Best GPS

[Charlie G]

I did a google search for best RV GPS. Top two were Garmin 785 and Tom Tom Go 520.
I like a lot of features of both. But both have bells and whistles I don’t really need. I don’t need use phone etc.
I want
Good direction while pulling 32 ft TT.
Update of traffic conditions a plus.

I like dash cam feature of Garmin but bot deal breaker if not included
Review says Tom Tom hard to set up.

Your thoughts?

[PaulB12]

My thoughts,
I've used both a TomTom and Garmin. My old Garmin needed a SD card for the newer updates. I mostly us my phone with Google maps with the Garmin for back up. When Garmin craps out it'll be phone only.
JMHO

PaulB12

[LuckyDuck]

I’ve come very close to buying the Garmin a couple of times, but after reading more than a few accounts of it leading owners down wrong or unnecessary routes, I held off. The ability to customize it with your rig’s dimensions sounds great — in theory. But if it “over compensates,” it’s not much help. I’ve stuck to using a trip planner and then Apple or Google map directions on my phone as a backup. In nearly 10,000 miles the last two years, they’ve been spot on. They give me traffic conditions, detours etc. And they didn’t cost me anything. A lot of folks here have loved their Garmin — it just doesn’t seem right for me and a 26-foot trailer.

[RedHorse1]

Another vote for Google maps. That’s our go-to tool for routes. My navigator (the Bride) uses her iPhone for planning fuel/potty/food stops while mine does the job of keeping us moving. Allstays, CampgroundReviews and GasBuddy come into play as needed. We tow a 39’ 5th.

[Joan617]

I replaced my Rand McNally RV GPS with a Garmin RV 785 when some punk did me the favor of stealing the Rand. It has better sound, better graphics, better mount, better screen and is easier to use. Good product support too.

Any GPS can mislead you so I cross check all routes with RV Trip Wizard and Rand's Motor Carrier's (trucker) Road Atlas.

Sorry I don't know the TomTom.
Angus

[brightsky]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

Another vote for Google maps. That’s our go-to tool for routes. My navigator (the Bride) uses her iPhone for planning fuel/potty/food stops while mine does the job of keeping us moving. Allstays, CampgroundReviews and GasBuddy come into play as needed. We tow a 39’ 5th.

Google map (android auto) does not take RV dimension into account. Is it possible for google map to guide you through bridges/overpass without enough clearance?

[Big1]

Yes it is possible that why you should have a back up and go to google earth map. I use Google Map ( Android Auto) and at times I don't like it sometime it will take you off of the main highway and Interstate, that's why I use my gamin along with Android Auto.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by brightsky

Google map (android auto) does not take RV dimension into account. Is it possible for google map to guide you through bridges/overpass without enough clearance?

No, google maps cannot, however since we are a bit over 13’ in height and fairly long I’m cautious about roads that aren’t interstates. Allstays does report underpass heights and we check with it when we have to go “off the main road”.

[robkelly]

Another vote for the Garmin. I have an older RV version, but it's worked flawlessly for the past seven years - the only issues we've had have been operator induced.

Had a TomTom before that and would never buy another one.

[MichaelO]

I prefer to use Waze on my phone. It’s better then google maps. Waze and google maps are better then a stand alone gps. Waze has current traffic conditions and is always up to date.

[brightsky]

What could you do if you find out right in front of an overhead bridge(sign: 12'8'') that your RV(13') is too tall for the bridge clearance, but you could not turn or backup?

Should a margin of 6 inches be added for calculating clearance?

[Stainless]

Another vote for Waze-

I too use Waze app right now and love it. Our rig is only 10' 3" and easily clears most overpasses, I'm sure somewhere we'll find one that is too low/narrow off highway. I would like to find an RV specific GPS before that happens.
I did send a message to Waze suggesting the idea of adding RV specific option.

[Sanford Fl camper]

I just bought the new Garmin 890. The jury is still out on this new unit. It took me close to my destination 2 times but not spot in. Could be an addressing issue but not sure

I have to play with it more to find out if I’ll be keeping it

[Atlee]

I round up on the size of my RV when I set it up. With my current Garmin, RV660, I will put in 12' 9" instead of the actual 11' 9" height.

Originally Posted by brightsky

What could you do if you find out right in front of an overhead bridge(sign: 12'8'') that your RV(13') is too tall for the bridge clearance, but you could not turn or backup?

Should a margin of 6 inches be added for calculating clearance?

[brightsky]

Originally Posted by Atlee

I round up on the size of my RV when I set it up. With my current Garmin, RV660, I will put in 12' 9" instead of the actual 11' 9" height.

Garmin GPS is standalone, or updated daily? It is good idea to add 1 feet to be safe.

[brightsky]

Originally Posted by Stainless

Another vote for Waze-

I too use Waze app right now and love it. Our rig is only 10' 3" and easily clears most overpasses, I'm sure somewhere we'll find one that is too low/narrow off highway. I would like to find an RV specific GPS before that happens.
I did send a message to Waze suggesting the idea of adding RV specific option.

If Waze is not for RV, why not use google map?

[brightsky]

Originally Posted by Sanford Fl camper

I just bought the new Garmin 890. The jury is still out on this new unit. It took me close to my destination 2 times but not spot in. Could be an addressing issue but not sure

I have to play with it more to find out if I’ll be keeping it

Android auto should support dimension for RV, which would put Garmin GPS out of business.

[Atlee]

Garmin's are stand alone. Updated 3 times a year. I like to add a bit to the actual dimensions. Just in case a measurement is a bit off.

Originally Posted by brightsky

Garmin GPS is standalone, or updated daily? It is good idea to add 1 feet to be safe.

[RanWal]

Originally Posted by Charlie G

I did a google search for best RV GPS. Top two were Garmin 785 and Tom Tom Go 520.
I like a lot of features of both. But both have bells and whistles I don’t really need. I don’t need use phone etc.
I want
Good direction while pulling 32 ft TT.
Update of traffic conditions a plus.

I like dash cam feature of Garmin but bot deal breaker if not included
Review says Tom Tom hard to set up.

Your thoughts?

I have been running the Garmin for 18 months. Absolutely find it to be very accurate. I am running a SuperC Seneca and go off road to retriever hunt test and field trials. It has not disappointed me regarding routing.

[CBatman]

We have a Rand in our 37’ Jayco Seneca. 2 yrs ago it took us on a 1 way rd in Niagara Falls NY. 12’ bridge and we r 13.5’. Had to have state troopers close rd, unhook tow vehicle to turn around. And also 75.00 ticket. Very ignorant trooper. His first words out of his mouth was-can u not read.