Off road GPS Navigation

 

Before purchasing a GPS device, I endured a great deal of painstaking research. Reading online reviews and listening to what other Jeepers were saying I was at a lost. Especially since the most common recommendation was a “TomTom”! What the hell is a GPS unit going to do for me when it is designed for finding a grocery store or ice cream parlors! I needed something that had topographical capabilities and one that can endure the trails.

 

I was looking for a durable shockproof and waterproof GPS that could be hard mounted in my Jeep. Because of the hard mount, it needed to have a large enough screen that could be viewed with very little effort from my front seat.

 

Finally, after two months of looking I found the GlobalMap® Baja 480C made by Lowrance. It did require extra software (MapCreate™ USA Topo) for the topographical features but was well worth it. I have had it for over five months now and do not regret spending the extra money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are the specs for the GlobalMap® Baja 480C:

 

Display

• 5.0" (12.7cm) diagonal 256 color TFT display

• High-detail 480V x 480H resolution

• Advanced cold cathode backlit screen and keypad

• Superb readability in direct sunlight

GPS/WAAS/Mapping

• Precision 12-parallel channel GPS+WAAS LGC-2000 Baja receiver

• All-new, built-in, exclusive Lowrance background map with enhanced detail and nav aids

• One MMC/SD digital media memory card slot with waterproof door

• Compatible with optional MapCreate™ USA Topo Accessory Pack to create higher-detail topo mapping
  

• 1,000 waypoints/1,000 event markers/100 routes

• 100 savable plot trails/10,000 points per trail

• 42 different graphic icons to mark your favorite spots

• 40 map zoom ranges, 0.02–4,000 miles

Plus

• Back-up memory saves customized settings

• Ruggedized, shock-resistant case

• Protective cover Sealed and waterproof

I have the same unit and absolutely love it.  It blows my old handheld Garmin out of the water.  Yes it kind of stinks that you have to buy the mapping software but it is well worth it.

 

Nice mounting job. I did extensive research on which GPS I should get for the application I needed and this was the best I found.

 

Where did you mount the receiver Antenna?

Thanks.  It got mounted there out of necesity to begin with but I'm actually very happy with the location.  I was going to mount it on top of the center console in that little tray like you did but ended up mounting my CB there instead.  The antenna is mounted on the rear driver side roll bar.  I removed some of the hard foam and stuck the antenna in the hole.  Everything is nicely covered up under the roll bar padding for a nice clean look.

That does not look bad, its out of the way of tree branches and you should get a great signal.

ryangibson:

Before purchasing a GPS device, I endured a great deal of painstaking research. Reading online reviews and listening to what other Jeepers were saying I was at a lost. Especially since the most common recommendation was a “TomTom”! What the hell is a GPS unit going to do for me when it is designed for finding a grocery store or ice cream parlors! I needed something that had topographical capabilities and one that can endure the trails.

 

I was looking for a durable shockproof and waterproof GPS that could be hard mounted in my Jeep. Because of the hard mount, it needed to have a large enough screen that could be viewed with very little effort from my front seat.

 

Finally, after two months of looking I found the GlobalMap® Baja 480C made by Lowrance. It did require extra software (MapCreate™ USA Topo) for the topographical features but was well worth it. I have had it for over five months now and do not regret spending the extra money.

 

I am not affiliated with Lowrance nor do I make money for this information. The purpose of this post is give provide you with information and help you decide on which GPS unit will work for you.

 

Here are the specs for the GlobalMap® Baja 480C:

 

Display <<
-5.0" (12.7cm) diagonal 256 color TFT display
-High-detail 480V x 480H resolution
-Advanced cold cathode backlit screen and keypad
-Superb readability in direct sunlight

GPS/WAAS/Mapping <<
-Precision 12-parallel channel GPS+WAAS LGC-2000 Baja receiver
-All-new, built-in, exclusive Lowrance background map with enhanced detail and nav aids
-One MMC/SD digital media memory card slot with waterproof door
-Compatible with optional MapCreate™ USA Topo Accessory Pack to create higher-detail topo mapping
Compatible with optional Lowrance FreedomMaps™ maps
-1,000 waypoints/1,000 event markers/100 routes
-100 savable plot trails/10,000 points per trail
-42 different graphic icons to mark your favorite spots
-40 map zoom ranges, 0.02–4,000 miles

Plus <<
-Back-up memory saves customized settings
-Ruggedized, shock-resistant case
-Protective cover Sealed and waterproof

If you don't mind me asking - approximately how much do you have invested in your complete setup. After getting to see it and you on our run the other day the wife and I were talking about it. You can reply to me via my e-mail as to be discrete on the $ output. Thanks.

 JD

It has been an awsome unit for off road navigation. Most of the others out there a greared for grocery getting. I paid around $800, but the only place I can find it online it at Amazon. The good news is its only $500 there, but you will need the topo software.

Click here to view the same unit at amazon.

-Ryan

I wanted to thank you guys for the report.  I ordered one thru Amazon but it won't be shipped until August.

Did you get the mapware thru Lowrance?

 

Roy

Sly Dawg

You’re welcome!

I continue to be impressed with my unit every time I am off road. Also, everyone I off-road with are astounded by the capabilities. Trails, mines, wells, tanks and other features show up in the most remote areas out there.  ANOTHER BIG PLUS, the menus are easy to follow and use. One thing that is hard to find in a GPS unit.

By no means am I a trail master, but everyone ends up following me even if I have never taken the trail before.

 

You WILL need the topo software (Package). It includes a SD Card, card reader and the software disk.  Here is a place I found on the net (You can also google or froogle it:

 

http://www.gorillagps.com/gps_special.html

 

Once you get the unit, please send us some pictures on where you mounted it. Also a review of what you think of the unit.

 

P.S. What rig do you run & what trails do you frequent?

 

-Ryan

Would the 540C be an updated model of the 480C?

It is the same price and everything looks the same on the comparison.

I just cancelled the order for the 480C due to not shipping until August and the 540C is available now.

I have a Jeep TJ Rubicon, 2006 and run anything below 4.0 on 5 scale.

SlyDawg

I looked at the specs and dont see any diff. Once you get it, let me know what you think.

Ryan

I want credit on that driving wif feet photo

SlyDawg:

Would the 540C be an updated model of the 480C?

It is the same price and everything looks the same on the comparison.

I just cancelled the order for the 480C due to not shipping until August and the 540C is available now.

I have a Jeep TJ Rubicon, 2006 and run anything below 4.0 on 5 scale.

SlyDawg

SlyDawg - I don't know where you plan on mounting your new 540C when you get it but here is an idea that I've been throwing around for the day that I get one for my Rubicon. It's made for a small CB set-up and there is no drilling involved as it mounts to factory screw locations on the driver side dash. Seems pretty reasonable price wise as well. Just an idea.

http://www.jeepoutfitter.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=749&zenid=f6ae809e97ff9762d1bc5bcaedbc4236

JD

JD<

I like the idea but I am afraid that it would block too much of the windshield if I mounted it there.  I am supposed to get the 540C from Amazon July 11-13th.  I will have a better idea when I can hold it up there and I will let you know.

Sly.Dawg

I agree, I dont think that would be a good mounting place. Once you get the unit, spend some time to see where it will fit best.

I don't like the CB mount on the last post. to intrusive.  Your GPS will be a different animal entirely.

Post a picture of the final, I would like to see it.

Ryan