I'm looking to purchase a GPS that will build routes based on my truck and trailer size.
1. What systems do you use?
2. Does the Ford factory GPS allow me to enter trailer information?
3. Does BLISS work with 5th wheel trailers?

I have a 2021 F 350 Lariat on order.

Thanks for your help!

 

I have a rand McNally RV GPS. It will take into account length, propane, wt, height.

You can also configure it for no U-turn, tolls or ferry's. You can add POI's from the POI factory for low bridges, Walmart, truck stops and on and on. Lifetime map updates. Been using it well over 10 years.

BLISS can work with the trailer if you have the UTT trailer tow package. You have to set it up. I have not. But I could if desired.

Fords GPS is for cars and car routes, useless unless it is a route that you know is ok. To depend that it will take in consideration your trailer, nope.

So when I have the trailer I use my rand McNally, when disconnected I use the ford GPS.

 

I usually just use the Ford nav, it hasn't steered me wrong yet. That said, when if I end up on some backroads, I also have an app called "TruckMap" on my phone that I use as backup. Neither one lets you input your trailer size. But, the later one assumes you're as big as a big rig, and I should be able to go whereever they can fit. In the past I ran an app called 'CoPilot RV', but they went to a subscription model and since it was geared to motorhomes, it also wasn't a perfect fit for my setup of truck and fiver. I could enter dimensions with it, but only for the one unit, and it's max-min values didn't line up right. Largest I could go with it was 42', my total combined length is closer to 48'.

As far as the BLIS, the answer is both 'no' and 'maybe'. As soon as you set it up as a fiver, it disables BLIS, so officially, the answer is 'no'. But, I've heard some people have been able to set up their fiver as a bumper pull, and then it becomes a 'maybe'. As a bumper pull, it's expecting your trailer to be like 4'-5' away from the sensor, so if the fiver body is closer, it may interfer and cause false readings. Only way to know for sure is to set it up (as a bumper pull) then drive around and see how it behaves.

 

Check out the Garmin too. https://g.factoryoutletstore.com/cat...552e98aaed6d91

 

Garmin RV-760 for about six years, now. Has served us well.

Rob

 

I looked at some of the GPS units. It looks like they are made for Motor Homes. At least the web demo's have you entering the dimensions of your motor home. Can you enter a trailer as well or do you enter the combined size of truck & trailer? I checked out the navigation for trucks, those seem good except they are missing information on RV camping and parking spots.

 

Yes. On the Garmins you choose the type of RV (MH, TT, FW) and then enter all the parameters for height, width, length, weight, etc. I don't have it inside with me, but there may even be a total length to include the truck - but I'm not sure about that.

Rob

 

I've been using the Garmin 760 (with lifetime maps) now for about 4 years with zero issues. As stated above, you input the height, width, and overall length of the rig. For example: I'm towing a 44' Momentum 5th wheel trailer behind a 2016 F350 Dually (8' bed) and my entries are.....Width = 8' 6"......Height = 13' 6"......Overall length = 61'. If I happen to go down a road that the unit does NOT have info on, such as a gravel backroad maybe, or let's say the road entering the campground; the unit will beep and it will flash up a message about not knowing if my trailer will clear (based on my inputted numbers). If that happens, you just have to be even more attentive to any bridge, overpass, etc that you may have to drive under. Of course if it's a road into a campground, you are pretty sure that there shouldn't be any issues.....except maybe low hanging tree branches if the campground doesn't maintain their entrance very well. The Garmin 760 probably isn't made anymore, as new models have replaced it. I think they are up to maybe the Garmin 790??? now, and there are likely many improvements since my 4 or 5 year old model came out.

 

That sounds like the trucker version of the RM GPS as it does all the same.
I drive 18 wheel truck / Trailer,26 tons bulk cement and 10K gallons of LP gas - read hazmat!
I run it loaded all the time so I don't go over low tonnage bridges but with some of the cement loads to new housing areas and LP to farms I have to go over them as there is no other way to get there.
I also don't know if it will keep you off parkways like up in the NY / New England area where trucks & TT and not allowed on them as I have not used it up there in truck mode (*see below).
It has sent me on some roads with axle limits where I should not have been. Again if I know it I will not go that way again if I can help it.

I will say ITS A TOOL to use as you need to look over a map, RM truckers atlas come to mind, to make sure the route is truck friendly and you should be ok with your set up.
I also use Google map for new locations, farms mostly, but remember this is for cars but it can give you a general ideal of the route, again its a tool!

*BTW you can turn off the truck part and use it for cars. If I go somewhere in my personal car / truck I take it and switch it to car mode and travel on.
Dave ----

 

1. We use a bunch of systems. The onboard GPS does decent. We supplement that with my wife’s SIRI, Waze, and AllStays app for low clearances. We also only try to follow STAA routes listed in the RM Truckers Atlas, and decide on our best route after considering all of those resources.

2. No

3. BLIS will work with a 5th wheel trailer, but you need to set your 5th wheel up as a bumper pull when setting up the trailer information. BLIS will alert when making a turn, but no big deal when considering it is a great safety option going down the road. Beware that BLIS will not alert if a vehicle is beside your 5th wheel......it just alerts to the typical blind spot area of the truck

 

We have a Garmin Nuvi with the 7" screen. Easy to see compared to smaller screens but doesn't block your view like the 8"

I have friends with the Ford navigation system and do not care for the routing algorithm as you often do not get the shortest or easiest routes. And once my GPS becomes hopelessly outdated I can get a new one for about $200.

 

How does one go about getting a new one for $200? I just sold 2 of my old Garmin units and have one more left to sell. Is there a trade-in or something like that?

 

When towing my toy hauler, I use a Garmin 760 RV LMT. You can enter your rigs dimensions in it. I’ve found it works really well. When not towing, I use the stock nav.

No, you cannot enter trailer info into the stock nav

No, BLISS does not work with 5th wheels, or trailers over 30’

 

Well, it was on sale at Target for $195. (5 years ago) So I grabbed it. Just checked Amazon and they have a slew of Garmin GPS units for under $200, and many under $100.

 

On my 2017 Super Duty pulling a GD Reflection, BLIS does work in a limited capacity.

This is from my post #10: BLIS will work with a 5th wheel trailer, but you need to set your 5th wheel up as a bumper pull when setting up the trailer information. BLIS will alert when making a turn, but no big deal when considering it is a great safety option going down the road. Beware that BLIS will not alert if a vehicle is beside your 5th wheel......it just alerts to the typical blind spot area of the truck