Forum Discussion

bowler1's avatar
bowler1
Explorer
May 19, 2018

RV Navigational Apps???

Hi,
I navigate with my Ram's GPS or my phone which works fine for me, but now that I have a 5th wheel I am looking for an app that will help me to avoid routes that may have low bridges, tight streets, etc. that I would not want to drive on with a big 5th wheel.

I know one option is to get a RV specific GPS, but I would prefer to still be able to use my phone or truck GPS in conjunction with an App.

I know there are a few apps out there but they are pricey for an app so I want to get some advice before downloading one.

Any suggestions?

Can I use one of these apps on my phone and have the route project on my UConnect screen on my Ram? I have a 2018 Ram and a IPhone 7 plus.

thanks
Matt
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 19, 2018
    Ductape wrote:
    The real problem in our experience is low hanging trees. And you'll never find those on the map.
    x2. Especially annoying are the ones in a campground.

    Should I ever manage or have anything to do with campground maintenance, tree-trimming will be a top priority. It just unnerves me to drive into a cg, only to be greeted with an obstacle course of branches.
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    May 19, 2018
    Ductape wrote:
    We've been travelling for decades and through 49 states with high clearance rigs, and I've never understood this demand for RV specific navigation.


    It comes from the over-reliance on GPS and getting into the habit of just following the directions. People have given up on paper maps and the terrain relief they provide. The first year we RV'd, TomTom took us down a 13 percent grade in the Catskills. I have since learned to research my route and use the faster route, not the shortest route. It was a good wake up call and thank God there wasn't a 10 foot underpass at the bottom.
  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    May 19, 2018
    We've been travelling for decades and through 49 states with high clearance rigs, and I've never understood this demand for RV specific navigation. We have yet to find a route where low clearance is not well identified in advance by the road signs. Never had to stop and back up, never collided with an overpass.

    All the nav apps will route major roads over minor ones if you use the default settings. Just don't switch the route method to "shortest" and you'll be fine.

    The real problem in our experience is low hanging trees. And you'll never find those on the map.
  • Devocamper's avatar
    Devocamper
    Explorer
    May 19, 2018
    X2 on copilot , list low clearances which is why I have it and you can setup your profile for any combination you have , I use it on a iPhone it works well and the maps are stored on the phone so you don’t need service just a clear shot at the sky !
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    May 19, 2018
    I use Copilot RV for RV specific stuff and Waze for traffic alerts etc. I also have Trucker's Path, Allstays and RV Parky for finding stuff like propane and Gas Buddy for fuel prices, although at 35 feet and towing, you can't shop for fuel by price alone. I use Google Earth to see if I can get into and out of the station.

    I have an Android tablet, but I believe all these are available for IOS.

About RV Must Haves

Have a product you cannot live without? Share it with the community!8,793 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 08, 2025