Handheld GPS ... vs ... In Dash NAV ?

[gettn2]

I am debating on changing out my dash unit for a Kenwood double din with Nav.

I am very curious though as to the reliability of a dash unit verses a hand held like the Garmin 60CSx for off-road.

Most of my adventures are for hunt/fish and I am worried about signal loss with a dash unit.

Anyone use a dash unit for off-road?

 

[Otto Von Squiggy]

x2 and what about if you want to go to Africa or europe? do they have the disks and how do you load them?

 

[94landcruiser]

I have a Kenwood DDX 7019 It is a Double din indash DVD, CD radio that has a seperate nav unit (510)based on a Garmin unit. It accepts maps on SD card which can be purchased from Garmin for other countries. I love it!

Here is what it looks like in my 94

Here is my thread on it

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=166146

 

[gettn2]

Thats one of the units that I have been looking at. My concern is ... as has been stated in another thread ... that of losing signal in trees, mountains or canyons.

I would predominately be using it in very mountainous terrain that is heavily wooded.

I was reading somewhere that the new Garmin handhelds have some sort of chip that keeps better contact with satellites.

I have had an Garmin eTrex for several years and that thing looses signal when a cloud passes over. Its a real life saver ... !

 

[94landcruiser]

I can't speak specifically to mountains, but I just got back from L.A. and drove through the canyons (Beverly Glen, Benedict) both have treees that cover the road from both sides. I lost Sirius signal but not GPS (I have both antennas on the ds rear roof)

It has indoors mode that can use internal maps gauging last known position (which I have played with in garages) and seem to work.

 

[D'Animal]

I used to use a garman 3 Plus handheld with the windshield mount. I stepped up to the garman 5 series handheld and it used the same accessories as the 3 plus.

I use both mainly off road and have no complaints.

 

[SOCALFJ]

You won't get topo and full offroad trail graphics with a in-dash unit like you would with a garmin 276c or a lowrance 540c. The in dash units are more for city use.

 

[offroad_nomad]

I've never been a fan of the in-dash GPS units, especially if you intend to take your vehicle offroad. I've never used one, but I'm not sure how well those hinges will hold up over time due to bouncing around offroad. If the in-dash unit fails and needs repaired or replaced, you'll have to take in your vehicle.

 

[SHP_]

I've got a Magellan Crossover and like it a lot. It has the SIRF III chip set and seems to have good reception. I need to test it on a trail to be sure.

Here's a pic of it mounted in my FJC.

 

[gettn2]

What will the Garmin 276c do that the 60CSx will not?

I like the idea of being able to throw the 60 in my pack when I get to where I am going.

But ... does the 60 have the options available that the 276 does?

 

[BLACKGOLD]

I've got a Garmin 60CSx...and I wouldn't trade it for a "hardwired" model for anything. Its great to take it out of the vehicle and use it for hiking, biking, etc. Plus I like being able to take it out of my Cruiser when I'm not using it, so that it isn't "eye-candy" for someone to want to break in to my Cruiser.

Personally...I find the unit to be great...it is the MapSource software that you have to use with it that is quite lacking.

 

[Happy Trails]

I've got a Magellan Crossover and like it a lot. It has the SIRF III chip set and seems to have good reception. I need to test it on a trail to be sure.

Here's a pic of it mounted in my FJC.

Nice set up! Don't mean to hijack but where did you get your mount set up?
Reason I ask is that I just got a Magellan 2200T Roadmate and hate the
windshield mount it comes with, my dash on my 4runner doesn't have
enough depth, plus, your setup keeps the windhield clear. Thanks!