For those embracing the overland lifestyle, efficient navigation is paramount. Forget cumbersome paper maps or unreliable phone GPS – a tablet-based navigation system can revolutionize your backcountry adventures. Many seasoned overlanders are now opting for tablets loaded with apps like Backcountry Navigator instead of traditional GPS units, and for good reason.
I, too, have been exploring this tech-forward approach for my FJ Cruiser. Initially, my iPad Air seemed like a viable option. However, Apple’s tablets lack a built-in GPS chip, necessitating a Bluetooth GPS add-on. This felt clunky, especially with my iPad’s Bluetooth keyboard cover, which I didn’t want to remove constantly. Plus, the iPad Air felt a tad too large for comfortable in-cab use during rugged trips.
Seeking advice, I turned to the Expedition Portal forum, a hub for overland enthusiasts. The NVIDIA Shield 8″ tablet was frequently recommended as an excellent choice. Its powerful processor and integrated GPS chip (standard in most Android tablets) eliminate the need for external Bluetooth GPS antennas, streamlining the setup.
To securely mount this tablet in my FJ Cruiser, I reached out to RAM Mounts. They recommended the RAM Tab-Tite cradle, perfectly designed for tablets, along with a selection of mounting options. I opted for both a suction cup mount and a rod mount (which attaches to the passenger seat bolt). Currently, I’m using the suction cup, though the rod mount might offer even greater stability long-term. All these components, readily available on Amazon, made acquiring them straightforward.
The NVIDIA Shield tablet isn’t just for navigation; it’s also a high-performance gaming device, guaranteeing speed and responsiveness for demanding apps like Backcountry Navigator. Setting it up was a breeze. Upon powering it on, the tablet intuitively prompted for my home Wi-Fi and offered to transfer apps and data from my HTC One Android phone. I chose a selective transfer, focusing on essential apps. Google Maps and Google Earth ran flawlessly, and installing the paid version of Backcountry Navigator Pro was seamless, extending its use to both my tablet and phone.
As someone relatively new to advanced navigation apps, I’m anticipating a learning curve. My primary goal is to meticulously log forest service roads in areas like Greenwater and pinpoint potential campsites for future expeditions. The tablet’s guidance will be invaluable for revisiting these locations.
To ensure the tablet remains powered throughout my journeys, I installed a dual-port USB charger in the FJ Cruiser’s 12V outlet. However, the suction cup mount proved less reliable than hoped, occasionally losing its grip on the dash. I’m planning to switch to the passenger seat bolt mount for enhanced stability, especially on rough terrain. While windshield mounting is an option, I prefer to keep my view unobstructed.
Image Alt Text: RAM Mount Tab-Tite cradle system for tablet, components ready for NVIDIA Shield K1 installation in overland vehicle.
Image Alt Text: NVIDIA Shield K1 8 inch tablet securely mounted in RAM Tab-Tite cradle, perfect for overland navigation and off-road adventures.
Image Alt Text: Backcountry Navigator app displayed on NVIDIA Shield tablet, showcasing detailed topographic maps for overland route planning and exploration.
Image Alt Text: Dual USB car charger adapter, powering NVIDIA Shield tablet for continuous use during overland trips and backcountry navigation.
For those eager to delve deeper into Backcountry Navigator, their YouTube channel offers a wealth of tutorials and user guides: https://www.youtube.com/user/crittermap/videos. Exploring user-created videos can also provide valuable insights into maximizing this powerful navigation tool for your overland pursuits.
This tablet and RAM mount setup, while primarily focused on navigation, can integrate seamlessly into your broader Bafx Obd2 Lifestyle Overland experience. Imagine using the tablet not just for maps, but also to monitor vehicle diagnostics with a BAFX OBD2 scanner (sold separately). Real-time engine data displayed alongside your GPS location could provide an unprecedented level of vehicle awareness during your overland journeys. While I haven’t yet integrated an OBD2 scanner into my setup, the possibilities for enhanced vehicle management and data logging within this tablet ecosystem are certainly intriguing and align perfectly with the tech-savvy overland enthusiast. This opens up a realm of possibilities for truly understanding your vehicle’s performance in demanding overland conditions, making your lifestyle overland adventures safer and more informed.
Links:
NVIDIA SHIELD K1 8″ Tablet – Black
SanDisk Ultra 64GB microSDXC UHS-I Card with Adapter
RAM Tab-Titeâ„¢ Cradle for 7″ Tablets including the Amazon Kindle Fire & Google Nexus 7
RAM POD 18″ No-Drillâ„¢ Vehicle Mount with B Size 1″ Ball on Round Plate with AMPs Hole Pattern
