 5TH wheel combo. Unit has done well for four years.

 

[zmos]

I updated and found it added a lot of new info. It was worth it for me. I use the send and go function of Uconnect. It’s a PITA to use voice or input on Uconnect. I can find it faster (the destination) using my phone, then send to Uconnect. I use my truck for a mobile business.

 

[CBari]

I would have to go look at the nav unit to remember exactly how I did it but I changed its settings and mine is pretty close to what google maps provides now. Mine used to have me on gravel roads all the time. If I remember this when I get mine out of the shop I will post a tutorial.

 

[hotram9203]

I would have to go look at the nav unit to remember exactly how I did it but I changed its settings and mine is pretty close to what google maps provides now. Mine used to have me on gravel roads all the time. If I remember this when I get mine out of the shop I will post a tutorial.

Yeah please do, thanks

 

[CBari]

I haven't forgotten about looking just that the truck has been in the shop for a heater core replacement for a few weeks. Think I am getting it tomorrow and will make a video of it.

 

[hotram9203]

I haven't forgotten about looking just that the truck has been in the shop for a heater core replacement for a few weeks. Think I am getting it tomorrow and will make a video of it.

I appreciate that, I like the new update, it's got roads on there that wasn't on there a few weeks ago right after I got this truck. Took them a while to send the update to me, but nonetheless, I'm satisfied.