I’ve learned a thing or two about navigating this country of ours. And let me tell you, it’s not always as simple as punching an address into your GPS and letting technology guide the way. If you’re not careful, you can easily find yourself in some dicey situations thanks to faulty routing, ignoring posted restrictions, or just plain old user error.

I’ll never forget the time my partner Carl and I decided to take a grand RV tour of the Western U.S. We plotted out an ambitious itinerary hitting up all the major national parks and small town attractions in between. Being the planners that we are, we meticulously mapped out the route on our GPS and trucked along merrily, anticipating an epic adventure. Little did we know the chaos that would ensue thanks to some crucial oversights on our part.

The GPS Leads Us Astray through Treacherous Mountain Passes

After rolling through the red rocks of Sedona and the art galleries of Santa Fe, we headed north to check out the Rocky Mountains. The GPS directed us along scenic rural highways that gradually gave way to steep, twisting mountain passes. At first the drive was gorgeous, with stunning vistas around each bend. But soon the roads became precariously narrow, with cliffside drop-offs sending rocks skittering thousands of feet below us.

Carl and I exchanged glances as our home on wheels navigated hairpin switchbacks designed more for motorcycles than lumbering RVs. The elevation climbed precipitously, sending our rig chugging and sputtering. All the while, the GPS kept rerouting us through ever more treacherous mountain passes. With no safe place to turn around, we had no choice but to keep inching along and pray we didn’t lose traction around the next curve.

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally emerged from the mountains, shaken but thankful to be back on flat ground. It was only later when reviewing the route that we realized the GPS had chosen the most “efficient” path distance-wise, when in reality we should have stuck to wider roads more suited to RV travel, even if it meant a few extra miles. Lesson learned – don’t blindly follow GPS, especially in dicey terrain!

Paying the Price for Ignoring Low Clearance Warnings

You’d think after those mishaps we would have learned our lesson about blindly following GPS. But the best example of technology leading us astray came during a drive along the historic Blue Ridge Parkway. If you’ve never been, the scenery across the Appalachian highlands is stellar, but beware – portions snake underneath very low overpasses and tunnels.

We were ticking through a section of North Carolina when the disembodied GPS voice instructed, “Take exit 269 for Blue Ridge Parkway South.”

“Wait a minute,” I said, scanning the upcoming signage. “That low clearance sign says 12 feet. We’re like 13 feet tall with the AC unit on the roof!”

Against my better judgment, we took the exit. And wouldn’t you know it, within minutes we found ourselves wedged underneath a tunnel with no shoulders to reverse. The sickening crunch of our AC being sheared off still haunts me to this day. Not to mention the $3,000 repair bill we incurred later on. Turns out those DOT engineers know what they’re talking about when it comes to posting clearance limits!

A User Error Sends Us to a Casino Parking Lot Instead of Park Admission

While technology has certainly led us off track more than once, probably our biggest RV navigation face palm stemmed from good old human error. On a visit to Yellowstone National Park, we mistakenly typed the address for the casino outside the park entrance instead of the actual ranger station into GPS.

After a full day winding through Wyoming’s wide open landscapes, I was dreaming of sinking into my bunk with a cup of chamomile tea, getting rested for tomorrow’s adventures. Carl and I were perplexed when the GPS directed us into a glitzy parking lot blazing with neon signs instead of the national park entrance.

I double checked the address and realized my typo. “Oh heck, I must have entered the casino instead of the park address back near Jackson! Now we have to backtrack an hour in the dark to get to the right place!”

Smart RV Navigation Means Taking the Wheel from Your Devices

As our detours and misadventures demonstrate, GPS and other navigation devices can definitely lead RV travelers astray if you’re not careful. Blindly following technology without verifying the route’s suitability for large vehicles is a recipe for getting wedged under low overpasses or stuck on narrow country bridges. And simple user input errors can leave you spending the night in a casino parking lot instead of your campsite.

When it comes to RV travel, smart navigation means taking the wheel back from your devices every now and then. Always double check low clearance warnings and other restrictions rather than plowing ahead because the GPS said to proceed. Take a close look at the chosen route to make sure it sticks to wider arterial roads instead of risky mountain switchbacks. Input destinations carefully to avoid costly typos. And don’t hesitate to make detours or stops to reconfirm you’re on the right path, even if it means going a few miles out of your way.

Trust me, taking a few extra precautions will prevent the hassle of backtracking or expensive repairs down the road. Despite our navigation foibles, Carl and I have learned to develop a healthy skepticism of GPS voices promising the most “efficient” route. We’ve realized that RV travel requires a more nuanced approach, where adventure blends with practicality. So enjoy the journey, but rest assured knowing you have full control over the routes ahead, regardless of what the pesky device on your dash might say!

Getting Un-Stuck: Tips for Correcting Course When RV GPS Steers You Wrong

So, I’ve had my fair share of mix-ups and dead ends thanks to GPS gone wrong. But over the years, I’ve learned some handy tricks for getting your rig back on track when technology leads you astray. Whether you’re wedged underneath a low tunnel or stranded on a narrow backcountry road, all is not lost! Here are my tried and true tips for correcting course when your RV GPS steers you wrong:

Don’t Panic – Assess the Situation Before Proceeding

The first rule of escaping a navigation predicament is not to panic. Take a deep breath and have a look around. Are you fully stuck or do you have room to maneuver? Is backing up an option? Are there obstructions blocking your exit route? Don’t just hit the gas and dig yourself into a deeper hole. Carefully consider your situation before attempting any complex escape maneuvers.

Leverage Mobile Apps to Analyze Alternative Routes

If you find yourself boxed into a dead end road or other inescapable situation, mobile apps can be invaluable for finding alternative escape routes. Pull out your smartphone and consult Maps or another navigation app to analyze the surrounding road network. See if there are adjacent side streets, driveway turnarounds or other options the GPS may have overlooked. Often a bird’s eye view of the area will reveal shortcuts your system didn’t account for.

Flag Down Friendly Locals – The Inside Scoop is Key!

Don’t be afraid to ask nearby residents for guidance if you’re truly stuck in an RV navigation conundrum. Locals will have the inside scoop on navigating tricky areas that GPS can’t match. I once had a postal worker help guide me through a convoluted escape route from a dead-end road. You’ll find most folks are happy to provide directions to un-stick confused RVers.

Have an External GPS/Maps Device as Backup

Redundancy is key for RV navigation. Always travel with an external GPS or mapping device that doesn’t rely on cellular service as a backup. When we lose signal, my old-school Rand McNally paper map has gotten us out of many jams. Outside the RV, use colorful flags or tape to mark turnaround points on narrow roads, avoiding the need to back up long distances.

Utilize RV-Specific Apps and Alerts

There are some great apps designed specifically for RV navigation that can help drivers avoid dicey situations. Apps like CoPilot RV include alerts for low tunnels, weight restricted bridges and other hazards. RV LIFE and other campground apps make it easy to locate alternate parks if needed. Leverage technology designed for RVers to enhance your navigation toolbox.

Remain Flexible and Know When to Turn Around

Most importantly, successful RV travel requires remaining flexible when plans go awry. Don’t feel compelled to force dangerous passages or treacherous terrain just because it’s “on route.” Scope out closures and restrictions ahead of time and be ready with backup destinations. Remember you’re driving home – if needed, safely turn around and rechart your course. Don’t let GPS woes ruin your adventures!

Hazards to Heed: Avoiding Common RV Navigation Pitfalls

Navigating a multi-ton home on wheels requires extra care and attention, especially when relying on technology like GPS. As an experienced road warrior, I’ve encountered plenty of hairy situations that could have been easily avoided. Heed these common RV navigation pitfalls so your next journey stays on course:

Beware Narrow Rural Routes

While scenic country byways beckon, resist the temptation to blindly follow GPS down unpaved one-lane farm roads. Unless you’ve verified ample pull-offs and turnaround points, avoid potentially dicey rural routes. Your GPS may select them as “shortest” distance but winding tight passes are risky with large vehicles. Stick to wider state and county roads suited for RV travel.

Research Restrictions Before Departure

Nothing ruins a road trip like an unexpected tunnel, bridge or construction that suddenly blocks your route. especially with no shoulders to reverse out! Research all restrictions and closures along your intended route before departure. Call ahead to verify construction schedules or hazard dimensions if you have height/weight concerns. An ounce of preparation is worth avoiding pricey detours or repairs.

Input Addresses Carefully

It may sound obvious but double, even triple check any addresses entered manually into GPS. As my casino parking lot misadventure showed, one innocent typo can leave you hours off course. Verify site addresses match your intended destinations. Even better, choose RV-specific systems that include campgrounds and parking in their database, minimizing errors.

Maintain Situational Awareness

The most foolproof navigation tool is your own common sense. Keep your eyes peeled for warning signs, like bridge weight limits and low clearance postings. If something seems unsafe, don’t blindly follow GPS – stop and reevaluate. Also stay alert for escape routes like wide shoulders or turnoffs in case you need to reverse out of a dodgy spot. Awareness of your surroundings is key.

Have Backup Plans and Alternate Routes

No matter how carefully you plan, RV trips often veer off course. Numerous backup plans and alternatives can prevent minor GPS glitches from ruining your travels. Identify alternate parks or attractions in each area in case Plan A falls through. Have a non-GPS map handy as redundancy. Pack patience and know detours and delays are par for the course when touring in a home on wheels.

About Author

Jen Schloss

Hello, I’m Jen Schloss, and my life is a thrilling adventure on wheels. Born and raised amidst the stunning landscapes of Denver, Colorado, I’ve become an ardent RV enthusiast, and my heart beats for boondocking – the art of finding solitude and beauty off the beaten path. With more than two decades of RVing experience, my trusty rig isn’t just a vehicle; it’s my faithful companion, meticulously customized for rugged escapades. My Instagram chronicles the mesmerizing vistas, campfire tales, and the essence of a life unburdened by routine.

I thrive on the challenge of uncovering hidden gems in remote locales, be it the craggy majesty of the Rocky Mountains or the tranquil embrace of the desert Southwest. My journey extends beyond exploration; it’s a commitment to sustainable travel. I’m a devout practitioner of Leave No Trace principles and an advocate for preserving our natural wonders. Beyond being an adventurer, I’m a community builder, forging connections with fellow RV enthusiasts, sharing insights, and leaving an indelible mark in the world of off-grid travel. When I’m at the wheel, the open road transforms into a limitless canvas, painted with my love for adventure, exploration, and responsible travel.

See author's posts