hi , does anyone know of a down load for our garmin satnav that takes into account that we are towing a caravan,last year we were sent down some very difficult and tight roads, can anyone help, thanks jean and john
sat nav
- Thread starter jean_374350261
- Start date
Hello Jean,
Sorry but I am not aware any sat-nav that recognises the size of a vehicle.
However there are some fairly simple ways to minimise the risks of being directed down unsuitable roads.
Most Sat-navs do give you route options such as shortest and fastest. Use the fastest setting, as this tends to send you along major roads.
Before sat navs we used those strange things called maps. Strangely enough maps don't need batteries, so actually they are a good thing take along in case the Sat-nav breaks down.
When you plan your journey, most sat-navs allow you to view the route list it has worked out. It is wise to view the route and check it against a map. This way you might spot where the sat-nav may direct you to a difficult road. You can set via points to take you around the problem area. Also it gives you an inckling of where you are whilst on the journey. You will know which major centres you will be passing on your journey.
When on your journey, don't forget that the driver not the Sat-Nav is responsible for the vehicle. So use your eyes, if a road sign says not suitable for heavy vehicles don't use it go another way, We always used to manage that way before Sat Navs were available.
I am not against Sat-Navs, I use one quite regularly, and I find it invaluable when trying to negotiate city centres, where you do not have the opportunity to stop and look at the map, also maps don't always tell you which lane to be in.
But I do like to have an overall impression of where I am going so I still check basic route details with a map.
Happy driving
Sorry but I am not aware any sat-nav that recognises the size of a vehicle.
However there are some fairly simple ways to minimise the risks of being directed down unsuitable roads.
Most Sat-navs do give you route options such as shortest and fastest. Use the fastest setting, as this tends to send you along major roads.
Before sat navs we used those strange things called maps. Strangely enough maps don't need batteries, so actually they are a good thing take along in case the Sat-nav breaks down.
When you plan your journey, most sat-navs allow you to view the route list it has worked out. It is wise to view the route and check it against a map. This way you might spot where the sat-nav may direct you to a difficult road. You can set via points to take you around the problem area. Also it gives you an inckling of where you are whilst on the journey. You will know which major centres you will be passing on your journey.
When on your journey, don't forget that the driver not the Sat-Nav is responsible for the vehicle. So use your eyes, if a road sign says not suitable for heavy vehicles don't use it go another way, We always used to manage that way before Sat Navs were available.
I am not against Sat-Navs, I use one quite regularly, and I find it invaluable when trying to negotiate city centres, where you do not have the opportunity to stop and look at the map, also maps don't always tell you which lane to be in.
But I do like to have an overall impression of where I am going so I still check basic route details with a map.
Happy driving
Sorry it does not exist yet. I've seen that Navteq Garmins mapping company is working on a new mapping re narrow roads to be avoided by large vehicles. But not yet available and may only work on newer Satnavs when it does come out.
You should check out your route and set routes to avoid narrow roads.
Google earth is quite good as you can pin point exact grid references and then use to avoid the exact problems.
You should check out your route and set routes to avoid narrow roads.
Google earth is quite good as you can pin point exact grid references and then use to avoid the exact problems.
Just remember that fastest route uses roads with higher speed limits. On country routes you can be taken down very narrow roads as villages have 30mph limits and narrow lanes do not!
ALK Co-Pilot has a route preference for RV vehicles which selects roads suited for caravans, motorhomes etc.
Remember Sat-navs are just a navigation aid and John L's advice to use a map is sound. I navigated boats in wild weather for many years and despite nav aids costing thousands of pounds drawing my finger along the route on the chart saved our lives many times!
Remember Sat-navs are just a navigation aid and John L's advice to use a map is sound. I navigated boats in wild weather for many years and despite nav aids costing thousands of pounds drawing my finger along the route on the chart saved our lives many times!
thanks jason, we will take your advice,and keep our fingers crossed when we go to france again this year.
We have a Garmin Street Pilot C550 and even with lorry selected it can still try to send you down some unsuitable roads, if possible I check the routes in advance.
I have even had it avoid the perfectly navigable main road through a village and try to take you around the village back streets which would have been a lot slower in a car and impossible towing our van.
The wife laughs at me because she says I argue with it sometimes!
I think it is a useful aid to route finding and I emphasize AID.
I have even had it avoid the perfectly navigable main road through a village and try to take you around the village back streets which would have been a lot slower in a car and impossible towing our van.
The wife laughs at me because she says I argue with it sometimes!
I think it is a useful aid to route finding and I emphasize AID.
Gary,
Who said any two women are not the same?
My Wife laughs when I argue with her,
best regards, Martin
PS. are you still going to Florida, or will you be at Grange Court this Easter
Personally I couldnt do without my TomTom, I am crap at reading maps and was a useless boy scout.
I downloaded an add-on for HGV's and so far not had any problems. Saying that, It once told me to turn right whilst on a motorway? I think i'd better brush-up on my map reading skills.......
I downloaded an add-on for HGV's and so far not had any problems. Saying that, It once told me to turn right whilst on a motorway? I think i'd better brush-up on my map reading skills.......
Hi, my Garmin gave me a nightmare in France last year - farm tracks et al. When I eventually got to my destination - courtesy of a total stranger my wife flagged down in the middle of nowhere (he led us 10 miles to our site)I checked the satnav settings and dicovered I ticked the 'avoid traffic' selection. Make sure this isn't selected. I also select the bus option as my choice of vehicle. Good luck.
For Andrew Maesteg:- Wherabouts on tom tom home is the hgv download?-could not see it.Personally I couldnt do without my TomTom, I am crap at reading maps and was a useless boy scout.
I downloaded an add-on for HGV's and so far not had any problems. Saying that, It once told me to turn right whilst on a motorway? I think i'd better brush-up on my map reading skills.......
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