Do you use satellite navigation or your cellphone GPS?

[Roadtrek 1]

A lot of people use cellphones for maps and navigation, but, when you are out of cellphone range good old satellite navigation is really hard to beat.

We've found a number of instances where we were glad to have the satellite navigation as a backup plan.

What system do you normally use?

[Chad Heiser]

I use copilot on a tablet.  Copilot downloads all of the maps and data to my tablet so it will work whether or not there is a cell signal.  I have been very happy with the program and the large screen provided by the tablet.

[Aggie79-82a]

I use a Garmin 770 LMT-S.  It's their RV model.  I frequently use my cell phone for navigation around town but not for the RV.

[Kirk W]

We travel with the RV using a Garmin RV-660 and occasionally use Google Maps on the cell phone for very short duration trips. Like the larger screen, the split screen graphics feature, and the RV related data.

[SWharton]

We use the Garmin RV660 and supplement with Google maps as needed. We also have a Garmin in the car.

[BlueLghtning]

Have Garmin 660-LMT has main source when in truck. Google maps is always running for comparison too. I love the elevation profile the Garmin has for long grades and descents up a head. The 770 does this also, but the 760 does not. 

Just as an FYI, if you start Google Maps in an area you have service and as long as the route stays active, it's cashed in the phone/device. Even if you lose service somewhere, it will keep navigating you. However, if you close the maps or it tries a reroute and doesn't have service, then it will fail until you have service. You can manually download offline locations to google maps too. This is good if you'll be spending time in an area without reliable service. 

 

[k4rs]

I still prefer the larger screen on my laptop computer.  I am running Streets and Trips (last updated in 2013) with a USB GPS.  We tried a Garmin Nuvi, but did not like it and sold it after a year.  If I ever find S&T to be so outdated that it is not usable,  I plan to switch to a mapping program on my 10" tablet.

Safe Travels...

[FL-JOE]

I use the built in nav system that came with my RV.  The DW uses our old RV GPS on her side.  The only time we may use I-phone mapping is if there is a question about a CG entrance or fuel stop area, then she may pull it up on her phone with "satellite" view for a more defined closer look.

We actually don't follow none of our nav devices exactly.  I review our route in advance using my commercial atlas so I know what roads to stay on.

[GlennWest]

I still with CoPolit. I have the HDT so it is tall. Use truck version. Serves me well usually. Some of these newer RV parks don't get right there but close enough

[Jayco1c]

I also prefer the larger screen on my laptop computer.  I am running Streets and Trips (last updated in 2013) with a USB GPS. 

 

Along with a good road map.

[hemsteadc]

I use my 660 when I want a good laugh at how ridiculous the routes are.   That thing will take me miles out of my way when perfectly good roads are right there in plain view on the map.  In Las Vegas it wants me to exit the I-15 for 2 blocks and get back on.

[Twotoes]

I use the Garmin 770 RV. I like the additional features it gives you like locations of  fuel, rest stops, restaurants, campgrounds etc, as well as the ability to program the stats of your RV, height, length, weight etc, to avoid roads with low underpasses etc. 

[noteven]

1. Paper maps to see the big picture. They always work.

2. Garmin dezl sumthin sumthin satnav. Has auto, RV, heavy truck settings. It doesn’t always accept the human pilot wants to take a different route. It protests and fusses.

3. Google maps. Great for location finding by name, or address, or zoom in and looking with the eyes. Traffic status. Why aren’t the roads “red” so you can see them? 

4. Benchmark state recreation maps loaded through Avenza app on mobile device. The roads are red. BLM, NF, State trust, treaty lands are marked.

5. State and provincial land maps on the simple to use (😀😀) guvmint websites.

[Ray,IN]

I use the free TruckerPath app on my old-old Motorola Zoom tablet w/built-in GPS. It's easy to see, easy to hear, and runs for  10-12 hrs on battery. We tried cell-phone but can't hear it speak directions, and screen is too small to see while driving.

I have a Rand McNally RV7730 but  cant' hear it either. I'm not deaf, just hard of hearing and old.:(

[Darryl&Rita]

Paper maps to plan on, GPS for driving. Data costs too much.

[Roadtrek 1]

2 hours ago, Darryl&Rita said:

Paper maps to plan on, GPS for driving. Data costs too much.

Yes, we use paper maps for overall route planning... wouldn't give them up. 

No data on satellite GPS.   

[Dutch_12078]

We normally use a Garmin Nuvi  GPS, but I also have CoPilot on my phone as well as Google Maps as backups. We also have a couple of atlases on board that we occasionally use for planning. I usually pre-plan the route I want to take to our next location using Google Maps on my laptop, and then adjust the Garmin entries as needed to follow my routing.