Smartphone or Stand Alone GPS?

I use a small tablet for my GPS. I use Waze, Google Maps, and Copilot. Each have its benefits and drawbacks. In my opinion.
-Waze is good for my general commute, as users report and update conditions, and also speed traps.
-Google Maps is awesome for showing alternate routes and their approximate time advantages or disadvantages.
-Copilot is great if you have a route set, and don't want to use much data (only if you have traffic turned on will it get traffic data for the next 50 or so miles every 5 minutes)

I run both. Stand alone for those times, often, when I have no T Mobile cell coverage. In other words when I really need it cell coverage is gone so satelite GPS is usually there

Phone on GPS shortens battery life significantly and will require power source and recharge sooner. Standalone is much better on battery utilization.

An RV specific GPS like the Garmin 760 will cost $400. The Copilot app will cost $6.99 and do essentially the same thing as the Garmin. You download the program to your phone at home and it does not use data nor do you need cell service for it to work, it is a stand alone GPS you can set your ht to avoid low bridges and also avoid propane restricted tunnels if you travel back east. You need to plug the phone in to the 12 v plug just like your GPS to keep it charged. You get a free subscription for live traffic up dates when you buy the APP. I did not renew the live updates because Waze does the same thing and it free. I spent a small fortune on my previous Garmin's and did not want to spend another $400 so I tried this App. Having used it to go cross country and other shorter trips I would not go back to another standalone GPS. As far as the screen size I am fine with the Iphone 5 size but other use a larger screen like the 6,6 plus or an Ipad.

As long as the smartphone downloads the map and you don't subscribe to any premium features like traffic or weather, you don't need a cell signal to use the phone GPS. I use both TomTom and Garmin HUD (Head's Up Display) in my Class A depending on where I am going and how much I know about the trip beforehand. TomTom is better for RV specific POIs and low clearances, Garmin is better for highway driving.

I'm OP. Thanks all. Didn't even think I could use GPS app offline. Lots of help. Probably will go w/copilot.

Now there are "offline map" applications however they suck up a lot of storage space. Something my phone has none of without external SD card (I ahve 64 Gig of that) And On-line (Google maps for example) if you close the app for any reason and you are out of range of a tower.. YOU ARE SCREWED.

So the best answer is both I use Microsoft S&T in the motor home with the laptop and the GPS dongle on it.. And the Phone in the car for short trips. Often with "offline maps" stored. But there are serious limits on offline maps.

I downloaded copilot free, but looks as if will have to pay to get voice directions. Also thing seems pretty hard to use

The good apps are usually worth the few bucks. CoPilot is not a bad app either (very similar to TomTom) but you will find they all have learning curves.

I use both a Garmin and co pilot on my phone. It's nice to have a cross reverence.