CoPilot tablet satnav

Sounds like the truck version is at least safer.  I have been experimenting with the copilot caravan at two locations where it routed me down unsuitable roads, causing windows scratches on one occasion and a dent int the side panel more recently.

 

In both cases, there are suitable alternative routes, that google uses.

The first destination is Green Caraven Park in Bishops Castle (in Wentnor village).  Copilot caravan takes you right off the A489 at Eaton that it follows for about 3 miles down narrow lanes to the site (image uploaded).  Google Maps, as many other sat navs, takes a conpletely different route down a perfectly suitable dual lane road that passes right by the site (image also uploaded)

More recently copilot caravan routed us down an unsuitable road coming from The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power in Gloucestershire.  It took us down a road that I was unable to get a full image of as I suspect the google car did not venture down it . 

The turn is the one to the right at the "Y" shaped junction in the uploadid pic.  This is where the motorhome sustained a couple of dents from tree overhangs.  Bear in  mind it was dark and really foggy, so I could barely tell where it was leading us.

 There have been other instances - several times in Belgium I seem to recall but as no damage occurred I can recall less of the specifics.

 

Changing the routing preferences, vehicle dimensions (ie max width of 8ft 6in allowed in app) etc made not a shred of difference.

From my experience I would advise NOT using COPILOT CARAVAN EUROPE app until they sort this issue out.  

I have given up on Sat-Nav in Spain, especially on major motorways. Some of the major interchanges are so complex that the GPS resolution is simply not adequate .  I find studying Google Maps in detail before a journey, and then concentrating on physical road signs results in a far better experience.

Last year, relying on Sat-Nav, we had a very 'interesting' journey through Madrid.  This year, using traditional methods, a very pleasant journey as intended.

Co-Pilot caravan is a third of the price of the truck version, I would have though there has to be a significant reduction in functionality somewhere between the two to enable the large price reduction for the caravan version and it cannot all be about carrying hazardous materials. (see >this table<)I have certainly noticed the caravan turn displays are not so detailed as the truck version, in fact they are often not shown but running the two side by side, the routes presented so far and the directions given have been identical.

I have the route preferences set at "quickest" on the caravan version and "practical" on the truck version with both set to avoid local and toll roads, the latter if possible.

peedee

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

I still carry maps AD but hardly ever use them on a journey, route planning is done at home and daily journeys set up and loaded before I leave using multiple sources of information, maps included. If driving through mountainous areas I will also consult the Club's guide to mountain passes. It mostly works out without changes but I am quite happy to be flexible while going from A to B and very occasionally I will do a tour off the cuff with no planning whatsoever and just go with the flow. I certainly would not be without a sat nav that matched the vehicle I am driving.

peedee

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

I have just come back from using the  caravan version of Co-pilot on a Samsung 8 inch tablet for a return trip to Croatia  of 2600 miles and when set up for my motorhome dimensions, quickest route and to avoid tolls the only trouble I had with it was it failed to zoom to the route on occasions but the instructions were still good. My option is at £34.99, it is very good value and worth buying.

peedee

I use the Co-Pilot caravan version on an iPad and have it set-up as Peedee above.

I always check the final approach route against the site's published directions and drag the Co-Pilot route to the suggested approach route if it varies. 

Thought it worth updating this thread.

The producers of Co-Pilot, ALK Technologies, have been re-organised and Co-Pilot is now marketed and sold by Trimble Maps. This has altered the way Co-Pilot is sold and appears to have resulted in more commonality across what is just >three remaining applications< Co-Pilot Car, Caravan and Truck. You can no longer buy any of these Apps outright. They are now only available on subscription but this is inclusive of traffic reports. Google Play is still not clear on pricing but I suspect you get a free download and trial and then after a couple of weeks get asked for payment?  My Co-Pilot Caravan, purchased outright prior to the changes, is still running fine with all the European maps. My Truck version, also purchase outright before the changes, is also still running. They have been updated to the latest versions and there seems to now be no difference in the user interfaces and settings. Notably the ability to set road preferences and speeds has been discontinued. The routing algorithm, which I assume is different in each application, is supposed to now take care of these factors. So far this appears to be the case. A more obvious difference is in the POIs, the Caravan version having site POIs. However you can still load your own which is useful to ensure these are kept up to date, e.g. in the case of CLs.

I have not been asked to pay subscriptions, whether I will ultimately get a request to pay these or whether I can still update maps remains to be seen. The subscription for the Truck version is now nearly £100 per annum, I think that is a bit steep, especially as it could be purchased outright for this price before the changes. I remain undecided as to whether this new marketing idea is a good thing or not, neither of my tablets have access to a mobile network so the inclusion of "traffic" in a subscription is of little use to me unless I connect a tablet to my phone used as a hot spot.

The point of the update is to highlight that much of what has been said up thread is now probably incorrect. They still look good Apps and some may prefer a subscription based purchase to finding a larger lump sum for a sat nav. It does seem to be the way many Apps are going.

peedee