FYI Details of the missing RV couple in Nevada

[Neal]

One of my aviation content creators I follow also does search and rescue. He released a video yesterday of the "search and recovery". The husband didn't make it, the wife did, and while the video is a bit long to watch there are some good lessons learned. Sad story and it can happen to any of us. I've gotten on some shady roads due to GPS input error as I shared in one of my videos a year or so ago on this site. If you travel to remote locations, like to boondock, or simply want to be smart about your safety then I highly recommend a satellite communication device such as the Garmin inReach. I got one that I keep on me while flying. It will be in my coach when RVing as @ARD found herself in a scary situation with a tire failure and no cell service in a remote location. Fortunately she was traveling with @NWIP that saved the day. If this couple had a satellite communicator such as the Garmin inReach the husband would be alive today to tell the story. Details on subscription plans for inReach here.

 

[jbh]

Although everyone has blamed the gps, it's been reported that they were actually following Mapquest printed directions.

 

[Rich W.]

Either way, reliance on gadgets and the internet while ignoring the obvious has led many to difficult and at times disastrous results. Its a common occurance in the Sierras for people to try to circumvent chain control using GPS and ending up stuck on a road that may go through but requires four wheel drive in good weather and chains on all fours and an ambitious driver in the snow.

I’ve had many instances where my GPS said “turn here” and it was obvious (to me) that it would be a dumb idea. I had a Magellan RV GPS set for 12’ clearance in a previous rig and found myself facing a train trestle that was marked just under 10’; 2 lane street, towing a trailer, cars behind me, no where to turn around. Fun times….

I use at least two sources now and at times three, but still find myself trying to choose which one makes the most (or least) sense. Interestingly I never had this problem with paper maps. Obviously there is an incredible amount of information available now that was not even dreamed of before the internet, but unfortunately a significant amount of it is bad information.

 

[Lab00Rat]

Super dry, but a lot of useful information.



User review of InReach...

 

[Neal]