What to Look for When Buying an RV GPS
Map Accuracy
This is easily one of the most important factors when considering a portable GPS and also one of the more variable. Unless the company in question employs a dedicated mapping service, you might find yourself taking a longer route or not even recognized by the software.
In fairness, most maps include the wide majority of major roadways, but regions with regular new roadwork can get overlooked. On the other hand, most of the available systems allow you to upload your own mapping software into the receiver.
A good map will also show points of interest, such as parks and services.
Of course, that requires you to do a bit more work ahead of time, and it is not always easy to get second-rate products to recognize newer peripherals.
Screen Size
While this might seem like a big deal, it generally turns more into a convenience or ergonomics issue. 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 top of that, most RV GPS systems use a screen that is at least 6” diagonal.
On the other hand, a slightly larger screen is often easier to navigate if it is also a touchscreen.
Traffic Tracking
Outside of 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 reroutes your route when traffic gets heavy is a time and lifesaver.
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 might seem important on its face but is less so in the field. This is because almost no GPS has a great battery life – with a couple of hours, often representing the excellent end.
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 GPS systems include high-resolution displays, wireless connection, and audio navigation on top of the tracking and mapping functions.
That is a lot of different things requiring constant energy from a relatively compact piece of equipment.
User-Friendly Interface
This can be taken in a couple of different ways, both as part of the setup and part of the execution. Ideally, an RV GPS unit has user-friendly interfaces 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 navigation.
Keep in mind, touchscreens might be convenient, but they can also be a bit difficult to use when trying to keep your eyes on the road too. This also brings up the importance of information layout with the inclusion of multiple data boxes 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 GPS units and a standard GPS system is that the RV version accounts for the size of the vehicle when planning the route. This should help you 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: Does an RV GPS unit 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, but the map quality plays heavily into how good the planner can be– and brand does matter there.
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. The companies with their dedicated map services are usually more accurate as well as easier to update compared to companies who outsource their mapping software.
Q: What are good RV GPS System brands?
Garmin is the original and still one of the standard GPS services, regardless of the vehicle you drive. TomTom is also pretty decent, but the 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: Is an RV GPS System 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 needed to update the maps on the fly, which is not something half of GPS can even do.
The Best RV GPS Reviews
Garmin RV GPS 760LMT
Best RV GPS with Rear Camera
- 7″ Display – With a big, 7″ high-resolution touchscreen Display, RV 760LMT is easy-to-see inside vehicles of every size
- Lifetime MAPS – Businesses open and close. New roads are built. Drive knowing your routes reflect the latest map data available from Garmin
- Customized RV Routing – Enter your vehicle’s height, weight, length and width. RV 760LMT will guide you along the most suitable routes for most major roads and highways, avoiding RV-related restrictions, such as low bridges
- Garmin Real Directions – Garmin Real Directions with Garmin Real VoiceTM guide like a friend, using landmarks, buildings and traffic lights, rather than hard-to-read street names
- BCTM 20 Wireless Backup Camera – Transmits images Wirelessly, up to 45 feet, to your RV 760LMT Display, so you can easily spot vehicles, and obstacles (Professional installation recommended. Extension cable may be required for vehicles longer than 45 feet)
The Garmin RV 760LMT is one of the few options on our list that comes with a rear camera to help you when backing up in your large vehicle. This is a reliable option for people who are not the most proficient with driving their RV or have an exceptionally large RV.
Garmin is also one of the original companies in the market, with over 30 years of experience. While many competitors have come since that time, they remain one of the top manufacturers and still specialize in various GPS systems today.
On top of that, the RV 760LMT also features a solid suite of different RV-specific features that allow for customized routing. These features include custom RV profiles to fit your particular vehicle as well as a wealth of RV-related road and roadside information.
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
- Pricy
- Has a mediocre camera
Garmin RV 770 NA LMT-S
Best RV GPS
- Large, high-resolution, 6.95” edge-to-edge display is easy to see while navigating the open road
- Custom RV routing based on size and weight of your RV or towable trailer. Hands-free features include Bluetooth calling³, smart notifications5 and voice-activated navigation
- Access free live traffic, basic weather and more – simply download the free Smartphone Link app to your compatible smartphone
- Learn of suggested attractions along your route to make the journey more interesting and fun. Display resolution 1024 x 600 pixels
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy map and software updates when you’re on the road; no computer needed!
The next of many Garmins on our list is more costly than “budget-friendly” systems but is the least expensive GPS system that does not have any significant issues. On top of that, it also comes with the same suite of customization options that the other Garmin RV lineup does and then some.
For example, while the Garmin RV lineup allows you to enter your specific RV profile, the RV 770 includes many additional navigational features that alert you to changing road conditions. These alerts take into consideration your driving speed, the grade of the road, the sharpness of curves, and more.
Even better, the RV 770 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 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
- Weather conditions and weather updates
- Has Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
- Has a 1024 x 600 resolution
- Can accept a microSD card
CONs
- Quite expensive
- Has a sensitive touchscreen
Rand McNally RV GPS OverDryve 7
Best RV GPS Display
- fit type: Universal Fit
- Power Connector: Barrel Plug
- Most orders leave warehouse same day
- Item Package Weight: 1.361 kilograms
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 best resolution at 1280 x 800, which also makes it the only HD screen on our list too.
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, the company has the most experienced on our list, by far, and has some of the most detailed maps that we saw.
Beyond the great display, the Rand McNally GPS RV unit also includes Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, which comes in handy for all of the app compatibility. Whether you want to connect to entertainment apps of common navigational tools, the OverDryve 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
OHREX RV, 7 Inch Touch Screen
Best Basic Motorhome GPS
- 【World Life Cycle Map, PRE-LOADED USA Canada Mexico Maps】 Pre-installed with the 2020 latest North America Map, include USA Canada Mexico Maps, which has 2D / 3D map display. If you need to update the latest Map, please contact us to download. (Downloadable but not pre-installed maps: Europe, UK, Ireland, Australia and so on)
- 【Lifetime Map Updated for Free】 Get the latest map by connecting OHREX GPS Navigation to the Windows pc. You can also use an exteranl TF Card for map update (with Mac & Windows system). Lifetime Map is free updated without Ads . You can regularly download latest data for maps, speed, and points of interest.
- 【NAVIGATION WITH CONFIDENCE】 OHREX 7 inch GPS Navigation with detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions that speak street names loud and clear through the speaker. With OHREX GPS navigation system, you will never miss a turn or have to make sudden lane crossings. Support: (1)Postcodes, Address, Coordinates & POI (2) Driver Alerts, Active Lane Guidance assist, Active Speed Camera Detection (3) Street name Broadcasting, Turn-By-Turn Real Voice Broadcast.
- 【PROFESSIONAL GPS NAVIGATION】 OHREX probably is the best 7 inch Capacitive touch screen GPS Navigation for Cars and trucks. (1) Intelligent Route Planning Fast & Economical. (2) Fast & Accurate GPS Tracking. (3) Current Speed, Lane Guidance & Estimated Arrival Time. (4) This is customized to provide better routes for your chose mode and avoid roads with width/height/weight restrictions. (5) Multiple Vehicle Modes, including Car/ Truck/Motorhome/RV / Emergency/ Bus/ Taxi.
- 【PROFESSIONAL SOLUTION】Our GPS navigation supply regular maps upgrades and any question inquiry. USA local brand, established professional technician team in the United States, have been recognized by our customers.
OHREX RV is one of the few products on our list that comes with a full suite of maps for the UK as well as North America, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers. On top of that, the OHREX RV includes seven different vehicle modes, though these relate more to cars, trucks, bikes, and such rather than different recreational vehicles.
OHREX may not be the most well-known company on our list, but the company is one of the largest European-based manufacturers. On top of that, OHREX specializes exclusively in these systems that can also be used for RVs.
Even better, the OHREX RV is easily the least expensive option on our list, too, though part of that comes down to an absence of wireless connectivity. Still, the TF card slot allows you to update the OHREX RV without issue.
PROs
- Great inexpensive option
- Has World Life Cycle Map
- Has seven navigation modes
- Can accept a TF card
CONs
- Not the best display
- Does not have wireless connectivity
TomTom GO 620
Best GPS for International Travel
- Updates via Wi-Fi: Get the latest world maps and software updates for your TomTom GO Supreme via built-in Wi-Fi – no computer needed
- Tomtom traffic: Insanely accurate traffic information enables your Tomtom GO 620 to intelligently plan routes around traffic
- Compatible with Siri and google now: Activate and talk to Siri or google now by tapping a button and using the microphone on your TomTom GO 620
- Hands free calling and smartphone messaging: So you can keep your hands on the wheel and your phone safely away in your glove compartment
- Destination prediction TomTom go learns your driving habits and predicts when you’re likely to drive to frequent destinations saved in my places
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 the two who stayed focused explicitly on vehicle-based products without branching out into fishing systems.
The GO 620 also offers one of the best compatibilities we saw with not only Bluetooth functionality and WiFi but 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
Magellan RoadMate RV9490T-LMB 7″ High-clarity RV Navigator
Best GPS for Mid-Range Budgets
- Enter your RVs dimensions, vehicle type, and your personal preferences and travel with confidence by avoiding routes with height limitations, narrow and unpaved roads, U-turns and much more.
- Essential RV information pre-loaded including Good Sam RV Travel and Savings Guide featuring comprehensive private and public campground information, RV Sani Dump Station POIs showing RV dump locations and more.
- Safe money and travel safer by finding the lowest Diesel and Gas prices as you drive and view weather maps with graphic overlays of temperature, precipitation, or severe weather warning information updated for your route and destination.
- Includes safety navigation features including: Landmark Guidance, Traffic Camera Alerts by PhantomALERT, Junction View and Highway Lane Assist, Speed Limit Warnings, Grades, Elevation and more.
- Location -based information enhances your RV experience include Yelp reviews, tips and deals for restaurants and other businesses around you; Redbox movie rental reservations, locations and directions; and, Internet Radio
The Magellan RoadMate comes with a wealth of features designed for a wide range of large vehicles developed for pretty much any multi-axle drive. On top of that, the wide range of connectivity options means you do not have to worry about your hardware when updating.
Though not as well-known as Garmin and TomTom, Magellan is one of the most experienced companies in the field. While they focus a bit more on industrial and commercial products, Magellan innovates like no other with hundreds of GPS-based patents.
These patents come in handy for including 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 best display
- Not the most reliable
Xgody 826BT RV Navigation
Best Budget RV GPS
The Xgody is the second and last product that comes with a rearview camera, so beginners and large RVs will not have to worry. Even better, it also includes navigation modes for seven different transportation settings, so you can use it when driving other vehicles too.
Xgody may not have the experience of other companies, but it is a true entrepreneurial success story born from eBay. At the same time, the company does not focus on GPS systems, instead offering a wide range of electronics and electronics accessories.
This origin on eBay almost certainly informs the Xgody’s competitive pricing, which sits well-below most of the other products on our list. Unfortunately, this also means that the UI 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
Garmin 7” RV 785 Navigator
Best Performing RV GPS
- Custom routing takes into account the size and weight of your RV then finds the best route for your vehicle
- Provides road warnings to keep you aware of steep grades, sharp curves, weight limits and more
- Includes a directory of RV parks and services plus integrated content from Ultimate Public Campgrounds, KOA, overlanded, PlanRV, TripAdvisor, Foursquare and more
- Pair with your compatible smartphone to gain access to hands-free calling and smart notifications; also includes voice-activated navigation for convenience on the road
While some of the devices we reviewed include a rear dash or rear view cameras, the Garmin RV 785 is one of the few that has a front dash camera built-in. While this is great on its own, when combined with an impressive 1024 x 600 resolution display, you get near HD image quality.
Like the other Garmin RV lineup, the 785 also includes many customization features so that you can set your navigation to your specific RV. Even better, the RV 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 that alert you to issues and even include incident detection to record an accident if you provide a memory card. The only issue outside of a high price tag is that it is more challenging to operate than most.
PROs
- Has customized RV 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
Garmin DezlCam LMTHD 6-Inch Truck Navigator
Best Large RV GPS
- DISPLAY-Guides you to your destination with 6” pinch to zoom, glass display
- BUILT-IN DASH CAM-Continuously records your drive and automatically saves files on impact. Display size – 5.4 W x 2.8 H (13.6 x 7.2 cm). 6.1 inch diag (15.4 cm)
- CUSTOM TRUCK ROUTING-Customized truck routing3 for the size and weight of your truck.Display resolution:800 x 480 pixels
- TRUCK LOCATIONS AND SERVICES-TruckDown Directory features places highly-rated by drivers such as truck-friendly lodging, restaurants and parking areas
- ROUTE WARNINGS-Warnings for bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades and more
The Garmin DezlCam is intended for commercial or industrial vehicles like 18-wheelers, but this makes using an RV with it even better. This is especially beneficial for larger RVs, which need even more care taken when the system plots a course.
Keeping in mind the potential commercial customers, this is also one of the few products we found that include live services access, though it needs to be connected to an app for that. Still, the ability to contact AAA or an emergency service provides an extra layer of comfort and protection.
The DezlCam also includes a built-in dash cam that records in better quality than the touchscreen displays. However, like other high-end devices, it can be a bit complicated to use, which is not made easier with a 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
Last update on 2020-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API