The next project was to improve the navigation situation. Recall from our trip to Boston that the factory-installed navigation system in the eTrek offered little help when we needed it most. Furthermore, we had always found the navigation in our Honda Ridgeline deficient (i.e., “make a u-turn if possible” was the only re-routing the system was capable of). So we purchased a Garmin Nuvi thinking this would solve two problems. However, after spending hours inputing our favorite destinations (e.g., Boston, Gettysburg, etc.), we realized this system was just as limited in finding alternative routes. For example, it was determined to send us on Route 95 to Boston even though we prefer a more scenic route. Even changing the routing method didn’t help. So that was returned well within the 14-day return policy.
Then we had a Eureka moment. The only GPS that seems to work is Google Maps: Karl’s iPad would be the perfect solution! The only problem was figuring out how to mount it. There are endless DIY suggestions found on YouTube, but what worked best for us was the seat-bolt mount made by The Joy Factory. We also tried the MagConnect cup-holder mount, also made by The Joy Factory, but none of cupholder locations (doors, dash or slide-out) provided stability.
