I’ve had my Rand McNally 740 for almost 3 years. RM stopped providing updates for the maps/database in 2018. There are frequent updates for the unused functions. I baby my RM by putting a sunshade over it and by directing cool air from the defrost. I am pretty well satisfied with it, except for no more updates to the map. If/when it breaks, I will buy a Garmin 770 or whatever is their newest 7-inch GPS.
The RM will only update over a wired USB or WiFi signal. The Garmins receive traffic and weather updates by FM-subcarrier so it doesn’t use your phone’s data.
Both brands have their minor quirks. If you learn their way you will be fine. My RM very rarely suggests I prepare for a left turn when the signs in front of me are clearly indicating a right turn is upcoming. Every time it has done this it is either getting onto an interstate highway from a local street, or preparing to move from one interstate highway to another interstate highway. I’ve never seen this type of error navigating local streets. There are a couple of very new roads that are not in the database. When driving on these roads the GPS constantly tells me to make a u-turn. There is also a non-existant HazMat restriction on Atlanta I-285. I pull HazMat and have learned to tune out this warning. I think it’s the only false HM restriction I’ve noticed. Both of these errors are due to out of date maps.
Overall I think most drivers will agree Garmins are more durable and they don’t stop “lifetime updates” a year or two after the device is introduced like Rand McNally.
The RM will die quickly if you let it get hot and if you let it recharge 24/7. I turn my RM off every night when I stop for the night and I take it off the mount so it’s not recharging already full batteries for the 8-10 hours I’m sleeping. If you baby it the RM will do fine. If you don’t baby it, it will die. If you buy it at the truck stops, buy the warranty and then register that purchase as required so you don’t lose all of your money if it dies quickly.
