Definition of RV GPS Terms
Battery life – This refers to the amount of time your RV GPS will remain powered for while not connected to a power source.
Lifetime map updates – Refers to the ability to update the map data (new roads, road changes, speed limits, et cetera) on your RV GPS for as long as you own it. Updates are necessary every year typically (or more often).
Lane assist – Refers to the RV GPS offering instruction on which lane is appropriate when merging and turning.
Lifetime Traffic Alerts – Refers to the RV GPS function that uses traffic data to help influence your trip plan.
Multi-Destination Routing – Refers to the function of your RV GPS to add multiple destinations or way points along your trip.
Spoken Street Names – The RV GPS has a function to speak aloud through a speaker on the device the road names on which to turn.
RV/Truck route – Refers to the RV GPS function that takes input on the weight, height and length of your RV and plans the trip accordingly.
Voice-activated navigation – Refers to the RV GPS function that allows the user to input navigation instructions verbally.
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Junction view – Refers to the function on your RV GPS that shows the lanes, streets, and layout of intersections for simple navigation.
Detour – Refers to the function that enables the user to choose an alternate route through the use of the detour option.
Connect Back Up Camera – Refers to the RV GPS having hardware that allows for a back up camera to be networked with the RV GPS device screen.
Fuel Log – Refers to a feature on the RV GPS that keeps track of the fuel cost, mileage, and other statistics along those lines.
Points of Interest – Also known as POI’s, these are the different locations that are pre-loaded in the RV GPS for one touch navigation.
Which Is the Best RV GPS?
Each RV GPS device manufacturer has its own set of unique benefits and price points. The following section will give a recommended RV GPS device based on two different buyer profiles.
Keep in mind that there will always be heated opinions on subjects such as these. A group of seasoned RV’ers have made these determinations after using every one of these devices. The profiles are:
- Those who want the top-of-the-line features and most current technology.
- Those who want a compromise between price and function.
1. Those Who Want the Top of the Line Features and Most Current Technology:
Rand McNally
Some may remember the Rand McNally TripMaker 7720 model, which was supposed to be an upgrade to their 7710 model.
Thanks to a reader, we were notified that Rand McNally has since discontinued their 7720 model at several stores, in favor of a new 7730 model. This new 7730 model doesn’t appear to have the best of reviews though, and some have said that it’s just too buggy for routine use.
An older and more reliable model, the Rand McNally TripMaker RVND 7710 RV GPS, looks to be the best model Rand McNally offers currently that also has reliable user reviews.
Garmin
Of the other RV GPS units we looked at, a few had features similar to the Rand McNally 7710, but the only RV GPS device that can stand toe to toe with it is the RV 760LMT from Garmin.
The Garmin 760 offers more “tech features” than the Rand McNally 7710 – such as the Basecamp software – and we feel that many of the extra features would be more appealing to the tech savvy.
The RV 760LMT is slightly more expensive on average and isn’t as widely reviewed and tested as the Rand McNally 7710. But, we think that the avid RV’er who isn’t purely basing their decision on cost and wants the best features and most current technology would be very happy with either the Rand McNally TripMaker 7710 or the Garmin RV 760LMT.
Those that like “gadgets” will likely enjoy the Garmin RV 760LMT, while RV’ers that desire simplicity will most likely find the Rand McNally a more suited tool for their use. Both are top of the line devices that are purpose-built to make every RVer’s travel experience convenient and worry free.
2. Those Who Want a Compromise Between Price and Function:
It is a heated death match between these two. They both have compelling features specific for RV’ers, are reasonably priced, and offer one-of-a-kind POI information (Good Sam or Rand McNally’s).
They both offer a slew of RV related features as well as next exit information and POI alerts. The Magellan RoadMate RV9145 has a leg up with the reaction time on the interface.
It seems to be faster. But, at the end of the day this really comes down to preference. The RVND 7710 sells better but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is in fact better. It just happens to be more familiar to many because of the popularity of Rand McNally. If you’re buying today we think you would be happy with either. Perhaps this death match is best decided by a roll of the dice?
We hope that you have just a bit more information for your search to find the best RV GPS device for your needs.
Hi, just curious…why would you want a 2nd backup screen to look at?
I purchased a Tom Tom GPS which also has an RV setting and after 3 years it has worked fine. Has anyone else used a Tom Tom?
I meant for the 760LMT model, not the truck model. For RV model, bridge height is a POI, not a factor in routing.
No it won’t. Garmin will route you onto low bridge roads. The height you enter for your RV has no effect on route planning.
How does the new rand McNally rvnd#85056 compare to these units?
You should always check the many detailed user reviews on Amazon.com. It was on Amazon that I learned the R-M model shown in this article has been discontinued, and the one that replaced it is a disaster. The Garmin is still very highly rated. One recommendation that emerges from the review – update the maps frequently and check for firmware updates as well because they contain bug fixes and you can save yourself problems and frustration by doing so. One last thought: when providing an article like this one it would be very useful for people to know the date it was published.
Garmin does not give height at gas stations but does list truck stops which takes care of that issue. Gas Buddy app on your smart phone is the best for fuel prices and location
Garmin does do not know about others
Ed I use Base Camp from Garmin. It is not perfect but between Google Earth and Base Camp I have had no issues finding things or planning my trips. I’m real anal about planning a trip. I often change my plans once on the road and I just go into Base Camp an make the changes.
No problems with my Gramin
Hope you are having fun in your new RV. Also hope you choose Garmin. I have 4 Garmin’s one for each car and one for the RV. Used them to navigate in Europe, USA and Japan only issue I had was Japan. Garmin does not provide maps for Japan but I found a company that did provide Garmin maps for Japan. They were a life saver but sometimes they were not up-to-date. New bridges available or old bridges taken down but never the less gave me the freedom to travel knowing I could always get back.
Years and Years and if the battery goes bad it still should run off of a computer USB port. The current draw should be low enough.
The Garmin will also keep you off of road that you should not go on. Except if they are to narrow but do not have published weight restrictions. With my 40 footer I have a rule if it does not have a center line I do not go down it.
I have used the Garmin 760 for three years now it shows gas stops truck stop and is worth every penny spend. The back up camera was not availabe when I pruchased it but I would get that even with my RV that has one. I drive a 40 foot diesel American Dream for three years have put on 15,000 mile of vacations.
joe you hit the nail on the head.I have had one for about 4 or 5 years. Had problem and sent to factory and worked good for a while then when I updated maps from their site and it tells me to turn after i have already passed the road.I will buy a garmin or magellan first
Do any of these show gas stations that accommodate Motor Homes towing cars?
When will we get a RV GPS with Dash-Cam?
HAVE A RAND 7725 FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS AND LOVE IT. WHEN PROPER INFO IS PUT IN IT KEEPS YOU OFF ROADS YOU CAN’T TRAVEL DUE TO WEIGHT HEIGHT ETC. IT IS BEST TO INPUT DESTINATION COORDINATES IF POSSIBLE. TRAVEL FROM EASTERN CANADA TO SOUTH WESTERN USA EVERY WINTER AND IT IS THE BEST ONE I HAVE OWNED.
Thanks for letting us know Paul. Kind of a bummer about that…
Microsoft no longer supports “Streets & Trips”. That’s too bad because it was the most versatile.
Bought mine from Camping World a few years ago and used it on and off since then. Not too happy with it since the whole concept of using this unit in an RV does nothing to stop you from getting on a Cars Only Roadway or on to a road with a Low Bridge. Anyway… Went to update the map on it the other day and noticed the battery needed to be charged. Charged the battery overnight, but it would not hold a charge. The unit would only work while plugged in to the 110 charger. It would not work on the 12 volt charger or when plugged in to the computer. So unable to update the map or use it in my RV. Magellan will not do anything for me since it is out of warranty. My question to Magellan was… How long is the battery suppose to last? I have never had a dead battery with any other GPS that I have owned. I would buy another brand if I were you!
Thanks for your offer Keith. We’d be happy to post your thoughts when you get a chance to test it out.
I just bought the Garmin RV760LMT, and we are about to take a trip from Dallas to San Diego. I will give an update after our trip to let you guys know how well it worked. I have have Garmin in the past and enjoyed them.
Interesting article, but you missed a category: Performance (quality of routing, adherence to RV profile, quality of POI’s, route planning options and destinations, etc)
Seeing that you based your article solely on specifications, it’s not surprising that you skipped that profile, but I think the article would have been an order of magnitude more helpful if it included comments on performance, based on actual usage.
I can only assume that you did not have any units to test personally, so I cannot fault the article because of that, however, I am about to pull the trigger on a purchase that is more than many people spend on a house, and it is VERY important to me to know that the unit I choose will RELIABLY route us SAFELY, EASILY and QUICKLY.
Thank you for pulling this together though, it was still very informative.
STAY AWAY from the Rand equipment!
It is the most convoluted gear on the market and reqires wifi enroute for updates.
Trash!
Nice list. Any information on how well they acquire satellites, what with the limited sky view of the average RV?
Thanks
Thanks for your comment Ed. You might want to check out Microsoft Streets, they even have a free trial. http://www.microsoft.com/streets/rv/home.aspx
I want laptop software for GPS. It needs to be RV specific. It needs to have lane assist and RV Park and public park locators. I have a Garmin GLO receiver which is great. I mistakenly bought CoPilot for $100 that was virtually a waste of money. With it I cannot search for parks or anything else without the name of the town or the coordinates. I entered the name of a state park and found nothing until I entered a town close to it.
I am now trying to be very careful how I spend my money for GPS. Most of them will not even let you do a seven day trial.
Take a look at the following web site.
http://sydhorn.wix.com/rv-navigation-system
Do any of these RV GPS devices have weather alerts and detour options ?
Best places for gas with the appropriate height for motor homes.