Best motorhome sat nav

 

What are the best motorhome sat navs in 2019?

 

It can be a huge bother to find online information about the best motorhome sat nav so we designed this short paragraph to give you plenty of information in concise form. We have studied consumer surveys and user feedback to find the best products for sale and the in-depth comparison and evaluation have led us to what consumers clearly consider a favorite, the Garmin RV 760LMT. A genuine motorhome enthusiast’s friend, this device provides valuable information including customized routing so you can drive on roads and highways that are friendly to your kind of vehicle. With detailed maps of the USA and Canada, this tool provides helpful information for most primary roads and highways. Just input the dimensions of your motorhome and the unit displays the routes you can take so you won’t have to worry that you’ll get stuck between locations because of unexpected steep grades or load limits. Moreover, the sat nav features a BC 20 Wireless Backup Camera that enables you to view pedestrians, vehicles, or obstacles that can hinder parking and backing. You also have access to lifetime map updates for optimal device functionality through the years. If you can’t find the Garmin RV 760LMT on the shelves, we recommend getting the second best option, the Garmin RV 660LMT.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

A short buying guide

 

With the endless excitement that traveling in a motorhome can give you, it pays to take a look at various motorhome sat nav systems to make the most of your adventures. That said, finding a good device can be difficult. Here are what you should look into when making this type of investment.

Take a look at the top-rated units in the best motorhome sat nav reviews that have a comfortable screen size you can really work with

 

With the windshield of your motorhome positioned far from the driver, there is quite a broad dashboard that could limit your GPS mounting options at a really functional level. You can’t view details and information easily if the unit is mounted too far. Having it mounted too near can be as problematic too.

Therefore, it is essential to buy a model that has a large enough screen to facilitate the easy viewing of information. With a 4-inch screen, you might be able to view things easily but that is if it is installed in a car.

Shoot for a 7-inch screen at least. However, there are smaller screen sizes and 5 inches or so would be a nice compromise should a really large display not be to your liking. That said, a really large screen makes it easy to type search data.

 

The best sat nav for motorhome use provides practical information for the type of vehicle you drive

 

Motorhomes can’t be taken as being similar to a car or a family van. Drivers of motorhomes have completely different requirements from a sat nav device. Neither is the implement just a piece of decor, as it should serve a particular purpose.

A comprehensive map of North America is a huge selling point. So are lifetime map updates since you would not want to refer to outdated map data during the drive. Some models even provide digital traffic alerts to prevent you from getting caught in exasperating congestions. Detours are immeasurably helpful.

With customized motorhome routing, the sat nav takes into consideration the weight and size of your vehicle in its suggested routes. A Truck and Trailer Services Directory helps you find suitable commercial locations for your type of vehicle.

 

The device should be something more than a GPS, such as a motorhome sat nav with reversing camera, for instance

 

Flexibility and versatility are key elements in any motorhome sat nav. This makes it more than just a device to pinpoint your location or find destinations with.

A points-of-interest feature provides information about highly-rated locations patronized by motorhome owners and that you should definitely explore, including restaurants, hotels, and parking.

Bluetooth technology allows you to take or make calls and read texts without holding your cell phone in your hand. The unit serves as a loudspeaker for making or receiving calls.

For safety when backing your motorhome, a reversing camera is a good addition. Spoken directions allow you to get audible directions so you can focus on the driving.

 

Our top picks

 

While finding a good motorhome sat nav can be quite tedious, we hope to make the process less so through the product descriptions below.

 

 

Garmin RV 760LMT

 

The Garmin RV 760LMT offers customized routing and comes with detailed maps for the USA and Canada as well as UV-relevant restrictions including bridge heights. You can obtain information for most major highways and roads. Simply input the length and width as well as the height and weight of your motorhome and the device provides suitable routes to take.

The BC 20 Wireless Backup Camera transmits images wirelessly to the display, even up to a distance of 45 feet to the rear of the vehicle, helping you view obstacles, pedestrians, and vehicles that might be in the way of a trouble-free backing and parking.

Optimize the lifetime map updates that you have access to for as long as you own the unit. This enables you to drive with the latest cartographic information and points of interest, as well as America’s RV Parks and Services directory information.

The revolutionary Voice-Activated Navigation lets you give spoken instructions to the unit and it will respond with good navigation advice, in addition to the touchscreen interface. With this option, you can focus on the driving.

The large, 7-inch touchscreen display comes with a high resolution for the easy reading of information.

You will also know when businesses open and close and about newly constructed roads.

 

Pros

This Garmin unit is a great example of a reliable GPS that is also very easy to use, so you won’t have any trouble finding the right routes. 

All you need to do is to set the length and width of your motorhome, as well as the height and weight, and you’ll get the personalized route you can use. 

Thanks to the Wireless Backup Camera you can see if there are any obstacles behind the vehicle, so you won’t have trouble avoiding obstacles. 

Once you’ve purchased this unit, you’ll have lifetime access to map updates, thus keeping your rides comfortable as the directory information keeps expanding. 

If you are not a fan of using a touch screen, then you’ll be very happy about the Voice-Activated Navigation that allows you to verbalize your instructions. 

 

Cons 

The backup camera’s image could be a little clearer. 

The cable between the wireless sender and the camera is rather short.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($489)

 

 

 

Garmin RV 660LMT

 

Engineered to meet the navigation needs of the modern motorhome owner, the Garmin RV 660LMT delivers cutting-edge route guidance so you never travel without adequate map data for safe and hassle-free driving.

Perfect for the motorhome living enthusiast, this tool is equipped with RV-specific features to help you reach your destination in less time and with less effort than when you use a paper map and a compass.

Get customized routing options along with prompt road warnings to make every trip truly worth taking.

The provided Directory of RV Parks and Services gives valuable information on repair service businesses as well as campground locations with the amenities that you definitely need.

To give you advanced information on what to expect up ahead, you can also view elevation information on upcoming steep upgrades along the route so you can prepare way ahead of time with proper precautions, or find less difficult terrain to drive on.

Thanks as well to the Easy Route Shaping feature, you can change your route by going only through the roads and cities you prefer for a more idyllic travel.

This unit also includes helpful Foursquare data that facilitates the effortless finding of numerous new and common points of interest along your route or near the endpoint of your trip.

 

Pros

If you are a fan of motorhome living, then this Garmin unit might be the right one for your needs, given that it takes the particular requirements of these vehicles into account. 

You’ll be able to get the personalized routes that you need to make your trips safer and more comfortable, which also means that you are going to enjoy the entire experience more. 

In case it has happened to you to not be sure which campground locations have the amenities a motorhome needs, this won’t be the case again thanks to the detailed maps included in this GPS. 

The Easy Route Shaping functionality allows you to personalize your route according to your preferences, in case you want to avoid certain cities, or go through beautiful areas. 

 

Cons 

In rare cases, the unit can power off and then you have to turn it back on. 

The menu could be a bit more user-friendly. 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($219)

 

 

 

Rand McNally RVND 7730 LM

 

The Rand McNally RVND 7730 LM is sufficiently geared to make every road trip in your motorhome priceless. This model is quite versatile as it enables you to switch to car mode or simply obtain customized routing for your RV.

It comes with an enormous 7-inch color touchscreen that provides an easy interface for leveraging the various RV-relevant features the unit is loaded with. It boasts the Quick Planner that calculates the distance, time, and cost for trips between your pick of any two cities.

You can also view the most cost-efficient route by looking at estimated toll costs. You can compare routes easily minus the toll fees to drive travel expenses down. In addition, you can monitor your fuel purchases and calculate them against current and average fuel economy. This facilitates the hassle-free planning of any future road trips.

Thanks to the exclusive Rand McNally Editors’ Picks, it will be easy to locate RV parks and campgrounds or to get information about worthy places to visit and explore. You also have access to Best of the Road getaways, trips, and adventures.

To prevent you from getting stalled in troublesome locations, the device also comes with lifetime map and traffic updates so you are always aware of where you are heading within the USA and Canada.

 

Pros

If you choose this Rand McNally model, you’ll be able to switch between RV and car mode, depending on what you need for particular rides. 

RV routes are specially made to include specific locations and campgrounds, as well as to take into account the road limitations these vehicles come with. 

Thanks to the very large 7-inch touchscreen that also displays the information and maps in rich colors, you won’t have a hard time reading it while you are on the go. 

You can use the Quick Planner to figure out various elements such as distance, cost, and time between various locations. 

 

Cons 

You might have difficulty using an internet hotspot to download updates, but tech support can help with this issue. 

In case you experience any difficulty in getting a signal, you can change the antenna at the local dealership, and this should take care of the problem altogether. 

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I update the maps?

The answer to this question depends on what comes with the GPS you are getting, namely if lifetime map updates are included. This is usually the case, so you shouldn’t worry about it, but do double-check the details before placing your order. 

If everything is in order and this is covered, then what you need to do is go on the manufacturer’s website and install the program on your PC or Mac. Once this is done, the update is easy to do, as you need to connect the device to the PC or Mac using the USB cable included in the package. Then you can simply follow the instructions that appear on the screen. 

You should get all the necessary updates for the road beside the maps, namely software, Bluetooth, and voice ones. However, before starting this process, you should keep a few things in mind. First, make sure that the device is registered and that you’ve entered your email address to get any additional communication. 

Secondly, you should update the device when you have a reliable and good broadband connection, as sometimes these files are quite large. It’s also advisable to update the device when it has enough battery to avoid any situations in which it might turn off mid-update. 

 

 

Is there a monthly or yearly subscription?

In short, the answer is that there is no fee to use the GPS, once you buy it. Also, if you have free lifetime updates included, then things are much easier. On the other hand, if you want certain special features such as more complex updates that go beyond basic mapping, there’s a chance you may have to pay an additional fee. 

There are two known features that do usually require a one-time fee, namely complex map updates and live traffic updates. The latter are the ones that keep you informed in real-time about any traffic jams, road closures, or any other conditions that might affect your trip. 

Furthermore, some additional features are available with recurring fees, such as weather, flights, or searches for interest points along the route. Yearly fees can change from one year to the next, but overall they are usually around $50 per year in the United States. 

Thanks to the technological advancements in the smartphone industry, most manufacturers also developed apps that you can use to get all the information you need for a comfortable trip. These are usually much cheaper and can cost a few dollars to try them out, and then you will have to pay a yearly fee if you want to keep using them. 

 

Can I use it for street navigation and trail navigation?

These GPS units come with a lot of features that allow you to see which way you should go to get to your destination, especially when you are driving a motorhome. It’s good to know that some of the models can switch from a standard GPS to a motorhome sat-nav, depending on your needs. 

This means that switching to street navigation should not be a problem and that you will probably be able to use the device for this purpose. However, if the unit is specially made for motorhome driving, then the routes might be longer, as it takes your vehicle’s measurements and legal road limitations into account. 

For trail navigation, on the other hand, things are not as simple. Navigation devices that are specially made for this purpose include many other features, such as topographic information that is highly useful when you are going off-road. 

A sat-nav made for motorhomes might not include all of these details, so it’s not a very good idea to use it for this type of navigation. You can see what features your device comes with and try to get an upgrade in terms of maps, but this is something that you will need to check with the manufacturer.

 

 

(11 votes, average: 4.82 out of 5)

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