RV camping around the country isn’t nearly as hard as it was for our grandparents. But by using the best RV GPS systems available today, we can drive our RVs with more confidence and ease.
No longer do you have to only rely on your map skills (though it’s probably good to have a few of those. 😂) But, thankfully if you are woefully inadequate at reading an Atlas, there are some pretty amazing RV GPS out there now.
In fact, today’s navigation systems are so easy you could probably have your kids navigate your routes. Here’s our updated 2023 review of the best RV GPS on the market.
What does an RV GPS do?
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, having something to guide you along the road is a great help. Every journey is unpredictable. Make sure you equip your RV camper with the best and most accurate RV GPS technology.
GPS, or Global Positioning System, by definition, is a global navigation satellite system that can provide the location, velocity, and time synchronization. A GPS has 3 components that work side by side to provide the most accurate results, they are as follow;
- Space (Satellites) – These are the satellites that are orbiting the earth and transmit signals to users on geographical position along with the time of day.
- Ground control – These are the Earth-based control centers that monitor, control, and track satellite activities and transmissions. They are found on almost every continent in the world, such as North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
- User equipment – These are the GPS receivers and transmitters such as mobile devices.
What’s The Difference Between An RV GPS And A Regular GPS?
While both RV GPS and regular GPS help users navigate, they are tailored for different contexts. An RV GPS is specifically designed for recreational vehicles, considering factors such as the vehicle’s size, weight and height.
They can provide customized routes that avoid obstacles like low bridges or narrow roads which may be unsuitable for an RV. Additionally, they often have RV-friendly features, such as directories for RV service locations, campgrounds, and rest stops.
On the other hand, regular GPS systems are more generalized, providing standard navigation for most vehicles without considering specific vehicle dimensions or RV-specific features.
They are often smaller, less expensive, and offer a simpler interface, making them suitable for everyday use in standard cars.
What to Look for When Buying an RV GPS?
Here’s a list of the features you want to look for in your RV GPS:
- Ease of use– Make sure you are comfortable in using it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with new technology, so choose a GPS that isn’t too complicated for you to use.
- Height & Length input– Make sure the GPS you choose has a feature like height, weight, and length input. SOit can adjust your travel route according to your camper’s size.
- ScreenSize– This is a personal choice, choose a GPS that has a screen size that can provide a route that your eyes can clearly see.
- Dash Cams- In case of accidents, a dash cam can record these unforeseen events and can help with insurance issues or alike.
- Traffic & Campground Features- Not all GPS has these features but if you want to keep away from traffic jams make sure you include this feature when buying an RV GPS. Some GPS systems can also provide information about the different campgrounds near you.
- Speed limit indicator– When driving an RV or any other vehicle, being aware of your speed is very important. The best RV GPS has this feature and can provide you with speed limit changes and warnings.
- Smartphone Compatibility- By connecting the RV GPS to your phone you can receive messages, sync your apps, and update road maps for locating nice campground spots.
- Memory- Memory greatly affects the performance and productivity of a GPS System. A GPS with larger memory can do more than that of a GPS with smaller and much-limited memory capacity.
- Price- Just like anything that you purchase, you always have to consider the price. Oftentimes the price is linked to quality so be sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
- Frequency of Travel- If you’re planning to travel more often you should invest in high-end GPS that are sure to work perfectly even when you use it very often.
What are the most trusted RV GPS brands?
The front runners when it comes to the best RV GPS brands are Garmin, TomTom& Rand McNally which you can see in our list of the best RV GPS to buy on the market. These two brands have done such a remarkable job in designing GPS systems that are highly efficient while RV driving.
- Garmin– Is an American multinational technology company founded in 1989 that has remained relevant in many industries like aviation, automotive, marine, outdoor, and fitness. The company is incorporated in Schaffhausen, Switzerland but has several offices located all around the world. Sticking by their beliefs, honesty, and integrity, they have made RV GPS systems that include features to help campers travel with ease
- TomTom– When it comes to mapping, TomTom remains on top. As the world of driving changes, TomTom has continued to improve which is evident with their highly accurate maps, navigation software, and real-time traffic information. For these reasons, TomTom has been the top choice of RV campers for RV GPS systems.
- Rand McNally– Rand McNally has continuously developed and innovated products that can help people on the road. Their mission is to enhance the road travel experience for everyone, and they are exactly doing that through their highly rated GPS systems.
Best RV GPS
On top of the basic feature that a regular RV GPS can provide, the best ones have high-end features that are specifically designed to help you deal with the challenges that you might face while driving an RV.
And with that in mind, make sure you don’t fall for fake marketing claims. Searching and reading customer reviews is the way to go. And lucky for you, we already did that!
We’ve rounded up the best RV GPS on the market based on customer review, features, and price points.
The Garmin RV 785 GPS has a 7 inch high definition display so you can clearly see where you’re heading. It has a built in dash cam that is able to record your drive and save it automatically in case you need it. You can enable its features such as forward collision and lane departure warning so you’ll be safer down the road. Campers especially like its custom routing feature to find the best route possible for your RVs.
Features
- Custom routing
voice-activated navigation
7” touch display
built-in dash cam
includes a directory of RV parks
hands-free calling
Wi-Fi connectivity
Pros
- Easy to install and use
Hands free features
Custom routing for your vehicle types
Built in dash cam records your drive which can be used incase of accidents or emergencies
Road warning features
Wide and clear display
Cons
- Very few people complained about its inaccuracy and freezes up when it's being used.
It's quite pricey
TomTom Go 520 has precise traffic information allowings customization of routes for better and safer travel down the road. Its hands free calling and smartphone messaging is super convenient so you don’t have to keep our hands off the wheels, that’s a big no no!
It has a 5 inch screen size enough for you to see routes and traffic updates clearly. Through Wi-Fi connectivity you’ll be able to update real time without the use of a computer.
Features
- 5 inch screen size
Screen resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
Wi-Fi connectivity
Voice controlled hands-free calling
Tomtom traffic
Custom routing
includes Active magnetic mount
TomTom world maps
Pros
- Custom routing for best routes
Accurate traffic information
Voice controlled and Hands free feature is very convenient
Easy to mount and use
Affordable
Free lifetime map updates
Compatible with Siri and GoogleNow
Destination prediction by TomTom is great
Cons
- 1 hour Battery life
Smaller display screen
Needs to have MicroSD to Update
Garmin is a highly reputable brand when it comes to producing accurate and reliable GPS products for cars, trucks, motorcycles and RVs. It has over 90 products that are sold across the globe, and has been a reliable navigation system for various uses and vehicles.
The Garmin DriveSmart 65 is an easy to use 6.95” GPS navigator with clear and bright display. It's simple menu and easy to see maps makes everything easy to understand and follow for the drivers.
It has an accurate traffic update system that allows for custom routing.
Features
- 6.95” Screen display
Garmin Traffic
Voice activated
hands free calling
Built in Wi-Fi connectivity
3-D buildings and terrain Maps
History Network
National Parks Directory
Car charger and suction mounting included
Pros
- Simple and easy-to-see maps
Large and clear display
Simple menu
Accurate traffic update
Easy-to-understand, spoken turn-by-turn directions
Custom routing
Hands free calling
Wi-Fi connectivity
Free Map and traffic updates
Easy to install and use
Driver alerts warn you of upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, railroad crossings and more
Cons
- Short battery life ( 1 hour battery)
The vehicle needs to move first to calibrate the compass
The OverDryve 7 is a reliable device for RVers, with cutting edge connected technology and accurate traffic information you’ll be able to navigate the road with feeling at ease and secure.
It is packed with amazing and very useful features that you can access conveniently while keeping your eyes on the road. With the built-in Trip maker app and an on-board Road Atlas you’ll be able to manage and plan your trips for the best camping experience.
Features
- 7″ screen
Free Lifetime Maps
Built-in dash cam
Voice-enabled features
Call and text hands-free
Compatible with Siri or Google Now
Built-in Tripmaker app
On-board Road Atlas
WiFi Updates
Bluetooth Feature
Pros
- Large and clear display
Built in dashcam ro record your travel
Excellent voice navigation feature
Accurate traffic information
Can be connected to smartphone via bluetooth
You can play music anytime you want
It can be programmed for specifications based on your vehicle
Units attach to the mount magnetically
Easy mounting of the device
Built in dash cam for recording your drives
Long battery life
Hands free and voice activated features
Cons
- It a bit pricey
Editing your planned routes is not possible, you can only restart it and make a new one
The TomTom GO 620 is one reliable companion on the road. With extremely accurate traffic updates it can customize and plan your routes so you can get to your destination with ease.
Through its destination prediction feature, you'll get to your destination in no time! Get the latest world maps and software updates for your TomTom GO 620 GPS navigation device via built-in Wi Fi that means that you don’t have to use computers for updates. It’s hands free features are extremely helpful so you can focus on the road and keep your hands on the wheels.
Features
- 6 Inch LCD display
Touchscreen
Hands free feature
Voice enabled
Wi Fi updates
Compatible with Siri or Google now
Destination prediction
Includes active magnetic mount, car charger, USB cable
Pros
- Real-time and accurate traffic updates
Hands free and voice enabled feature is extremely helpful
Easy to mount and use
Clear display
Supports cloud updates
It can read out your text messages and enable full use of your phone’s personal assistant
Built-in Wi Fi makes it extremely simple to update any of your world maps.
Cons
- Smaller display screen
1 hour battery life
What Are The Benefits Of Having An RV GPS?
GPS is such a powerful tool that can help greatly in so many industries especially when it comes to traveling, here are the benefits of having RV GPS for your next camping adventure.
- They can detect low bridges
- They provide road warnings
- Support route optimization and fuel efficiency
- Some GPS can customize the route based on the weight and size of your rig
- They provide and suggest a list of RV Campgrounds
- Update you with the traffic situation
- Provide audible navigation or offer hand-free options
What Are The Types Of RV GPS?
There are 2 predominant types of RV GPS that you can find on the market
Portable RV GPS Systems– As the name implies, these are types of RV GPS systems that are versatile and compact. They are easy to move around inside an RV. Since it is portable you can easily detach and transfer it to a different rig.
Permanent RV GPS Systems– These are built-in GPS systems that you cannot remove from your campers like the portable ones. Some serious RV Enthusiasts prefer this type mainly because its feature and design is specifically tailored to the RV where it is built-in.
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How to Use an RV GPS?
Each RV GPS system comes with its own specific instructions, but generally speaking, using an RV GPS is not hard. The first thing you have to do is mount or install the GPS unit on your dashboard. Be sure to follow the steps specified in your units’ manual.
After it’s been securely attached to the dashboard, you are ready to start using your new RV GPS.
Make sure you read the manual that came with your GPS unit to do be able to do specific instructions so you can maximize all its features.
Equip your campers with these reliable navigation systems so you can drive confidently on the road. There is no greater price for safety, be wise and so make sure you choose the best RV GPS on the market.
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Looking for more ways to make your RV camping trip a lot safer? If so, you should definitely check out our list of the best RV Security Systems on the market.
To avoid boredom on the road, don’t forget to pack some family-friendly road trip games.