Will a RV GPS Help ?

[jbstack28]

Hey two Florida kids here leaving West Texas latter this week headed to New Mexico, Arizona, Perhaps Utah, and eventually Los Angeles. Will a (RV) GPS assist my concerns of a Steep run away down hill trip? If so which model to recommend?

Thanks so much any assistance would be most appreciated.

Charlie...

[coolbreeze01]

Assuming this is a serious question, at the top of a hill, downshift to 1st gear. It is much easier to up-shift than downshift. Smoking brakes can kill you.

[steelridercpl]

I purchased a Garmin DEZL there are a couple of versions of it now. It is made for over the road truckers but has a RV setting as well. I utilize mine in truck mode when towing it seems to give me more info. You set up a profile with your rig's height, length, weight, etc. It utilizes the profile to not send you on routes with low clearances, weight restrictions, etc. It shows truck stops and stations with diesel fuel which is useful for the set up I have.

I would suggest if you buy any type of Garmin device get one with the model number ending in LMT. It includes lifetime map updates.

[jnharley]

You could also buy a Truckers Atlas at a truck stop. Shows routes where semis can travel. Also lists low clearances in each state.

We never depend on a GPS when towing. We map our day's destination using MapQuest so we do not have any surprises on the trip. A GPS is handy telling you which lane to be in though. A GPS is just another tool and should be treated as such. Ever read articles about people following their GPS out into the boonies and being lost for days.

[aerbus32]

Dick_B wrote:
Mountain Directory West will describe the steep grades out west. If your route is not mentioned then there should be no problem.

Absolutely. There's an app for it. Also, though I have yet to check it out, I had a retired 18-wheeler highly recommend Rand McNalley's truckers GPS.

[hhornig]

My new coach has a Rand McNally and my old coach had a Garmin. I now use an iPhone because it is so simple and always current.

[mydazeoff]

Check out Copilot app they have a new rv release at reasonable price. I use it all the time.

[Bolt696]

I got a garman rv gps and we love it. It keeps us off roads we are not allowed. The traffic updates are great as well.

[Allworth]

Stay in a low gear and under control and there are no Steep run away downhill trips.

[Dick_B]

Mountain Directory West will describe the steep grades out west. If your route is not mentioned then there should be no problem.

[bbaker2001]

before any long downhill grade you will be told what grade it is.
not even sure you will hit any grades coming this way, maybe san Bernardino mountains

[Trackrig]

The Garmin 760 will keep you off of some roads that some people maybe shouldn't be on - depending on your experience and comfort with different conditions with steep grades and sharp corners as in certain parts of lower Utah. I think the Mountain Directories are of more use.

Bill

[2gypsies1]

You're not going to have any steep from Texas to Los Angeles. 🙂 All you really need is a good U.S. atlas and WalMart has them.