RV GPS or RV GPS APP

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Dan_Frisbie

RV Trip Wizard makes pretty good routes and it is easy. It can be used on a phone, ...

It can be used on an iPhone or an Android. It is compatible with CarPlay for display on your vehicle screen but not Android Auto.

[whjco]

Basecamp has multiple profiles including making a custom profile for your particulate RV. I use it for car, travel trailer and 45' motor coach.

[dedobias]

https://forums.garmin.com/apps-softw...id-low-bridges

According to multiple sites, basecamp is outdated and it's low bridge locations are incomplete

[stlsailor]

I pull a 29" trailer, not a motor home or 5th wheel, so weight or height not typically a problem. Wondering what currently available model GPS would satisfy the need? We always used a Garmin Nuvi for cars until it died a couple of years ago. Red light camera info was nice. Traffic info would be nice. Could get campgrounds and attractions I suppose on the phone. I'm concerned about the 8-10% of the people who seem to find the Garmins wildly inaccurate or can't get it to mount, etc. Would prefer a GPS over an app for several reasons. Definitely want one with a very responsive touchscreen. But not sure I need what a MH or 5'er needs. Maybe I do and just don't know it.


StlSailor

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by stlsailor

I pull a 29" trailer, not a motor home or 5th wheel, so weight or height not typically a problem. ... But not sure I need what a MH or 5'er needs. Maybe I do and just don't know it.

You do and just don't know it. An RV GPS or RV GPS app could save your 11' 1" high trailer on some routes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3-UugI0JoA

Grade and tight turns are also problems you can avoid with an RV GPS.

[D W]

Originally Posted by NJKris

That's the problem with phone based apps. You go where no cell signal lives, like the entire western third of Vermont, forget about it.

X2 in Alaska. Once you get out of an urban area your phone becomes a brick. I would never trust some of the Apps that I've seen. I stick with a real Garmin GPS. We have a local GPS/GIS service where you can take your memory card and have it updated with current info plus GIS overlays for $15 per year. They are a lot more detailed than the Garmin updates. We use to be able to get free updates from the USGS, but they discontinued that service several years ago.

[stlsailor]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

You do and just don't know it. An RV GPS or RV GPS app could save your 11' 1" high trailer on some routes:

Grade and tight turns are also problems you can avoid with an RV GPS.

Quite a video. Thanks for that reply. I hadn't thought of tight turns especially.

The 2018 model specs show 10' 9". But my old Jayco took only two folding steps to get in. This has 3 and still helpful to have a step under them. So I'm wondering if Coachmen put an extra height option on it that the dealer didn't mention. If so, then the 10' 9" isn't right. I've seen no reference to that option but I suppose I ought to get out and measure it.

[stlsailor]

Originally Posted by D W

X2 in Alaska. Once you get out of an urban area your phone becomes a brick. I would never trust some of the Apps that I've seen. I stick with a real Garmin GPS. We have a local GPS/GIS service where you can take your memory card and have it updated with current info plus GIS overlays for $15 per year. They are a lot more detailed than the Garmin updates. We use to be able to get free updates from the USGS, but they discontinued that service several years ago.

I agree the phone is not a long-term option. We've only used my wife's phone the last couple of years because I hadn't gotten around to replacing the Garmin yet.

Two questions. (1) If you're using a Garmin model that's not been discontinued, how do you like it? One complaint I've heard on the current models is that you can't use the bean bag holders and they are too heavy for the suction cups to stick to the window. Didn't have either of those problems with my Garmin Nuvi before it died. And does the touchscreen work well? A problem I did have with my Nuvi.

(2) I didn't know maps for these were available from anyone but Garmin. But are you talking overlays vs. the maps Garmin provides. Did a bit of searching after I read, but it wasn't clear to me.

[D W]

Originally Posted by stlsailor

I agree the phone is not a long-term option. We've only used my wife's phone the last couple of years because I hadn't gotten around to replacing the Garmin yet.

Two questions. (1) If you're using a Garmin model that's not been discontinued, how do you like it? One complaint I've heard on the current models is that you can't use the bean bag holders and they are too heavy for the suction cups to stick to the window. Didn't have either of those problems with my Garmin Nuvi before it died. And does the touchscreen work well? A problem I did have with my Nuvi.

(2) I didn't know maps for these were available from anyone but Garmin. But are you talking overlays vs. the maps Garmin provides. Did a bit of searching after I read, but it wasn't clear to me.

I use a Garmin Drive 61. Have had it for several years. I have the the ball attachment that fits the bean bag holder. Because of our low humidity, I've never had much luck with a windshield suction cup. They always dry up and fall off. My touch screen works great, but you have to keep it clean after a while of fingerprints. Clean with a simple alcohol pad. Garmin is not the only source for maps. Anyone who has subscription access to the satellites can produce what is known as "open map chest". The GIS overlay is an added function, but it is separate from the GPS files. The GIS data will provide topographic info from the GPS coordinates. The GIS is not a navigation aid, but merely a pictorial look at the terrain. There's probably no need for GIS data in the lower 48, but here in Alaska it comes in handy. We have a lot of secondary roads that were built by the Army some 65 years ago to afford access to the old Nike Zeus/Hercules missile sites. Some of these roads are maintained by BLM, and some are not. It pays to know where you're going.

[whjco]

Originally Posted by dedobias

https://forums.garmin.com/apps-softw...id-low-bridges

According to multiple sites, basecamp is outdated and it's low bridge locations are incomplete

I have not found this to be the case as long as the proper vehicle profile is selected in Basecamp and the GPS and the map database in both is kept up to date. I have custom profiles for my RV trailer, a 45' commercial motor coach and a 45' custom coach with a 13'6" overhead clearance. I have matching vehicle profiles in both Basecamp and my Garmin 785 lmt GPS. Of course, I never totally rely on any GPS device and I'm acutely aware of any overhead height or bridge weight restrictions when driving any large vehicle.

As for using a cell phone for GPS navigation, Sygic Truck allows for storing maps on the phone and also configuring specific vehicle dimensions and weight, but after having navigation interrupted by phone calls or texts at inconvenient times, I'll only keep my phone GPS available as an emergency backup.

Bill J., Lexington, KY