Android Auto Nav?

[cvd]

2025 Europa with the Kenwood DNR1008RVS GPS head unit. I was expecting to have a choice of using the Garmin and Google navigation. I realize some like the RV specific routing of the Garmin solution, but I prefer a modern cloud based solution, with real time map updates, real time traffic monitoring and navigation adjustment, better voice recognition, and linkage to everything Google (e.g. voice activated connection to my contacts and immediate routing).

Google maps does shows as an option when Android Auto is activated (pic 1). It does the navigation calculation when a destination is selected (pic 2), but then displays message “Android Auto navigation is not available in the vehicle” (pic 3).

Is there a solution to enable wireless Android Auto Navigation?

 

[bclemens]

I would recommend RV Life, RV Trip wizard.

The problem with google maps, is it is routing for an auto, not a 33,000lb GVWR. Garmin takes into account, the height, weight, and length of the vehicle. Google maps, does not.

heading to Delaware, trying to avoid a wreck, I took the google maps route...and ended up on a one lane bridge rated for about 22,000 lbs. Luckily, I was empty, but the right rear cargo bays, still caught the guard rail.

Though it could be one of the two (phone or head unit) needs an update.
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-mWSFb...8lI5ctq_B_8fhT513DGujd8TlzkJQSBxoCTfkQAvD_BwE

Says Apple carplay or Android Auto.

Well scratch that...

"Note - Google has disabled the Android Auto navigation apps with this receiver. The built-in Garmin navigation will provide the most accurate way to plot routes for a specific vehicle's length, width, and height profile

 

[NXR]

I'd think that only Google Maps and Waze would be disabled. If Google disabled third-party apps like RV Life Pro they could have legal problems (not that they couldn't afford them).

But only three years of free map support? That sounds more like Kenwood asked for the Google nav apps to be disabled so they could sell way over-priced map updates that Garmin provides quarterly for free. Google is not going to cripple their own products for free to help a competitor (Garmin).

Ray

 

[NewToTheForce]

I would recommend RV Life, RV Trip wizard.

The problem with google maps, is it is routing for an auto, not a 33,000lb GVWR. Garmin takes into account, the height, weight, and length of the vehicle. Google maps, does not.

heading to Delaware, trying to avoid a wreck, I took the google maps route...and ended up on a one lane bridge rated for about 22,000 lbs. Luckily, I was empty, but the right rear cargo bays, still caught the guard rail.

Though it could be one of the two (phone or head unit) needs an update.
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-mWSFb...8lI5ctq_B_8fhT513DGujd8TlzkJQSBxoCTfkQAvD_BwE

Says Apple carplay or Android Auto.

Well scratch that...

"Note - Google has disabled the Android Auto navigation apps with this receiver. The built-in Garmin navigation will provide the most accurate way to plot routes for a specific vehicle's length, width, and height profile

Even using RV Life/Trip, or even Garmin or Rand, be aware of the bridges and underpasses they send you. RV Life/Trip directed us to a 16k bridge. Garmin did fine, but routed us under a 13' 8" bridge. Boy did that look low.

 

[PhilFromMaine]

Even using RV Life/Trip, or even Garmin or Rand, be aware of the bridges and underpasses they send you. RV Life/Trip directed us to a 16k bridge. Garmin did fine, but routed us under a 13' 8" bridge. Boy did that look low.

They all have their quirks. My Garmin 795 (?) has done really crazy routing at times and routed me way out of my way for no apparent logical reason.


I have tested it locally in my truck without a TT and it has added extra miles to my route in favor to a route that was of the very same quality as the miles shorter route.

 

[bclemens]

That was one of the things I discussed at the Rally. Going away from the built in RV nav, (that is pretty expensive and hard to update) to an app based version free for one year. Then you can test it out and every can buy their own personal preference, without feeling obligated to be on Garmin.

Personally, I have never used the nav that came with any of my cars.

 

[cvd]

Agree. I haven't used a hardware specific navigation device in 10 - 15 yrs. Much prefer an app projected onto a generic display (smart phone, tablet, or Android Auto). Then I can chose the map and navigation solution I want. Very disappointed in this Kenwood device that allows 3d party music, but not navigation.

BTW - My 2023 Ram truck supports navigation via TomTom (for a fee) and Android Auto>Waze or Google Maps. After trying both, I'll never use the TomTom navigation (even if the TomTom was free, it isn't competitive)

 

[malmz]

I used Waze, you just need to enter the address and hit go before you connect Android auto and it shows on the screen fine after the warning. The kenwood built in gps still runs in the background with the warning chimes. You can change the setting for the loudness of those chimes, it was really annoying at first.

But we are on the left coast, generally know where we are going, and are using it for traffic and live road condition warnings mostly.

 

[NXR]

Wow, I guess I'm the odd person out.

I use my in-car navigation extensively. In the motorhome I rely on a hardware GPS for routing with Waze running in the background for near real-time traffic and road debris alerts.

I refuse whenever possible to get sucked into the "perpetual nickel-and-dime'ing subscription" nonsense.

Yeah, I'm old.

I replaced my old and failed Jensen XRV10 with the Sony XAV-9500ES that is used in the 2024 Georgetowns. While I do not use either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto I tested both functions wired and wireless and everything works great.

Ray

 

[KRedburn]

I had the built in unit die a while back. Over 2k to replace.

Now use a pioneer multi radio/media unit in the dash 500.00
and
a truck navigation unit TND750 (7 inch screen) Rand McNally based with lifetime updates. 400.00 on Amazon

Set up as a bus with height, weight, length (include toad length). It has in three years got me in a "pickle".

Also has fuel logging and maintenance logging. It is intended for commercial trucking industry.

Just an option.

 

[NewToTheForce]

I had the built in unit die a while back. Over 2k to replace.

Now use a pioneer multi radio/media unit in the dash 500.00
and
a truck navigation unit TND750 (7 inch screen) Rand McNally based with lifetime updates. 400.00 on Amazon

Set up as a bus with height, weight, length (include toad length). It has in three years got me in a "pickle".

Also has fuel logging and maintenance logging. It is intended for commercial trucking industry.

Just an option.

We are using Rand, as well. Prefer it to the in-dash.

 

[Rescue.Dogs]

I bought a Garmin 895 when I bought my FR3 last year. I programmed the Garmin with the height/weight of the FR3 and drove with it in my daily vehicle for a couple of weeks. It took me on routes where I would have ended up with a convertible FR3 if I was driving that.

I had several other problems with it, but that was the chief complaint. Returned it to Amazon for a refund.

 

[vlamgat]

I really enjoyed this thread especially to find that I was not alone. All and I mean all these apps and hardware devices are deficient in multiple ways such that none of them can be relied upon because the data they need to give us (mere amateurs) the optimal directions come from proprietary sources. sources that are not held to any quality or accuracy standards and are subject to update at the whim and budget of their owners.

And this BTW is why AI is just a lot of hype in most applications. Because to add "I" to garbage results in fake news/fake I and will send the users in the wrong direction, longer route, impassable obstacles or even roads that are too narrow for safe use by RVs. Especially on the Right Coast where the shortest distance between 2 points is often only 10 feet wide and peppered with 12 foot bridges.

Eventually this will get worked out but I suspect it will take another decade. We have come a long way since I tried the prototype Garmin road system in 1986 which had some very dubious logic. But many of those problems still prevail at Garmin, Google/Waze, and that ancient Trip Quest system.

 

[NXR]

"Artificial Incompetence"?

I just read an article where New York is trying to pass a law to require GPS manufacturers to include low bridge warnings on planned routes. Because their signs do not work. Some of the comments were semi-amusing, such as suggesting that New York install accurate signs.

Maybe that will be the impetus for Google Maps to allow people to enter their vehicle parameters. For the low, low subscription price of $10 a month.

Ray

 

[Largo II]

CVD,
I have the Kenwood DNR1008RVS in my FR3 DS34 and have had the same difficulty. I think it's Garmin that is blocking other navigation options. My hope is that once the three year "free" Garmin maps has run it's course, and I don't renew, I can use other navigation programs.

 

[ErnieSimons]

I don't like any navigation service that requires internet connectivity while running. I prefer a solution with onboard maps and GPS. Absolutely need the ability to input rig height, weight, width. I like the ability to build the next day's trip with stops for fuel, provisions, campground, and such. Save it the night before and pull it up the next morning. Garmin RV1090 has saved my behind from Google routing several times. Yes, early on I ran Google nav and Garmin at the same time. Don't use Google much anymore. Garmin isn't perfect but it is safe

 

[Champ837]

My wife is my "Navigator" and as backup I have my android phone running google maps. She has Waze running and we also have an old Garmin with lifetime maps and traffic running. The main reason for three units is so that when google and waze disagree we have a tie-breaker, the Garmin. My wife also keeps a road atlas close at hand. Good Luck folks, drive safe!

 

[Oaklevel]

These are good threads for information as to what is out there.

I have never used an app. hoped never to but that is my old school self, never been a problem yet. Probably need to learn.

Hoping our next RV has less technology than the new ones or that it is easy to remove. I know I'm dreaming......

 

[si camper2]

a truck navigation unit TND750 (7 inch screen) Rand McNally based with lifetime updates. 400.00 on Amazon

Had a Rand McNally unit once. After a few years, newer models were made available and I could no longer get map updates. I contacted the company and was told that my unit was no longer serviced. I asked about the lifetime map updates and was told that "lifetime" refers only to the life of the unit.

 

[NXR]

I see Kenwood issued a firmware update for the DNR1008RVS last month but it does not mention the nav issue. It might be worth a shot to install the update and test it again.

https://www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/mm/firmware/2022/2022c/eng.html

At one time these devices had to tie into the vehicle's speed sensor for CarPlay but then firmware updates were issued to remove that requirement. Keep your fingers crossed, I guess.

Ray