3 Best RV GPS Reviewed
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Howdy, fellow traveler! If you’re searching for the best RV GPS systems, you’ve come to the right place.
I get it—navigating without a reliable GPS can turn any trip into a mess.
We might love the idea of a free-spirited journey, drifting wherever the road takes us.
But trust me, after countless miles on the road, I’ve learned a thing or two about how quickly things can go differently.
You can waste a lot of money on gas and supplies if you head in the wrong direction.
Or you might need to backtrack because the route you picked is a nightmare for RVs.
In the worst case, you could end up stuck or stranded miles away from any help.
That’s why you need a high-quality GPS when you’re on the road in an RV.
If you want the best out there, the choice is pretty clear—go for the Garmin RV 795.
It’s got everything you could want, packed into one solid device from a trusted GPS brand.
But with so many GPS options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed!
And when you’re spending a few hundred dollars on a tool that should make your journey easier and safer, you want to make sure you’re making the right choice.
I’ve put in the time and miles to do the homework for you.
So, I’ve gathered a list of the top five RV GPS units.
You can check them out and pick the one that fits your needs best.
What is an RV GPS?
A GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based tool that helps with navigation by providing directions in real time.
However, an RV GPS isn’t just your average GPS.
It’s specially made for RVs, taking into account the different shapes and sizes of these big vehicles we all love to drive.
While a regular car GPS can guide you from one place to another, it doesn’t think about the size, weight, or other unique details of your RV.
Imagine trying to follow a route meant for small cars while driving a huge RV.
If you’ve ever done that, you know it can lead to some tricky situations.
I’ve made that mistake myself, and let’s just say it didn’t go smoothly.
There’s nothing quite like having to do a tight, 40-point turn on a narrow country road, with cows in the fields staring as you struggle!
An RV GPS takes your RV’s details into account, along with the roads you plan to travel.
It helps you stick to paths that suit your vehicle.
These devices also come loaded with helpful info, like where to find campgrounds, dump stations, and parking spots, plus other handy details for your trip.
So, when you’re choosing an RV GPS, you’re not just buying a gadget to give you directions.
You’re looking for a travel buddy who knows the difference between a safe, RV-friendly road and a path that could cause trouble.
Although it might seem similar to a regular GPS, an RV GPS is a unique tool created specifically for RV enthusiasts.
Type of RV GPS
There are different types of GPS systems designed for various RV lifestyles.
1. Street Navigation Systems
For those who love exploring cities, street navigation systems are a great choice. They provide up-to-date traffic information and point out nearby attractions, making it easier to move around busy streets.
2. Sports Systems
If you prefer off-the-beaten-path adventures, a sports GPS system is a better fit. It guides you to hidden trails, fishing spots, rugged paths, and potential secluded campsites. It’s ideal for those moments when you want to connect with nature.
3. Handheld GPS Systems
Handheld GPS systems are portable and convenient. They’re small and easy to carry, making them perfect for hiking or biking. I love having one when I head out from my RV for an outdoor trip because it’s more reliable than a phone in remote areas.
4. Bluetooth Connectivity
Many RV GPS systems now have Bluetooth, allowing you to link them to your phone. This hands-free feature gives you extra options and boosts safety.
From getting live weather updates to making phone calls, Bluetooth adds more tech convenience to your travels.
It makes your journey easier, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Garmin RV 795 [Best Overall]
- Garmin RV 785 [Best Dash Cam]
- Garmin RV 1090 [Best Splurge]
1. Garmin RV 795
The best overall GPS for RV adventures, in my opinion, is the Garmin 795 Navigator.
Garmin is a well-known name in GPS technology, and it’s no surprise they dominate this list.
Their GPS units are reliable, and you can count on them for quality.
The Garmin RV 795 stands out because it offers a solid mix of useful features, a friendly user experience, and a reasonable price, all packed into a seven-inch screen.
The seven-inch display is high-resolution, making it easy to read and use while you’re on the road.
It also includes voice assistance, which makes navigating even smoother while driving.
Plus, it can connect to your smartphone, letting you take calls hands-free.
What makes the Garmin RV 795 truly unique is how well it caters to RV travelers.
It’s not just a regular GPS with a few extras; it’s designed specifically for those on RV journeys. The features are excellent:
- Custom routes based on your RV’s size and weight
- Alerts about road conditions and steep hills
- Live updates for traffic, weather, and fuel prices
- A preloaded list of top RV parks and services
It’s a great companion for any road trip. There are a few drawbacks, though.
The suction cup for mounting could be sturdier, the live updates can be unreliable at times, and I’m not a fan of the special charger it uses.
However, these are minor flaws in what’s otherwise a top-notch product.
Garmin GPS is a smart choice, especially for beginners.
The custom routes and RV-specific details make it easy to adapt to RV life without much hassle.
Honestly, for most RVers, this is the best GPS you can get—unless you’re willing to spend a bit more for the absolute top-of-the-line model.
2. Garmin RV 785
You might want to consider this Garmin GPS 785 unit instead!
It’s a lot like the Garmin 795, but it comes with a built-in dashcam to record your trips.
It’s not just a navigator—this is a tool that can do a little bit of everything for your RV travels!
The 785 model adds extra safety with a built-in dashcam that can automatically detect incidents.
The camera also gives you warnings if you’re getting too close to the car ahead, drifting out of your lane, or if you’ve been stopped too long.
It’s even compatible with Garmin’s BC wireless backup camera, so you can see both the front and back of your vehicle.
This feature is handy for more than just accidents; it makes parking in a crowded campground with kids running around much safer.
Besides that, it’s almost identical to the Garmin RV 795.
The main differences are a magnetic mount, which I prefer over a suction cup, and double the battery life.
Everything else is the same, including custom routes, hands-free options, and an impressive database of RV-friendly features to explore.
Because of those differences, some might see it as a step up from the 795.
Personally, I’m not so sure.
The dash cam is a nice feature, but it’s not a must-have for every RV driver, especially those with smaller vehicles like Class B RVs, which I drive.
If you’re someone who prefers fewer gadgets, you might find the extra alerts more distracting than helpful when you’re navigating tight spots.
It doesn’t make sense to spend more on something you might not use often.
But if you want a GPS that also keeps an eye on the road for you, this model is a great pick.
Even if you just want a way to save memories of your road trips, this device has you covered.
The Garmin RV 785 is a reliable and stylish choice for any RV enthusiast.
3. Garmin RV 1090
Sometimes, you just want to go all out and get the best option available.
If you’re looking for a top-notch navigation and mapping tool, the Garmin RV 1090 is worth the extra money.
Garmin has several great models, but the RV 1090 stands out as the luxury choice for those who want something special.
The first thing you’ll notice is its huge 10-inch screen, stretching from edge to edge.
It’s big enough that you can switch between portrait and landscape modes without losing any detail.
The larger display gives you more options too—you can use the bottom part of the screen to show important info like live weather updates, nearby amenities like gas stations, or a preview of the road ahead.
Mounting the device is easy since you have several choices.
You can go with a heavy-duty suction cup, secure it with a screw, or use the ball adapter.
It’s also compatible with third-party RAM mounts.
The Garmin RV 1090 comes with all the high-end features of the RV 795, like custom routing, a detailed database of key info, and an improved voice assistant for hands-free use.
Plus, it has a longer battery life.
But even great gadgets have their downsides.
The large 10-inch screen can feel a bit overwhelming in a smaller space, so you need to make sure there’s a suitable spot for it in your RV.
Still, with all the benefits of the bigger display, it’s like saying a diamond sparkles too much—hardly a real problem.
The Garmin RV 795 is an excellent choice and will guide you wherever you need to go.
But if you’re willing to spend a little extra and want the larger screen and added features, the Garmin 1090 is a worthwhile upgrade.
Why not go big if you can?
Our Verdict
An RV GPS is truly the best travel companion anyone could ask for.
It’s reliable, never lets you get lost, and doesn’t need constant pit stops like we do.
If you’re not sure whether you need one, I can confidently say that you do.
Once you find yourself on those narrow country roads that weren’t made for big RVs, you’ll understand.
My own experiences have shown me how crucial it is to be prepared.
So, if you’re gearing up for the perfect road trip, you need a dependable travel buddy.
And for that, the Garmin RV 795 is a great choice. It combines all the features you’d want, offering great value and an easy-to-use experience that’ll last for years.
If you want a GPS with a little more, consider the Garmin RV 785.
It’s similar to the 795 but includes a built-in dashcam, adding an extra set of eyes for cautious drivers.
Still, any good GPS will get you through the journey.
The world is vast, with countless roads waiting to be explored.
And no matter where your adventures take you, your RV GPS will make sure you can always find your way home.