Garmin's Super Expensive RV GPS - Is It Worth It?

[@thomascorley7289]

I have a Garmin RV 1090 it's all I drive with in the rig 40' Fleetwood discovery. Google takes you on shortcuts through neighbor hoods trying to save a 1/2 mile and 1 minute. Mounted mine to the glass of the factory GPS in the rig. I program the day before we leave with fuel stops if needed. Love seeing my next 3 turns and peace of mind. After using it for a year, there is no way I would go back to Google maps or apple maps in the rig. It was 600 bucks but worth every penny in destressing the driving route.

[@glenwalker754]

I'm thinking you are missing out on a lot of the benefits that the GPS can provide for you. Download and read the manual and watch some of the videos on the many important things the GPS can do for you. routing around areas you don't want to traverse in an motorhome or larger trailer or 4th wheel. I have been using my second Garmin RV GPS the 760 for a couple of years and I love it. One thing you must do with any GPS is, after it calculates the route for you zoom out and follow the route and make sure there are no surprises. All GPS make the occasional mistake due to glitches in the databases. Happy RVing.

[@kevinc5801]

We have watched more than 100 rv videos this is one of the best, "from future full timers"

[@AdamFrugoli]

It’s really only 7 minutes now, it took you three minutes to decide. 😂

[@leestadtman6511]

I have the Garmin 890 in my RAM 2500 pulling a 30’ RV. I made an extension for the suction cup and mounted it on left of the steering wheel with the display in a vertical position. It sits midway over the left air vent. Easy to read and to manage the touch screen. It does not block my view through the windshield. I preprogram mine for each trip. I do not use the RAM navigation or Apple/Google maps because if a call comes in it usually interrupts the navigation which occurs occasionally at the worst time.

[@slownsteady9615]

We use an RV Garmin 890 with our Class C, and our routes may be longer but just right for our RV. We have not been directed to any low bridges or bad roads. We like that the panel popups and the aerial view for turns. Our Garmin can find KOA's. As for the screen size, we position it on the passage side of the windshield. This way the driver has a full view. Just a suggestion.

[@johnnylightning1491]

MIke, listen to Jen, you're testing a product. Assuming you put your rig information in the Garmin it may be taking you a different route to get away from low bridges or some other RV unfriendly thing. It would be really nice if Apple and Google maps would allow you to put in rig information, but that's not their primary market. I will say that the first time I used my Garmin it ran be 40 miles out of my way for no reason. It sent me 20 miles past my exit and then had me turn around and I wasn't even in my rig. That made my wife lose confidence in the Garmin. As for the software, as of a year or so ago all of the different models used the same software the only difference being the screen size but at that time I don't believe the 1095 was out so that may have changed. Keep the good stuff coming guys.

[@tonyt3590]

We use our RV Garmin 890 when ever we tow our 5th wheel, it makes the routes RV friendly,,, I can also switch it to a vehicle only mode so it doesn’t take us on an RV route. Great unit I highly recommend one if towing an RV or driving a motor home.

[@karl743]

You don't seem to understand the simple fact that a route is 10 minutes longer on Garmin vs apple for a reason, the size of your camper. Google/Apple can really mess things up, not knowing the size and height of your vehicle.

[@mikecooper1234]

I got the Garmin RV 890 about a year ago after research. Living on the east coast I did not like it when Google maps took me on roads with low bridges I could not fit under, and on parkways I could not legally go on. Also I like the integration with iOverlander so I can check for upcoming dump stations or overnight spots. Nothing is perfect. I generally use the garmin for navigating and the vehicle display with android auto for entertainment.

[@Utubeisazzho]

I use the 795 cam with truck and 20’ car hauler. Love it!!

[@luclemieux9496]

I use both an old Rand McNally RV GPS and Android Auto Google Maps. While Google Maps does the job most of the time, the RV GPS prevented me from getting stuck on difficult roads with my travel trailer, low bridges ans even weight limited bridges. It also prevented me from entering tunnels where propane was not allowed. For me, RV GPS is a most.

[@99Moonbeam]

We have a Garmin 890 and are pleased with it. I mount it by the lower left windshield, which i use for navigation and to keep me away from low bridges and bad railroad crossings. My Navigator (wife) uses Apple and between the combination we end up with the best route. If had a Class A I would follow the Garmin. We have a Winnebago View and are not worried about narrow roads, if Amazon Prime can make a delivery we can drive it.

[@hankkramer]

We have the 8" Garmin. It doesn't take up as much windshield space and a little less expensive. One advantage of the Garmin over Carplay maps that I have experienced is that since its GPS based as opposed to cell phone based it won't cut out or have the signal interrupted like the cell phone based programs.

[@tonyt3590]

Also we use ours vertical,,, that way it doesn’t take up as much space on the windshield, I also exit out of all the info it gives,,, I can bring it back it I want,,, that way I can see more of the area it maps out,,,

[@SamCarleton]

Thank you for the video! I have the 6” Overlander and am looking at getting a bigger one, I appreciate your insight. One word of warning about the Garmin vs other options: There are a lot of campgrounds that are off grid with no cell service and the ONLY map I had that worked was Garmin. This explains why the ‘hay Garmin’ doesn’t work as well as ‘hay Siri’. Siri only works when you’re connected to the Internet. Apple has all their massive computer banks in a data center somewhere to figure out your question and provide an answer. The Garmin only has what’s in the gps! P.S. because the Garmin is not an online device, I do frequent firmware updates to keep it current.

[@gandalf6223]

I got an 890 a while back. Have it mounted at eye level but not restricting the view through the windshield. However, this does block some of the dash controls such as the radio and heater which is annoying. I had bought it for using the verbal commands but found them pretty poor so went back to using the touch buttons. Not the value I hoped for but still usable.

[@keithdarwin5786]

I've been using an RV 770 for quite a few years. The Garmin system has some limitations that may have caught you unaware. Garmin does voice recognition and navigation locally, with no help from cell connections or outside computers. Your phone records your voice and sends it to the big Apple computer system in the cloud for processing. Garmin doesn't have enough horse power to compete, especially with voice recognition, but the Garmin will continue to function even when you have no cell coverage and Siri quits responding. I find searching is much better via keyboard than voice. In my truck, voice control is me saying "Honey, can you navigate to the next rest area" and she pulls the GPS from the dash and does it via keyboard, remembering to switch to "along active route" 🙂

[@tywebb9879]

Mike that is exactly correct. When I have the Fifth Wheel in tow I use the Garmin. When we disconnect and are just travelling in the truck we just use Google maps. We do use Google maps as a back up as it seems updates on traffic issues are slower in the Garmin.

[@danostrom]

I bought a 3rd party cup holder mount matching the ball size. That way it doesn't block the windshield.

[@kenmeinke2753]

Apple Car play works well until they direct your RV under a bridge that is too low for your rig, or over a bridge that cannot carry the weight of your rig. Garmin has smaller versions of the GPS you tested and a much lower cost. I guess as long as you have a rig under 13 feet tall that weighs under 40,000 pounds, you do not need a RV specific app that takes into consideration the examples I gave

[@christophercattie]

100% this

[@michellemain1468]

We love our garmin. When we are in our rig it routes us on safe roads for our dimensions. We also do not put it up on the dash to impede view. We mount it equal with the dash height. We were mislead by apple directions many times which led us to roads unsuitable for our rig. Disconnect tow and turn around for really old and stressful. The garmin is the answer for us.

[@ggebhard1]

Boy, you are lucky, Garmin works for you. Apple Maps hasn’t ever taken me astray. Maybe because I have a small rig. Good for you!

[@vicdelnore951]

COMMENT Mike & Jen--thanks for the review. I have some comments: your chief complaint seems to be the size. Well, there seem to be two smaller sizes. Also, one big advantage the dedicated units have over the web-based ones is that they continue to operate when you're away from the cell towers, because they have the maps pre-loaded. But, by the same token, I'll bet the Bird's Eye view at destination won't be available if you're not near the towers. I'm considering purchase of one of the Garmin units (probably not the 10", I trust you when you say it's too big), and wish your review had included comments on the ability to find Diesel fuel, not just "gas stations". Because so many RV's need Diesel, I think any RV GPS should help you find Diesel, not just 'gas". Please include that if you choose to revise your review. Thanks, --Vic

[@thomascorley7289]

I find my fuel stops through open roads app. Then I program my route and look it over and add the fuel stop to the route all the day before we leave.

[@ggebhard1]

I live your honesty! Maybe it’s more fit huge motorhomes? Maybe people in those have a bigger budget along with their bigger windows! I’ve often tried google maps on my iPhone and I always go back to Apple Maps! My Buick has a built in gps, but I’m not allowed to touch it while I’m driving! I’m very disappointed, because I drive alone. 😢

[@beamusedrev]

I’ve had a Garmin. I’ll take the Apple/Google, free on my phone, anytime!

[@martinconzemius5351]

COMMENT The maps feature of RV Life works with Apple car play and Sync 4. It’s defiantly not as feature packed as the Garmin and I really haven’t used it enough to evaluate it but rather have just tried it out a few times. But they claim it is RV capable.

[@BillSprague]

I’ll be traveling in a Class B van and thought this could work well but it’s size and poor voice recognition kind of put me off a but. The big screen is amazing but in can get that on a van infotainment system. We’ll see. Thanks for the candid review.

[@cthompson4583]

Mike, be careful. We have the Garmin 890 (pricey) We will use the green line at the top before starting any destination. Just to review the route Putting in your avoidances, it still had us going on a fairy and making a U- turn in an big motorhome on a 2 lane highway. .

[@Casitakid]

I enjoy your KZbin channel and thank you for sharing. I do believe some of the concerns you noted are valid (always room for improvement), but also feel to get a more accurate review you need to learn how to use this unit. Please consider a follow up video. Thank you.

[@drivingmsali]

just found your channel. we love our Garmin GPS also.. subscribed

[@MarkLuffman]

Seven Miles is Seven Miles, just as Ten Minutes is Ten Minutes! We have seen a disaster avoided when we traveled to Jackson Hole, Wy. Apple Maps and Google told us to go over the Teton Pass Hwy and Garmin sent us on a longer route that avoided that narrow, high altitude road.

[@hgmflip]

Question: does the Garmin route guidance take you to RV-friendly routes? To me, there is value in that.

[@JamesSmith-wu1qv]

Thank you for the review! I have been wanting one 😕

[@Cstevecoleman]

I have not read all the comments and see this post is over a year old. I’d like to see you review RV Life Pro GPS. It works with CarPlay and Android Auto so you don’t need that big screen blocking your windshield that’s very dangerous.

[@Wisham1]

We have had our RV1090 for over a year now and it hasnt let us down on routing.

[@MrAlbarry51]

Your review of the Garmin gps is very helpful. Waze, google maps and Apple Maps have come a long way and the fact these services integrate into car play are awesome.

[@mikealexanderEE]

Regarding voice-activated navigation - mobile apps and connected devices such as Amazon Alexa upload your voice command to their servers ("the cloud"), where a great deal of computing power is used to process your voice command. Devices such as the Garmin RV Navigator use built-in voice recognition, which is much less powerful and thus less accurate. Knowing that, my expectation a useful voice command result would be much lower and I would simply use manual entry. An alternative would be to connect it to the Gamin Drive app, which provides real-time traffic, weather and Amazon Alexa POI searching. The app itself isn't great but using it does address most of the search concern. Hope this helps.

[@kathiebauer5165]

This was very helpful. We have a 2022 Ram 350 with the large dash screen, but are still learning all its features. We tow a 40ft Cedar Creek & I worry about coming up on a low bridge. If an 18 wheeler has clearance we should be safe. I don’t think we are connected to Apple Car play so will try it.

[@brentmcmahon8188]

It all depends if there is a weight limit road or low bridge or a not so good road have to research how the Garmin is set up .

[@geod3589]

My Garmin will get you where you want to go, but it might take you down every pig-path along the way. One way to help this is to make sure you have it set to shortest route, fastest route, etc. Garmin maps are easy to upgrade. Regardless of which GPS you use, having an old fashioned paper map is a good idea.

[@bigbadbob143]

Just curious. What motor do you have in your Ford? What typical MPG? Thanks

[@TexasATV]

Does the 1095 offer any thing more other than the larger screen size from the 895?

[@RVLifestyle]

Pretty much just the larger screen. And it IS large!

[@jimmykhokhar9092]

May work better in a Class A- possible Class C since it has much wider dash and maybe mount it more towards the co-driver side. Just a thought

[@TomTravelling]

How about a comprehensive look at Apple maps, Google maps, & various apps and devices that allow you to enter your rigs' height, weight, and length to route away from low bridges, small bridges, and windy roads?

[@1coolvideo]

I transport rvs to dealerships. I use Garmin Dezl 700. It works great and 7” is plenty large enough.  has no ability to guide you based on rv height and length. And there are plenty of roads with low bridges, weight restrictions, and even length restrictions. Garmin wins by a mile. Also, I picked up my Garmin Dezl at a pilot/FlyingJ on sale for just under $400.

[@Anne-qv7ve]

The Garmin sounds as frustrating as the Ford navigation. Our Ford F150 is SO ‘unhelpful’ most of the time. Your video made us laugh. We are too familiar with the pain.

[@lindigoins9363]

We have the same issue with our Ford F150 navigation. I use Google maps on my phone when needed, but we don't always have cell service where we are travelling.

[@davidhewett1484]

I don’t like Google Maps for driving. Out here in West Texas, I had people call, asking if I could meet them somewhere because they’re lost. (I work in the Oil Field). My first question EVERY-TIME is what did you use to get to where you currently are. About 60-70% of the time they say Google Maps, but I have a Pin. One man ended up nearly 70 miles away from me. So no to Google or Apple Maps. It’s a crap-shoot every time.

[@cindynielsen9066]

Comment: when you asked Garmin you said "Campground of America," when you asked Apple Play you said "KOA," that's why one worked, one didn't.

[@tksleeper]

I have 400,000 miles on my OTR 1000 truck gps which is identical except for some of the camping databases. You even after 2 1/2 months have done garmin an injustice. Please educate yourself on products before reviews.. this one was rather bad. Sorry

[@danielbarrett6026]

For that amount of money it should drive you as well. I stopped using Garmin years ago and have not missed it.

[@mazie65]

Will you continue to use the Garmin 1095 or return it? I've was thinking about getting an RV Garmin 890 or 1090, and now there is a 1095.

[@Dawes-Drummin]

PS - i can use. Copilot on my 13" ipad pro.. this makes the buttons very easy to presss, and its only $50 and there are weekly updates and you dont need internet or a cell signal, as the ipad has a GPS radio inside. cheaper and more accurate and more powerful......

[@U72740]

Honestly, I wonder if the designers of this software are users of their products. I've owned a Garmin gps before and really wasn't impressed and having done a bit of programming I wonder if their test ranges were done seriously. For me, this gps does not pass the test, I hate not having a good answer to my question especially when I drive and this is what happened during the last request from Mr Wendland. When are there updates and how much do they cost? At around $900 to buy, they need not be too expensive.

[@KlipschHead281]

Your complaining about the size, the 10" is designed for an RV, not a pickup, in a Class A that screen gets much smaller, you could have mounted it lower on the dash as well so it's angled a bit in that cubby on the dash. . You would probably buy the smaller version for the pickup. Sadly Garmin is used to people paying premium dollars for products not worth the money,.

[@christoffer1973]

KOA... Try the FULL NAME! KOA must stand for something! SIRI did show another name!!!

[@fritzyndawolf]

You can’t compare Apple Car play to a Garmin. Apples approach and thinking imo are way ahead of most other manufacturers.

[@CanadianTexaninLiguria]

She said it all - "aren't you testing this product". Better to listen to your wife.

[@ricktaylor6373]

I’ve got my two year old garmin 785 in my motorhome. I also use google maps and a truckers atlas. I’ve found the garmin inferior. I’m pretty tech savvy and with the instructions in the tablet and following them to a T I’ve accomplished nothing worth while. Used it on 3 trips and failure. Waste of some serious money.

[@joseedescoteaux9017]

Hello guys, we own the same Garmin and we don’t like it at all. We constantly use the apple car play whit Waze and it’s just perfect. A wast of money for sure!!! 😢

[@nelauren]

The reason you were getting different directions from the GPS app from your smart phone is because these smart phone GPS apps have a live updating of routes based on traffic patterns. Garmin if I recall correctly is static.

[@showtime4956]

So, who are you voting for Garmin or Apple Play...

[@KimL1000]

They need to lower the price and update the software.

[@TonyBenton0728]

You update the software over the internet ! And this one is 10” so it’s going to cost more.

[@captnawty7966]

Love your honest review of the Garmin GPS. It is really hard to find honest reviewers that don't say what the company wants you to say.

[@rufan2199]

I’m considering the 795 with dash cam built in. Two devices in one. Right now I use the RV Life gps app on my phone for RV friendly routes but it’s not an in the fly friendly use system

[@neilrankin9945]

Comment: I bought a 890 for my motorhome as we where traveling through eastern states which have significantly more bridges to be concerned about compared to the west. We use Apple products exclusively other than the Garmin. What a massive disappointment in operating systems. Apple products are so much better.

[@jefflippincott9388]

I don’t think you can call this an honest review when you don’t even listen to the directions it gives you to see if it works or not?

[@marshallcollins8634]

REALLY ALMOST 3 MINUTES YAPPING ABOUT WEATHER OR NOT TO GO THE WAY THE GPS ,THAT YOU ARE REVIEWING TELL’S YOU TO GO!!!! . I do your not going to do what it tells you than you CANNOT. Review it. Watch some utube and get the concept down , then come back and try again.

[@paulschaffner5796]

I have the 1090 and it is the biggest piece of junk. Absolutely won’t connect to I iMac, won’t except a gpx file, it has never taken me to my destination.

[@AnnaMikkelsen1]

Why do a video on the Garmin then not follow its directions. Silly that was enough right there where I shut your video off.

[@garykos1308]

Not much of a test if you are not using it.

[@James_C817]

I think anyone who "can't recommend" something because of the cost has no business reviewing anything. Either it works well, or it doesn't, period. Good grief!