Customer Reviews

Garmin GTM 20 with Lifetime Traffic

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I travel a lot , many rental cars etc.and carry my own GPS, Garmin770. Arrived at a new destination and plugged in my GPS and no power- I thought there was something wrong with the cigarette lighter outlet but noticed the "tip" of my GTM20 was missing. I went to Amazon and didn't feel like spending the $86 for a new GTM20, even though I like hearing the GPS lady warning me there is traffic in 2 miles. I was just going to buy a regular Garmin automobile power cord when I read a review of a guy who had an identical experience with losing the tip. He described in detail how he phoned Garmin support and got the replacement tip kit(fuse,metal and plastic screw in components)-I followed his direction and persisted in holding on for >30minutes but finally spoke to a human and ordered the kit for $11 including shipping and it arrived in 3 days. It assembled quickly and easily and I didn't have to by a new power adapter of any sort. I looked and can't find the review that gave me this valuable information but if you happen to need only the "tip" this review will save you money. I could not find this kit for sale on the Garmin website.

I have to deal with a daily work commute in excess of an hour each way, across LA county. I've generally tried to check traffic conditions on the web before I take off, but conditions invariably change as I'm on the road - more so given the long commute. The GTM 20 has made my commute times much shorter and more predicable now, and was the primary reason I bought my first GPS.

Initially I thought the unit wasn't working - the device has no LED status indicators on it (apparently the older models did) - so I thought I was missing a step in the setup. I eventually discovered that my house, which lies in the foot hills, is in the shadow of the FM traffic transmitters. However, once I'm a few miles from home, all is well.

As far as setup goes: there is no setup, no registration, no subscription to pay for - just plug it in. Very nice.

If you have long metropolitan commutes, I highly recommend the GTM 20.

Attractively priced and eminently functional. The included NAVTEQ subscription seems quite detailed, especially on local roads, and if used with the FM Clear Traffic subscription ($60 lifetime), which gives good coverage on the interstates, your traffic awareness is significantly enhanced.

Don't get too excited about lifetime traffic, because this adapter won't last long enough for you to get your money's worth. We got the parts replacement the last time it broke, but it has fallen apart again, and it looks like I'll have to either buy a new one, or buy a new GPS. I like my Garmin, but if the adapter doesn't stay together, it won't do me much good!

Excellent product. We used it on our recent Bloomington Gold trip from Dallas, TX to Chicago, IL, via St Louis, MO. It worked flawlessly and saved time by rerouting us when a heavy traffic existed in front of us.

If you purchase a Garmin GPS without the traffic feature because of MSN Direct wont be around in a couple of years, then consider purchasing this accessory. Although a little pricey, there's no annual subscription and the cord also powers the GPS. The enclosed documentation is a little lacking, and the unit is limited, like all receivers, on the issue it works only where the FM signal/Service is transmitted. I live in the Metro NY area, and the unit works fine. Be aware, this accessory isn't for all Garmin non-traffic GPS units, so check your model to make sure it's compatible.

Purchased this adapter to replace the original power cord/traffic receiver - better made and better receiver than original.

This device worked perfectly for me. I plugged it in and there was instantly traffic. The reception is good in my area and really I can think of nothing negative to say about it.

The only real caveat here is the coverage, which I would not rate so perfectly. It is currently great in some areas and largely worthless in others. Make sure to head over to the Garmin website and look at your area of interest's coverage map prior to purchasing. There are even some quirks within that. Currently, only one direction of traffic is covered on the highway I use for my daily commute, so this is only helpful on the way home.

With that said, I am hopeful for better coverage over time, and having real-time traffic could be a literal life-saver. If you are in an area that allows this device to be effective, I recommend it highly.

I expected something like the traffic info provided by Google Maps to be superimposed onto my Nuvi. What is supplied by the GTM 20 (here in L.A) is freeways only (probably toll roads as well), on a separate differently sized map. This is at least 2 years behind current technology!! On any SmartPhone today you can get BOTH freeways PLUS most main surface streets, color coded into green, yellow & red for current speed conditions. The app is called Google Maps, (you have to hit the "traffic" button or layer) and it's free!! Of course you have to have internet capability on your phone. I use it for traffic and in my experience it's about 95% accurate (in L.A.)
However I do like having a separate stand-alone GPS device, (rather than using my phone) so, C'MON GARMIN, GET WITH THE PROGRAM AND GIVE US GOOGLEMAPS-LIKE TRAFFIC INFO ON YOUR NUVI'S!!!

I had my first chance to use my new nuvi 765T during my drive from Orange County to Apple Valley today and the traffic worked great. It told me about an accident a good 10 minutes before the traffic started to back up on my way back. I didn't have the unit guiding me so it didn't re-route me but it was nice to know what was going on. I'm sure this will be coming in very handy, glad I purchased the unit with free lifetime traffic.