Free United States Maps for Garmin nuvi, Garmin Drive, Garmin DriveSmart
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1 Map data is OpenStreetMap based, map accuracy not guaranteed, may contain errors, use at your own risk.
(A red number next to a model means there are additional notes below you should read.)
(Need a larger screen? See "For large vehicle owners" below.)
2 Older 200 series models have a GRAY STICKER on the bottom. If it does, the software version needs to be at 4.10 to use sat103 maps. You can see which software version you have on your 200 series nuvi from Where To? > wrench icon > Settings > System > About. This video will give you an example of the update process on a gray sticker model. WHITE STICKER serial number models are newer and should not require a software update, although it is recommended you do so through Garmin Express. Software updates can be applied through Garmin Express even if your 200 series model is not eligible for a Garmin-issued map update.
3 Requires map data to be put into folder called MAP on memory card. All others require map data to be put into folder called GARMIN on memory card. You create the folder yourself on the memory card and copy the map data there from the download listed above. The files you will be copying from the map download above are GMAPSUPP.IMG and GMAPSUP1.IMG.
All models listed above have been tested and will work with sat103 maps. Please bear in mind you will need to add a memory card to fit all the map data. It is recommended to use a SanDisk 32GB microSD memory card (on eBay). 32GB is the maximum size a Garmin device will support. Anything over 32GB will not be recognized in a Garmin automotive navigator device.
For large vehicle owners: The nuvi 2757 (on eBay) and nuvi 2797 (on eBay), both of which have a 7" matte screen, are probably your best options. I have not tested sat103 maps with these as I do not own either, so purchase one at your own risk. If you do, be certain to get the powered mount that comes with it. You might also want to consider getting a backup powered mount (on eBay). A generic Garmin compatible USB power cord (on eBay) can be plugged into the side of the mount and it should work. Don't forget to add a 32GB memory card (on eBay), as you will need one to fit the sat103 map data. If all of this sounds too annoying to deal with, try the nuvi 50 first, noted below. No special powered mount required.
If you have no idea which model would work best for you, the best option is the Garmin nuvi 50 (on eBay). It has a bright matte screen, is easy-to-use and has large legible fonts. It is a 5" model but can be used in any vehicle, large or small. If you need something slightly smaller, use the Garmin nuvi 40 (on eBay) instead. If you want something compact, use the Garmin nuvi 30 (on eBay).
Every model listed can be powered using a standard Garmin charger or a generic Garmin compatible USB power cord (on eBay). DO NOT USE a computer data cable to power a Garmin device in a car, as it will NOT power it properly and eventually DESTROY it. A USB power cable and data cable may look the same, but the pinout is DIFFERENT. Get a proper USB power cord if you need one. A power cord of this type is inexpensive and worth getting if you do not want to use the standard Garmin charger for whatever reason.
If you need the longest battery life possible from your Garmin device, use a USB power bank (on eBay). Go to this video I made to see personal testing I did so you can get an idea of how long the power bank battery will last.
Generally speaking, the best mounts for Garmin automotive navigators new and old are made by Arkon (on eBay). If you have no idea which one to get, the GN079WD (on eBay) is usually the one that most people like. I personally own two of this specific model.
StreetPilot models are incapable of fitting all the sat103 data, and there is no way to upgrade them to do so.
While true nuvi 300 and 600 models can support a 32GB memory card, the system of the 300/600 only allows for 1 additional map data file that cannot exceed 2GB in file size. Maps from sat103 exceed this size and are 2 files, so they cannot be used on a 300/600 nuvi model.
4 Last updated 2025-Feb-14, accuracy not guaranteed, may contain errors, use at your own risk.
