It's a tool, not a reason to check your brain at the door. I wouldn't go without a GPS.
I have a Garmin unit now but when it dies, the phone will take on that job. Really no need for a trucker or RV unit. It won't help with gas stations and road bridges are almost always signed. If they aren't signed, it should be really obvious they are low.
Remember, people don't typically post reviews when every just works normally. They post reviews for when there are issues, so you tend to see a disproportionately bad set of reviews. A GPS is really great to have 99% of the time.