|
|
08-05-2022, 08:10 PM
|
#1
|
Father Frederick
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Lima OH
Posts: 59
|
What Do You Use for Navigation?
Having resolved all the problems with our e19FBS, we're booking a short trip for Labor Day. My question, does anyone use Garmin Basecamp to pre-program their GPS?
I've been trying to use the app, but despite the Youtube videos and manual, it keep taking us out on the highway which we want to avoid. So I think it's time to kick Garmin Basecamp to the curb.
What are some good navigation tools? Is there something which allows you to set a start and end point, and then massage the route for places of interest or lesser traveled roads? For example, Toledo OH to Lima OH. Fastest is I-75. We would rather head west and pick up US65 near Waterville, and then head south.
__________________
Home base: 40°44'55.2"N 84°08'18.7"W
BOV: E19FBS w/2019 Silverado 1500LT/DC
Semi-retired from 52yrs broadcast engineering
|
|
|
08-05-2022, 08:31 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 9,202
|
We use a standalone Garmin which allows you to avoid highways, toll roads, etc. They also have 'attractions' which get more detailed and better once you reach your destination. Campgrounds are also listed as well as restaurants, gas stations, etc.
Now if you don't want to invest in that, Google Maps is a good resource. Also apps like RVParky and one we like ParkAdvisor. And, of course, there are good old paper maps.
__________________
2015 Dynamax REV 24TB class C
|
|
|
08-05-2022, 10:27 PM
|
#3
|
Who Dares, Wins
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Chester County, PA
Posts: 7,063
|
RV trip wizard to help plan routes and an RV Garmin GPS for the navigation on the road
__________________
Pat, Jen, Heather & Sapphire, the head mouser.
2015 Chevy HD D-Max
2022 Impression 315MB
|
|
|
08-05-2022, 11:46 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Southern NM
Posts: 9,559
|
We have tried several stand alone gps navigators and several pay for phone apps for RV navigation. Never found any of them worth the money and effort.
We use WAZE, Google Maps, plus a good old fashion paper map for backup. Free is just as good as the pay for options in our opinion.
We do save routes on the phone maps so we can still use them when we get no signal.
We do research our route before we leave if it is new to us. Then you know which roads to avoid due to low bridges, size restrictions, and other RV unfriendly situations.
__________________
Scott and Liz - Southern NM
2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL - w/level up (best option ever)
2007 Chevy 2500HD Duramax
Reese Fifth Airborne Sidewinder
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 03:49 AM
|
#5
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 86
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by FredV
Having resolved all the problems with our e19FBS, we're booking a short trip for Labor Day. My question, does anyone use Garmin Basecamp to pre-program their GPS?
I've been trying to use the app, but despite the Youtube videos and manual, it keep taking us out on the highway which we want to avoid. So I think it's time to kick Garmin Basecamp to the curb.
What are some good navigation tools? Is there something which allows you to set a start and end point, and then massage the route for places of interest or lesser traveled roads? For example, Toledo OH to Lima OH. Fastest is I-75. We would rather head west and pick up US65 near Waterville, and then head south.
|
We map out trip using RV trip wizard. They also have RV directions where you can add your rigs dimensions. Our primary tool is Garmin 760 RV/Truck gps . We also back up with trucker map and Prior to our trip if there are any questionable areas like low treees tight turns I will walk that part of the trip using Google earth. The map where you can drag the little yellow guy for street view. I compare each one and make a educated decision on which to use. 99.999 % of the time it’s Garmin 760. 30k miles and hasn’t failed us yet.
We had 5th wheels for years and currently in a 2021 Grand Design Solitude 42’ long 13.4 high.
This method has not failed us yet. As said previously, you can avoid highways , tolls etc.
I also have heard stories of Google maps and Waze sending folks down roads that are NOT RV friendly such as low bridges and hazards .
Just my experience.
Safe travels!
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 05:45 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Fort White, Fl
Posts: 760
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by NMWildcat
We have tried several stand alone gps navigators and several pay for phone apps for RV navigation. Never found any of them worth the money and effort.
We use WAZE, Google Maps, plus a good old fashion paper map for backup. Free is just as good as the pay for options in our opinion.
We do save routes on the phone maps so we can still use them when we get no signal.
We do research our route before we leave if it is new to us. Then you know which roads to avoid due to low bridges, size restrictions, and other RV unfriendly situations.
|
I do pretty much the same. I do use the RVLife Trip Wizard and then compare the route with Google maps as Google maps will sometimes get you into places you don't want to be towing in. Even if I have to go out of my way a little I try to take the path of least resistance.
__________________
2021 Alpine 3790FK
2021 F-350 SD XLT PS 6.7 Dually Longbed 4wd Crew Cab
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 06:06 AM
|
#7
|
Father Frederick
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Lima OH
Posts: 59
|
These are all VERY good suggestions. I'll check out a few. RVLife Trip Wizard sounds interesting, but I never heard of it until now! And I didn't know there is a specific RV Garmin GPS.
I've heard from other folks who like traveling back roads (gravel roads in forests) not to trust Google Maps, especially when it comes to switch-backs and one-lane roads.
Thanks for the replies. This should get me straightened out.
__________________
Home base: 40°44'55.2"N 84°08'18.7"W
BOV: E19FBS w/2019 Silverado 1500LT/DC
Semi-retired from 52yrs broadcast engineering
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 06:12 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Fort White, Fl
Posts: 760
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by FredV
These are all VERY good suggestions. I'll check out a few. RVLife Trip Wizard sounds interesting, but I never heard of it until now! And I didn't know there is a specific RV Garmin GPS.
I've heard from other folks who like traveling back roads (gravel roads in forests) not to trust Google Maps, especially when it comes to switch-backs and one-lane roads.
Thanks for the replies. This should get me straightened out.
|
That's why I always cross check between the two. Google maps is a little more user friendly but it is not always the best route when towing.
https://rvlife.com/app/
__________________
2021 Alpine 3790FK
2021 F-350 SD XLT PS 6.7 Dually Longbed 4wd Crew Cab
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 06:20 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Southern NM
Posts: 9,559
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by scotte303
.....
I also have heard stories of Google maps and Waze sending folks down roads that are NOT RV friendly such as low bridges and hazards .
...
!
|
This is true, but then we have had the Garmin try to send us down dirt roads through a ranch. That is why using several methods is a good idea.
And with most of the various methods you can avoid types of roads you don't want to use.
Good advise with the use of Google Earth. We use that to look at fueling stations and the like to ensure we really want to take the RV in
__________________
Scott and Liz - Southern NM
2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL - w/level up (best option ever)
2007 Chevy 2500HD Duramax
Reese Fifth Airborne Sidewinder
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 06:32 AM
|
#10
|
Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 10,525
|
All good suggestions... I'll add if you know a road you want to take and
your navigation app keeps sending you another way because that other
way is a few minutes faster or a couple miles shorter- you can set a way point or 2 on the road you want to use. That will force the nav to go the way you prefer.
You can drag and drop google maps to get a preferred route but if you
save it, google might go back to where it wants and not what you want.
Same thing-- set a couple way points along your route and save that.
Happy Trails!
__________________
Peace!
Dan & Rita D
2017 Nissan Titan 5.6L King cab 4wd
2016 Evergreen Everlite 242RBS
29' empty nest model. Blue Ox WD hitch
(1 queen bed, large main cabin and huge bathroom)
Camping days 2010-53, 2011-47, 2012-41, 2013-41, 2014-31, 2015-40, 2016-44, 2017-63, 2018-75, 2019-32, 2020-41, 2021-49, 2022-43, 2023-66
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 07:02 AM
|
#11
|
Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,142
|
No ONE method is 100% the best system.
As most have mentioned, using a combination of methods is preferable to us.
Like Scott, we use WAZE/Google maps a good bit for the interstate/state road travels. It's great to give you a heads up as to what lane you need to be in at exits (especially when there is a left lane exit!) and which direction you will be turning at an intersection.
When we know we are going to have to get off the beaten path (so to speak) we then follow up with paper (trucker) maps and more often Google Earth or Google Maps in satellite view on the laptop.
I think RVLife Trip Wizard could be advantageous but I simply haven't got the feel for it yet.
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2024 Ford F-Series SCREW•7.3L•4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA
Days Camped ☼ '19=118 ☼ '20=116 ☼ '21=123 ☼ '22=134 ☼ '23=118☼ '24=90
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 07:49 AM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 479
|
Google maps now routes you based on what it determines is the most fuel efficient or green route. Even when I turn that option off, I'm no longer getting the best route. Be aware of this when following Google maps.
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 09:37 AM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 188
|
I set up my routes on Trip Wizard or Google, then save and transfer to my Garmin. I’ve also just set up a route on the Garmin (usually at the last minute due to a change…).
Back up enroute with RVTW and Google on my gf’s phone.
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 09:46 AM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Space Coast of Florida
Posts: 4,019
|
If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there is my motto..lol.
I use RV Trip wizard and then use RV Life routing from my RV TripWizard route. I either select google maps or Waze. I never use Apple Maps which is an option.
If I know I’m going pretty much interstate I use google maps or Waze. If I’m going off interstate I use RV Life RV safe routing. I still check the routes.
__________________
2016 Siverback 33IK, Towed 50K+ mile
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7L V8 Diesel 4WD Crew Cab
"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there."
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 09:51 AM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 458
|
I use a combination of google, the phone, the truck nav, a paper atlas, and my brain. None of these is 100% perfect. I prefer to look over the route ahead of time and try to basically do it by memory. Only turn on the nav/directions at the local level if it is confusing. Perhaps I would like some of the specific apps, but I haven't brought myself to want to pay for them.
These topics make me think of the stories my grandfather used to tell about traveling from Southern Indiana to Brownsville, TX in the 1930's with only a model A Ford and whatever maps you could find along the way. Hard to imagine what that was like.--no cell phone, no air conditioning, no interstates, no gps-- Lots of people I know now can't drive home from the mall without the nav on or they get lost.
__________________
22 Freedom Express 257BHS
19 F-150 3.5 Max-Tow
|
|
|
08-06-2022, 01:43 PM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: ALASKA (World's Biggest Campground)
Posts: 6,712
|
We use a standalone Garmin. No integrated Nav Aids. Have the Garmin updated annually with "Open Mapchest" by a local GPS/GIS Company for $15. My bride has one of those integrated deals in her Acadia, and it's a POS. Waze is only good if you stay in the metro corridor with cell service.
__________________
'07 K3500 Silverado LT Crew Duramax (LBZ)
2016 Salem 27RKSS
1984 CHEV SCOTTSDALE K20 2GCGK24J0E1XXXXXX (Chevrolet Legends-Class of 2019)
"...exhaust fluid? We don't need no stinkin' exhaust fluid"
|
|
|
08-19-2022, 07:09 AM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 606
|
Rand McNally road map works great for me.
|
|
|
08-19-2022, 07:18 AM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,424
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dakota 1120
Rand McNally road map works great for me.
|
X2!!
you beat me too it .
GPS directions can lead you to this road
__________________
2019 F150 4X4 7050 GVWR 1903 payload
2018 Avenger 21RBS 7700 GVWR
|
|
|
08-19-2022, 07:32 AM
|
#19
|
"On the road again"
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Parker County Texas
Posts: 1,152
|
I have used WAZE for years and love it, but I also recently discovered Hammer ( https://hammerapp.com/) which is specifically designed for truckers. With our tall Class A, it makes it easy to avoid low bridges and it helps you find truck stops along your route.
__________________
Robert & Estha Shiflet
Georgetown XL 378TS
Jeep Gladiator Willys Tow Vehicle
|
|
|
08-19-2022, 08:25 AM
|
#20
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Edgewater, FL
Posts: 90
|
We use Waze, goggle maps and got a truckers atlas. It has low bridges listed. Ive heard lots of campers talk about using it.
__________________
Flagstaff 5th Wheel 529BH 36'
Ram 3500, dually, cummins
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|