Off road focused GPS with topo maps options?

[OriginalToken]

The recent Bronco buzz showed that Ford appears to be bringing a off-road oriented GPS to the Bronco, including topographic maps. I would think it likely that the Raptor will end up with a similar system. However, that does not help me now. I have always considered the lack of a topo mapped GPS to be a shortcoming in the Raptor.

Right now I use a Garmin Montana 600. But this has a small screen and a few other issues. I am interested in other options.

So, what say you, what is out there in a larger screen, mounted, GPS option with topo maps oriented towards off-road driving? What do you use?

T!

 

[jzweedyk]

Ipad (pick your size) and Gia (an app). You can download topo and satellite maps for the area you are going, and it saves them for future use, so when you go back to that area they map is already there.

I use a non cellular Ipad, but that doesn't have a built-in GPS, so I use a Garmin bluetooth GPS which works well, and can power several Ipads, if your navigator wants to have one as well. But I understand if you pay the extra money for the cellular one, you don't have to activate it to have the GPS work.

 

[Stroked out]

Lowrance

 

[OriginalToken]

Lowrance

Any particular model? Any particular features or options to be sure to include? Have you used them and have they held up well to off-road use?

T!

 

[Christyle]

I've heard a lot of people enjoy leadnav on the ipad over a lawrence. The leadnav seems more user friendly and easier to manipulate on the fly. Also opt for the external GPS antennae dongle to improve the accuracy and update times.

 

[Stitch1618]

Personally i use the "Bad Elf" external GPS unit with also recording capability. It can be paired via Bluetooth to the iPad or in my case a Microsoft Surface GO - works great - also to record tracks etc.
https://bad-elf.com/collections/bluetooth-gps

 

[PlainJane]

Gaia GPS Premium is $40 a year and uses your in dash monitor through an Iphone or though your Ipad.

I use both through my phone to the truck and stand a lone through my Ipad.

 

[Cribz]

Dual XGPS150A along with MotionX software on an iPad. Works like a champ.

https://gps.dualav.com/explore-by-product/xgps150a

 

[Darthyota]

Garmin units are good. And kenwood decks with garmin nav will run garmin and third party topo maps. There are also more third party garmin compatible maps then Lowrance compatible maps out there

 

[RotorHead695]

Gaia GPS Premium is $40 a year and uses your in dash monitor through an Iphone or though your Ipad.

I use both through my phone to the truck and stand a lone through my Ipad.

What he said. Gaia is CarPlay compatible so will show up on your touch screen and it allows you to download maps for when you are out of cell range. I also use the mount from Builtright to add in more devices handsfree.

https://www.builtrightind.com/products/builtright-industries-dash-mount-2015-ford-f-150