RV GPS Routers: Decent, Better & Best

You know what’s fun? Navigating a 22-foot Mercedes Sprinter van through winding mountain roads while your GPS insists on directing you down a “shortcut” that’s better suited for mountain goats than motorhomes.

After one too many close encounters with low-hanging branches and weight-restricted bridges, I decided it was time to upgrade from my smartphone’s questionable navigation app to something designed for those of us hauling our entire living room on wheels.

Enter the world of RV GPS routers—a realm where technology meets the open road in a somewhat awkward handshake.

I’ve taken it upon myself to road-test some of the most talked-about RV GPS routers on the market. From the “it gets the job done” models to the “this thing practically drives for you” devices, here’s my take on the decent, the better, and the best.

Decent: Rand McNally RVND 7

Let’s start with the Rand McNally RVND 7—a GPS that promises RV-specific navigation without requiring you to refinance your van. Setting it up was straightforward enough, inputting my vehicle’s height, weight, and propensity to sway in high winds. It did a fair job of keeping me off roads that would result in a viral YouTube video titled “RV Causes Traffic Jam.”

The interface, however, feels like it was designed by someone who last used a computer when dial-up modems were all the rage. The touch screen is about as responsive as a teenager asked to do chores, and rerouting takes its sweet time, which is exactly what you want when you’re hurtling down the highway at 60 mph.

On the plus side, it comes preloaded with points of interest that are actually interesting—campgrounds, dump stations, and rest areas where you can park overnight without receiving a 3 a.m. knock on the door. It’s decent for those who want basic functionality without too many bells and whistles. Just don’t expect it to win any awards for innovation.

Better: TomTom GO Camper Max

Stepping up the game is the TomTom GO Camper Max. Sleek design, a user interface that doesn’t make you question your life choices, and real-time traffic updates that are actually in real time. It’s like the middle child who tries harder because they know they’re not the favorite.

One of the standout features is its ability to sync with your smartphone for hands-free calling and messaging. Because nothing says safety like arguing with your significant other over Bluetooth about who forgot to restock the coffee while navigating through Los Angeles traffic.

The device also offers Wi-Fi updates, so you don’t need to connect it to a computer from the early 2000s to get the latest maps. It considers your vehicle’s dimensions and suggests routes that won’t result in low-clearance panic attacks. It even throws in some scenic route options for when you’re feeling adventurous but not reckless.

While it performs admirably, it occasionally suggests a U-turn in places where a three-point turn would be an elaborate audition for a circus act. Minor quirks aside, the TomTom GO Camper Max earns its place in the “better” category by balancing functionality with a user experience that doesn’t make you want to toss it out the window.

Best: Garmin RV 1095

Finally, the pièce de résistance—the Garmin RV 1095. This is the GPS router that other GPS routers aspire to be when they grow up. With a mammoth 10-inch display, it’s less of a dashboard accessory and more of a co-pilot. If it were any bigger, I’d need planning permission to install it.

Setting up the Garmin RV 1095 is a breeze. Input your vehicle’s specs, and it curates routes that make you forget you’re driving a small apartment. The real-time traffic updates are spot-on, and it alerts you to upcoming steep grades, sharp curves, and even weight limits with enough time to adjust your route or mentally prepare for the impending stress.

One feature that sets it apart is the voice-activated navigation. You can bark commands at it, and it responds graciously, unlike certain travel companions I won’t name. It also integrates with your smartphone for hands-free calls and notifications, but with the added benefit of custom RV routing based on size and weight.

The Garmin RV 1095 doesn’t just navigate; it enhances your journey. It points out attractions, campsites with user reviews, and even the cheapest gas stations along your route. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s done their homework.

Of course, all this luxury comes at a price that might make your wallet cringe. But considering the cost of potential mishaps from using inadequate navigation—a chipped roof here, a traffic fine there—it could very well pay for itself in peace of mind.

The RV GPS Router for You?

Choosing the right RV GPS router is a bit like choosing a travel companion. You want reliability, a good sense of direction, and minimal arguments about where to turn next. The Rand McNally RVND 7 is the dependable buddy who’s a little rough around the edges.

The TomTom GO Camper Max is the friend who’s up on the latest trends and keeps things running smoothly. The Garmin RV 1090? That’s your first-class ticket to stress-free navigation, provided you’re willing to shell out the cash.

In my escapades across the California coast and beyond, having the right GPS router has transformed the journey from a series of near-misses to a smooth expedition. No more white-knuckle moments approaching a low bridge or getting wedged in a narrow street that Google Maps swore was a major thoroughfare.

So, if you’re tired of playing chicken with overpasses or performing impromptu three-point turns in the middle of nowhere, consider investing in one of these RV GPS routers.

Your sanity—and probably your insurance premiums—will thank you. Just remember, no piece of technology is foolproof, but some are definitely more fool-resistant than others.

PRO TIP: How to Avoid Low Clearance Accidents When Driving