Forum Discussion

hondapro's avatar
hondapro
Explorer
Oct 15, 2023

Best navigation app when towing a 5th wheel

I recently got a new pick up, it has the large display screen and has apple car play.
I would like to use a navigation app thru car play to display on the screen.
I see there are apps like Hammer or rv life that can do this does anyone have any experience using these apps?
I know navigation systems are not perfect. I have a Garmin rv 890 but I would rather use the display in the truck so I don't have to try and find a place for the Garmin.
Thanks for the help.
  • Walaby's avatar
    Walaby
    Explorer II
    Oct 15, 2023
    I like Smart Truck Route.

    As the name implies, lets you plan travel along truck routes.

    It is subscription based, but if you travel alot, I think it's worth it.

    smartruckrouteDOTcom

    Mike
  • eHoefler's avatar
    eHoefler
    Explorer II
    Oct 15, 2023
    Why not use the one that came with your truck?? It works very well
  • Michelle_S's avatar
    Michelle_S
    Explorer III
    Oct 15, 2023
    I would stay with the Garmin as it allows inputing the height, weight, and length of you unit to halp keep you out of trouble. If you go with something else, make sure it gives you that ability.
  • Roger10378's avatar
    Roger10378
    Explorer II
    Oct 15, 2023
    The supplied gps with the vehicle, Google Maps, and Waze, do not allow input of height or weight so they are out when driving a RV. I have been looking at the possibilities and haven't made a decision yet. Some that I have seen are "Copilot Gps" "TruckMap" and "sygic". Now I can add "Smart Truck Route" to my list. I will be interested to know if anyone has first hand experience with any of these.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Oct 15, 2023
    If you're especially tall, near, or at 13'6", Route 1 is a good database that can be added to almost all nav apps and standalone GPS units. Usually runs about $75 for all of N America, one time charge. Over 8,000 low clearances listed vs about 1,500 for most "trucker" or "RV" nav apps / devices.

    Lyle
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator II
    Oct 15, 2023
    I always just use waze, it should come through on your dash display. At least it did on my 2020 f350 and my 2023 Mercedes sprinter. I find it's the most up to date navigation app because it uses real time alerts from other drivers.
    • ID's avatar
      ID
      Explorer
      Feb 28, 2024

      With all these suggestions - WAZE, Google maps, etc. if they don't warn about low bridges, low weight bridges, tunnels that ban trucks/RVs or propane then they are useless for RVs.

      • nickthehunter's avatar
        nickthehunter
        Nomad II
        Feb 28, 2024

        Not really, if you come to a low bridge or a weight restricted bridge, etc., you just go a different direction (bypass it) and the app will re-route you automatically. The same can be said for traffic jams, accidents, or construction delays, Waze and other similar free apps will re-route you to the fastest  route.
        Most people probably are not going to be pulling a 15-ft high, 20,000 lbs toy hauler that would need more sophisticated information. In my 30 years of RVing I’ve never encountered a low bridge I couldn’t fit under or a weight restricted bridge I couldn’t go over. YOMV

  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2023
    Just an observation, but not all apps are compatible with CarPlay. I’d make sure whatever you are leaving to is, otherwise it won’t come up on your screen.

    Personally I just use either Waze or Apple Maps. Sure it doesn’t warn about low overhangs, but I can only think of a small handful of apps laces where that is an issue and there are always ample warnings before you would reach that obstacle.

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025