Imagine this: You’re cruising down the open road, the sun is shining, and your RV is packed with everything you need for an adventure. But then, a tiny little problem pops up – you’re not sure if your current GPS can handle the towering trees, tight corners, and low bridges that are part of RV life. It’s a common worry for many RV travelers, and choosing the right navigation tool can feel like a big puzzle.
That’s where a dedicated Garmin GPS for RV travel comes in. These devices are designed specifically for the unique needs of RVers, offering features that standard car GPS units just don’t have. But with so many models available, how do you pick the one that’s perfect for your adventures? It can be confusing to know which features matter most and which Garmin GPS will truly make your journey smoother and stress-free.
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about Garmin GPS units for RV travel. We’ll explore the key features that make a difference, help you understand what to look for, and guide you toward finding the best Garmin GPS to be your trusted co-pilot on every road trip. Get ready to navigate with confidence and make your next RV adventure even more enjoyable!
Our Top 5 Garmin Gps For Rv Travel Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Garmin 7-Inch RV 795 GPS Navigator | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin DriveSmart 86 | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin RV 795 GPS Navigator 7” High-Resolution Display | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin RV 895 | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin RV 795 RV Navigator GPS Portable Navigator for RVs with Touchscreen Display | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Garmin Gps For Rv Travel Detailed Reviews
1. Garmin 7-Inch RV 795 GPS Navigator
Rating: 9.2/10
Navigating the open road in your RV just got a whole lot easier with the Garmin 7-Inch RV 795 GPS Navigator. This device is designed specifically for RVers, offering a large, bright screen and smart features to make every trip smoother and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- The big 7-inch screen is super clear and easy to see, even in bright sunlight.
- It gives you custom routes that consider your RV’s size and weight, helping you avoid tricky roads.
- You get tons of helpful information like RV park directories, campground ratings, and popular spots from Foursquare.
- BirdsEye Satellite Imagery helps you see exactly where you’re going when you arrive at your destination.
- It can suggest scenic routes and fun local activities to make your trip more exciting.
- You can control it with your voice, and it has hands-free calling when connected to your phone.
- It can show you live traffic, weather, and even fuel prices.
- It works with a backup camera and a digital switch box for more convenience.
What Could Be Improved:
- Custom routing isn’t available everywhere and doesn’t guarantee perfect suggestions.
- Some of the best features, like the backup camera and switch box, are sold separately.
The Garmin RV 795 is a fantastic tool for any RV adventure, making planning and driving much more stress-free. It’s a reliable companion for exploring North America.
2. Garmin DriveSmart 86
Rating: 8.9/10
The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a large, 8-inch car GPS navigator. It boasts a bright, crisp, high-resolution display that looks great in any light. This navigator makes driving easier and safer with its many helpful features.
What We Like:
- The huge 8-inch screen makes it easy to see maps and directions.
- Garmin Voice Assist lets you ask for directions without touching the device.
- You can make hands-free calls when you connect it to your phone.
- It provides live traffic and weather updates so you know what’s ahead.
- Driver alerts help you stay safe by warning about things like sharp curves and school zones.
- The HISTORY database and national parks directory are great for road trips.
- Tripadvisor ratings and Foursquare points of interest help you find good places.
- Built-in Wi-Fi makes updating maps and software simple.
- It comes with a dual USB charger for your other devices.
- Alexa Built-in lets you play music and get news hands-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a compatible smartphone for some features like live traffic and smart notifications.
- Using Alexa requires pairing with the Garmin Drive app on your phone.
The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a fantastic tool for any driver. It offers a wealth of information and features to make your journeys smoother and more informed.
3. Garmin RV 795 GPS Navigator 7” High-Resolution Display
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for your best RV adventure yet with the Garmin RV 795 GPS Navigator! This powerful device boasts a large 7-inch high-resolution screen that makes planning and navigating a breeze. It’s packed with features designed specifically for RVers, ensuring every trip is safe, efficient, and enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Custom RV routing that considers your RV’s size and weight for safer travels.
- Birdseye Satellite Imagery helps you easily find and navigate to campgrounds.
- Live traffic, weather, and fuel prices keep you informed on the road.
- Preloaded directories of RV parks and services make finding stops simple.
- The bundle includes a 64GB memory card, cleaning kit, card reader, and charging adapters.
- You can save multiple vehicle profiles for different RV setups.
- Road warnings for steep grades and sharp curves help you prepare.
- Hands-free calling and smart notifications keep you connected safely.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup might take a little time to input all your vehicle details.
- While the display is bright, direct sunlight can sometimes make it harder to see.
The Garmin RV 795 is a fantastic tool for any RVer looking to simplify their travel planning and enjoy a more confident journey. This bundle truly equips you with everything you need to hit the road.
4. Garmin RV 895
Rating: 8.9/10
The Garmin RV 895 is a fantastic GPS navigator designed specifically for RVers. Its large 8-inch screen makes it easy to see your route, whether you hold your phone sideways or up and down. This renewed navigator comes with updated maps of North America, including many countries and islands. It helps you find the best roads for your specific RV, considering its size and weight. You’ll also find helpful directories for RV parks and services, plus ratings from places like Tripadvisor and KOA.
What We Like:
- Big, bright 8-inch touchscreen that works in landscape or portrait view.
- Custom routing helps you find roads that fit your RV’s size and weight.
- Includes a directory of RV parks and services, plus ratings.
- Birdseye Satellite Imagery gives you clear aerial views for easy campground arrivals.
- Suggests trendy places and local spots for fun activities along your route.
- Shows road warnings for steep grades, sharp curves, and weight limits.
- Offers “roadtrip routes” for scenic drives.
- Can show your whole route and upcoming weather when paired with your smartphone.
- Lets you check real-time shower availability at Love’s and Pilot Travel Centers.
- Shows parking availability at Pilot Travel Centers.
- Provides information about amenities and restaurants at participating travel plazas.
What Could Be Improved:
- Custom routing might not be available in all areas.
- Always remember to follow actual road signs and conditions.
This renewed Garmin RV 895 offers a lot of helpful features for RV travel. It makes planning and navigating your adventures much simpler and more enjoyable.
5. Garmin RV 795 RV Navigator GPS Portable Navigator for RVs with Touchscreen Display
Rating: 9.0/10
The Garmin RV 795 RV Navigator GPS is your ultimate co-pilot for life on the road. This portable navigator, complete with a vibrant touchscreen display and a handy 6Ave Travel Bundle and Cleaning Kit, makes RV adventures easier and safer. It’s packed with preloaded maps and even includes an 8GB microSD card for extra storage.
What We Like:
- The RV 795 smartly plans routes based on your RV’s size and weight. You can even save profiles for different vehicles or trailers, making it super versatile.
- It warns you about tricky road conditions like steep grades, sharp turns, and weight limits ahead. This helps you prepare and drive with more confidence.
- You get helpful aerial views to guide you into RV parks and campgrounds, making parking a breeze.
- It comes loaded with useful directories, including RV parks, services, KOA campgrounds, U.S. national parks, and PlanRV services.
- The bundle includes a USB car adapter and an LCD screen cleaner, so you have everything you need right out of the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the preloaded maps are great, keeping them updated might require occasional attention.
- The touchscreen, while responsive, can sometimes show smudges, making the included cleaning kit a welcome addition.
This Garmin RV 795 navigator is a fantastic tool for any RVer. It simplifies planning and enhances your travel experience, letting you focus on enjoying the journey.
Your Essential Guide to Garmin GPS for RV Travel
Navigating the open road in your RV is an adventure! A good GPS makes it easier and safer. Garmin offers great GPS devices designed specifically for RVers. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look for: Key Features
When choosing a Garmin GPS for your RV, keep these important features in mind:
- RV-Specific Routing: This is crucial! It calculates routes that are safe for your RV’s size and weight. It avoids low bridges, narrow roads, and weight-restricted areas.
- Large Screen Size: A bigger screen is easier to see while driving. It also makes it simpler to input destinations and view maps. Look for screens 6 inches or larger.
- Detailed Maps: You want maps with lots of detail. This includes campgrounds, RV parks, fuel stops, and service areas. Look for devices with pre-loaded maps of North America or your travel regions.
- Points of Interest (POIs): These are helpful places along your route. Think truck stops, rest areas, and places to eat. Some Garmin devices have special POIs for RVers.
- Voice Commands: Being able to control your GPS with your voice is a big help. It keeps your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: This lets you connect your phone. You can then make hands-free calls and get live traffic updates.
- Real-Time Traffic: Live traffic information helps you avoid delays. It can reroute you around accidents or construction.
- Customizable RV Profiles: You can input your RV’s height, weight, length, and width. The GPS then uses this information for safe routing.
Materials and Build Quality
Garmin GPS devices are built to last. They usually have sturdy plastic casings that can handle the bumps of travel. The screens are typically durable. Good build quality means your GPS will work reliably on long trips.
Factors Affecting Quality
- Screen Brightness and Clarity: A bright, clear screen is easy to read, even in direct sunlight. This is very important for safe navigation.
- GPS Signal Strength: A strong GPS signal means your location is accurate. Devices with good antennas provide reliable tracking.
- Software Updates: Regular software updates improve performance and add new features. Garmin provides these updates, which helps keep your device current.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface makes it simple to operate the GPS. You don’t want to spend a lot of time figuring out complicated menus.
User Experience and Use Cases
Garmin GPS units are designed for a smooth user experience. They are generally easy to set up and use.
- RV Travel: The most common use is for RV travel. They guide you safely to your destination, whether it’s a national park, a campground, or a city.
- Finding RV Services: Need to find a dump station or an RV repair shop? Your Garmin GPS can help locate these essential services.
- Planning Routes: You can plan your entire trip ahead of time. The GPS can suggest scenic routes or the most direct path.
- Daily Driving: Even when not in your RV, you can use your Garmin GPS for everyday driving. Many models are portable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why do I need a special GPS for my RV?
A: RVs are bigger and heavier than cars. A special RV GPS calculates routes that are safe for your RV’s size. It helps you avoid low bridges and narrow roads.
Q: Can I use a regular car GPS for my RV?
A: It’s not recommended. A regular GPS might send your RV down roads that are too small or have low clearances. This can be dangerous and damage your RV.
Q: How do I input my RV’s dimensions?
A: Most Garmin RV GPS units have a section in the settings where you can enter your RV’s height, width, length, and weight. The device then uses this information for routing.
Q: What if I travel to Canada or Mexico?
A: Many Garmin RV GPS devices come with pre-loaded maps for North America, which includes Canada and Mexico. Check the product details to be sure.
Q: Are Garmin GPS units easy to update?
A: Yes, Garmin provides free map and software updates. You can usually download these updates to your computer and then transfer them to your GPS device.
Q: Can I connect my phone to the GPS?
A: Yes, many Garmin RV GPS units have Bluetooth. This lets you make hands-free calls and receive notifications from your phone.
Q: How do I find campgrounds on the GPS?
A: Garmin GPS units have a Points of Interest (POI) category for campgrounds. You can search for them by name, location, or amenities.
Q: Will the GPS work in areas with no cell service?
A: Yes, GPS devices work by receiving signals from satellites. They do not need cell service to function for navigation.
Q: What is real-time traffic?
A: Real-time traffic provides up-to-date information about traffic conditions, accidents, and construction on your route. It helps you find the fastest way to your destination.
Q: Are Garmin GPS units expensive?
A: The price varies depending on the features and screen size. However, the safety and convenience they offer for RV travel make them a worthwhile investment.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.