Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-07-2022, 05:29 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 150
RV GPS or RV GPS APP

Before I got my 5th Wheel I would be able to squeak by with Google maps/a free trial of an RV GPS App when traveling. With my new unit being taller I want to play it safe and make sure to get into no or as few sticky situations as possible.

My question is which is the best route to go (no pun intended) for my navigation, A GPS APP (Free or subscription) or an RV specific GPS?

If so which APP/subscription or RV GPS unit will be the best way to go?

Any pros/cons for either one I should be aware of?
kevinB24 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2022, 06:34 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 144
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinB24 View Post
Before I got my 5th Wheel I would be able to squeak by with Google maps/a free trial of an RV GPS App when traveling. With my new unit being taller I want to play it safe and make sure to get into no or as few sticky situations as possible.

My question is which is the best route to go (no pun intended) for my navigation, A GPS APP (Free or subscription) or an RV specific GPS?

If so which APP/subscription or RV GPS unit will be the best way to go?

Any pros/cons for either one I should be aware of?
Garmin makes an RV GPS that allows you to input your vehicle weight and dimensions for routing. Any GPS app that you'd use on your smartphone needs to be a program like Sygic Truck or CoPilot that installs the map databases on the phone. Using an online navigation app can be problematic because many areas, particularly out west, have poor or nonexistent cellular service.
whjco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2022, 07:58 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Suffolk, Va.
Posts: 1,413
I use the Garmin RV GPS and would not consider anything else. I have tried some of the apps including CoPilot and RVTripWizard but the Garmin is my choice.
__________________
Michael & Fran Dilday (Baxter & Honey 2 Labs)
'18 Cedar Creek Champagne 38EL - '17 Ford F350 Lariat DRW w/Reese hitch - TST 507 Color TPMS - Garmin RV 770 LMT GPS
mwdilday is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2022, 08:02 PM   #4
Trailer Park Supervisor
 
NJKris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 8,450
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.
__________________
2019 Rockwood Geo Pro G19FD w/off road package
2015 Ford F150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 V8
Yes, I drink the water!
NJKris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2022, 08:44 PM   #5
Multi-Slacker
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,279
We are starting to use a Garmin. We also have multiple apps and the MH and toad both have Nav apps. We carry paper maps too.
__________________
Safe Travels
CurtPutnam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2022, 09:55 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 188
RV Trip Wizard makes pretty good routes and it is easy. It can be used on a phone, but not an iPad, so I got a Garmin 1090. ( I want a big display) I’ve used Garmin in the past and Basecamp is a nightmare to understand, use and create trips.
So I will create trips on RVTW and download them to my Garmin.

This is how I have done it for years with the motorcycle.
Dan_Frisbie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 07:03 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Dakota EV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Monroe, NC
Posts: 402
We have been using RV Trip Wizard for about 8 years now along with a Rand McNaLLY GPS. The GPS is getting too old and we are thinking about replacing it but we will always us RvTW because it gives us a lot of information about the route, Campground reviews, local attractions and other information that comes in very handy on our trips. Safe Travels
__________________

Freddie & Linda
2015 FR Sierra 330RLS & 2003 Dodge 2500 4X4 Diesel
TMPS for Camper & TV
Dakota EV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 07:16 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 729
We've used Garmin units for 25 years, for rv's, cars, boating, motorcycling and flying. I use my phone as a phone and my GPS units and paper maps to navigate.
I still have (and use) my Garmin GPS 90 handheld aviation GPS, although Garmin no longer supports it.
18LT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 07:16 AM   #9
Steve & Linda M.
 
MevetS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: SW Michigan
Posts: 411
Completely agree

Quote:
Originally Posted by mwdilday View Post
I use the Garmin RV GPS and would not consider anything else. I have tried some of the apps including CoPilot and RVTripWizard but the Garmin is my choice.
Completely agree. Plus the stand alone units come with Lifetime Maps and many other features such as, Weather and Construction Alerts, Radar, Detour routing, what's up ahead, etc. Dash (Kenwood) units do not typically come with those features.

I do use RV Trip Wizard for routing between campgrounds. Then transfer the route to the GPS. Also, you can use Garmin Basecamp for a similar purpose.
MevetS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 09:03 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Mid Michigan
Posts: 1,098
gps

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan_Frisbie View Post
RV Trip Wizard makes pretty good routes and it is easy. It can be used on a phone, but not an iPad, so I got a Garmin 1090. ( I want a big display) I’ve used Garmin in the past and Basecamp is a nightmare to understand, use and create trips.
So I will create trips on RVTW and download them to my Garmin.

This is how I have done it for years with the motorcycle.
It sure Would it be great if they would make Basecamp more workable. I try to use it but could not figure out how to download the maps onto the computer. So I had to have my Gamin connected to the computer to get detailed maps. My 2013 version of MS Streets and Trips is getting old and not able to update since 2015. Also I am not able to load Streets and Trips on my new Windows 11 computer. So, I am looking to transition to something else. I thought Basecamp would be the best idea as I use a Garmin GPS in the MH.
markb422 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 09:12 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 188
Quote:
Originally Posted by markb422 View Post
It sure Would it be great if they would make Basecamp more workable. I try to use it but could not figure out how to download the maps onto the computer. So I had to have my Gamin connected to the computer to get detailed maps. My 2013 version of MS Streets and Trips is getting old and not able to update since 2015. Also I am not able to load Streets and Trips on my new Windows 11 computer. So, I am looking to transition to something else. I thought Basecamp would be the best idea as I use a Garmin GPS in the MH.
Mark, a few years ago, I was determined to figure out Basecamp with my Zumo motorcycle GPS. I downloaded a complete Basecamp manual, set myself up in isolation for two friggin’ days and went through everything.
Basecamp is just terrible. It’s been about 5 or 6 years since I did that, but I will likely never give Basecamp another chance.
I used a couple of different motorcycle ride planners and loaded them to the Zumo. RV Trip Wizard is pretty detailed, yet simple and easy to use. I think it will be perfect to load trips/routes into the Garmin 1090.
Dan_Frisbie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 09:34 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Mid Michigan
Posts: 1,098
GPS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan_Frisbie View Post
Mark, a few years ago, I was determined to figure out Basecamp with my Zumo motorcycle GPS. I downloaded a complete Basecamp manual, set myself up in isolation for two friggin’ days and went through everything.
Basecamp is just terrible. It’s been about 5 or 6 years since I did that, but I will likely never give Basecamp another chance.
I used a couple of different motorcycle ride planners and loaded them to the Zumo. RV Trip Wizard is pretty detailed, yet simple and easy to use. I think it will be perfect to load trips/routes into the Garmin 1090.
Also looking for something that does not have an annual subscription. For now I guess I will continue with the Streets and Trips 2013 on my Windows 10 computer. I think Streets and Trips was the best logistics program and it was free with MS Office back then. Now logistics programs cost thousands.
markb422 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 09:37 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Mono, ON Canada
Posts: 104
I use and like a Garmin RV GPS but I am a strong supporter of always carrying detailed current paper maps and/or a good road atlas of areas where you will be travelling. Electronics are good but they can sometimes fail or not provide accurate information. Up to date maps are a good fallback and are sometimes better for giving the big picture of where you are going. They are often available for free from CAA, AAA or similar organizations. Use them together with the GPS to get details on low or narrow bridges and elevation grades.
__________________
2020 F.R. Forester 3011DS (2018 E-450 Chassis) (32')
Toad:2018 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited
2011 Keystone Montana 3455SA (38') with F350 diesel
2004 ALFA Leisure Gold Diesel Pusher (41')
1990 Elite (27' C Class, not on rental fleet)
1984 Elite (25' C Class on GO Vacations rental fleet)
HYDROG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 09:40 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 481
I'm kinda at the same point. New GPS or RVTW. The newest version RVTW app you can download state maps in case you lose cell service. But i'm leaning towards a Garmin RV780. Also, note the RV1090 is $100 off currently.
__________________
2019 Heritage Glen 282RK
2014 F-150 Screw 4x4 3.5EB
lewisra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 11:16 AM   #15
Steve & Linda M.
 
MevetS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: SW Michigan
Posts: 411
Quote:
Originally Posted by markb422 View Post
It sure Would it be great if they would make Basecamp more workable. I try to use it but could not figure out how to download the maps onto the computer. So I had to have my Gamin connected to the computer to get detailed maps. My 2013 version of MS Streets and Trips is getting old and not able to update since 2015. Also I am not able to load Streets and Trips on my new Windows 11 computer. So, I am looking to transition to something else. I thought Basecamp would be the best idea as I use a Garmin GPS in the MH.
Not sure if I recall correctly. But you should be able to download the maps using Garmin Express to either your device or to your computer.
MevetS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 11:20 AM   #16
Steve & Linda M.
 
MevetS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: SW Michigan
Posts: 411
Quote:
Originally Posted by HYDROG View Post
I use and like a Garmin RV GPS but I am a strong supporter of always carrying detailed current paper maps and/or a good road atlas of areas where you will be travelling. Electronics are good but they can sometimes fail or not provide accurate information. Up to date maps are a good fallback and are sometimes better for giving the big picture of where you are going. They are often available for free from CAA, AAA or similar organizations. Use them together with the GPS to get details on low or narrow bridges and elevation grades.
Agree on the "paper" maps. We carry a Truckers Atlas where the oversize pages are laminated with plastic. You never know when you want to really see where you are, instead of just looking at a 7" screen. Also carry either iExit on the cell phone to see what is available along the route.
MevetS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 11:21 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Northfield MN
Posts: 161
I use them both. I have a Garmin RV-760 (getting a little old now, but has lifetime map updates) and I also use Copilot running on my phone. I mute the sound on the Garmin so I don't have 2 devices trying to talk over each other. The Garmin has a bigger screen, shows me more detail at intersections, freeway on/off ramps etc, and has traffic. But, I trust the RV routing on Copilot more than the Garmin. Copilot downloads all the maps to your device so you can use it whether or not you have a cell signal. Also, I can design a route in Trip Wizard, download it to Copilot and it will actually follow my route. That is hopeless with the Garmin: no matter how many waypoints you try to put in, as soon as you start a route, it recalculates and totally throws away your pre-determined route. (Maybe the newer model Garmins are better at this--I don't know.) Unfortunately, the RV Trip Wizard app now also has this problem--it recalculates and ignores your route. The first year or two it worked fine, but then they had to "improve" it, and now it's useless...
__________________
2018 Grand Design Imagine 2600RB
2019 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 LT Crew Cab, Vortec 6L V8, 4.10 Rear Axle
Equal-i-zer 1,200/12,000# Hitch
Mark Ulmer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 11:26 AM   #18
Steve & Linda M.
 
MevetS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: SW Michigan
Posts: 411
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Ulmer View Post
I use them both. I have a Garmin RV-760 (getting a little old now, but has lifetime map updates) and I also use Copilot running on my phone. I mute the sound on the Garmin so I don't have 2 devices trying to talk over each other. The Garmin has a bigger screen, shows me more detail at intersections, freeway on/off ramps etc, and has traffic. But, I trust the RV routing on Copilot more than the Garmin. Copilot downloads all the maps to your device so you can use it whether or not you have a cell signal. Also, I can design a route in Trip Wizard, download it to Copilot and it will actually follow my route. That is hopeless with the Garmin: no matter how many waypoints you try to put in, as soon as you start a route, it recalculates and totally throws away your pre-determined route. (Maybe the newer model Garmins are better at this--I don't know.) Unfortunately, the RV Trip Wizard app now also has this problem--it recalculates and ignores your route. The first year or two it worked fine, but then they had to "improve" it, and now it's useless...
RVTripWizard downloading to a GPX file is easy. But loading it to the GARMIN is always a PITA. It can be done, but I have to go through the learning curve every time I attempt to do it. Wouldn't even attempt to recall it off the top of my head. But I have done it.
MevetS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 11:32 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
U.S.ArmyVeteran's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1,209
Quote:
Originally Posted by MevetS View Post
Plus the stand alone units come with Lifetime Maps.
In my experience "LIFE TIME MAPS" is a marketing ploy. If you check the fine print. You will see language such as: "during the useable service life".

In one case the "life time" expired after 2 years of ownership. Of course I may have bought a unit that was 2 years in the market.

In another case. My unit did not have the memory or processor for the new maps. Ughh. Excuses, excuses.

YMMV
U.S.ArmyVeteran is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2022, 12:06 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Northfield MN
Posts: 161
Quote:
Originally Posted by MevetS View Post
RVTripWizard downloading to a GPX file is easy. But loading it to the GARMIN is always a PITA. It can be done, but I have to go through the learning curve every time I attempt to do it. Wouldn't even attempt to recall it off the top of my head. But I have done it.

Yes, I don't have any trouble downloading to the Garmin. The problem is that when I then tell the Garmin to use the downloaded route, it recalculates and does whatever it wants, ignoring (for the most part) the pre-defined route. On my Garmin (RV-760) there is no capability to "preview" and modify the route on the device. It pretty much takes the start and end points and determines it's own route--ignoring what you specified.
__________________
2018 Grand Design Imagine 2600RB
2019 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 LT Crew Cab, Vortec 6L V8, 4.10 Rear Axle
Equal-i-zer 1,200/12,000# Hitch
Mark Ulmer is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:22 AM.