Garmin GPS For RV Travel – RV895 Vs. RV1095
Having a dependable GPS tailored specifically for RV travel can make your adventures smoother. Navigating vast highways, winding mountain roads, or unfamiliar backroads is easier with a gadget that knows the intricacies of your RV’s size and weight.
Garmin’s RV 895 and RV 1095 models are top contenders for delivering this specialized navigation. Each comes packed with features designed to cater to RV-specific needs like custom routing, detailed North American maps, and extensive directories of RV parks and services. Both devices make road trips less stressful and more enjoyable.
Scott and Amie from TheRoadRoamers, have been using their Garmin 890 (Now replaced by the Garmin RV 895) for over three and a half years, and can vouch for the reliability and comfort these devices bring. Their experience highlights how Garmin GPS units aren’t just about getting from point A to B – they enhance the entire travel experience by providing valuable insights and avoiding potential travel woes. When paired with your cell phone and the Garmin Drive™ app, you can get real-time feedback of any possible road slow-downs or hazards ahead.
When you’re deciding which model fits your needs best, it’s essential to understand what makes each one unique. Let’s break down the key features and differences between the Garmin RV 895 and Garmin RV 1095 to help you make an informed choice.
Here’s a little transparency: Our website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support our mission to bring you quality RV related content. Thank you Scott and Amie
Display Size and Usability
Screen size plays a massive role in your navigation experience. The Garmin RV 895 sports an 8-inch display, offering an excellent balance between size and functionality. It’s large enough to give you a clear view of your route and any upcoming turns, while still being compact enough to fit comfortably on your dashboard. Whether you prefer a landscape or portrait orientation, this model has you covered.
On the other hand, the Garmin RV 1095 takes things up a notch with its 10-inch display. This larger size can make a significant difference for those who appreciate a more immersive navigation experience. Larger screens often mean easier readability, which is a game changer, especially on long drives. The flexibility of landscape and portrait modes remains a key feature here too.
So, how do you decide between the two? If a bigger screen helps you navigate more comfortably and you don’t mind investing a bit more, the RV 1095 should be top of your list. However, if you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality GPS that won’t hog too much dashboard real estate, the RV 895 is still an excellent choice.
Mapping, Navigation, and Additional Features
Both the Garmin RV 895 and Garmin RV 1095 excel in mapping and navigation features. They cover North America extensively, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. This wide coverage ensures you’re well-supported no matter your route.
Custom routing is a standout feature in both models. It tailors your path based on the size and weight of your RV, offering vital road warnings for steep grades, sharp curves, and other hazards. This helps avoid sticky situations and keeps your journey smooth.
Both GPS units also come with a directory of RV parks and services, ensuring you know where to stop for rest, maintenance, or recreation. Enhanced with Tripadvisor® traveler ratings, you get insights into restaurants and attractions along your route, so you’re never driving blind.
Scenic route suggestions and satellite imagery add another layer of depth to your travels. The vivid aerial views of destinations like RV parks or campgrounds make arrivals less stressful. When paired with the Garmin Drive™ app, you also get real-time weather updates, helping you dodge bad weather or plan better stops.
We have partnered up with TechnoRV and want to share with you what we believe is a great extra feature! The TechnoRV Learning Series. (Available After Purchase) This resource provides educational content aimed at helping you get the most out of your GPS, and it’s available with both the RV 895 and RV 1095 and a lot of other great RV gear that TechnoRV offers. Scott and Amie feel this is a great reason to purchase your next RV GPS from TechnoRV!
Ultimately, both devices offer the full package in terms of navigation and utility. The deciding factor often comes down to the display size and how that fits into your travel style.
Cost, Accessories, and Ideal Users
Price is always a key factor, especially when investing in high-end tech. The Garmin RV 1095, with its larger screen and premium feel, comes at a higher price point. If having a 10-inch display is valuable to you, it might be worth shelling out the extra bucks. For those who want all the essential features but prefer a more budget-friendly option, the RV 895 is a solid choice without compromise on core functionalities.
Both models come with the same set of accessories, ensuring you have everything you need right out of the box. You get a vehicle suction cup with a powered magnetic mount, a screw-down mount, a 1″ ball adapter with an AMPS plate for alternate mounting, a vehicle power cable, and a USB cable. This uniformity in accessories means you won’t miss out no matter which model you choose.
So, who are these devices best suited for? The Garmin RV 895 is perfect for travelers looking for a high-quality GPS with a substantial display that doesn’t overwhelm the dashboard. It’s for those who want to enjoy all the essential navigation features without breaking the bank.
On the flip side, the Garmin RV 1095 is designed for users who prioritize a larger display for easier readability and a more immersive navigation experience. It’s ideal for those willing to invest a bit more for the premium screen size and enhanced visibility. Both models provide excellent value, but your choice will ultimately depend on your preferences for screen size and budget.
Honorable Mention!
Meet the TechnoRV Owners
Eric and Tami have traveled in almost every type of RV including a 5th wheel, Class A, travel trailer, truck camper, and they even spent 2 months in a 6×12 cargo trailer! They want to experience every type of RVing not just for the adventure, but also so they can understand the needs of the customer. Eric and Tami have been to all 50 states and have spent a lot of time going to RV shows and rallies so they can meet directly with customers to get feedback on products and TechnoRV as a whole. They have 3 adult children and currently have a home on Dauphin Island, which is only about 45 minutes from the TechnoRV office and warehouse in Theodore, Alabama. While Eric and Tami were living full time in an RV for 8 straight years, they are currently RVing with the ranks of part timers, which is again, another RVing learning experience to better connect with customers.
Frequently Asked Questions to TechnoRV
- Can I move the data from my old Garmin GPS to a new one?
Yes! We get this question a lot, and we provide excellent resources from Garmin on how to do this in our Learning Series after purchase.
- Are the map updates free?
Yes! Garmin provides free lifetime map updates with all of their RV GPS models.
- Can I charge the RV GPS using USB?
Yes! Your Garmin RV GPS comes with a USB-C charging cable. Plug the opposite end (the larger end) into your vehicle and the USB-C plug into the GPS. Just be sure to always use a Garmin-certified charging cable with your GPS unit, as third-party power cables could damage your unit.
- Does the Garmin GPS have a built-in dash camera?
The only Garmin with a built-in dash camera is the RVcam 795, but we only recommend that model for users that plan to mount the GPS directly to the window using the suction cup mount so the camera has a good view. If you plan to mount the GPS on your dash using a dash pad, we recommend using a stand-alone Garmin Dash Camera in conjunction with a Garmin GPS. You can control the Garmin Dash Camera and GPS from the same Garmin App.
- Can I use the Garmin RV GPS in my passenger vehicle?
Yes! you can set a vehicle profile for any vehicle with specific data for that vehicle.
- Does the Garmin provide satellite imagery of locations?
Only the RV 795, RVcam 795, RV 895, and RV 1095 have birdseye satellite imagery which allows you to see vivid aerial views to help you with a smooth arrival at your RV park or campground.
- Does the Garmin GPS have voice-navigation?
Yes, you can navigate by using voice commands on all Garmin RV GPS. You can also connect your Garmin to your phone to have hands-free calling as well.
- Does the Garmin provide free live weather and traffic updates?
Yes! all Garmin RV GPS have the ability to provide live information about weather, traffic, fuel prices, and more. When paired with the Garmin Drive app, live traffic helps you avoid delays and find detours. Also, view detailed weather forecasts, current conditions, animated radar and more.
- Can I use a backup camera with the Garmin RV GPS?
Yes! each Garmin GPS has a compatible backup camera which can be found in the Features tab by the description of each Garmin GPS.
Some Final Thoughts from Scott and Amie:
I have always been very mechanical and spent 27 years as an autobody technician. Amie is very organized and plans all the trips and meals etc… We have become a well tuned machine when it come to Full-Time RVing. We have been full-time RVers for the past three and a half years and have put a lot of miles on the road. We WOULD NOT be without our RV GPS from Garmin. It has saved us on many occasions. With added features like GPS with RV routing and Garmin GPS for RV parks and campgrounds, this RV GPS is a great choice. The ease of use and the large screen readability make it, what we believe, the Best RV GPS for road trips. After all, we are TheRoadRoamers! With the Garmin RV GPS for North America maps we can rest assured we will never get lost, or run into a bridge that is too low for our rig to go safely under, or go down a road where the turns are too tight or unsafe to travel on. We Highly recommend! Be sure to check out our RV Must Have Gadgets that you will not want to go without!
The bottom line:
You can find cheaper off brand RV GPS’s out there from brands like Leiensi or Joganve . The question you have to ask yourself is do you want to trust the safety of your family or your rig to an off brand unit or a trusted brand like Garmin.
