Map

[trumpetguy]

Google maps has put me in some awful places and the GPS in my 2016 Ram is useless. I’m talking dead end roads, dirt roads, low railroad trestles, twisty turning routes through cities, etc.

Is there a mapping app for iPhone geared to RV?

[TG Twinkie]

You should always verify the route by looking at a paper map.
I have a Garmin which will also take you to places you don't want to go.
We use Google Maps and the Garmin and compare the results of a route using a road atlas or map.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by trumpetguy

Google maps has put me in some awful places and the GPS in my 2016 Ram is useless. I’m talking dead end roads, dirt roads, low railroad trestles, twisty turning routes through cities, etc.

Is there a mapping app for iPhone geared to RV?

I use CoPilot RV GPS. You can enter your rig dimensions and it will not route you under low bridges etc.

[Lumatic]

I have a Garmin unit designed for RVs. It is not exempt from the problems you describe with one additional problem. Sometimes it chooses a longer RV route over another route which would be no problem for an Airstream

Not related to my Garmin but as I was heading towards Canyonlands NP from the west side I turned off the paved highway on a 2 track dirt road towards Horseshoe Canyon (in my 4x4 without my Airstream). There were 2 signs. The first said "this road is impassable in rain" the second said "if you are following your GPS to Canyonlands NP you are dead wrong". The road was challenging but no problem for my Ram. One section stood out. The "road" crossed a dune field with a bulldozer permanently parked to pull you out when you get stuck in the sand.

[mpsgolf]

Paper backup!! Never travel without it!!

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by mpsgolf

Paper backup!! Never travel without it!!

Where do you find a paper map that shows railroad trestle clearances? Or dirt roads?

I have the Garmin RV 770 and it's not perfect but it does a lot of things really well. (Unfortunately, it took simple things and made them difficult)
I created two vehicle profiles, one with the trailer and another without. When towing the trailer the unit routes me a different way than when it's just the truck. I assume it's avoiding all the things I preprogrammed.

Do paper maps still exist? Maybe at the state welcome centers or big book stores. I have a series of Gazetteers, and they were great for back woods motorcycling, but unsuitable for touring.

We've all been spoiled by GPS, I can't imagine how I found anything without it. Considering all the data stuffed in that box, it does a great job. Expecting it to know every back road in America is asking too much. Be prepared to ignore it's advice sometimes.

I'll never forget driving a motorhome around Kansas City. There was construction, so I followed the detour signs. To my surprise, I came upon a DOT truck picking up the detour signs! So suddenly, I'm lost and there are no more detour signs to follow! I took a country road heading more or less parallel to I-70 figuring I would come out in Lawrence, KS at worst. As I cruised along I went over a rise and found myself speeding towards a low railroad trestle. "I'm going through the windshield!" Somehow, everything cleared by inches, I guess and I was fine.
Yikes!

[az-streamer]

You can try the Rand McNally Road Carriers (truckers) road atlas. A lot of good info and the laminated pages will last.