What Navigation App is Best?

[barnbnb]

The navigation system in my new TV only connects via bluetooth to my android phone to access Google Maps. Maps are not stored in the vehicle electronics. The good thing about that is there are no stored maps that require updating. The bad thing is I can't set avoidances.
I tested it out on a dry run. It sent me down narrow backroads. Fortunately, I wasn't towing. I was hoping to ditch my Garmin since it has let me down before as well, and also it takes up dash space.
What's a good app that I can add to my android phone that allows for avoidances?
I read some old posts mentioning Waze and Co-Pilot. Since things change rapidly, maybe there are other new apps out that are better.
Please, just app suggestions, I want to use the in-dash screen and not another GPS. Thanks in advance!

[moose074]

What type vehicle is that

[cboss]

Android Auto.

https://www.android.com/auto/?gclid=...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ad&hl=en&gl=US

[jeff64]

Android auto works great in GM. Although sometimes it directs you to routes you dont want to go, like routing you through major cities instead of going around them...and reminds you to turn here far too frequently

[cboss]

Originally Posted by jeff64

Android auto works great in GM. Although sometimes it directs you to routes you dont want to go, like routing you through major cities instead of going around them...and reminds you to turn here far too frequently

Android Auto is only as good as the nav app it's using (google maps, waze, etc). It has only been the last few months that you could use other apps besides google maps with Android Auto. It also has many other nice features beside just the nav stuff. Basically Android Auto just projects whatever app you want to use on your vehicle touch screen.

[Villagerjjm]

I like using the WAZE app…. People on the road actually do the updates on accidents, road hazards and weather…. Speed Traps…. Great app!!
The downside to using WAZE is that the app uses data as it updates…. An unlimited plan may be the way to go if you intend to use WAZE for extended on road times.

[barnbnb]

Originally Posted by moose074

What type vehicle is that

2021 Silverado

[007matman]

Android Auto and Google Maps.

Yes, you CAN download the map if you would like to.

[Chris61]

Have a look at Sygic. it is a worldwide GPS, just pick your region. It is updated 3 or 4 times a year. Have a look at my blog page for a small insight. I also use Wikicamps and POI Pocket. They integrate together very well here in Australia, they should work just as well in USA

https://chrisanddiannesultimaadventu...inment-system/

[Hamerjk]

I would suggest Rv Life app. It goes along with Rv Trip Wizard you use on line. You input you height,weight,width, and length. Also you can put in you mpg. Then the RV Trip Wizard routes you the safest way to go. Also list camping, gas station. After your done you download your route to the Rv Life app. Follow the route with GPS or download your route and print it out. Best app out there to use. I use it all the time and no issues so far.

[sherman12]

RV Trip Wizard is $49.99 a year though so take that into account whether the OP wants the added expense.

[Martsing]

I also have RV Trip Wizard and use Android Auto with GOOGLE Maps. I also occasionally use WAZE. If RV Trip Wizard can be displayed on my Android Auto I don't know how to make that happen. Maps is great but it will get you in trouble with a larger RV. It tried to take me under a 12'7" bridge which would have been 4 inches too short for me. Luckily I was paying attention. When the route is clear the "alternate route" feature on maps can be very frustrating. I now run my Garmin 760 RV specific unit (again) when pulling our rig. It can be overly careful with route selection though so pick your poison.

If Maps will ever allow for avoidances to include rig specifications I will be a very happy camper.

Marty

[Villagerjjm]

I just travelled from Myrtle Beach to Ocean City along I-17 with Bypasses. Nice route! My navigation system in the 2015 Colorado has not been updated. I started using WAZE in 2017 combined with the free version of RV Life. There are a lot of new sections of I-17 that do not show up on my navigation system that came with the Colorado…. I will not pay to update it because it ran me in circles a number of times when it was new….
….. and I still use maps too!!!

[sherman12]

Sounds typical of GM to charge you to upgrade the GPS in your Colorado.

[Villagerjjm]

Originally Posted by sherman12

Sounds typical of GM to charge you to upgrade the GPS in your Colorado.

I think all GPS systems charge a fee for upgrades, don’t they?

[Chuck_S]

Anything that runs off a smart phone requires a phone connection which I've found to be lacking in many areas including last week in west Virginia (west, not West). My constantly updated Garmin GPS and the old standby DeLORME map books remain invaluable. The prudent navigator does not depend on a single source.

Sometimes you have to ignore what the electronic devices tell you. Running in the Shenandoah every route plotted by my Garmin and Ford GPS units wanted me on I81. I used US11 which is almost pastoral and very light traffic.

-- Chuck

[AlaskaErik]

Originally Posted by sherman12

Sounds typical of GM to charge you to upgrade the GPS in your Colorado.

Originally Posted by Villagerjjm

I think all GPS systems charge a fee for upgrades, don’t they?

All manufacturers charge for GPS updates at some point. Our Subaru had free updates for three years, but that's the longest I've see.

[AlaskaErik]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

Anything that runs off a smart phone requires a phone connection which I've found to be lacking in many areas including last week in west Virginia (west, not West). My constantly updated Garmin GPS and the old standby DeLORME map books remain invaluable. The prudent navigator does not depend on a single source.

You can get navigation apps that don't need a phone or internet connection. I have the CoPilot app. My phone's GPS is independent and not reliant on any type of phone or internet service.

[sherman12]

In fairness to GM, I believe all the vehicle manufacturers do charge to update their GPS systems, but I couldn't refuse a shot at GM. Used to be a big fan of them (Chevy vs Ford vs Mopar)but not too much now since Roger Smith almost single-handedly destroyed the company.

Interesting that vehicle GPS systems charge to update but most, if not all GPS companies like Garmin, Magellan, DeLorme, etc. give free lifetime map updates. In January this year before our Southern trip, I updated my Garmin RV660 and it took a couple of hours and I had to insert a micro memory card to hold all of the new data and mapping.