Motorhome GPS: buying advice, essential information and technical specifications

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Although road guidance is now favored by GPS, some of these devices meet the specific needs of motorhome owners better than others. And to choose in full knowledge of the facts, it is advisable to go around the various proposals in the running on the market.

The advantage of the special motorhome GPS is that it offers routes based on the size of your vehicle. To start, here is a gallery of images of next-gen GPS (appeared in 2020). In the caption of each image, a description has been inserted (click on an image and scroll through the slideshow).

Choosing a mobile or fixed motorhome GPS

There are two categories on the GPS market: nomadic and fixed.

Ergonomics of the interface

Once the size of the screen has been determined, it is a question of not neglecting the communication interface. It is presented in the form of pictograms allowing access to the functions of the device. These are so numerous that, even if the navigation is done in a relatively intuitive way, it is advisable to “visit” them at least once each to know their content. Smartphones are not left out, with apps like Waze. In addition to route guidance, traffic and road conditions are shared in real time with users. They can also report to other users of the service all kinds of problems encountered on the road. This allows you to adapt your route to traffic conditions.

Also read our articlePreparing for a road trip in a motorhome

Additional services

Today the primary function of GPS remains route guidance, motorhome owners now having connected devices at their disposal. Thanks to them, it is possible to find all the functions of a tablet with Wi-Fi access to the Internet. These devices are offered with Android 8 and, thanks to the Play Store, you can install applications such as YouTube, Facebook, NetFlix... or all the motorhome control applications offered by the various accessories manufacturers. And if you don't have Wi-Fi networks available, you can share the connection from your Smartphone in 4G.

Also read our articleEssential accessories for motorhomes

Update via wifi

In addition, the Wi-Fi connection on the GPS allows you to quickly update the cartography, especially since the latter is offered free of charge by many many equipment manufacturers.

Real-time traffic info

Drivers will also be aware of traffic conditions thanks to traffic information. This function will inform them in real time of the state of the traffic, and an alternative route can be offered to them if necessary. On the other hand, this system imposes to be in an area forming part of the coverage network and to have a suitable receiver.

Points of special interest for motorhomes

In addition to these driving assistance functions, GPS can contain databases of service areas and campsites in France and in Europe, as well as many points of interest for motorhomes.

Brands

Aguri

Aguri markets a range of devices for motorhome route guidance in 46 European countries, taking their size into account. These GPSs are available in two screen sizes: 5 inches for the CC5800, and 7 inches for the CC4800, CC7400, CC7800 and CC8800. The latter has a DVBT-2 tuner for the reception of DTT channels. In addition to these GPS, Aguri offers the CC 700i, a multimedia station in double DIN format equipped with a motorhome GPS application and Wi-Fi access for surfing the Internet.

Alpine

Alpine takes the classic double DIN step with the X903D-DU and its 9-inch screen, available in Fiat Ducato, Iveco Daily and Mercedes Sprinter (906 series) versions. The screen, installed in full view on the central console, offers road guidance dependent on the size of the vehicle. For 2020 the reading pleasure is increased with the X903D-DU2 whose screen is oriented towards the driver.

Clarion

Clarion offers a touchscreen multimedia system in double DIN format, the NX405EC. The device displays routes that avoid certain areas due to the size and weight of your vehicle. It contains 13,000 points of interest illustrated with photos, descriptions and ratings on the world of motorhomes.

Fusion Garmin

Fusion Garmin offers a new generation of double DIN multimedia station with the RV-BBT 602, consisting of a top-of-the-range Fusion multimedia car radio, a Wi-Fi autonomous touchscreen tablet and Garmin RV GPS. This device fits the Fiat Ducato and the Mercedes Sprinter.

Garmin

Garmin guides motorhomes with the 770 LMT-D and the new 780 and 785. The latter is equipped with a camera to record the route. These devices have maps covering 45 European countries on a 6-inch screen. In addition, they are equipped with the ACSI campsite database for points of interest relating to leisure vehicles (parking areas, service areas, etc.). In addition to these devices, Garmin offers the Overlander, a tailor-made GPS for all-terrain enthusiasts.

Kenwood

Kenwood offers the DNX 450 TR. Its route guidance software takes into account the size of the vehicle on a 6.1-inch screen. Question road guidance, Kenwood resumes Garmin navigation with an update of the cartography over 3 years.

Lucampers

Lucampers develops and markets its own navigation systems. On a 7-inch screen is offered the CC735 and on 9 inches the CC935. In addition to these GPS, Lucampers offers the CCV10, an Android multimedia station with 3G 4G Internet support. It is equipped with a 10-inch screen to follow the route guidance more easily.

Mappy

Mappy offers in the X-Perience range, the Ulti X585 Camp with a 5-inch touchscreen and the Maxi X795 with a 7-inch screen. Both devices include the lifetime map update covering a geographical area of ​​44 countries (Europe). They also contain many points of interest for motorhomes.

Pioneer

Pioneer targets motorhome owners with a full range of double DIN GPS units in 6.2, 6.8 and 7 inch screen sizes. The SPH-EVODAB-DUC system, the latest production from the equipment manufacturer, comes in the form of an 8-inch multimedia player with smartphone connectivity via USB and Bluetooth. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and smartphone navigation apps.

Snooper

Snooper relies on a catalog of GPS available in three ranges of screen sizes:

All are dedicated to motorhome owners and equipped with Navteq Transport software, which calculates the route according to the size of the vehicle. All are equipped with numerous points of interest linked to motorhome activity, lifetime map updates and traffic information.

Teleco

Teleco offers, with the M-DVD6000 Truck DAB, a navigation system with truck maps in double DIN format and 6.2-inch screen. This device is equipped with multimedia functions (DVD-CD player, MP3, hands-free kit, Bluetooth, etc.) and has a connection for a reversing camera. In addition, it has different connection ports on the front (micro USB, SD card and micro SD). It also has a DAB radio.

TomTom

TomTom is present on the portable GPS market with a wide range of products intended for the automobile. Fans of the brand will choose the Go Camper GPS and its 6-inch screen, for use in a motorhome to drive smoothly on European roads thanks to truck mapping, which is updated via Wi-Fi. .

Zenec

Zenec offers a GPS multimedia station (Z-E3756) for Ducato/Jumper and Boxer, adapted to the lines of the center console. It displays, on a 7-inch screen, road guidance for 47 European countries depending on the size of the motorhome. It is equipped with the database of points of interest useful to motorhome owners.

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