I just read in another thread where senix (Scott) mentioned using a dedicated RV GPS or a Trucker GPS unit, we have just been using Waze (and a small measure of common sense) for the last several years towing our large TT but have a new full profile fiver on order. In years past we did have a Garmin RV GPS that bricked during a map update and another RV one that lost its touch screen abilities, making it pretty much useless.
What are the brands / models that folks are currently using and are happy with? Or are there good, reliable phone apps (like maybe Copilot that a friend uses and likes) that are favored over a stand alone unit?
Let’s hear what you have and use and what you like and don’t like about it!

 

I have a Garmin RV 890 GPS I've been using for 3 years. I've never had a problem with it.

 

I had a rand mcnally rv gps, extremely reliable. low clearances, weight and propane restrictions.

Plus length issues. routing preferences so you dont go where you should not go.

I now have a truckers GPS, same thing but a little more truckie (lol).

You need it the bigger the rig you have.

 

Scott, do you have a make and model for the truckers GPS?

And sorry for the misspelling of your screen name in the OP (I fixed it), auto correct changed senix to semi, which is also more “truckie”.

 

here is what I am using right now.


keep in mind this may not take the direct route since it is trying to avoid certain urban areas or sharp turns. So you review the route and see if it works and then there is usally an alternate route too.

 

there are plenty of RV GPS's to use this just works for me since I can keep track of weight stations and such for commercial work.

Since it is a truckers GPS there is no RV selection like a true RV GPS and I just use a 48 foot truck with the 5th wheel.

 

Thanks Scott!

I think an RV GPS unit would be best but wanted to hear what folks are using and if they are happy with them.

 

POI Factory for the POI's such as campgrounds, truck stops, walmarts.

 

I guess I'm a little different but we just use the Sync 2 nav system that came with the truck along with Rand McNally, Goggle maps, numerous CG apps, pre planning and common sense. We also don't like having another screen hanging around on the dashboard.

Denny

 

If you have a head unit with car play or android auto, the "rv life" app with https://tripwizard.rvlife.com/ works well. We've used it the last 3 weeks and I just got a year sub for it.

 

Waze or Google maps on the truck screen and common sense. Not many low clearances out west and I rarely go to the east side on the fold in a road atlas.

 

Yeah, we use Waze and common sense currently, but living in the Eastern Mid-Atlantic low bridges are a VERY common thing to watch out for. We have 3 local rail bridges within a mile or so of our house that are too low for our current TT. Our plans include several cross country trips with the new fiver but it will also see lots of local-ish trips here in the old railroad East, that’s our motivation for finding a good tool to help keep us out of trouble.

 

For us it is Google Maps, common sense, and a big sticker that says "I am 11' 11" tall" on the dash in our F53. The height is based on actual measurements in a flat parking lot with nothing onboard and half a tank of fuel. Been thinking of doing something better so I'm following this thread.

 

8 Sheets Self Adhesive Vinyl...
I put these on my driver side mirror to show the height. Thinking about putting them on the far mirror as well as top of the windshield. No kill like overkill

 

your issue really is the longer you are the more planning that is needed for the route.

Low clearances and such are an issue but if you follow a big rig and he goes under than you can too.

The standard on bridges is 14' height unless marked. To cross a bridge the standard is 80K unless marked.

The other issue is google maps wants to direct you downtown as the shortest route on one way streets when you could do a bypass around the city and not worry about those sharp turns that say no trucks or perhaps a 5 ton limit.