Four Ways to Get the Most out of Your RV Travel
RV season is right around the corner, and many families are already thinking about where to go on vacation. Whether you’re planning short weekend getaways or longer cross-country adventures, we’ve got a variety of tools to help you plan your trip — and enjoy your time on the road even more.
1. Navigate with Garmin
Start with an RV GPS navigator. These aren’t just any navigators. The 10” RV 1095, 8” RV 895 and 7” RV 795 navigators are specially designed for travel in your RV, and they can help make your trip easier — not to mention more fun. In fact, they can recommend a route that considers the size and weight of your rig1 so you can travel with confidence. And the navigators will show warnings for upcoming speed changes, steep grades, sharp curves and other challenges so you stay informed behind the wheel. RV 1095 and RV 895 will even display an overview of your entire remaining route alongside your active route. When paired with the Garmin Drive™ smartphone app, they can show any expected weather up ahead, so you travel in the know.
Of course, these navigators help you plan your stops too. You’ll have a built-in directory of campgrounds, RV parks and services with Tripadvisor® traveler ratings. You’ll see recommendations for the best spots along your route, fun attractions and activities near your current location plus real-time fuel prices, participating travel plaza amenities and more when paired with the Garmin Drive app. And when you reach your destination, the navigators offer high-resolution satellite imagery, so you have a clear overhead view that helps you find your spot at an RV park or campground. That’s almost everything you need to hit the road.
2. Record Your Drive
If you want to add peace of mind to your trip, a Garmin Dash Cam™ dash camera2 can serve as your trusty eyewitness on the road. Your dash cam continuously records your drive and automatically saves high-resolution video of any incidents that occur. Those videos are automatically stored securely for up to 24 hours in the online Vault (extended storage plans are available with a paid subscription), and they can be accessed with the Garmin Drive app, so you can share with others. If you want to show proof of any incidents, the video clips can be invaluable.
You’ve got several options to fit your needs, including RVcam 795, which offers all the features of RV 795 plus a built-in camera — as well as Garmin Dash Cam 47, Garmin Dash Cam 57, Garmin Dash Cam 67W and Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2. You choose whether you want a built-in display, the camera’s resolution and field of view, and whether it gets constant power from our larger navigators. Many dash cams provide enhanced driver awareness with forward collision warnings that notify you if you’re driving too closely to the vehicle ahead3 and lane departure warnings if you drift off the road or into oncoming traffic3.
3. Make Backing a Breeze
For even more awareness — especially when it comes to parking long rigs or trailers at a campsite — pick up our BC™ 50 backup camera, which delivers a rearward view to your RV navigator wirelessly. You’ll have a vivid picture of your environment, and the wide 160-degree field of view means you’ll be better able to see what’s behind your vehicle while in reverse. You might even choose the BC 50 with Night Vision option, which will help you maximize visibility while reversing after dark. Either way, they’ll have your back, so you can enjoy your trip more.
4. Operate Accessories From the Driver’s Seat
Lastly, to add greater convenience, install a Garmin PowerSwitch™ digital switch box to control your RV’s 12-volt electronics right from your navigator. It uses BLUETOOTH® wireless connectivity to program and operate up to six electronics — including refrigerators, air compressors, fans, exterior lights or virtually anything else that can run with 12-volt power. Once you’re shut down for the night, you can also use the Garmin PowerSwitch app on your compatible smartphone. And if you’re a DIYer, Garmin PowerSwitch offers hassle-free installation; there’s no interference with your vehicle electronics and no need to cut holes in your dashboard or route wires through the firewall. It’s a simple way to make your RV life even easier.
Ready to make this year’s RV travels your best vacations ever? Shop the Garmin line of RV products, and plan to make memories.
1Not available in all areas. Entering your RV or trailer profile characteristics does not guarantee your RV’s characteristics will be accounted for in all route suggestions. Always defer to all posted road signs and road conditions.
2Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit use of this device. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and rights to privacy in jurisdictions where you plan to use this device.
3Certain conditions may impair the warning function; visit Garmin.com/warnings for details
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