GPS question

Subject: GPS question Thu May 19, 2011 6:22 am

Anyone have any experience with a Garmin Nuvi 550? I have been wanting a GPS for my truck but had also planned on buying another handheld to download ATV tracks. This one is supposed to be able to do both. Thoughts?

Subject: Re: GPS question Thu May 19, 2011 10:07 am

I have a Nuvi in my truck and love it. I asked a few others the same question as you and was told that they are not great trail units because of the conditions of the trail. I do not know this to be a fact but that is what I was told on other forums.

Subject: Re: GPS question Thu May 19, 2011 11:01 am

The 550 is supposed to be a trail unit i believe. I think 2slow4u has one.

Subject: Re: GPS question Thu May 19, 2011 12:19 pm

The 550 is supposed to be compatible with roads, off-roading, mountain biking and also waterways. It is supposed to be a tougher unit, but I am not sure how it would hold up to four wheeling. I am thinking about buying one but was hoping someone had used this model. It is a flat touch screen model.

Subject: Re: GPS question Thu May 19, 2011 1:58 pm

I have the 550, its a great unit for the price.

Subject: Re: GPS question Thu May 19, 2011 8:11 pm

AIRBORNE wrote:: The 550 is supposed to be compatible with roads, off-roading, mountain biking and also waterways. It is supposed to be a tougher unit, but I am not sure how it would hold up to four wheeling. I am thinking about buying one but was hoping someone had used this model. It is a flat touch screen model.

Chris,

I have one, and like it real well. As said, it's a good unit for the price. Be aware that it is a bit more hassle to store and save tracks with it, compared to the handhelds, but it can be done. It records everything as one continuous file, and limits the number you have stored. But you can download the track, edit it as desired, convert it to a route and upload it back to the GPS.

I've got the Windrock tracks on mine, overlaid on both 20K and 100K topos.

It's the best "dual purpose" one out there, IMO, but like most multii-purpose things it's a compromise....

Here's the review that convinced me to buy it -- note that the only difference between the 500 and 550 is the map package it comes with -- make sure you get the right one for the US...

http://backwoodsgpstrails.com/wp3/garmin-nuvi-500-review

Subject: Re: GPS question Thu May 19, 2011 10:37 pm

I've got a 500,, It works pretty good.. I also have a hardwire kit in the RZR so it stays on the charger when in its cradle.. I use it in my truck to..