Garmin nuvi-1350 GPS - RV options

[nuckels11]

We have a Garmin nuvi-1350 GPS. It was a gift and works pretty well, but it doesn't have a specific 'RV mode'. At times we have found ourselves being directed to go through congested areas in small towns which is inconvenient, but more importantly since we are retired military being directed to the nearest gate rather than a gate that accommodates large vehicles. Since 911 and the barriers that have been set up at most military facilities this is like trying to run a gauntlet and makes these gates inaccessable. This has caused us problems on several occassions. It isn't easy to find room to make a U-turn when you are in a big rig with a toad and you can't back up. Has anyone found an ap that has a useful 'RV mode' that is compatible with this model of Garmin?

[Bill Adams]

You really can't reprogram the routing software that comes with your GPS. You can select "truck" to see if that helps with the routing as well as adding the "avoid U-Turn" option to see if this helps but there's not going to be some sort of a plug-in that will change how the system routes you based upon the few vehicle choices available.

[krnlueck]

We just ordered a Garmin 550 dezl. You can program in the length, height and weight of your rv. I don't think you can get what you're wanting from your Garmin.

[paz]

nuckels11 -

We have a Garmin nϋvi 1450 and sometimes have similar issues. We settled on the 1450 because of availability and price, even though it doesn't have a truck or RV mode. GPS units with truck or RV modes are usually more expensive than the more commonly-available GPS units.

Our Garmin nϋvi 1450 can't be reprogrammed to change the way it calculates routes, and I doubt if your 1350 can either. Using our our nϋvi with a car isn't a problem, but to overcome potential problems when traveling in the RV, I almost always preview the route. I check the route against the route recommended by DeLorme Street Atlas on our computer, and I also sometimes look at questionable parts of the route on Google maps satellite view. If I want to force the GPS to go a different route, I simply select via point(s) along the route I want to take and insert them into the route calculated by the GPS.

[nuckels11]

Thanks to all who have replied. You have confirmed my findings on the issue of GPS devices - unless you want to pony up quite a bit more you can't get the extra functionality. I check physical maps, MapQuest and use the GPS co-ordinates rather than addresses which helps. I have not used the DeLorme Street Atlas and appreciate the heads up on it. Thanks again.