Does Uconnect Nav give height restrictions?

[Damage-Case]

I declined to have my Nav turned on when I bought my '16 because I didn't think I needed it and was pretty happy with what we were already using just on our smart phones.

Enter from stage left a 38' toyhauler, but still confident with our smartphone-based gps for relatively local trips (3-4hrs) that we are already somewhat FAMILIAR with. We're starting to discuss some longer trips for next year. And, as you probably guessed by now my new concern is when we're in uncharted waters where I have no idea whether or not our route is going to run me into an 11' bridge/trestle while pulling a 13'5" tall trailer

I know that some Garmin models specify height restrictions when routing... and I think (correct me if I'm wrong) Uconnect has partnered with Garmin for it's Navigation app.

Can someone tell me from experience if the Uconnect Nav app provides height restrictions as well?

Anyone prefer an individual Garmin (or similar) unit over the stock Nav? If so, why? Thanks!

 

[TCollier]

I haven't seen any kind of overhead clearence data on mine. I know there is a unit that Good Sam / Camping World / Trailer Life runs ads for that's setup for RV'ers that has heights.

If you want to cringe and feel bad about laughing at someone's misfortune, Google "11' 8 bridge"

 

[Damage-Case]

Ahhh yes, the can-opener bridge! That footage has been ingrained in my head for awhile :--)

LOL.. I'm obviously aware of my height. So, I'm not so much worried about being "that guy" as I am having a dozen cars behind me while I try to figure out an exit/back-up/turn around plan. There's actually quite a few low bridges (that would cause that same result) between my home and where we store our trailer. It turns a 5 min trip to/from storage into a 30 minute trip anytime I'm hooked up. The low bridges/trestles are so prevalent in our area that I guess that's why I'm so concerned about them in parts unknown.

I'll definitely check out the unit you mentioned. Appreciate your reply, TC. Thanks.

 

[Tractorat]

IF there is such a thing I would think all of the big semis would have that technology. And if there is such a thing I wouldnt trust it. Im remembering the I5 bridge that went in the river just north of here a couple of years ago.

 

[wyosteve]

I prefer a Garmin to the stock Nav. The Garmin is substantially cheaper and I can move it from vehicle to vehicle. I use mine in rental vehicles to find my way around new locales also. Lastly, you can 'tinker' with the Garmin while enroute (a passenger, of course), whereas, with the stock Nav. you need to be stopped and in park for anyone to adjust it.

 

[Damage-Case]

Steve - really good to know about the stock NAV. Between price and limitations, I think I'll go aftermarket when it's time.

 

[jacknife]

Speaking from experiance that RAM nav seriously sucks ! It will put you on the most screwed routes imaginable . Get either a trucker gps or a camping world gps. get a truckers road atlas it will list the low bridges in every state.

 

[rynosback]

I do not think it has that feature at all. You would think it would in a truck that can tow 30k or more. I went with a Garmn Dezl and it has not gotten me into trouble in the 18 months that I have been full timing. Plus you get life time map updates for life.

 

[GAmes]

IF there is such a thing I would think all of the big semis would have that technology. And if there is such a thing I wouldnt trust it. Im remembering the I5 bridge that went in the river just north of here a couple of years ago.

There is a trucker version of GPS but as anyone can see from the videos, not everyone has it. I believe the bridge in WA went down because of an oversize load.

 

[Tractorat]

I believe the bridge in WA went down because of an oversize load.

You are correct, thanks for catching that. Never the less, I would not trust a gps device for such important informaiton

 

[buntster]

Some of the trucker's units DO claim to specify and honor height restrictions, but I'm old school and wouldn't trust them. Back when I was OTR/Hotsot, I was an "early adopter" of GPS/triangulation navigation. I used it for basic suggestions for routes, but I always relied more on my Rand McNally trucker's atlas.

I highly recommend getting one. The Rand McNally Trucker's atlas is the gold standard for height/weight restrictions and designated routes for the commercial guys. Granted in an RV you're generally not legally restricted to the "designated routes" but you sure won't go wrong keeping to them for your main travels.

I don't know that I've ever seen the Trucker's (or commercial carrier's) version of Rand McNally for sale except at truckstops, but I've never really looked that hard either. The 2017 version was just released a couple of weeks ago, FWIW.

As far as GPS units that are more geared to height/weight restricted routes, again, the models sold at the truckstops are more likely to have those features.

 

[donnandon]

We have relied on a Garmin "Truckers" GPS when towing our 40' 5th wheels for almost 10 years now. Never had a problem with a low bridge or weights. Actually tested it without the trailer on a road with an 11' bridge. Got a big red warning stating we were on a restricted road. The truckers Garmin also lists truck and fuel stops for diesel fuel which comes in handy. I am pretty sure the ones out now for RVs are similar to the truckers model.

 

[ezgator]

We use the Garmin 660LMT. You enter your trailer dimensions and it routes you accordingly. We have never had a problem while using it. It also alerts you to steep climbs/downgrades and excessively winding roads. That is always nice to know! I also like the feature that I can switch it to "normal" mode when we don't have the trailer hooked up so that it doesn't alert me to information that is not relevant when I am going from point A to B in the truck. We just got a new truck, and it came with the nav in it, but I don't use it all. Dealer charges $150 for map updates, when Garmin (and cell phone maps) are free for life!

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Even the truckers atlas isn't perfect. How do I know, I was following it to Glacier National park towing my 43 ft 5er and it had me turning left to go under a rail road bridge. I almost turned (luckily I was doing about 10 mph through this small town) when I noticed the bridge clearance was like 11 ft . I needed at least 13'-3". Damm that would have hurt. We stopped and asked the locals, and we ended up taking a 50 mile detour.