Sat Navs

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Agreed, don’t waste your money. Whatever bells & whistles they offer, they’re only as good as the source data and some of that isn’t very good - there’s only 2 primary data sources in Europe. I think most people who regularly tow or drive large vehicles quickly develop a 6th sense about roads that just don’t look right, despite the sat nav encouraging them to plough on regardless.

I think the days where the data is not quite there have long gone. I believe it to be pretty comprehensive these days and whilst it is true there are only two sources of mapping data I suspect these are supplemented by others for road information. On my sat nav, Co-Pilot, I can certainly get different routes for different vehicles, truck or car and the truck routing has not let me down yet in over 5 years of use. I think these days how good a sat nav is, is down to how good the routing algorithms are. Some sat navs are certainly better than others and I have used three different types over the years. However, they all have there quirks and what was quirky a few years ago may not be now. Sat Navs have come a long way in 20 years with many more players than just TomTom in the market.. My own view is sat navs for caravans are worth having and if you have a large motrohome don't ignore the truck sat navs.

I think Co-Pilot is good but I don't like the pricing structure and of course you need your own hardware. I run mine on a Samsung tablet along with other touring Apps and guides and I am fortunate that I bought mine before the pricing structure changes

peedee

I'm with AD and Bill and wouldn't bother.  On the rare occasions the Sat Nav  suggests I go down a dubious looking road I ignore it and usually find that it is only going to cut a corner anyway.  I  use my Sat Nav in conjunction with a good map and road signs, it keeps my OH occupied whilst en route.

 

One further tip about sat navs is make sure there are regular updates both in maps and POIs. Ideally, the user should be able to load and update their own POIs easily.

peedee

Certainly agree about corner cutting. My TomTom habitually does that, favouring residential 20 mph zones and speed bumps over more suitable local routes. There are plenty of 6’ 6” roads in the UK, many folks would choose to avoid them in a panel van sized vehicle (2.05m) but the sat nav is unlikely to protest.

Also, if I remember correctly, TomTom will allow you to upload but not delete selected POIs. If you’re not careful the screen can get very busy!

My first Tom Tom (old fashioned - not flat screen) was very good at taking just main roads while my new one always takes me, or wants to take me, down narrow streets through housing estates. I've tried all sorts of settings but to no avail.

I would use one with in conjunction with a real maps and/or google maps.

Just as an aside always follow the club instructions in the last few miles.

Thank you for the replies. 

I agree with what you say Cornersteady about following maps and the Club's instructions the last few miles but want a satnav for the instructions at roundabouts and junctions, especially in town or city centres with many different routes, as I am a single tourer and trying to keep an eye on the road, whilst trying to read multiple signs is sometimes rather difficult.  I was given a satnav which was very good but unfortunately the battery no longer holds its charge, so I thought it would be better to buy a new one.

Most, if not all, modern sat navs have clear picture and spoken instructions  telling which exit to use at roundabouts and intersections.  Suggest you go to an accessory store (eg Halfords) and have a look at what is available.  Get one with free life time updates and Europe Maps.

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