Jerry, thanks so much for the great video. We unboxed our Garmin RV 895 a week ago (purchased from TechnoRV). Your video was extremely helpful. I have always found visual instruction so much easier than the enclosed instruction booklet(s). I cannot wait to really get started to use and understand. We are planning a trip to Kentucky in September from California. Thanks again!
Sounds like a great trip. There’s a wide range of features. I brought the unit inside today and work through the apps and setting to get a little more proficient. Safe travels.
We love our RV890 (Now the RV895). We've used it for 5yrs and love the interface and the voice directions. The magnetic mount is totally awesome. It's easy to remove and had to my navigator, and easy to put back, no fuss no muss. However, the final mile of navigation can be flawed about 3% of the time. It's wise to compare the final mile with Google Maps, about 5mi before arriving your destination. If both agree, then you're golden. If not, stop and figure out why, before you get yourself in a jam to turn around. Sometimes Google is wrong! And sometimes Garmin is wrong.
The last mile can be messy with any GPS and sometimes on non primary state roads where odd routing can occur. We keep a hard copy of a Rand McNally Truckers Atlas. A few notes from the Atlas on a sheet of paper just in case has saved us a lot of travel troubles more than once. When this happens, we find making the alternate turn from the notes corrects the GPS. If possible seeing this in our route planning ahead of time, we’ll set a waypoint and this forces the GPS to follow the desired route.
Lord the price on them i just cant justify , just too much money for a simple GPS @ 700. Glad to see a new video Jerry, hope you and Joan are doing well.
We never used a dedicated GPS until the iPhone. RV Trip Wizard really helped us planning our trips but, using their GPS got us into trouble twice. We now use multiple sources and sometimes our gut is the best GPS.
We full time and have found that the Hammer app (a free truckers app), which you can input your RV’s length, width, height, and weight and have found this is more reliable than the Garmin. The Garmin 890 has failed us where the Hammer app has not failed us. Have used them both to 2gether for the last year and the Hammer did not let is down. The only caveat is that on the I-phone the screen will not function in landscape mode, it stays in portrait, but thats no big deal, bcuz my lovely co-pilot keeps me on the right course. It also has an audio mode as well. Further, there is less clutter on the dash - love that!!!
We traveled Ireland, Scotland, and England in a rented motorhome in 2018 and again in 2023. Both times, the GPS unit provided by the owners was less than reliable, so I simply used my cell phone and Google Maps. It worked better than the units provided, but definitely took us through some places we shouldn't have had an RV. But the memories it created were fantastic! Wouldn't trade that for nuthin!!
Hi Jerry we have used the 695 for 4 years. I like it, it has many of the features of the 895. Everyone once in a while it will have us exit a highway only get back on. But the one thing that would be most helpful, is voice recognition.
I have had mine now since it first came out. I connected it hardwired to my camera mounted using a different power mount from Garmin with has those input connections built into it. This allows you to use your existing backup camera, then I powered it via the fuse block as not able to easily find the reverse wire. I was hoping for a better product from Garmin, as it seems that it lacks features found on older models. It does have a few newer features however the four square feature is kinda not helpful. What is frustrating is trying to find a local state park, way harder than you can images. National parks no issue, do love the GPS direct coordinates saved me many times, I find it in google then get the GPS info and just plug it in. Dont get me wrong I really like mine, just wish they would add better features like the drive app and connection data between the 2 devices is not there. Thanks for making a nice video about the unit as when I got mine a year ago there was nothing.
Thanks for the info. I have plans to experiment with some cameras. I can’t see my 5th wheel hitch due to my folding bed cover. I share when I get some reasonable results.
I use the Garmin RV 890 GPS with live traffic, it's been a reliable unit. One issue that I have found is updating the system or maps via WiFi I had map and system issues, now I only update the system and maps by plugging it into my PC. That took care of the issue.
Funny this comes out right now...I just received the 7 series of this model for price and size. I've only used it once, but it matched up with my Apple Maps via Carplay pretty good. I have to go down some two lane roads, and it kept wanting to send me the interstate route, which is good, but I also knew the route I was taking for that part of the trip. Next up will be the Bulletproof dash system for it. Thanks for sharing.
I hear you. When going to Davenport, Iowa, we were going to a local campsite and it sent us to H*ll and back. This was a few years ago and we gave up on it.
Unfortunately, non of the GPS technology regardless of product or services is full proof. We had a couple wicked routes when we tried to use WAZE. Nope, never again. Whatever we use, we always validate with a map just in case.
Nice video Jerry I have a smaller rig and we are doing a trip to ocean grove camp ground in October maybe we will see you there I used garmin in all my boats but now camping is the thing
We've had the Garmin 895 for a couple of years now. It's awesome. We've never had any issues with routing but we use backups too. Google Maps, Truckers map and we pre plan our trips using RV Trip Wizard but we don't use the RV Life navigation. That part of the program doesn't work very well.
That the process. We tried Trip Wizard. Never released the video. It just didn’t fit our needs. And the trucker map is a good validation for those odd routes where we’re unsure of the state and county roads. Check and recheck protects that RV investment.
We started out with a Garmin dezl 780LMT-S Truckers GPS. It worked fine and had some features that I haven't found on this unit yet. I was hoping the RV model would give me more routing options. It's gonna take some time to accurately alter certain points of the calculated route, just in the few hours I've played around with it. Looking at as many videos as I can find, to try and piece together how to navigate features.
We recently took state roads from North Georgia south to bypass Atlanta. This wasn’t the preferred route and we set waypoints along the way to force desired route. It’s not as a simple as Google Maps, but was able to achieve route. Only problem was missing one by pass and the Garmin wanting to send us along a downtown business route. I think all the waypoints fought with the direction algorithms. Just used last week for a trip to Florida. No waypoints needed and it provided a very good route.
I looked at the manual. It can. Here’s a link www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-03E29042-23C8-4418-8521-2AAEA94C7400/EN-GB/GUID-84EFF2ED-9C1C-40BC-B147-C4804B2BE09C.html
I bought this in May 2024. Requested return/refund within 3 hours. The interface on the 895 I received was not like the one you featured. The Garmin App on my iPhone wasn’t the same one you featured either. Possibly there was a UI firmware update. That said my Apple MAPS has taken us 1 hour out of the way on our last two trips (July 2024). I’m not sure if the Crowdstrike software debacle was involved, but I am now back to Google Maps on my iPhone. Thanks for your videos.
@ernielansford8710 Unfortunately, we’ve all had something like this happened. I just bought a new solar charger. Looking at the Amazon rating, a number mentioned damaged, dirty, packaging not original, on and on with a large number of complaints. I bought this one from a certified dealer that will honor warranty. Cost a few dollars more, but worth it.
With all of the screens (tpms, RV side and backup camera, navigation, truck backup and 360 cameras, the list goes on) the first folks to make a single, easy to mount monitor that takes input from ALL the accessories would make a mint.
Yes they would! I have a 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 and I don't even have a 12V plug in my truck so I get to experience that extra hurdle to get everything powered up! Yah for me!
I agree. I've consolidated several items and just decided I didn't need others. The RV 895 is trying to address. It has the ability to add back up camera, connect to phone, connect to a Garmin dash cam. Maybe other devices will be added in the future. Really like the TPMS idea.
I have the 10" version of the RV GPS and love it. However, it is not infallible. We were on our way to a RV Park in the area that I know very well. Even though I had my 45' motorhome and towed Jeep, 70' total length, programmed in, the GPS tried to being me down a road that I knew the would not fit on. The road has a one lane bridge with 10,000 lb weigh restriction and a sharp turn after the bridge. I got into the habit of calling the RV park and asking them what is the best way in.
I agree. These systems are a tool, not the definitive route to follow. We’ve had similar issues with Google Maps and with less information. If we’re going to a new campground, we always call to make sure we’re taking the best route for those last few miles.
Great video! We also utilize Bulletpoint mount, we have three amps balls; one for a mobile phone, RV TPMS screen, and Furrion Vision S backup camera. We have no additional room for another device. We use RV Life navigation on the mobile phone. Your 8” seems large, what would your opinion be of removing the mobile phone and replacing it with the 7” Garmin 895? Another alternative I’ve thought about is, do you have any knowledge if the Garmin 895 will pair with the an aftermarket (Furrion) backup camera? Again, loved your video, I’ve been on the fence for the 895.
Thanks. The option using in place of the phone is a good idea. I ordered a ball mount with 4 hole screw base amzn.to/4e0jz4X and moved our TPMS above the fold out cup holder. Gave extra dash room, picks ups with no issues and not something I have to continually watch since it will alert if pressures get out of whack. I have several cameras and can’t find an option to connect. Garmin offers a camera, but I don’t like the physical connection and it’s pretty pricey for a basic camera. On the 895, I’ve been using since the video. Took a few trips to option for our needs. The features are great. Really like the side soft button set up. Great to have views of what’s next up the road - rest areas, fuel, Walmarts, campgrounds, etc.
I have this Garmin Jerry but what I need to learn is how I can plan a route on RV Trip Wizard and then transfer to the Garmin. You can export your route from RV Trip Wizard to a gpx file but I can get Garmin to recognize the route when I import it to the Garmin. The stops are pulled in but not the route itself. Let me know if you have tried that?
In the Settings, Vehicle Profile, there’s an option to add propane to the RV profile. Garmin states routing creation will bypass where propane isn’t allowed.
I have had mine for 4 years rv-ing. The other three years it stayed in the box. Would not recommend this GPS. We went with Roadtrippers formerly Campendium. It does all the features gps does less frustrating.
I've had the RV795 (much more affordable) version for a couple weeks, so far I like it. I'm disappointed the GPS won't allow me to to hear the spoken navigation directions thru my truck audio system. I am hearing impaired and I use this with Google maps all the time.
I wish more ‘how to’ videos and review videos were more like this. Perfectly pitched and informative. Thankyou!
Appreciate the kind comment. Great to hear you found our review helpful.
Jerry, thanks so much for the great video. We unboxed our Garmin RV 895 a week ago (purchased from TechnoRV). Your video was extremely helpful. I have always found visual instruction so much easier than the enclosed instruction booklet(s). I cannot wait to really get started to use and understand. We are planning a trip to Kentucky in September from California. Thanks again!
Sounds like a great trip. There’s a wide range of features. I brought the unit inside today and work through the apps and setting to get a little more proficient. Safe travels.
Been using our RV 895 for a couple years now. Very well satisfied. I will tell you, keep it updated. It works best when you keep it updated.
Thanks
We love our RV890 (Now the RV895). We've used it for 5yrs and love the interface and the voice directions. The magnetic mount is totally awesome. It's easy to remove and had to my navigator, and easy to put back, no fuss no muss. However, the final mile of navigation can be flawed about 3% of the time. It's wise to compare the final mile with Google Maps, about 5mi before arriving your destination. If both agree, then you're golden. If not, stop and figure out why, before you get yourself in a jam to turn around. Sometimes Google is wrong! And sometimes Garmin is wrong.
The last mile can be messy with any GPS and sometimes on non primary state roads where odd routing can occur. We keep a hard copy of a Rand McNally Truckers Atlas. A few notes from the Atlas on a sheet of paper just in case has saved us a lot of travel troubles more than once. When this happens, we find making the alternate turn from the notes corrects the GPS. If possible seeing this in our route planning ahead of time, we’ll set a waypoint and this forces the GPS to follow the desired route.
Lord the price on them i just cant justify , just too much money for a simple GPS @ 700. Glad to see a new video Jerry, hope you and Joan are doing well.
Appreciate you watching!
We never used a dedicated GPS until the iPhone. RV Trip Wizard really helped us planning our trips but, using their GPS got us into trouble twice. We now use multiple sources and sometimes our gut is the best GPS.
We full time and have found that the Hammer app (a free truckers app), which you can input your RV’s length, width, height, and weight and have found this is more reliable than the Garmin.
The Garmin 890 has failed us where the Hammer app has not failed us. Have used them both to 2gether for the last year and the Hammer did not let is down. The only caveat is that on the I-phone the screen will not function in landscape mode, it stays in portrait, but thats no big deal, bcuz my lovely co-pilot keeps me on the right course. It also has an audio mode as well.
Further, there is less clutter on the dash - love that!!!
We traveled Ireland, Scotland, and England in a rented motorhome in 2018 and again in 2023. Both times, the GPS unit provided by the owners was less than reliable, so I simply used my cell phone and Google Maps. It worked better than the units provided, but definitely took us through some places we shouldn't have had an RV. But the memories it created were fantastic! Wouldn't trade that for nuthin!!
Even with the challenge, great to hear there was an upside. Safe travels.
Hi Jerry we have used the 695 for 4 years. I like it, it has many of the features of the 895. Everyone once in a while it will have us exit a highway only get back on. But the one thing that would be most helpful, is voice recognition.
The 895 has voice recognition. Slight learning curve on my end, but it works well.
Very helpful video We just purchased this GPS, so we're in the 'learning curve' phase, so thank you for the review.
Thanks for watching.
I have had mine now since it first came out. I connected it hardwired to my camera mounted using a different power mount from Garmin with has those input connections built into it. This allows you to use your existing backup camera, then I powered it via the fuse block as not able to easily find the reverse wire. I was hoping for a better product from Garmin, as it seems that it lacks features found on older models. It does have a few newer features however the four square feature is kinda not helpful. What is frustrating is trying to find a local state park, way harder than you can images. National parks no issue, do love the GPS direct coordinates saved me many times, I find it in google then get the GPS info and just plug it in. Dont get me wrong I really like mine, just wish they would add better features like the drive app and connection data between the 2 devices is not there. Thanks for making a nice video about the unit as when I got mine a year ago there was nothing.
Thanks for the info. I have plans to experiment with some cameras. I can’t see my 5th wheel hitch due to my folding bed cover. I share when I get some reasonable results.
Do you believe the 895 could pair with a backup camera?
@tonyswann2352 This is is the only backup camera that I know works with the 895 technorv.com/products/garmin-bc-50-wireless-backup-camera?Click=11983
I use the Garmin RV 890 GPS with live traffic, it's been a reliable unit. One issue that I have found is updating the system or maps via WiFi I had map and system issues, now I only update the system and maps by plugging it into my PC. That took care of the issue.
I haven't had that issue yet, but will be on the lookout. Thanks for sharing.
Great video Jerry, thanks for sharing! They really have come a long way and the prices have sure come down as well.
Thanks
Funny this comes out right now...I just received the 7 series of this model for price and size. I've only used it once, but it matched up with my Apple Maps via Carplay pretty good. I have to go down some two lane roads, and it kept wanting to send me the interstate route, which is good, but I also knew the route I was taking for that part of the trip. Next up will be the Bulletproof dash system for it. Thanks for sharing.
You'll like the Bulletproof dash addition. Cleaned up my dash area and made the devices very secure.
I hear you. When going to Davenport, Iowa, we were going to a local campsite and it sent us to H*ll and back. This was a few years ago and we gave up on it.
Unfortunately, non of the GPS technology regardless of product or services is full proof. We had a couple wicked routes when we tried to use WAZE. Nope, never again. Whatever we use, we always validate with a map just in case.
Nice video Jerry I have a smaller rig and we are doing a trip to ocean grove camp ground in October maybe we will see you there I used garmin in all my boats but now camping is the thing
You'll like Ocean Grove and the surrounding area. It's one of our favorites.
We've had the Garmin 895 for a couple of years now. It's awesome. We've never had any issues with routing but we use backups too. Google Maps, Truckers map and we pre plan our trips using RV Trip Wizard but we don't use the RV Life navigation. That part of the program doesn't work very well.
That the process. We tried Trip Wizard. Never released the video. It just didn’t fit our needs. And the trucker map is a good validation for those odd routes where we’re unsure of the state and county roads. Check and recheck protects that RV investment.
We started out with a Garmin dezl 780LMT-S Truckers GPS. It worked fine and had some features that I haven't found on this unit yet. I was hoping the RV model would give me more routing options. It's gonna take some time to accurately alter certain points of the calculated route, just in the few hours I've played around with it. Looking at as many videos as I can find, to try and piece together how to navigate features.
We recently took state roads from North Georgia south to bypass Atlanta. This wasn’t the preferred route and we set waypoints along the way to force desired route. It’s not as a simple as Google Maps, but was able to achieve route. Only problem was missing one by pass and the Garmin wanting to send us along a downtown business route. I think all the waypoints fought with the direction algorithms. Just used last week for a trip to Florida. No waypoints needed and it provided a very good route.
Great video and always well done. Surprised it didn’t route you to the new Buc-ee’s on I75 south of Macon!
Hahaha! It would have for sure!!! Dangerous place. It always beats up the wallet pretty bad ;)
This is a very informative and well done video. One question; can you search by Co-ordinates? Degrees - Minutes -Seconds.
Good question. I’ll try and let you know.
I looked at the manual. It can. Here’s a link www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-03E29042-23C8-4418-8521-2AAEA94C7400/EN-GB/GUID-84EFF2ED-9C1C-40BC-B147-C4804B2BE09C.html
I bought this in May 2024. Requested return/refund within 3 hours. The interface on the 895 I received was not like the one you featured. The Garmin App on my iPhone wasn’t the same one you featured either. Possibly there was a UI firmware update. That said my Apple MAPS has taken us 1 hour out of the way on our last two trips (July 2024). I’m not sure if the Crowdstrike software debacle was involved, but I am now back to Google Maps on my iPhone. Thanks for your videos.
Sorry to hear of your experience with the 895. We’ve tried Apple Maps and Waves a number of times always with bad results. Appreciate you watching.
@ernielansford8710 Unfortunately, we’ve all had something like this happened. I just bought a new solar charger. Looking at the Amazon rating, a number mentioned damaged, dirty, packaging not original, on and on with a large number of complaints. I bought this one from a certified dealer that will honor warranty. Cost a few dollars more, but worth it.
@@iLoveRVlife agreed!
With all of the screens (tpms, RV side and backup camera, navigation, truck backup and 360 cameras, the list goes on) the first folks to make a single, easy to mount monitor that takes input from ALL the accessories would make a mint.
Yes they would! I have a 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 and I don't even have a 12V plug in my truck so I get to experience that extra hurdle to get everything powered up! Yah for me!
I agree. I've consolidated several items and just decided I didn't need others. The RV 895 is trying to address. It has the ability to add back up camera, connect to phone, connect to a Garmin dash cam. Maybe other devices will be added in the future. Really like the TPMS idea.
I have the 10" version of the RV GPS and love it. However, it is not infallible. We were on our way to a RV Park in the area that I know very well. Even though I had my 45' motorhome and towed Jeep, 70' total length, programmed in, the GPS tried to being me down a road that I knew the would not fit on. The road has a one lane bridge with 10,000 lb weigh restriction and a sharp turn after the bridge. I got into the habit of calling the RV park and asking them what is the best way in.
I agree. These systems are a tool, not the definitive route to follow. We’ve had similar issues with Google Maps and with less information. If we’re going to a new campground, we always call to make sure we’re taking the best route for those last few miles.
Great video! We also utilize Bulletpoint mount, we have three amps balls; one for a mobile phone, RV TPMS screen, and Furrion Vision S backup camera. We have no additional room for another device. We use RV Life navigation on the mobile phone. Your 8” seems large, what would your opinion be of removing the mobile phone and replacing it with the 7” Garmin 895? Another alternative I’ve thought about is, do you have any knowledge if the Garmin 895 will pair with the an aftermarket (Furrion) backup camera? Again, loved your video, I’ve been on the fence for the 895.
Thanks. The option using in place of the phone is a good idea. I ordered a ball mount with 4 hole screw base amzn.to/4e0jz4X and moved our TPMS above the fold out cup holder. Gave extra dash room, picks ups with no issues and not something I have to continually watch since it will alert if pressures get out of whack. I have several cameras and can’t find an option to connect. Garmin offers a camera, but I don’t like the physical connection and it’s pretty pricey for a basic camera. On the 895, I’ve been using since the video. Took a few trips to option for our needs. The features are great. Really like the side soft button set up. Great to have views of what’s next up the road - rest areas, fuel, Walmarts, campgrounds, etc.
I have this Garmin Jerry but what I need to learn is how I can plan a route on RV Trip Wizard and then transfer to the Garmin. You can export your route from RV Trip Wizard to a gpx file but I can get Garmin to recognize the route when I import it to the Garmin. The stops are pulled in but not the route itself. Let me know if you have tried that?
Sandy, I haven’t tried. I’ll get a GPX file and see what happens.
Will this device also avoid tunnels that in some states that Propane gas isn't allowed ??
@@victorlopez2143 Propane gas is allowed in tunnels. You just have to turn the tanks off before entering them.
@@brucefranklin6765 Not in Boston....
@@victorlopez2143 Now that you mentioned it, I didn't see any prompts, asking about propane....
In the Settings, Vehicle Profile, there’s an option to add propane to the RV profile. Garmin states routing creation will bypass where propane isn’t allowed.
@@iLoveRVlife portable, not fixed. Thanks though.
I have had mine for 4 years rv-ing. The other three years it stayed in the box. Would not recommend this GPS. We went with Roadtrippers formerly Campendium. It does all the features gps does less frustrating.
I have one. 35 year truck driver. I’m not a fan of it.
I've had the RV795 (much more affordable) version for a couple weeks, so far I like it. I'm disappointed the GPS won't allow me to to hear the spoken navigation directions thru my truck audio system. I am hearing impaired and I use this with Google maps all the time.
Could be an issue with the truck audio. I'm able to connect. I had a 5 device limit and had to delete a device from my radio before I could connect.
Hate garmin it’s like 1980s technology, not user friendly