Garmin RV 770 routing through the boonies

May have it set for shortest distance

Shortest distance maybe, but why would route me down road my 5th wheel would never make it?

For a challenge?

My garmin took me on very rough roads and then wanted me to go off-road...

Can't think of any reason why it would think off-road was a viable option.

My old Garmin sent me down an old pole line road.

Go into the settings menu. You can program it to avoid dirt roads, avoid toll roads, avoid U-Turns, etc.

You need to ensure are the settings are correct do not just take it out of the box and plug it in. If you have not disabled dirt roads, shortest distance etc. it will not eliminate these routes on its own.
THE GPS is only as good as the data/commands it is given.

A gps is only a single tool in your navigation toolbox. Don't throw ALL your trust into only one tool. Get familiar with maps of the area, as well.

Garmins database sucks as it relates to RVs once you get away from Interstates and highly traveled state secondary routes. It's almost worthless. You need to use it in combination with Google maps, a truckers atlas, and other means of research unless you want to find yourself up against a torn out bridge, a closed and gated road, or a low clearance overpass. It also shows some campgrounds miles away from where they actually are. The Garmin RV specific GPS is like intercourse with a condom or taking a shower fully clothed.

When they first announced the RVLMT 760 I pre ordered and paid the premium of $400. What a piece of garbage. I would sell it cheap, and it's still like new, if I could find it. I may have had a few too many one night and tossed it into the woods or something.

Get a map book, combine it with , say, Bing maps (laptop) and go from there. IMO, these GPS systems are a PITA too many times. One..I used to have (Tom-Tom) didn't know about a shopping center that had been in existence for TWO YEARS!

Another wanted me to get off the highway to put me on a dirt road leading to a military facility ! I was just glad I know where I was.

Using a map book/Bing Maps...I traveled from NJ to Mesa Arizona (snowbird destination) and didn't miss a beat. Also used was the KOA directory and the GoodSam Travel Guide listing all the campgrounds along the way for overnights.(Altho I have used WalMarts for overnights, (twice) I was never comfortable...so much prefer a cg))

Problem today, as I see it, is that folks put too much trust in "gadgets" and the younger generation just do not know HOW to read a map. "Old" tech is sometimes alot batter than "new" tech.

Just me