[QUOTE=Scallywag;3530039]He's pretty proud of that Xterra and, in all honesty, takes it out and uses it. A former member here on JK-Forum (JKTex), he decided to go with the Xterra primarily because of the Jeep DW issues. He was also the planner for this big trip, doing all the grunt work to review maps, plan routes and campsites, etc. I'd ride with him any day.

 

A few more shots of my recent run ...

The Le Sals from White Rim Trail ...


Somewhere on White Rim Trail ...


Snowy Hardscrabble departure ...


Temple of the Sun and Moon (Capitol Reef) ...


Upper Desert Viewpoint in Capitol Reef ...


Bentonite Hills in Capitol Reef ...


Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef ...


Lake Powell campsite (lake is just out of view in this image) ...


Camped at the edge of the Grand Canyon (BLM land adjacent to the park) ...


Canyon view at sunrise from our campsite ...


It doesn't get better than this ...

 

Mark,

I am using a Dual, Model XGPS150A, GPS receiver that has an internal rechargeable battery that charges from any usb. It Bluetooths to my IPAD2 vert easily. I use the Topo Maps app which gives 1 to 24000 topo maps for all the U.S. I don't know about Canada but I believe they are available.

I put the receiver on the dash in a non slip holder that came with the receiver. My IPAD is mounted in a RAM floor mount. The great thing about this setup is that I can remove both and hike or use on my BMW F800GS tank bag.

You can drop travel pins before or during the trip. You position updates continually and is accurate + \ - 30 feet with 4 sats.

I like it

 

Does that cost anything monthly or was it all a one time cost?

 

Cool. Here's a (admittedly horrible production quality) video about my Nexus 7 install. Someday when I'm not busy with other things (like processing the hundreds of video clips from my recent trip, LOL), I plan to remake this video. But if you watch the first couple minutes it shows my install and how I use it. I've since upgraded to pro versions of the apps mentioned, and am very pleased with the performance (especially Copilot GPS, which now has voice commands and handles recalculations without my intervention). I've also replaced Winamp with Mort Player for music. My biggest complaint is that sometimes the reflection from my clothing makes the display difficult to read--but if I wear dark clothing that's not too bad. Total cost of this install is about $400-450, including the Nexus 7, Ram mount, Cooltech mount, pro apps, cabling and BT adapter. For the recently completed trip, I had downloaded the free USGS quad topo maps (1:24000) for Backcountry Nav and set up waypoints for key landmarks along our trip. The package performed admirably, and I now have a track recording of our entire adventure that I can share with anyone.

Seperate, but related, I've also added a Daystar center console tray with a couple holes in it to allow a mini-USB and micro-USB cables to come through. These I use to keep my GoPros and phone charged--keeping devices charged had been a real hassle on shorter trips, and this made that chore much easier. I also installed a small inverter under the passenger seat, and use it to charge batteries for my three other cameras (yes, I carry a lot of cameras, LOL). Of course, those of you with the later year interior have the luxury of 120 volt power and USB ports.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6UolIlksZs

 

Go at all costs.

 

THanks mark.

I have to see how my archos will lock on to sat, if it don't lock on good, I will have to get a new USB GPS receiver. then I will have no issues.

I like the 8" screen my archos has. Working on the install soon with the Vector E dock.

 

Mark,

The IPAD app was $7.99 and it does include Canada. The maps are the same ones you see in paper form from outdoor stores.

Well worth the money if you have an IPAD and an external or internal GPS receiver, I do think the external is more accurate. You don't need wifi while using, only for downloading maps before setting off. I use Starbucks for that if I get anywhere towards the edge of the maps I loaded from home.

The external GPS receiver I use was $99.00 last year, very easy to Bluetooth sync to anything and very accurate. It even has a app to show satellite signal strengths and traveling speeds and direction.

I have signed up for the Overland Expo, and a ton of classes. I will be leaving SoCal Thursday morning!!

Henry

 

The external GPS I use was $99.00 last year

I have signed up for the Overland Expo and am looking forward to it. I am leaving SoCal Thursday morning!

 

Mark.

I tried the app. Not great for Canada as the map is only topo maps. Not bullseye etc. Oruxmaps is the best for Canada as it can take Google terrain and.keep it for off line use. As well as Sat imagery if you a big enough mem card or sub drive.