Navigating the open road in an RV is more than just getting from Point A to Point B. It’s about exploring scenic routes, avoiding trouble spots, and arriving at your destination stress-free. But with an RV, navigation comes with unique challenges. Like avoiding low-clearance bridges and finding fuel stations that accommodate larger vehicles. Or just planning routes that match your travel style. As an added bonus, traveling cross-country takes you in and out of cell coverage. A campground with Wi-Fi might be an oasis. So, quite simply, you need to have different RV navigation systems. It’s smarter, and it’s safer.
After nearly seven years on the road and more than 100,000 miles traveled, my wife and I have honed in on the best RV navigation systems. And these five are the ones we recommend for every RVer, whether you’re a weekend adventurer or a full-time traveler.
1. Get an RV-specific GPS system.
Why You Need It: A standard GPS or phone app can get you lost — or worse — stuck in a tight spot. Trust me when I say, that simply following Google Maps can be great for scenic drives in a car, but we’ve ended up in some really tight and sketchy situations like that when towing. RV-specific GPS systems are tailored for larger vehicles, offering features like height and weight restrictions, RV-friendly routes, and campground suggestions. These systems also provide peace of mind by avoiding dangerous roads and ensuring you’re always on the safest path.
Top Picks:
- Garmin RV 890. Known for its large touchscreen and ability to customize routes based on your RV’s dimensions, this GPS also includes RV parks and service locations.
- Rand McNally RVND 7. Offers detailed RV routing, live traffic updates, and trip planning tools, making it a great companion for long-distance trips.
Pro Tip: Always keep your RV’s dimensions (height, weight, and length) handy and input them into your GPS for the most accurate routing. Double-check unfamiliar routes before committing, as even RV GPS systems can occasionally make errors.
2. Use Google Maps … with a twist.
Why You Need It: While not RV-specific, Google Maps is unbeatable for up-to-date traffic information, road closures, and real-time navigation. It’s a must-have tool for any RVer, particularly when used alongside other RV-specific navigation tools to ensure accuracy.
How to Maximize It:
- Use Street View to preview unfamiliar areas, ensuring you can navigate entrances, parking lots, or campgrounds.
- Pair with RV Trip Wizard (more on this later) to double-check your route for RV-friendliness.
- Set “Avoid Highways” or “Avoid Tolls” settings when you want a more scenic drive, but ensure the route is still RV-safe.
Pro Tip: Be cautious with Google Maps’ suggested routes — it doesn’t account for RV-specific restrictions. Cross-reference with your RV GPS or a planning tool to avoid surprises, like low bridges or weight-limited roads. When we were towing 5th wheels for a couple of years at around 60-plus-feet long, we found that having Google Maps in addition to our Garmin was a great combination.
3. Plan with two great RV apps.
Why You Need It: These planning powerhouses are game-changers for RV travelers. Whether you’re mapping out a multistop road trip or searching for hidden gems along your route, both tools allow you to customize your journey based on your preferences and RV’s specifications. They make trip planning fun, seamless, and incredibly detailed.
Apps We Love:
- RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Tailored for RVers, it offers RV-safe routing based on your vehicle’s dimensions, fuel cost estimations, and an integrated campground search tool with reviews.
- Roadtrippers App. Focused on discovery, it’s perfect for finding quirky roadside attractions, scenic byways, and offbeat destinations that make your journey unforgettable.
How They Complement Each Other: RV Trip Wizard excels at logistical planning and ensuring safe routes for your rig, while Roadtrippers brings a sense of adventure and spontaneity by highlighting unique stops you might otherwise miss.
Pro Tip: Use Roadtrippers to create an exciting itinerary filled with must-see attractions, then import your stops into RV Trip Wizard for an RV-friendly route that avoids low bridges or weight-restricted roads. Together, they create the ultimate trip-planning toolkit for RVers.
4. Prepare for offline navigation.
Why You Need It: Cell service is unreliable in remote areas, and having an offline navigation backup can be a lifesaver. Apps with offline functionality ensure you can stay on track even when technology fails.
Top Picks:
- CoPilot GPS. Offers RV-specific routing and allows you to download maps for offline use. It’s particularly helpful in national parks or rural areas with limited connectivity.
- Gaia GPS. Ideal for boondockers, this app specializes in topographic and off-grid maps for finding remote campsites and trails. It’s perfect for those who enjoy exploring beyond traditional campgrounds.
Pro Tip: Download maps ahead of time for areas you’ll be traveling through. Be sure to test the app in offline mode before setting out, so you’re familiar with how it works in the field.
5. Keep paper maps and atlases as backups.
Why You Need It: Sometimes, technology fails. A good old-fashioned paper map or atlas ensures you’re never completely lost. They’re also a fantastic way to explore scenic routes and hidden gems that GPS tools might not highlight.
Top Picks:
- Rand McNally Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas. Designed for larger vehicles, this atlas highlights truck routes and low-clearance hazards, making it invaluable for RVers.
- National Geographic Road Atlas Adventure Edition. Perfect for finding scenic byways and off-the-beaten-path destinations that elevate your road trip experience.
Pro Tip: Cross reference some cool locations and stops on atlases like these with GPS systems for cool stops to add to your trip. Plus, paper maps are a great backup if you ever lose power or need a break from screens.
Bonus: Don’t discount the human connection.
While technology is invaluable, nothing beats advice from fellow RVers or locals. Joining RV groups on Facebook or apps like Campendium can provide real-time tips about routes, campgrounds, and road conditions. Chatting with fellow travelers at a campsite or truck stop can also uncover hidden gems and practical advice that no app or GPS can replicate.
With the right RV navigation systems, you’re a pro.
Whether you’re heading to a bustling national park or a secluded boondocking spot, the right RV navigation systems can transform your trip from stressful to seamless. By using any one, or combining a few of the above-mentioned, RV-specific GPS systems, you’ll be prepared for whatever the road throws your way.
And remember to always ask locals and fellow RVers, as word of mouth can sometimes lead to the best additions to your road trips. Hope to see you on the road and off the beaten path!
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