Size Matters with Garmin Nav V 2025.20

[ebell]

I've discovered the hard way that the latest map 2025.20 download for the Nav V is too large for the unit's internal memory. I've been going back and forth with Garmin tech support for a few days, with no success.

Long story short: Garmin has a created a map for the Nav V that is too big for the GPS's internal memory, and having an additional SD card doesn't seem to solve the problem.

Short story long: I'm the original owner of the Nav V since 2016 and have had zero problems (other than the obligatory Garmin-directions making simple trips into long way round safaris).

I've tried updating the maps with an older desktop Mac OS 11.7.9 and Mac M1 laptop OS 15.1.1 (the laptop used to recognize Express but now does not since upgrading to Express 7.24). I've tried the update on a PC Windows 10 with and without the unit in MTP mode; as well as trying two different SD cards (on the PC), and a few different cables. No success. I tried the old MapInstall method, but that didn't work properly either (and isn't supported by Garmin).

Garmin sent me a few links during the back and forth correspondences to try and get the upgrade to work, but it seems I'll have to be content with the 2025.10 map, as they no longer support the Nav V.

I guess I have a different interpretation of "Lifetime Maps".

 

[brownie0486]

I sent my NAV5 with the same problem to a guy that specializes in Garmin repair. He threw a card in the unit, loaded all of US, Mexico and Canada and the unit came back working perfectly. Short money, but I don't remember the exact amount. Worth every penny to have a freshly loaded set of maps.

Chris Short out of Minneapolis. 612-326-4364
51612 US 169 Mankato, Mn 56001
website is www.palndr.com

 

[kbasa]

Just when I thought Garmin couldn't be any more feckless, this comes around.

My 2610, from 20 years ago, delaminated, so did the replacement they sent, and they still haven't solved that issue, it seems. Maps not fitting in the physical memory of the devices they sell seems right in keeping with their lackluster testing and engineering.

Sorry folks are having an issue with this. For the princely sum they charge, you'd think they'd have basics like file size and technology like touch screens figured out.

This is why I'm using the BMW Connected Ride app and my phone. I hope Garmin makes you all whole. That's some BS.

 

[mikegalbicka]

I sent my NAV5 with the same problem to a guy that specializes in Garmin repair. He threw a card in the unit, loaded all of US, Mexico and Canada and the unit came back working perfectly. Short money, but I don't remember the exact amount. Worth every penny to have a freshly loaded set of maps.

Chris Short out of Minneapolis. 612-326-4364
51612 US 169 Mankato, Mn 56001
website is www.palndr.com

Typo in your link
palmdr.com

 

[brownie0486]

Just when I thought Garmin couldn't be any more feckless, this comes around.

My 2610, from 20 years ago, delaminated, so did the replacement they sent, and they still haven't solved that issue, it seems. Maps not fitting in the physical memory of the devices they sell seems right in keeping with their lackluster testing and engineering.

Sorry folks are having an issue with this. For the princely sum they charge, you'd think they'd have basics like file size and technology like touch screens figured out.

This is why I'm using the BMW Connected Ride app and my phone. I hope Garmin makes you all whole. That's some BS.

Nav 4 on the 2012 GS, flawless and still running like a champ bought with it on the GS.
Nav 5 on the 11RT and 16RS, flawless function since acquiring it in 2019 as a spare on trips [ or one on each of the motors ].
Used/new Nav 5 as another spare. Wouldn't update the maps [ not enough space ] Sent to the palm doctor to have it reloaded and it's also flawless since returning.
I expect the 5's will still be functioning flawlessly when I hang up the motor boots in several years.

No problem with the Garmin Nav's, they've never sent me down a wrong road. The Nav 4 ran me from the mexican border to the arctic circle and back [ 8K miles ] in 3 weeks. If they'll take me from the southern border to the arctic circle flawlessly, what's to complain about?

 

[ebell]

I agree with the reliability of the Nav V.

I will say that Garmin support has been good at responding and trying to get the maps to load. They've just given me some more pointers on how I may get the latest maps to load (PC only, so I need to beg the wife for her computer).

I'll give this one more go, and look into sending my Nav V to the Palm Doctor if unsuccessful. I'll report back one way or the other...

 

[mjfink420]

You should be able to use MapInstall to an SD card (you don't even need the Garmin, just put in an SD card and install the map from your computer to the card using MapInstall). Then drop the SD card in the unit and tell it to use that map. You may have to delete the map off the internal memory, not sure, it depends on the software they are using.

It's a hassle. I have to do this all the time for our Oregon that we use hiking, I have ~30 maps loaded on an SD card, it's always a PITA, but it can be done. Some combo of Basecamp, MapInstall and Garmin Express (to get the new map and install it locally so you can then turn it into a file fit for the unit).

Why is this so hard? There's a question I cannot answer!

I have the latest map for mine, if you're stuck, I can probably drop you out the .IMG (IIRC) file you need and put it out there somewhere for you to download. But if the service you're using is reasonable, that's a good option, not trying to take anyone's business!

 

[ebell]

You should be able to use MapInstall to an SD card (you don't even need the Garmin, just put in an SD card and install the map from your computer to the card using MapInstall). Then drop the SD card in the unit and tell it to use that map. You may have to delete the map off the internal memory, not sure, it depends on the software they are using.

It's a hassle. I have to do this all the time for our Oregon that we use hiking, I have ~30 maps loaded on an SD card, it's always a PITA, but it can be done. Some combo of Basecamp, MapInstall and Garmin Express (to get the new map and install it locally so you can then turn it into a file fit for the unit).

Why is this so hard? There's a question I cannot answer!

I have the latest map for mine, if you're stuck, I can probably drop you out the .IMG (IIRC) file you need and put it out there somewhere for you to download. But if the service you're using is reasonable, that's a good option, not trying to take anyone's business!

Thanks, but I've farted around enough with this that I've decided to send the devices to the Palm Doctor. I have three Garmin's, two old Montana's and a SC79, suffering through all the problems that the Garmin-monoply has created for quite a few years, but haven't had any issues like this. I have open source maps on my Montana devices, and they seem to work well, although a bit outdated.

The Palm Doctor charges around $125 (roughly the price of a new Garmin SD map) to increase the Nav V's memory from 8GB to 16GB. I'll probably give that a go.

 

[ebell]

Follow up, I took advice from @brownie0486 and sent the Nav V to Chris Short at https://www.palmdr.com/

Chris was able to increase the Nav V memory from 8GB to16GB and install the latest bloated Garmin 2025.20 map. Chris also replaced the USB connector on the Nav V because some of the pins were damaged. So, not including shipping, the cost for the 16GB upgrade and the new USB connector came to just under $150.

The turnaround time to get the GPS back on the bike was impressive, especially so because the timing was close to the Christmas rush, and now the Nav V has the latest maps and works like it's supposed to... including Garmin's unusually creative turn-by-turn directions.

Based on my experience with Chris, I would recommend his services. YMMV.

 

[motolord]

I've got a NAV V, and I cannot get my computer or Garmin Express to see my device when I plug it in. I've tried at least a dozen different cables and all of the USB ports on the computer, and on a different computer. Anybody run into this problem and solved it? I got this thing about a year and a half ago, and I have a vague memory of updating it shortly after I got it and running into many problems but eventually getting it to update but I don't recall what, if anything, I did to resolve it. I'm getting to the point where I can buy a house in a senior community, so I barely remember what I had for breakfast.

 

[r0ckrat]

I've got a NAV V, and I cannot get my computer or Garmin Express to see my device when I plug it in. I've tried at least a dozen different cables and all of the USB ports on the computer, and on a different computer. Anybody run into this problem and solved it? I got this thing about a year and a half ago, and I have a vague memory of updating it shortly after I got it and running into many problems but eventually getting it to update but I don't recall what, if anything, I did to resolve it. I'm getting to the point where I can buy a house in a senior community, so I barely remember what I had for breakfast.

If you look at the post just above yours, the gentleman had his Nav5 both upgraded for memory AND had the USB port replaced. If you are having connection difficulties, having the PalmDr take a look may be worth it.

 

[90725]

I've got a NAV V, and I cannot get my computer or Garmin Express to see my device when I plug it in. I've tried at least a dozen different cables and all of the USB ports on the computer, and on a different computer. Anybody run into this problem and solved it? I got this thing about a year and a half ago, and I have a vague memory of updating it shortly after I got it and running into many problems but eventually getting it to update but I don't recall what, if anything, I did to resolve it. I'm getting to the point where I can buy a house in a senior community, so I barely remember what I had for breakfast.

Are you on a Mac by any chance?

I've had a ton more connectivity issues with Mac vs. PC.

That being said, there are few items which you need to deal with:

1) Correct cable - not all USB cables are alike; some are power only for charging while others have power+data. Had to make sure to keep the known good usable cable that worked last time with the Nav unit; otherwise 9/10 times I'd be going through connectivity issues the next time I did an update

2) Security settings on computer - both my Mac and PC had issues connecting until I "trusted" the device or otherwise allowed the security software to see the device; could never get the Nav to be seen by my one PC for whatever reason

3) Settings on the Nav - there are two options on how the Nav will let the USB act; one as a normal device and one as mass storage like USB drive; I've had to change the settings and retry each time... even if it was set as Mass Storage, I'd have to flip flop back and forth to get it to recognize

4) USB Hub vs. USB Port - on my one laptop it was a power issue; the USB port in the laptop did not provide enough power for the Nav unit to charge/get recognized for some reason; put a decent powered USB hub in between and suddenly the NAV unit could be seen; this also happens in reverse as well with weak USB hubs... they don't provide enough power and so you cannot connect.

Good luck!

 

[zer0netgain]

On my Zumo 660, I believe the last map update (2025) gave me issues in installing the whole North America map. Don’t recall how I got it to work as Garmin Express seemed to pull it off on the second attempt (maybe it asked if I wanted to install missing maps to the external memory). I do know that the latest update (2026) went without a hitch on the first try. So, it must have seen where the map files were and just overwrote them…running into no issues with storage capacity.

 

[paul_f]

On my Zumo 660, I believe the last map update (2025) gave me issues in installing the whole North America map. Don’t recall how I got it to work as Garmin Express seemed to pull it off on the second attempt (maybe it asked if I wanted to install missing maps to the external memory). I do know that the latest update (2026) went without a hitch on the first try. So, it must have seen where the map files were and just overwrote them…running into no issues with storage capacity.

Had a similar issue once with my 660. First when the update could not be completed, I simply removed the data card, reinstalled the card, attached the battery cover and then the update continued and completed,

The last time I did the update,I could not get my of my North America maps. There is feature for which maps you want. I clicked on Canada and the US. Success!

Despite having lifetime maps for the 660, Garmin no longer supports this unit. Therefore I do not intend to do further up dates for fear of losing all of the 660’s maps. I use the 660 for data information and my Garmin 595 for maps. It would not be a surprise if in the near future the 595 will no longer be supported. So much for Garmin’s definition of “lifetime maps”.

 

[zer0netgain]

Well, you have lifetime updates. The first time this happened, I had to select what North American maps to install to make it fit. Reminds me of the early generations of GPS that had limited memory and forced you to install only a portion of the total maps that came for the unit.

 

[bobs_one]

Well, I have installed the full 2025.2 (and now 2026.1) on my V without issues, so it will fit. I have removed from the internal memory the default installed stuff that I didn't need, like the user's manual, different voices (Female British, etc) , different language files, saved tracks, etc. and there was/is room for the update with sufficient room for saved tracks, etc after.

Also, a couple of years ago Garmin told me how to move the maps to the installed SD card instead of the internal memory. For a while I did this and it made no difference to how the unit operated - it was seamless - but I have the maps back in the internal memory now as I swapped units a couple of years back. If you want to know how to move the maps to the SD card, I'll try to find Garmin's instructions again and post them here. I remember it was slightly complicated to achieve, but it was doable.

 

[bobs_one]

I found the email response from Garmin:

>>To get the maps onto the SD card there are two major steps.

>>First to download the maps onto the computer you can use this Support Center link. Installing Maps to the Computer Using Garmin Express

>> Second to get the maps from the computer onto the SD card using the Garmin MapInstall program. Install DVD Maps to a Device with MapInstall



>> If the maps seem to be working on the card without crashing/rebooting then I'd say go ahead with deleting the main map file off your device. It is a bit of a process to get to but you are looking to delete a file called gmapprom.ing which should be 2-3GB in size.

1. Press the Windows key + E
2. If using Windows 10, click This PC
3. Double-click the Garmin drive
4. Click on the address bar with the drive letter present at the top of the page
   • Note: This is not the same as the search bar, which is located to the right
5. Press the right arrow key
6. Type .System (not case sensitive)
7. Press Enter on the keyboard

>>The computer will now open the .System folder. It will not be necessary to change folder and search options on the operating system. Look for and delete just the gmapprom.img file. It is the largest file there so it should be easy to find. Leave any other gmapprom files like the GMA and UNL.

I remember I had trouble getting to the ".System" folder from Windows but it was easy with a Mac.

Once I did all this, it did work and I had a ton of free internal memory.

YMMV