Tablet with GPS for Off Roading - Recommendations welcome

[WODWorldWide]

I have searched endlessly on this forum as well as others to get an updated idea on tablets for Off Roading. My ideal setup would have downloadable maps with GPS, Waypoints, route planning as well as connectivity to OBDII for Tire Pressure/ Temperatures, Fuel, etc. Right now I am looking at two options.

1. Apple iPad Mini 2, Bad Elf GPS module, and some OBDII Bluetooth module.
2. Nvidia Shield, Scantool 427201 OBDLink Module.

The Apple route would end up costing about $130 more. What I am looking for is options on the two platforms as well as any downsides to using android or apple over the other. I do like the ability to expand storage on the android for movies for my Fiance when on long drives etc.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the two?

 

[RedSled]

I would wait and see what Apple pulls out of the hat, new i pad coming soon.

 

[greatape]

You should hit the Mod up to move this thread to the General Discussion area.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

Wait for it..... The New iPad 10.5" Pro

I'm currently using a Samsung Tab E 9.7" with GAIA GPS and I have it mounted to my 4Runner with a RAM Mount. I enjoy using GAIA and the RAM Mount works great on the trail. I'm OK with the Tab E, but I think I'll go with the new iPad Pro 10.5" when it comes out this year. The 10.5' will have the same external size as the iPad 9.7"

Tab E 9.7" Pros: Cheap, just paid $150.00 for it before Christmas. Built in GPS (worked better then I thought) expandable memory, 32gb of internal memory. I can split the screen and have two items open at the same time. (some apps don't support the split screen function).

Tab E 9.7" Cons: Android apps are not polished/refined as Apple Apps. (I own both so I can tell) Not all Apps can be transferred to the memory card). Cant find a lot of cases for the Tab E 9.7" at the local stores.

If you can, just go with the iPad Wi-Fi and Cellular. That way, you don't have buy the Bad Elf and worry about not loosing it or breaking it. You don't even have to hook up the Cellular if you don't want too. Check out Apple's Refurbished iPad site, you may find one you like.

Refurbished iPad - Apple Certified, 1-Year Warranty - Apple

 

[WODWorldWide]

I'm currently using a Samsung Tab E 9.7" with GAIA GPS and I have it mounted to my 4Runner with a RAM Mount. I enjoy using GAIA and the RAM Mount works great on the trail. I'm OK with the Tab E, but I think I'll go with the new iPad Pro 10.5" when it comes out this year. The 10.5' will have the same external size as the iPad 9.7"



Tab E 9.7" Pros: Cheap, just paid $150.00 for it before Christmas. Built in GPS (worked better then I thought) expandable memory, 32gb of internal memory. I can split the screen and have two items open at the same time. (some apps don't support the split screen function).



Tab E 9.7" Cons: Android apps are not polished/refined as Apple Apps. (I own both so I can tell) Not all Apps can be transferred to the memory card). Cant find a lot of cases for the Tab E 9.7" at the local stores.



If you can, just go with the iPad Wi-Fi and Cellular. That way, you don't have buy the Bad Elf and worry about not loosing it or breaking it. You don't even have to hook up the Cellular if you don't want too. Check out Apple's Refurbished iPad site, you may find one you like.



Refurbished iPad - Apple Certified, 1-Year Warranty - Apple

Thank you! I ended up getting an iPad mini 2 at Costco. Since they discontinued them, it was cheap for a 32gb wifi. I got a proclip and a ram mount for what I hope is a pretty sturdy mount. I downloaded Gaia GPS and its awesome but motion x has better satellite imagery.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[WODWorldWide]

If you can, just go with the iPad Wi-Fi and Cellular. That way, you don't have buy the Bad Elf and worry about not loosing it or breaking it. You don't even have to hook up the Cellular if you don't want too. Check out Apple's Refurbished iPad site, you may find one you like.

Refurbished iPad - Apple Certified, 1-Year Warranty - Apple

I just used the iPad on a trip back from Spokane to Boulder and it worked really well. I ended up picking up a Dual GPSX150a GPS because its bluetooth and wireless so I don't have to worry about breaking off the Bad Elf. The cons is it will have to be charged but the plus is that its wireless and I just throw it on the dash. It worked great for the trip.

 

[Dropzone]

I use my Galaxy Tab S 8", works great as a GPS using a RAM mount.
I had tried a 10.5" tablet and the screen was just too frigging big and distracting
10.5 galaxy tab 2 below

I just used the iPad on a trip back from Spokane to Boulder and it worked really well. I ended up picking up a Dual GPSX150a GPS because its bluetooth and wireless so I don't have to worry about breaking off the Bad Elf. The cons is it will have to be charged but the plus is that its wireless and I just throw it on the dash. It worked great for the trip.

Is this the one you got?
https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Electronics-XGPS150A-Universal-Bluetooth/dp/B006M49G80
That is kind of cool, I have gadgetitis really bad so may have to check it out

 

[WODWorldWide]

Is this the one you got?
https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Electronics-XGPS150A-Universal-Bluetooth/dp/B006M49G80
That is kind of cool, I have gadgetitis really bad so may have to check it out

That's exactly what I got. So far it has been really awesome about tracking and locking on. It takes about 10 seconds to get a lock but once it does, it doesn't come off.

 

[WODWorldWide]

After researching and looking at everyone elses solution, I came up with what I thought was the best, no drill solution for some maps, music and movies on long trips.



I chose the iPad 2 mini 32Gb mainly due to the cost at costco. $250.

I picked up the Dual XGPS150A GPS receiver.

For the no drill solution, Proclip mount that mounts right next to the passenger seat.

I picked up the RAM Long arm which attaches directly to the proclip and then to a ram cradle for the iPad mini.



There is plenty of access to the 4WD shift knob and doesn't get in the way of the passenger. So far I am happy with the situation and used it on a road trip from Spokane to Boulder to pick up my Fiance's FJ. The GPS locked on the entire ride.

 

[williamteichroeb]

I'm currently using a Samsung Tab E 9.7" with GAIA GPS and I have it mounted to my 4Runner with a RAM Mount. I enjoy using GAIA and the RAM Mount works great on the trail. I'm OK with the Tab E, but I think I'll go with the new iPad Pro 10.5" when it comes out this year. The 10.5' will have the same external size as the iPad 9.7"

Tab E 9.7" Pros: Cheap, just paid $150.00 for it before Christmas. Built in GPS (worked better then I thought) expandable memory, 32gb of internal memory. I can split the screen and have two items open at the same time. (some apps don't support the split screen function).

Tab E 9.7" Cons: Android apps are not polished/refined as Apple Apps. (I own both so I can tell) Not all Apps can be transferred to the memory card). Cant find a lot of cases for the Tab E 9.7" at the local stores.

If you can, just go with the iPad Wi-Fi and Cellular. That way, you don't have buy the Bad Elf and worry about not loosing it or breaking it. You don't even have to hook up the Cellular if you don't want too. Check out Apple's Refurbished iPad site, you may find one you like.

Refurbished iPad - Apple Certified, 1-Year Warranty - Apple

That looks like a really nice set-up you have there with the RAM mounts. I want to do something very similar soon and was just wondering how you mounted the ram mount to the dash there. Did you just pre-drill some holes that were slightly smaller than the screws used? Or did you take off the dash and fix a washer and nuts the the other side to make it more secure? Also if I drill through that panel (in the same spot as you) from the front, do I need to be worried about drilling into something delicate behind it?

Thanks for the help!

Will from Fernie

 

[Bumbo]

MotionX® | MotionX-GPS HD Overview

I love this software.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

That looks like a really nice set-up you have there with the RAM mounts. I want to do something very similar soon and was just wondering how you mounted the ram mount to the dash there. Did you just pre-drill some holes that were slightly smaller than the screws used? Or did you take off the dash and fix a washer and nuts the the other side to make it more secure? Also if I drill through that panel (in the same spot as you) from the front, do I need to be worried about drilling into something delicate behind it?

Thanks for the help!

Will from Fernie

[MENTION=147280]williamteichroeb[/MENTION] Thanks, I like it a lot and it works great.
I did pre-drill the holes and they were slightly smaller then the RAM mount screws. The drill bit size was 9/16". No need to remove the dash panel when drilling. You do need to remove the climate controls so you can get access to the back of the panel. I used 4 Nylon lock nuts size #8-32 to secure the back of the RAM mount to the panel. No need to worry about drilling into anything delicate behind it if you drill it in the same spot I did. There is some extra plastic behind the panel that you would want to avoid drilling into, but one you take a look behind the panel you will see what I'm talking about.

Good luck and post up some pic's when your done.

 

[k2director]

I went with this Ram mount solution for my 4Runner, largely due to the fact that this guy made a whole video about how it all works and how to do the install:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WZjNYsk4by8

 

[williamteichroeb]

[MENTION=147280]williamteichroeb[/MENTION] Thanks, I like it a lot and it works great.
I did pre-drill the holes and they were slightly smaller then the RAM mount screws. The drill bit size was 9/16". No need to remove the dash panel when drilling. You do need to remove the climate controls so you can get access to the back of the panel. I used 4 Nylon lock nuts size #8-32 to secure the back of the RAM mount to the panel. No need to worry about drilling into anything delicate behind it if you drill it in the same spot I did. There is some extra plastic behind the panel that you would want to avoid drilling into, but one you take a look behind the panel you will see what I'm talking about.

Good luck and post up some pic's when your done.

Thanks for the info. I like that you secured it with nylock nuts of the backside. I have seen people just use self-tapping screws and that seemed to hold it well. Not sure which I'll do, but your method would definitely be the most secure. I did something similar in my rear cargo area when I mounted a fire extinguisher to the rear panel. I wanted that thing secure on there, not flying in my face if I need to slam on the brakes lol

 

[mmanuel]

Great info, will come in handy!