If you use only one vehicle at a time... one GPS might be enough. I had 3 vehicles and one GPS... and even when my wife and I rode together we still managed to find ourselves in the vehicle without the GPS in it! Our new GC has it in and I love it.
Our smart phones can do pretty good GPS work so we use them in a pinch.

 

barnettd,

Hi. I appreciate the feedback. It's starting to look like one GPS won't do the job. And also a large GPS may not be the best choice for a car (Jeep or otherwise.)

Regards,

Dan.

 

Dan,
the other problem with the portable GPSs is either you stick it on the window... which always popped off for me or you put it in a cup holder or some slot... where you have to keep fumbling with it.
The voice recognition GPS on the Grand Cherokee allows you to voice talk the navigation system. It is not perfect but it makes is easier to use on the road.
Cheers,
Don

 

I noticed the suction cups that GPS makers supply with their GPS's do an okay job, it might be best to buy a better quality suction cup. I know automotive photographers have some super strong suction cups that they use to mount camera rigs to cars, it might be best to use one of those.

 

IMO, I hate using handheld/windshield mounted GPS units or my phone for GPS.

The screens are smaller, you have to worry about battery life, and a cord draped across your dash. I much prefer a factory dash-mounted unit.

 

I just wish they would offer a topo map version for those who want it. The normal maps are great for city driving but up on mountain trails they just don't do anything. This is why I prefere my handheld.

 

They are also theft magnets. Don't leave them stuck to the windshield if you use a separate one. I had 2 stolen in as many months before I learned that lesson.

 

Dan, in your case it sounds like the best plan to have a transferable gps unit since you have more than one vehicle. Good thing you brought that up My old garmin has been out for a while now with no warranty. Might just end up stealing your idea

 

Bronco,

I'm still trying to figure out what my plan is. :huh: The more I read about UConnect embedded vs hardware vs software Nav, the more I get confused....

It LOOKS like keeping a UConnect embedded Nav up to date could be 1) expensive and 2) difficult. For example, it's not clear, but appears that you can only get new maps for your UConnect Nav every year or two. And they cost $150 PER update. They have a traffic service that gives you Alerts to traffic conditions and closed roads, but it's not clear whether it covers new roads and how well it integrates with the embedded Nav.

OTOH...

You could use a hardware Nav like the Garmin units, but then you have mounting issues.

OTOH...

You could use a tablet or large phone for software Nav, but then you have the same mounting issues as hardware Nav and the available phones and tablets for your OS (iPhone, Android, etc.) may not be optimal for your vehicle.

There are lots of pluses and minuses to each, and each vendor is hyping their own ecosystem. Lots of chaff, limited wheat, and it's difficult to separate the two.

A major issue IMO is keeping the Nav maps updated. An out-of-date map makes the device little more than a toy, and a potentially dangerous one at that. I don't want to spend lots of money for a toy. So... :huh:

Regards,

Dan.

 

most standalone dedicated GPS systems are better than the built in car ones.

The only problem is how to mount it.

 

Yes mounting will be an issue because there is a center console bin in the upper dash. You could get one of those police car mounts that clamps to the passenger seat rail and comes up on a goose neck.

 

Stand alones... Interestingly enough the two stand alone units I've had both incorrectly located my home address, my Jeep GC plotted it perfectly. I think they are using a really good map mod...

 

Yes, it depends on the data vendor. NavTeq seems to have issues with my house.

 

I've been very satisfied with phone mounts from ProClips. They make tablet mounts as well. It's a modular system customized to work with your particular car's make and trim. They are very securely mounted and don't damage the car's interior. While obviously a 2014 Cherokee version is not available yet, I intend to get one for my phone when it is.

www.proclipusa.com


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I've been very satisfied with phone mounts from ProClips. They make tablet mounts as well. It's a modular system customized to work with your particular car's make and trim. They are very securely mounted and don't damage the car's interior. While obviously a 2014 Cherokee version is not available yet, I intend to get one for my phone when it is.

www.proclipusa.com


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WJM,

Bookmarked. That's a nice option. I like that they have holders for iPhones with a case.

Thanks,

Dan.

 

I like the navigation system in my GC. It uses garmin so I have no idea how a stand alone system would be "better". If you compare prices then a standalone does come out on top.
I bought my GC used so it was part of the deal.
I have not tried to update it yet.

 

A key advantage of standalone systems is the availability of frequently updated maps. I'm not concerned about the upfront cost of a built-in, but having to pay $150 for maps that are only updated every year or two bothers me.

Regards,

Dan.