The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association is working to inform RVers about GPS options it says are better suited to the RV lifestyle.
Although phones have GPS built into it, the association said, the phone GPS does not know an RVers is towing a trailer or driving an RV.
“We field a lot of calls at the association from campers that have had GPS issues,” Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association Executive Director Jason Vaughan said. “We receive calls from members as well, mentioning some of the headaches with GPS. We hope to get the word out and help campers travel a better experience for them.”
Most modern GPS units will show upcoming exits, gas, food and other options, the association said. Once steered from the path, however, GPS cannot be paused. The group also said many GPS units do not have a large campground database available.
In reaching out to inform campers, the association said it highlights four options in particular:
- The Garmin RV 785 Advanced GPS is designed to route according to your RV information and is on a 7-inch screen.
- The Magellan RV 9365T-LMB is linked with the Good Sam Campground Directory and shows dump station locations.
- The Garmin RV 770 NA LMT-S provides access to live traffic updates and weather conditions. The GPS enables drivers to share locations with friends and family and is Wi-Fi-enabled to ease map updates.
- RV Life GPS & Campgrounds APP must be downloaded to your smartphone or tablet and comes with a small yearly fee. The GPS app uses RV’s height, weight, length and propane status to provide safe route options for a motorhome, fifth wheel or truck and travel trailer combination. The GPS has additional features to ease trip planning experiences.