Hit the Road with the right RV GPS System

Are you one of those people that is still holding on to a road map waiting for the day GPS systems are perfected? I know some of you younger readers are Googling the question "What is a road map?" right about now.  I have always loved technology and jumped on early GPS models which all but let me down on just about every trip.  Inevitably I would find myself on some back road with a bridge that had a 3 ton weight rating and no way to back up my 15 ton motorhome.  Thankfully today's systems are far more reliable and although still not 100% perfect do provide so much value that you can forgive an occasional navigational faux paw.  Recently manufacturers have developed RV specific GPS systems that take into account the length, height and weight of a setup to keep you from encountering that 3 ton bridge on that lonely back road. Even RV GPS systems have come a long way since their introduction with manufacturers listening to the suggestions posted by avid RV users. Some new additions to these GPS systems include suggested areas for camping, RV service centers, site seeing opportunities and information about local propane regulations. 

Top GPS Units Specifically Designed for RV Use

• Rand McNally RVND 7720 LM TripMaker RV: This GPS system is designed using innovative technology to help RV users plan, prepare, and enjoy each trip. This award winning system includes lane assists to help users navigate difficult interchanges, a Trails feature for hiking, RV trip prep checklist, Woodalls campground amenities information, Editor's Picks which displays top picks for RV trips and getaways, a warning system which alerts the driver of speed changes, sharp curves, and other potential hazards and much more.
• Magellan RV9165SGLUC Roadmate RV 9165T-LM GPS Navigator: The Magellan Roadmate has everything the RV user needs to get where they are going and check out the best RV friendly spots along the way. The High Definition 7"LCD screed is easy to read conveniently displays over 6 million points of interest, free lifetime traffic alerts and map updates, Smart Detour, multi-destination routing, auto night view, one-touch favorite menu, and more. 
• Garmin 010-01168-00 RV 760LMT GPS Navigation System: Not to be outdone, the Garmin unit is packed with features specific to the RV user's needs. The pre-loaded maps cover all of the U.S. and Canada and the voice activation features allows you to engage the unit hands-free. Special features include free lifetime traffic alerts and map upgrades, a huge RV parks and directory database of over 20,000 camp sites and 14,000 RV service locations, smartphone link which integrates news and weather for current or upcoming destinations, Garmin Adventures feature which allows the user to record and share videos and pictures from your favorite trips, real views of interchanges for easier navigation, Garmin Base Camp which allows users to pinpoint and locate specific points of interest.

If you are considering a GPS system for your RV and have a question, please contact us. 

RV Accessory Review: Rand McNally TripMaker RV GPS

Product Overview: The Rand McNally 7" RV GPS has been designed specifically for RV'ers and their larger motorhomes and campers. The RV easy routing begins with award winning navigation from Rand McNally which includes legal (propane, RV allowed) routes, along with parkway and boulevard weight and height restrictions. This can be tailored for the specific type of RV you are using. The TripMaker RVND 7720 is packed with all of the information you need to have an enjoyable and safe trip in your RV, including campgrounds, parks, RV service locations, travel centers and suggested road trips! The display is a huge 7.0" TFT High Definition Widescreen.

Product Review: Initially, I had a love hate relationship with this GPS. I generally plug in a new device and try to use it before reading the instructions.  It generally works with many of my past GPS's, but with this unit and all of it's features, I should have read the manual first.  I got myself into a number of bad situations with routing because I had not carefully setup the RV options.  When I first received the GPS I had put the wrong height in and found myself confronted with a 10' railroad bridge in Jamestown, Ny, with a 12' 6" tall RV.  After avoiding that disaster and updating the height setting, I still seem to be directed on roads that made no sense.  I later figured out that due to the high weight rating of the RV, it took me on roads that may have been legal, but where not meant for my RV.  I lowered this rating and the routes became much more accurate and many times matched google maps directions.  It was about that time that I decided I better read the whole manual to ensure I wasn't missing some other feature or setting.

We have now put over 15,000 miles on the Tripmaker since my initial issues, mostly self induced, and what I really enjoy are all of the RV related points of interest this GPS has to offer. From the huge number of campgrounds to rest areas and travel plazas, having this information at your finger tips is a great help.    We used this unit on a 4 day trip with no idea how far we would get each day, but no problem with the Tripmaker, as we got close to ending our day we could quickly hit the campground search along our route, found a good fit and stopped for the night.  Not a huge feat since most GPS systems have campgrounds preloaded, but out of all of the units we have used including Tom Tom, Garmin & Magellan this unit seems to have every campground in existence. Campgrounds are broken into types including state, commercial and KOA's for even faster location.  Multi-stop trips are also a breeze with a dedicated section for these types of adventures.  Usually I will bring the unit in the house and add all of our destinations from the comfort of my recliner a few days prior to taking off.

The size of the screen and the big navigation buttons are nice when your changing screens and the road is not perfectly smooth.  This is by far the most sturdy window mount we have ever had with a GPS, even on hot days it never lost grip and is always super sturdy.  Since this is for RV'ers they probably should have included an adhesive disc for Class A motorhome owners that cannot mount a GPS to the windshield.

Overall we are really happy with the features, size and ease of use of this RV GPS.  For more information on the Rand McNally 7720 LM Tripmaker RV GPS Click Here

Great RV Accessories for Golf Themed Gift Baskets

For many people, RV'ing and golf go together like ham and cheese. Perhaps you know of someone that shares that sentiment. If you do, why not surprise them with a golf themed gift basket filled with RV accessories and other goodies? Believe it or not, there are quite a few sport themed, RV accessories that could be used for such occasions.

For instance, you could wrap up a Picnic Time Wine Sack Moka, Picnic Time Mariposa Cutting

Picnic Time Mariposa Cutting Board

Board and several bottles of wines created by professional golfers into one basket. Some of the professional golfers that have their own brands of wine are Ernie Els, Luke Donald, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer. The pro golfer wine bottles would fit perfectly inside of the sack. The two-toned cutting board, on the other hand, has a sand trap shape and is capable of being stored on a golf cart. In addition, the board features a special compartment that holds a corkscrew, bottle stopper, cheese shaver and two cheese knives.

If your golf fan prefers meat and potatoes over wine and cheese, there are other options. After all, there have been several pro golfers over the years that have turned towards food service. Take Paul Oropesa for instance. He started his own barbecue restaurant in 2010.  Professional caddy, Jeff King also entered into the industry when he launched his own line of beef jerky. Many pro golfers eat his jerky products to this day. With that in mind, we’d suggest combining a Sportula Golfer Premium Grill Spatula, Outdoors Unlimited RV Sidekick Grill, a couple bottles of barbecue sauce and a package of Kingmade Jerky into one gift basket.

Rand McNally Tripmaker RV GPS.

Three other RV accessories that would make ideal gifts for golfers are the Flagpole-to-Go Golf Cart Flagpole, Flagpole-to-Go 12” x 18” American Flag and the Rand McNally RVND 7720 LM Tripmaker RV GPS. The GPS system comes with built-in lifetime maps and travel content that will point your favorite duffer to the nearest golf course and campground. You could put all three into one basket and add other items like golf balls, tees and towels.

To take a closer look at these golfer approved, RV accessories and others, please browse our website or contact us at (866) 332-7881.