RV GPS Systems

A RV GPS System is a must-have for most RVers. But, have you ever wondered about the history of the GPS? The United States Government created the GPS system and it was released for Military use in 1973. It was not available for civilian use until the 1980’s. Many of us have a love hate relationship with the GPS system. We love it when it works well and hate it when it does not; technology is funny like that. Despite how far we have come technology still has flaws. In this article we will look at RV GPS Systems; what works well and what does not.
Whether you use your RV for short weekend trips or are a full-time RVer, you will find a RV GPS is at the top of your essential RV Gear List. They are geared specifically for RVs. Sure, you could use the GPS from your car or the one on your phone but, they are not going to detect a low bridge up ahead like an RV GPS System would.

Related Read: The Best RV Navigation Tools- GPS or Compass & Map?

What RV GPS Systems Can Do
They can detect low bridges, provide road warnings, customize your route based on the weight and size of your RV, provide a list of RV friendly campgrounds, give traffic updates, provide audible navigation, offer hand free options, and dash cams and back up cameras for assistance.
Things to Consider When Buying an RV GPS System

Accessibility

How easy is it to use while driving? If it is difficult to access and use when driving, then it probably is not worth buying. A system with voice activation like the Garmin RV 760LMT Portable GPS Navigator is perfect when it comes to accessibility.

Frequency

How often are you going to travel? If you travel a lot then I recommend investing in a more expensive, more tailored RV GPS System to suit your long-term needs. Something like Garmin RV 770 NA LMT-S, Advanced Navigation for RVs and Towable Trailers, Directory of RV Parks & Services, Voice-Activated Navigation for around $300 is a good investment. If you are an occasional camper and go out once a month then I recommend something less expensive like the Garmin Drive 50 USA LM GPS Navigator System with Lifetime Maps, Spoken Turn-By-Turn Directions, Direct Access, Driver Alerts, and Foursquare Data.

Screen Size

Personal preference will factor into what size screen you buy. The Rand McNally TripMaker RVND 7710 has a 7-inch screen display.

Memory/Predictive Data Entry

One thing I like about Maps on my cell phone is it recalls where I have been, and it recalls that location. Therefore, I do not have to re enter it again. If you like the idea of saving time, then the Garmin RV 770 NA LMT-S is for you.

Notifications
So many GPS systems wait till the last minute to tell you to turn and we all know RVs do not turn on a dime. So, if you are looking for an RV GPS System that gives you plenty of time to get in the other lane then you will want to purchase the Magellan RoadMate RV9145. The 7-inch screen and customizable routes are great features as well.

Cost

There is even a system that will program the route while computing how much the trip will cost. That system is the Rand McNally TND530 Truck GPS.

Speed Limit Indicator
Speed is synonymous with driving. When we are traveling, we need to be very conscious of how fast or slow we are driving. Having a good GPS with a speed limit indicator is important. The Rand McNally TripMaker RVND 5510 offers speed limit changes and warnings.

Conclusion
Investing in a good RV GPS system is well worth the financial investment. There are several on the market to choose from. I hope that this article aids in your research by cutting down on the time spent googling which systems are best; by highlighting specific needs, cost and function you will have more time for traveling and camping versus surfing the internet.