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Essential Guide to Motorhome Sat Navs
As full-time motorhomers for the past five years, we’ve experienced a few different motorhome sat navs along the way! We’ve compiled a guide to the best motorhome sat navs on the market today, so you can compare and work out what suits you and your motorhome.
Our motorhome sat nav buying guide has tips and information about satellite navigation systems, multimedia players and using a smartphone with a sat nav app, to help you choose the best sat nav for your needs. Finally, we share our pick of the top motorhome sat navs best buys.
Do You Need a Special Sat Nav for a Motorhome?
If like us, you spend most of your driving time in a motorhome (or towing a caravan) then you may want to consider looking at specialist sat navs for motorhomes. This is because sat navs and software designed for cars won’t allow you to configure the device to avoid height and weight restrictions, which help you navigate safely.
It’s true that driving with due care and paying attention to road signs should help you avoid all the common hazards BUT you may not know about the low bridge or weight restriction until you’re a mile or so away when a suitable diversion might be too late.
Turning a large vehicle or towing a caravan is not always easy and can be stressful for the driver. Add in the cost of wasted fuel, not to mention wasted time, and you have a good case for a motorhome sat nav. Then think about the potential damage to your van if you get it wrong, and not investing in a motorhome sat nav can feel like a false economy.
Here’s a Quick Overview of What We’re Reviewing…
Dash Mounted Sat Navs
Our Choice & Best Dash Mounted All Rounder – Garmin Camper Advanced 780MTS
The Previous Garmin Camper Model – Garmin Camper Sat Nav 770LMT-D
Best Budget Sat Nav – Aonerex Sat Nav for Cars & Trucks
Larger Screen on a Budget – Garmin Camper 890MT-D Advanced Camper Sat Nav
Best for Large Screen – Garmin Camper 1090 Caravan & Motorhome Sat Nav
Best for Pre-Loaded Sites – Snooper Ventura S6900 Motorhome Sat Nav
Best for Integrated Dash Cam – Snooper Ventura SC5900 DVR G2 Motorhome Navigation System
Best British Manufactured Buy – NAVPAL Car Truck HGV Lorry Motorhome Sat Nav 2022 Edition
Best for Small Screen – Aguri AGR520 DVR Motorhome and Caravan Sat Nav
Avtex Tourer Two Caravan and Motorhome Sat Nav
TomTom Go Professional 620 GPS Truck Sat Nav
MultiMedia Systems
Our Choice & Best Multimedia All-Rounder – Pioneer SPH-DA130DAB
Best Budget Option for Apple Users – Sony XAV-AX1000
Best For Siri & OK Google – Sony XAV-AX3005 Premium Media Receiver
Best Budget Option for Android Users – Atoto A6
Best for Music Lovers – Kenwood DNR-4190DABS Digital Media AV-Receiver & Navigation System
Different Types of Motorhome Sat Navs
Integrated GPS Systems
An integrated GPS system fits in your dash and may also be connected to your reversing camera, radio and a Bluetooth telephone system. These fitted sat nav systems are an expensive optional extra, usually sold on new motorhomes as a satellite navigation and media pack. Expect to pay around £2.5k or thereabouts for a factory-fitted Fiat Ducato motorhome sat nav.
When we did our research, we found this type of system very difficult to buy off the shelf; generally, you would have to go to a specialist supplier and installer for one of these.
If you have bought an older motorhome with an integrated system that you want to upgrade, try looking at a multi-media system, which you’ll find later in this post. They work in a different way but give you the same look and feel as a traditional in-dash system.
Dash Mounted Sat Navs
A dash-mounted or windscreen-mounted sat nav is just like a traditional car sat nav, but can be configured for your motorhome’s size and weight. These sat navs operate using GPS and can include Bluetooth and live traffic updates, as well as being linked to a reversing camera (read more about this later in the post).
Some will also have integrated dash cams (find out more about dash cams) and speed camera alerts. They are generally the easiest to use sat nav system but can clutter up your dash or windscreen. Updates are usually downloaded manually, so you may need a PC or laptop to keep your system up to date.
Top Twelve Best Dash-Mounted GPS Systems
Our Choice & Best Dash Mounted All Rounder – Garmin Camper 795MT-D Camper Sat Nav
The Garmin 795MT-D model replaces the Garmin Camper Sat Nav 780MTS, which was our best motorhome sat nav from 2020 to 2023, and not much has changed. We still think the updated 795MT-D model is overall the best motorhome sat nav for 2024.
We recommend the Garmin Camper 795MT-D Advanced sat nav if you’re looking for a dash-mounted GPS system. Here are eleven reasons why this is the best Garmin sat nav for your motorhome:
If you are looking for a dash-mounted sat nav with good functionality and great build quality the Garmin Camper 795MT-D is the perfect choice.
The Previous Garmin Camper Model – Garmin Camper 770LMT-D
This Garmin Camper 770 LMT-D is essentially the older model of the 780MTS, but it’s not always in stock as manufacturing moves to the newer model. Having used both sat navs, I can tell you that there is very little difference. The 770 has almost all the features the 780 has, here are the differences;
Best Budget Option – Aonerex Sat Nav for Cars & Trucks
If you’re looking for cheap sat navs, this model is the budget choice. We are currently using this in our overland truck, with great results. The responsive screen is a nice size and works well mounted on the dash. It’s easy to use and navigate around and gives clear direction in good time – basically, it does exactly what it says on the tin.
Larger Screen on a Budget – Garmin Camper 890MT-D Advanced Camper Sat Nav
The next model up from the Garmin 795, the Camper 890MT-D has a larger 8-inch edge-to-edge touch screen which can be used in both portrait and landscape options. The other features are pretty similar but if you find the 780’s 7-inch screen a little small, then this is a good alternative without the higher price point of the 10-inch Garmin 1090 (below)
Best for Large Screen – Garmin Camper 1090 Caravan & Motorhome Sat Nav
This Garmin motorhome sat nav is huge in comparison to all the other motorhome sat navs on the market. With a whopping 10 inch high-resolution touch display and corresponding image size, which can be used in landscape and portrait mode, this resembles a tablet rather than a traditional sat nav. Expect all the other popular Garmin features in this model, plus built-in wifi for easy map updates, perfect for those without a laptop. Just make sure you’ve got enough room to use it without hindering the view!
- Map updates include preloaded street maps for Europe.
- Custom routing considers the size and weight of your motorhome and then finds a suggested route.
- Provides road warnings to help keep you aware of upcoming steep grades, sharp curves, weight limits and more.
- Preloaded directories of motorhome and campervan stops and services from ACSI, iOverlander and Campercontact, which can be filtered by preferred amenities such as showers, electricity and more.
- Bluetooth hands-free calling .
- Compatible with the Garmin BC 35 Rear View Camera.
Best for Pre-Loaded Sites – Snooper Ventura S6900 Motorhome Sat Nav
A popular choice for motorhomers, this Snooper motorhome sat nav always gets great reviews. It has one of the biggest campsite and stop over directories of all the best sellers.
- Providing advanced satellite navigation dedicated to safe, efficient routing for drivers of caravans & motorhomes.
- Active magnetic mount.
- 7″ touchscreen.
- Free lifetime full Europe map updates.
- Over 31,000 campsites POI’s.
- Maps for Life – free lifetime digital traffic data.
- Junction view and lane guidance.
Best for Integrated Dash Cam – Snooper Ventura SC5900 DVR G2 Motorhome Navigation System
Another (cheaper) offer from Snooper, but with the added benefit of a built-in dash cam. The screen is quite small on this one and in an A class motorhome you might find it difficult to position well enough to get the dash cam working and be able to touch the screen.
- 5″ Widescreen LCD with built-in HD dash Cam (DVR).
- Designed specifically for caravans and motorhomes, Ventura calculates safe routes based on your vehicles width, length, height and weight.
- Includes unique search facility of over 31, 000 campsites and motorhome stopovers in 31 countries, the largest Database of any Caravan or motorhome specific sat navigation.
- Lifetime EU caravan & motorhome mapping.
- Lifetime TMC (traffic).
Best British Manufactured Buy – NAVPAL Car Truck HGV Lorry Motorhome Sat Nav 2022 Edition
This sat nav, and the British brand which make it, get excellent reviews. Pre-installed with the latest edition 2022 European maps, this is a great buy if English speaking, UK based customer support is important to you.
- 7″ responsive touchscreen.
- Lifetime mapping updates.
- Latest Bluetooth 5.0 for hands free calling.
- HD display so no sun-shade required.
- 3000mAh battery for longer usage periods between charging.
- Supplied with cigarette charges, USB and three pin plug.
- Can be configured to motorhome size and weight.
- Intelligent route optimisation for your vehicle.
- Supports postcodes, addresses and co-ordinates.
Best for Small Screen – Aguri Motorhome Sat Nav AGR520 DVR
With a sleeker and better quality feel than the larger Aguri Motorhome & Caravan RV740, the 5 inch touch screen on this is ample if you’re not seated a meter away from your A-Class windscreen! Perfect for smaller vans, with limited dash space, the Aguri brand has been around for nearly a decade and has a solid reputation.
- 5″ or 12.7cm LCD touch screen.
- Lifetime Map Updates and no download costs.
- Lifetime speed trap updates – includes Gatso, Truvelo and SPECs average speed traps plus 1000s of locations where mobile laser speed traps are regularly used.
- Customisable to motorhome size and weight.
- Enhanced routing with junction view and lane view software.
- Clear and advanced warning of approaching junctions and the most appropriate lane to take.
- Built-in dash cam with 130-degree wide angle lens and GPS antenna with video and GPS data saved to the 8GB SD card included.
- Preloaded with over 30,000 caravan sites, campsites and motorhome stopover locations.
Avtex Tourer Two Caravan and Motorhome Sat Nav
This comes from a well-respected name in motorhome 12v tv’s and uses Garmin mapping, updating on the previous Avtex Tourer One. This is a good combination of manufacturers knowledge of motorhomes and European maps but is at the pricey end of the market.
- Custom camper routing for the size and weight of your camper or caravans.
- Voice operable with Bluetooth technology.
- Road warnings for bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades and more.
- Shows elevation and possible steep grades along your route.
- Directory of more than 9000 ACSI camp sites.
- POI’s for The Caravan and Motorhome Club.
TomTom Go Camper Sat Nav
This TomTom motorhome sat nav is from a respected manufacturer but limits you to pre-defined campervan and motorhome routes. You may prefer the TomTom Go professional 6250 below, or the Tom Tom Go Camper Max which has worldwide mapping and a 7-inch screen.
- Customised routes for your motorhome or camper.
- Life time updates via wifi, no computer or laptopn needed.
- Find detailed camper and caravan points of interest such as stopovers and dump stations.
- 6″ screen with 800 x 480 display resolution.
- TomTom road trips to help you discover the world’s best routes, personalise them easily so you can relax and be guided on the drive.
- Tom Tom MyDrive helps you plan routes, check live traffic data and save favourites from your smartphone, tablet or PC.
TomTom Go Professional 620 GPS Truck Sat Nav
Lacks the specific motorhome features of the model above but provides superior mapping and the ability to configure for size and weight, which is reflected in the price. pre-loaded POI’s are more tailored to trucks and coaches.
- Customised large vehicle routing.
- Lifetime large vehicle maps, traffic and speed cams.
- Compatible with Siri and Google Now.
- Bluetooth hands-free calling with voice commands and smartphone messages.
- MyDrive route planning.
- Widescreen 6″ touchscreen.
- Built-in wifi for the latest map and software updates.
In Dash Sat Nav Multimedia Systems
Relative newcomers to the market, these are fully integrated into your dash and provide touchscreen mapping, music and telephone via Apple Carplay and Android Auto apps on your smartphone. Some are compatible with reversing cameras also.
You will need smartphone data for one of these systems; they will typically use 0.67MB of data every 10 miles and 0.73MB of mobile data for every 20 minutes of driving.
Top Six Multimedia Systems
Our Choice & Best Multimedia All Rounder – Pioneer SPH-DA130DAB
We recommend the Pioneer SPH-DA130DAB if you’re looking for a multimedia system. Why? Here are eight reasons;
If you are looking for a retro-fit sat nav system at the right money, with good functionality and don’t want lots of separate screens on your dash, the Pioneer SPH-DA130DAB is the perfect choice.
Best Budget Option for Apple Users – Sony XAV-AX1000
This system is only compatible with Apple CarPlay so if you’re an Android fan, this isn’t for you. A middle of the range system, this feels a little clunky and has a smaller screen but is priced to reflect that.
- Apple CarPlay compatible – you can only use this option with Apple products.
- 6.2″ colour touch screen display.
- USB port on the front.
- Voice control with Apple CarPlay; hands off the smartphone – with the XAV-AX1000 everything goes by voice, as used by Google and Siri.
- New modern and stylish design with illuminated buttons.
- Impressive audio quality with 4 x 55 W, EXTRA BASS and 10 band equaliser – sound and fun guaranteed.
Best For Siri & OK Google – Sony XAV-AX3005 Premium Media Receiver
The next generation multimedia system from Sony is compatible with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
- 6.95 inch quick activation touch screen display.
- Voice control with Siri via Apple CarPlay and OK Google.
- Impressive audio quality with 4 x 55 watts, extra bass and 10 band equalizer
- Listen to DAB Radio in UK
- Navigation with Apple and Android apps, just choose your favourite and connect
- Easy to install with compact rear housing (chassis in 1 DIN format) making it slim and narrow with more room for cabling.
- Reversing camera connection for compatible models.
Best Budget Option for Android Users – Atoto A6
Packed with features but only supports Android Auto so isn’t the right model for iPhone users. This gets great reviews and comes in at a good price point so one to consider.
- Built-in GPS receiver module with external GPS antenna.
- Google Maps app is installed as the default GPS map and other map and navigation apps from Google Play Store can also be installed.
- Bluetooth enabled for hands-free calling.
- Full HD 7″ touchscreen.
- Built-in FM and AM radio tuner with RDS.
- Phone mirroring/casting supports working with latest Android 8.0 devices.
- USB and wifi available for connecting to Android smartphone.
Best for Music Lovers – Kenwood DNR-4190DABS
This digital media AV receiver and navigation system is slightly different from the others we have reviewed, in that the sat nav element is in-built, powered by Garmin, but the system is also compatible with Apple Car Play. You also get dual camera inputs for your rear-view camera and dash cam, plus a MOFSET amplifier and music mix for extra power for your speakers.
- 6.2 inch high-resolution touchscreen monitor.
- Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
- In-built Garmin navigation
- Two phones can be paired at the same time.
- Apple CarPlay compatible.
- DAB radio receiver with automatic, uninterrupted switch
- RDS high performance tuner for FM, MW and LW.
- Connection for compatible rear view cameras and dash cam.
- CD and DVD drive plus rear USB port.
Pioneer AVH-Z5100DAB
This sleek looking media player provides top quality and functionality as you would expect from Pioneer. This is at the top end of their multimedia systems and gives you a full width display when using mapping, which cheaper models tend not to.
- Double DIN AVH-Z5100DAB.
- Full width 7″ touchscreen display.
- Apple or Android compatible with a single cable to your smartphone.
- DAB/DAB+ digital radio audio/video in UK.
- Plays content from cd and dvd.
- Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music or call hands-free.
- Upgrade your music with high-grade audio functions including a 13-band graphic EQ, Auto EQ and time alignment to allow you to customise the sound settings to your own preferences.
- Compatible with most reversing cameras.
Smart Phone or Tablet with Mapping Apps
Is there a Google Maps for motorhomes? sadly not, but you can create your own motorhome sat nav using your mobile phone or a small tablet which can be mounted to the dashboard, or used by your passenger to navigate, with a navigation app.
There are lots of motorhome and caravan sat nav apps available and which you pick is a matter of trial and error, how you like your screen to display, which options you require and so on. Head across to the best motorhome sat nav apps to find out more.
CoPilot GPS App
One of the most popular motorhome and caravan satellite navigation apps, CoPilot has developed a lot over the past few years.
Now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it boasts a host of great features, such as off-line navigation, routes based on your motorhomes height, weight and length, points of interest including campsites, and the ability to plan a route with up to 50 stops. Mapping is limited to Europe and the cost is £25.99 a year.
The Best Motorhome Sat Nav Apps for Your Next Trip!
Some Things You Need to Know About Reversing Cameras & Motorhome Sat Navs
Many retrospectively fitted motorhome sat navs and multimedia systems boast that they are compatible with accessories, including motorhome reversing cameras. This is a great feature, especially for those that motorhome wild camping and parking in and around cities, which means you may be able to link to what is already there or have a new gadget for your motorhome.
There are a few things to be aware of before you spend your hard earned cash on a system expecting to link it to a reversing camera;
- If you have an existing reversing camera fitted in the last ten years or so, then the connections (which happen at the dash end) are likely to be compatible.
- If your reversing camera was factory fitted or fitted on a EU manufactured vehicle then you may find that a universal jack connection has not been used and you will not be able to link the two.
- If you are planning on buying an off-the-shelf reversing camera and linking it up yourself, the cable supplied is usually 6-7m long. If you are in a vehicle much longer than 5m, you won’t have enough cable to reach from the rear to the dash by the time you account for cable routing.
We suggest having a specialist look at your set-up if you want to link your motorhome sat nav to a reversing camera to ensure that you buy a system which is compatible with your needs or have a look at our post about motorhome reversing cameras here for alternative solutions like solar power.
How to Choose the Best Motorhome Reversing Camera
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