Editors Choice
Garmin RV 770 NA LMT-S
At this price point, few GPS for RV and trucking offer as much value as the Garmin 770 making it our best RV GPS on this list. This is the least expensive option we found that comes with a near HD resolution touchscreen.
On top of that, the Garmin 770 also offers plenty of connectivity options, including Bluetooth for safer driving as well as WiFi for easier updates. No need to worry about wireless updates if this is not possible for you as you can always preload the maps onto a microSD card and take it on the road with you.
However, one of the most outstanding qualities of this RV GPS navigator is the numerous customization features that allow for route planning specific to your particular vehicle. The Garmin 770 NA LMT-S comes in a bit cheaper than some of the other options on this list but without losing any functionality.
Drive the Road Less Travelled (Without Getting Lost)
When hitting the road in an RV, not all routes are equal, with some adding hours of time and frustration to your road trip. Having a Global Positioning System to help you navigate your route can save you the hassle and annoyance of bad routes, but what is the right RV GPS unit for you?
As any RV enthusiast can tell you driving a recreational vehicle on the open road comes with its own types of challenges. Therefore, the best RV navigation device to use is one designed with those kinds of vehicles in mind.
That is why we put together our list of the nine best RV GPS units on the market. We also cover all of the relevant features and answer some of the trickier questions before you buy a GPS device for your next RV adventure.
What to Look For in the Best GPS for RVers?
- What specific features to look out for
- Why customization and map reliability are most important
- The top nine GPS for RVers reviews
- Our top pick of the best GPS for RV travel
What to Look for When Buying an RV GPS
Map Accuracy
This is easily the most important factor when considering a good GPS unit and also one that is most variable between brands. Unless the company in question employs a dedicated mapping service, you might find yourself taking a longer route or on a road not even recognized by the software.
In fairness, most maps include the majority of major roadways, but regions that are regularly updating their road system can lag behind. However, to avoid these issues most of the available systems allow you to upload your own mapping software into the receiver.
Of course, that requires you to do a bit of work ahead of time, and it is not always easy to get second-rate products to recognize newer peripherals.
A good map will also show points of interest, such as RV parks, gas stations, and RV services, as well as any weight limits or height and width restrictions.
Screen Size
While this might seem like a high priority, it is generally just a convenience or ergonomics issue. Most RV GPS navigation systems use a screen that is at least 6” diagonal. Granted, if you have difficulty seeing, you will likely prefer a large screen.
However, even models with a larger screen can be challenging to read if the information is not presented in a clear, uncluttered way. On the other hand, if the unit is a touchscreen it is often easier to navigate if the screen is larger.
Traffic Tracking
Aside from map accuracy, live traffic tracking might be the next most important feature to consider when getting a portable GPS navigator. Because RVs are already tricky enough to navigate without traffic, a product that re-routes your RV trip when traffic gets heavy is a time and stress saver.
There is no single option that is unanimously better than the others, though products that aggregate multiple traffic trackers generally provide better information than those that only use one.
Even a model known for solid, dedicated mapping and tracking software benefits when it includes multiple traffic tackers.
Battery Life
This is another quality that at face value might seem important but in reality, is actually less so. This is because almost no GPS has a great battery life – with a couple of hours often being the maximum.
Of course, if your route takes more than a couple of hours you will need to charge your product while you use it. Keep in mind, most systems include high-resolution displays, wireless connection, and audio navigation on top of the tracking and mapping functions. That is a lot of functions requiring constant energy from a relatively compact piece of equipment.
User-Friendly Interface
This refers to both the initial programming of the RV navigation system, as well as the execution of the routing once set up. Ideally, a GPS unit will have a user-friendly interface regardless of the interaction, but clearly, one is more important than the other.
If you have to choose between them, a clean user interface is far more critical when you drive than when you set it up. While many devices use touchscreens for quick navigation, analog buttons are also good for reliable menu selection.
Keep in mind, touchscreens might be convenient, but they can also be difficult to use when trying to keep your eyes on the road too. This also brings up the importance of the information layout, with the inclusion of multiple data boxes often resulting in cluttering up the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ:
Q: What is an RV GPS System and how does it work?
The main difference between RV-specific GPS and a standard GPS system is that when planning the route the RV version accounts for the size of the vehicle you are driving. This helps to avoid obstructions or difficulties for your recreational vehicle such as narrow roads or low bridges. Regardless, both systems use a satellite system to track the position of the receiver in real-time and project it onto a map database.
Q: Do GPS units for RVs have a trip planner?
Most GPS units have a route planner of some sort, though the quality and range of route planning functions can vary significantly. That said, this is one of the areas where the brand matters less. However, when it comes to map quality then brand does play heavily and this in turn lends to how good the planner can be.
Q: Do all RV GPS systems have lifetime updates?
All of the products we reviewed have lifetime updates, but how you get those updates can differ. Companies with dedicated map services are usually more accurate, as well as easier to update, as compared to companies who outsource their mapping software.
Q: What are good GPS system brands for RVs?
Garmin is the original and still one of the standard GPS services, regardless of the vehicle you drive. TomTom is also pretty decent, others tend to outsource their satellite services, which can lead to hit or miss performance.
Q: What general issues should I expect when using an RV GPS unit?
The main general issue that most GPS products suffer is difficulty when navigating large cities or dense roadways. Brightness can also be an issue as most GPS system screens do not automatically brighten in response to sunlight.
Q: Are GPS systems reliable at camping sites with overgrown trees?
This concern mostly depends on the quality of the GPS service satellites, which are much better than they used to be. Maybe a couple of decades ago, the weather or cover would present an issue, but most high-end GPS services use satellites that no longer suffer from these issues.
Q: What should I do if my smartphone doesn’t connect to the GPS?
Connectivity is only really an issue if you need to use your smartphone for extraneous functions like texting or phone calls. The inability to connect your product to your smartphone would only have a direct impact if you need to update maps on the fly, which is not something half of GPS devices can even do.
The Best RV GPS Reviews
If you are ready to ditch google maps on your cell phone or mobile device, or trade-up from your current navigator, then read on for our RV GPS comparison reviews for the best on the market.
Garmin RV 760LMT
Best GPS System with Rear Camera
The 760LMT from Garmin is one of the few options on our list that comes with a rear camera to help when backing up in your large vehicle. This is a reliable option for RV drivers who are not yet the most proficient or have an exceptionally large vehicle.
Garmin is also one of the original GPS navigator companies in the market, with over 30 years of experience. While many competitors have emerged in that time, they remain one of the top manufacturers and still specialize in various GPS systems today.
The 760LMT features a solid suite of RV-specific features that allow for custom routing. These features include customized profiles to fit your particular vehicle as well as a wealth of RV-related road and roadside information. Furthermore, this model uses buildings and distinguishable sites to guide you around cities rather than the usual street navigation system seen in most RV GPS units.
The only issue is that the price is one of the highest on our list, and the camera is only okay as opposed to great.
PROs
- Has ‘Lifetime’ maps
- Has customized RV routing
- Has a BCTM 20 Rear Camera
- Has Bluetooth smartphone connectivity
CONs
- Pricey
- Camera is mediocre
Bottom-Line: New RV owners out there will love the included rear camera as well as the wealth of customization features.
Garmin RV 770 NA LMT-S
Editors Choice
The next of many Garmins on our list, and winner of our best GPS for motorhomes, is the more “budget-friendly” Garmin 770 NA LMT-S. It comes with the same suite of customization options that other Garmin models come with and then goes even further.
As with all Garmin options on this list, you can enter your specific RV profile, but the 770 NA LMT-S also includes many additional navigational features that alert you to changing road conditions. These alerts take into consideration your driving speed, steep grades, sharp curves, and more road features.
Even better, the 770 NA LMT-S comes with one of the better displays on our list with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The only potential concern with this is that the touchscreen is a bit sensitive, which can make using it while driving somewhat tricky– especially when you have to stay focused on the road.
PROs
- Has customized RV routing
- Basic weather updates
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Has a 1024 x 600 resolution
- Can accept a microSD card
CONs
- Quite expensive
- Has a sensitive touchscreen
Bottom-Line: For the price, it is hard to pass up all of the customization options and accurate navigation tools the 770 NA LMT-S from Garmin provides.
Rand McNally OverDryve 7
Best Display
If you have difficulty seeing or prefer your electronics with large, clean displays, the OverDryve is the system for you. Aside from the fact that the OverDryve has a 7” screen, it also tops our list with the highest quality of resolution at 1280 x 800, making it the only HD screen on our list as well.
Rand McNally may be one of the most well-known companies for road trips, but they are known more for their maps than their electronic products. That said, this company has by far the most map experience on our list, and ergo some of the most detailed maps in its digital road atlas that we saw.
Beyond the great display, the OverDryve 7 is also Bluetooth compatible and has WiFi connectivity, which comes in handy for all of the app compatibility. Whether you want to connect to RV GPS apps for navigation or entertainment apps, the OverDryve 7 can do it all.
PROs
- Has RV-specific routing
- Has a 1280 x 800 resolution
- Has Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
- Has Android compatibility
CONs
- Higher price point
- Can be complicated to use
Bottom-Line: This Rand McNally GPS for RVing is beautiful with an impressive display and a wealth of app compatibility, but this can also make it more challenging to use for actually navigating.
OHREX RV, 7 Inch Touch Screen
Best Basic Motorhome GPS
The OHREX 7” is one of the few products on our list that comes with a full suite of maps for North America, as well as the option to download maps for the UK, Europe, and Australia, making it an excellent choice for international travelers. On top of that, the OHREX 7” includes seven different vehicle modes, though these relate more to cars, trucks, bikes, etc. rather than different recreational vehicles.
OHREX may not be the most well-known company on our list but it is one of the largest European-based manufacturers. On top of that, OHREX specializes exclusively in GPS systems that can be used for RVs.
Unlike more upgraded models this GPS for RVing still uses street navigation systems to direct you around urban areas, rather than using landmarks, but it does offer free lifetime map updates.
This GPS unit is the least expensive option on our list, part of which comes down to an absence of wireless connectivity. Still, the TF card slot allows you to update the OHREX 7” without issue. However, the screen quality is reflected by the price with a relatively poor display as compared to other options on this list.
PROs
- Great inexpensive option
- Has World Life Cycle Map
- Has seven navigation modes
- Can accept a TF card
CONs
- Not the greatest display
- Does not have wireless connectivity
Bottom-Line: If you want a basic model that travels well in other vehicles and out of the country, the OHREX 7” is a solid cheap option.
TomTom GO 620
Best for International Travel
While not the only option on our list with international maps, the TomTom GO 620 has a better set of maps than most. Not only does TomTom provide solid mapping software, but they also include their own traffic updates as well.
Out of the GPS-based companies on our list, TomTom is the only one that has the experience and prestige to compete with Garmin. On top of that, TomTom is one of two companies that have stayed focused explicitly on vehicle-based products without branching out into other areas.
The GO 620 offers one of the greatest interface compatibility we saw with WiFi and Bluetooth functionality as well as compatibility with popular personal assistant software like Siri as well. That said, this is one of the few devices on our list with a screen under 7”, sitting at 6” instead.
PROs
- Great inexpensive option
- Has Lifetime World Maps
- Has Lifetime TomTom Traffic
- Has broad compatibility
CONs
- Has a smaller display
- Is difficult to update
Bottom-Line: If you are an international traveler, the TomTom GO 620 has some of the best international maps we found and works seamlessly with the voice-activated navigation system too
Magellan RoadMate RV9490T-LMB 7″ High-clarity Navigator
Best for Mid-Range Budgets
The Magellan RoadMate comes with an abundance of features designed for a wide range of large vehicles of pretty much any multi-axle drive. After inputting your vehicle dimensions and preferences the trip planning feature will give you a wealth of information spanning from safety alerts to gas prices on your route.
Though not as well-known as Garmin and TomTom, Magellan is one of the most experienced companies in the field. While they focus more on industrial and commercial products, Magellan innovates like no other with hundreds of GPS-based patents.
These patents include many customization options that even other RV-focused systems lack. One of the better examples of this is its search system, which allows you to narrow down your route without actually having the information already in mind.
PROs
- Relatively affordable system
- Has customized RV profiles
- Has Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
- Has superior navigation tools
CONs
- Not the greatest display
- Not the most reliable
Bottom-Line: With plenty of experience in the multi-axle industry, the Magellan Roadmate provides plenty of tools to work with, although not the most reliable hardware out there.
Xgody 826BT RV Navigation
Best Budget
The Xgody is the second and last product on this list that comes with a rearview camera, so for the beginner RV driver and those with larger RVs, this may be the option for you. Furthermore, it includes navigation modes for seven different transportation settings, so you can use it for driving other vehicles as well.
Xgody may not have the experience of other companies, but it is a true entrepreneurial success story born from eBay. This company doesn’t focus solely on RV navigation systems, instead offering a wide range of electronics and electronics accessories.
Xgody’s birth on eBay most certainly informs its competitive pricing, it being cheaper than most of the other products on our list. Unfortunately, this also means that the user interface is not the most polished, and the mapping system is outsourced and not as reliable as some.
PROs
- One of the cheaper options
- Comes with a reversing camera
- Has seven navigation modes
- Has Lifetime MAPS
CONs
- Is difficult to use
- Not the most reliable
Bottom-Line: If you expect to stick to major roads, the Xgody 826BT with rearview camera is an excellent option for the novice RV owner.
Garmin 7” RV 785 Navigator
Best Performing
While some devices we reviewed include a rear dash or rear-view camera, the Garmin 7” 785 is one of the few that has a built-in front dash camera. While this is great on its own, you also get an impressive 1024 x 600 resolution display giving you near HD image quality.
Like other Garmin GPS for RVs, the 785 also includes many customization features so that you can set your route to your specific vehicle. With hands-free features such as voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth calling, and smart notifications, as well as a free RV GPS app giving you live traffic and weather updates you have all you need at your fingertips.
Furthermore, the Garmin 7” 785 comes with one of the longest battery lifes at 2 hours, though you should still keep it plugged in when possible. The dashcam also comes with additional features to alert you of potential issues and even automatically saves footage to record an accident if you provide a memory card. The only issue outside of the high price tag is that it is more challenging to operate than most.
PROs
- RV custom routing
- Has a built-in dashcam
- Has a 1024 x 600 resolution
- Has superior navigation features
CONs
- On the higher end of the scale price-wise
- Can be complicated to use
Bottom-Line: If you are looking for performance on the road, the Garmin 7” 785 provides top-quality navigation tools as well as greater insurance against unwanted accidents.
Garmin DezlCam LMTHD 6-Inch Truck Navigator
Best for Large RVs
The Garmin DezlCam is intended for commercial or industrial vehicles up to and including 18-wheelers. This makes this GPS navigation for RV travel even better and is especially beneficial for larger RVs where even more care is needed when plotting a route.
With voice-activated navigation, live service access for traffic and weather, and a recommended truck and trailer services directory you can let this model take all the stress out of your journey. The DezlCam even includes a built-in dash cam that records in better quality than the touchscreen display, and in the case of an accident, it automatically saves footage.
However, like other high-end devices, it can be complicated to use, which is not made any easier by the smaller screen.
PROs
- Has a built-in dashcam
- Has custom truck routing
- Has Bluetooth smartphone connectivity
- Has Lifetime MAPS
CONs
- Has a higher price point
- Has a smaller display
Bottom-Line: If you need a product that works with larger, heavier vehicles, the DezlCam offers enough custom options and protective features to make your trip less stressful.
Last update on 2021-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API