Caravan Sat Nav - recommendations please

Absolutely agree with Deleted User User  …. Whilst I have a built in sat nav in my present tug (BMW X3) I also have a stand-alone Garmin with a nice big screen.  I would suggest Tom Tom, Garmin are probably the two main players - and then it comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Most will get you from A to B, most times trouble-free and dare I say on time.

However; with technology moving at the pace it is we must not leave out the latest smartphones respective smartphone apps – that from my understanding work brilliantly even when you can’t get a 3G or 4G signal.

And why do I have both? – having a new business car every 4 years you lose all you locations every 4 years  – where with my Garmin you just pick it up and move it to your next tug.

I hear people cry but you can transfer data from one sat nav to another – whilst in principle yes this is very true - in practice this is not always the case – a while ago I had to have an engine management upgrade – result – sat nav total wipe out – perhaps the down side of modern technology!!

Just an added thought - are you in ACSI? Worth it for the site info and discounts in low season.

Hi BT,

I bought a TomTom Caravan model about two years ago when they first came on the market and took advantage of an offer via the C&CC.    It works well for me but I tend only to rely on the TT traffic app part.   I never trust a satnav for directions, but having driven around Europe for 40 years I now know my way around.

The TT Caravan does take into consideration speed when towing so you get a pretty accurate eta.   I dont like the fact that the screen displays current speed for cars and not for towing a caravan, even though I have changed the intro' settings to say I will be towing.   TT could fix that easily.     The TT has a very simple easy read screen and brilliant traffic, in your face.  I have a new Volvo and the satnav traffic is rubbish.

Hope you find one that suits you, happy touring...

BillC 

See my review of the Caravan Club Avtex sat nav http://www.capitaloutdoors.co.uk/avtex-camper-premium-caravan-club-edition-sat-nav 
I've been very impressed with it on our current trip to Spain.  One of the useful features is the lane guidance, both verbal and visual.

But like all technology it isn't perfect, so take a road atlas as well, plot your route on the device in advance and check it out on the atlas.

If you have a smart phone or tablet I throroughly recommend Copilot. Cheap to buy (I think all EU mapping was about £30 including speed cameras) and has motorhome or HGV settings so easy to programme to suit towing. 

I've had sat navs since the late 90's when they were built like bricks (Garmin Streetpilot 2610).  Since then I have used a multitude of different makes and devices including a caravan dedicated one.    I can honestly say that some of the cheap programmes
for tablet and smartphone are just as good as the specialised devices in my view.  Co-pilot has been mentioned.  Sygic and Nav II are others.  Like all sat navs, if you make sure that they are programmed for your size of vehicle then they all pretty much do
the same.  However, there is a huge difference in price.  From around £22 for a good quality programme for your phone to over £300 for a dedicated device.  You pays your money and takes your choice.....

I am a bit confused about using a tablet or smart phone. I have an iPad but with no SIM card and an iPhone 6 with no contract and I dont use the data connection only WiFi. I presume you need a network connection for Copilot etc.? Isn't that expensive to run? How do you pick up the GPS signals?

I am a bit confused about using a tablet or smart phone. I have an iPad but with no SIM card and an iPhone 6 with no contract and I dont use the data connection only WiFi. I presume you need a network connection for Copilot etc.? Isn't that expensive to
run? How do you pick up the GPS signals?

...You don't need a data connection to use sat nav on your phone.  You download the software when you have a WiFi connection and then you can use it like any other sat nav.  All phones these days have GPS so that ought to be no problem.    Try using

this for starters and see how you get on.

Thanks all,

I have gone with the Co-Pilot option...

- New Sumsung Tab 4 7inch Tablet - £99

- Co-Pilot Full Europe app, with traffic etc - £26

- 64GB micro SC card - £18

- Mi-fi (mobile Wi-fi) - £30

Total price c£170 - i.e. £100 less than the Tom-Tom / Garmin alternative, plus a whole load more functionality on top! I will let you knwo how I get on!!

We have a Samsung Galaxy Tab3 with 8Gb memory plus 8Gb SD card. Do you know how much memory is required for the European maps? Note that you've fitted 64Gb. Tried the trial version and the free UK maps were in the hundreds of Mb - but it all got complicated
so we uninstalled the app.

We haven't got a satnav and have managed all these years, but everywhere roads signs to campsites are not what they were, and camping/hotel guides assume that you've got one!