RV GPS

[Underboss]

Garmin RV1090, love it

 

[DKRITTER]

I have the same Garmin as you. We just purchased our coach, it’s a 2019 Dutch Star. When I tried to use it, it did not talk to me out loud. I tuned the volume up and still nothing. What am I doing g wrong, any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Dave

Try the different voices, on our 1090 some didn't work.

 

[Buster]

Just wondering...although I'm considering purchasing the Garmin 890, I'm a bit apprehensive about mounting it in my view range. To be honest, when I drive a don't take my eyes off the road (or I hear the wake up bumps ). Anyone mount it for use by the co-pilot ? She tells me what to do anyway, but this way she'll have real data on her side. Thoughts ? Blessings

I have the RV890 and mount it low on the windshield using the suction cup just above the dash right between myself and the co-pilot so we can both see it. She can give me the heads up on what's coming ahead and I only look at it when I'm going down a long stretch of straight road. Works for us and I really only look at it when off the highway so there's usually a time I can look especially at a stop light.

 

[Jim]

I have the RV890 and mount it low on the windshield using the suction cup just above the dash right between myself and the co-pilot so we can both see it. She can give me the heads up on what's coming ahead and I only look at it when I'm going down a long stretch of straight road. Works for us and I really only look at it when off the highway so there's usually a time I can look especially at a stop light.

I have the exact same unit, mounted in the same area and the visibility is great. But I have a hate/love relationship with the 890. With respect to all the bells and whistles, it is awesome. But I can count on one hand the number of times this thing has actually picked the correct route on its own. I have never, repeat NEVER, gone on a long trip where this unit didn't pick the absolutely worst route possible. But I own it, so I make the best of it.

First, I plot out my course on RV Life Trip Wizard so I can see exactly where I'm going on a large display. I can easily zoom in on areas of the trip, check out the parks I want to visit, and make any trip guidance changes I may need. Then I copy that trip over to the Garman, and at that time, the Garman will excel.

But again, if I had asked the Garman to pick the best route, I can absolutely guarantee that it will be wrong to some degree. It might not be a big deal, but then again, it may be a huge deal. Even coming into Silver Spring, FL a couple months ago, the Garman took me almost 10 miles out of the way and sent me through a small (and tight) area of Ocala, when there was clearly a straight shot from 75 over to 40 and then a couple miles to the resort.

I'll be leaving Silver Springs on Tuesday, and for kicks/grin, I asked the 890 to pick the route. Again, it chose the wrong one. The 890 wanted me to take 40, through Ocala to 301 and then up to 326 and then over to 75. A quick view of RV Trip Wizard shows that 326, which is just down the road a bit, will take you up to 75 quickly, avoiding any of the city of Ocala and all the drama that comes with it. So yeah, great for everything EXCEPT for picking the best route.

YMMV

 

[Buster]

Now that you mention it, I was heading over to Elberta AL a couple days ago and the 890 routed me through Pensacola instead of bypassing it. I guess it picked the shortest route but not necessarily the best or fastest route. Certainly not the route I would have chosen, but I got to my destination without hitting any low bridges so it was a win.

I like your method and will try that when we depart at the end of the month.

 

[Jim]

Looking for recommendation for RV specific GPS. Need stand alone GPS not an I phone app etc. Currently have old Rand McNally Rv unit but getting time to replace. Thanks!

Here is a link to some comparisons. I find it interesting in the "Cons" area about the 890, that they quote "A few customers found the directions to be unreliable and occasionally inaccurate."

I guess that means me and 2 other people.

5 Best Navigation Systems - Mar. 2024 - BestReviews

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Here is a link to some comparisons. I find it interesting in the "Cons" area about the 890, that they quote "A few customers found the directions to be unreliable and occasionally inaccurate."

I guess that means me and 2 other people.

5 Best Navigation Systems - Mar. 2024 - BestReviews

I am one of the others too! The worst boo boo was trying to get to Liberty Harbor RV Park in New Jersey. Partly our fault because we didn't have enough notice to be in the correct lane to exit from I95. We were directed onto some very narrow streets and an underpass that we just barely fit under. Having said that, Garmin's first directions were no where near the directions the RV Park offers (which were very simple and direct). Thank goodness for Google Earth to make things easier.

Darrell

 

[Believer45]

Just wondering...although I'm considering purchasing the Garmin 890, I'm a bit apprehensive about mounting it in my view range. To be honest, when I drive a don't take my eyes off the road (or I hear the wake up bumps ). Anyone mount it for use by the co-pilot ? She tells me what to do anyway, but this way she'll have real data on her side. Thoughts ? Blessings

I bought a BULLETPOINT mount (link here} and am very happy with it. Lovely Wife can see it just fine from front passenger seat on my Ram 2500 crew cab. Definitely not the lowest price mount but to me well worth it. I got very tired of the suction cup mounts falling off the windshield and the beanbag mount slliding around on my dash in the truck (works great in the Ford Fusion though).

 

[Believer45]

As for your voice directions not working, have you checked to be sure the voice is not muted? Mute is separate from the volume control. I keep mine muted because the voice drives me batty. You did say you made sure the volume was up if I recall correctly.

 

[Jabber Jaw]

Just a side note:
Keep your "GARMIN" updated, regardless of model.
I update mine at least every other month and have had no issues.
Matter of fact, I either put in the address, or the RV Park, & compare it to "Trip Wizard", and only once have they differed. And that was how to go through Mobile, the bridge, or the tunnel. I opted for the bridge, as it was closer, and didn't require an additional "Exit"!
Maybe keeping it updated will help!

 

[Jim]

Just a side note:
Keep your "GARMIN" updated, regardless of model.
I update mine at least every other month and have had no issues.
Matter of fact, I either put in the address, or the RV Park, & compare it to "Trip Wizard", and only once have they differed. And that was how to go through Mobile, the bridge, or the tunnel. I opted for the bridge, as it was closer, and didn't require an additional "Exit"!
Maybe keeping it updated will help!

Yep, I update it regularly, just last week even. After a 2+ hour update, no difference.

 

[DKRITTER]

It seems like every time I turn it on there is an update available. I usually just do the update when we get someplace and I turn on the wifi.

Once or twice a year I will bring it home and run Garmin Express on my desk top computer to install the updates it seems to work a smidge better.

 

[J&JD]

Yep, I update it regularly, just last week even. After a 2+ hour update, no difference.

@Jim, you probably updated the Chinese version

 

[Jim]

@Jim, you probably updated the Chinese version

That explains the TicToc video's every 20 miles.

 

[weathermantim]

I think of all the stand alone units you will find the Garmin line of RV specific units your best option and most recommended. No gps is perfect, but Garmin is very well reviewed here. I personally use the 890 in a heads-up install (right behind my steering wheel so I can see it without taking my eyes off of the road ahead of me. Works great for me, but we also use a phone running google maps as a backup. When they disagree i will usually go with the garmin routing as it has the height/weight restrictions built in to the routing instructions.

Garmin RV version (anyone) has worked very well. A few times, it got confused and told me to u-turn unnecessary, but the destination was very close to the location.