Is the Garmin 780 RV worthless

[EdInArk]

We've had good luck with our Garmin RV770, but nothing is perfect. I'd hate to admit how many hours I've set on the side of the road totally lost when motorcycling and depending on paper maps.

Early on the Garmin wanted me to go some weird routes, but I went through my parameters again and discovered I'd input the weight of the RV wrong -- just a typo. But the Garmin thought it was much heavier than it was and was taking me around bridges it didn't think it would hold.

Bottom line .....
Double check your parameters.

[petrel]

Love our 770, 760, and 560, but I would not rely solely on any one type of navigational assistance. We also carry a motor carrier's atlas, and follow along on Google maps too. I also like Waze for traffic, if my co-pilot is awake!

Any one of them can get you jammed up. Planning and reviewing a route in advance, and diligently reading signs seems to be the most reliable way I can avoid occasional difficulties.

[richard5933]

Using multiple sources such as the GPS, Google Maps, an atlas, etc. is a great idea. No one source is going to have all the information you need to properly do route planning.

Try doing this in a commercial vehicle where you're generally not allowed to use electronic devices while driving (only one-touch allowed), and you will quickly see how important doing the planning beforehand is.

Sometimes the old-school methods are important too. Like taking notes. Doesn't hurt to write down the route on a sticky note with the major turns listed. Invariably, whatever device you are using, there will be moments when it loses signal or suddenly reboots. Having a few notes written down will keep you from blurting out "which @#@# road am I looking for?"