CARAVAN SAT-NAVS
Practical Caravan|October 2024
State-of-the art satellite navigation just for caravanners? Yes, it exists. John Sootheran investigates
John Sootheran
CARAVAN SAT-NAVS

What is a sat nav?

A sat nav is an electronic device that relies on GPS technology to act as a digital map. Regional maps are preloaded into the system, and the device uses satellite signals to locate your vehicle's location on the map, and display its speed and direction of travel. The more satellites the sat nav can 'see', the more accurate the information it delivers. In ideal conditions, it will show your position accurately to within a few metres and its speed display will be more accurate than your car's speedometer.

Some manufacturers, such as Snooper, Garmin and TomTom, make sat nav systems designed specifically for caravan and motorhome users. With these, you can input the dimensions of your outfit and only suitable routes, with regard to highway width, bridge heights and weight limits, will be recommended. They also typically have campsites, attractions and other holiday-oriented information programmed into them.

What are they for?

As well as their basic navigation function, sat navs can deliver all sorts of other useful information. They can be used to find petrol stations, highway services or points of interest (POI). They can also alert you to upcoming speed cameras, keep you abreast of the current speed limit and inform you of your estimated time of arrival.

The best ones are interactive, so information on traffic conditions, accidents, hold-ups and so on can be received in time to make effective diversions or reduce your speed. When issues do occur, the best systems will redirect you around any obstructions by the quickest route possible.

Note that in France, speed camera detectors are illegal. Be mindful of this if your sat nav unit incorporates this feature; you'll need to turn the function off.

Types of sat nav system

この記事は Practical Caravan の October 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Practical Caravan の October 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

PRACTICAL CARAVANのその他の記事すべて表示
Uncooperative utilities
Practical Caravan

Uncooperative utilities

Gracious friends didn't mind using Penny with no water or electric for a weekend, but it was puzzling news to Nigel Donnelly

time-read
5 分  |
November 2024
PC GUIDE TO...The low-down on lighting
Practical Caravan

PC GUIDE TO...The low-down on lighting

Good lighting makes all the difference to any caravan interior, but which type is best for you? Sammy Faircloth looks at options for upgrading

time-read
4 分  |
November 2024
STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
Practical Caravan

STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

A poorly driven car and caravan can do a great deal of damage, especially around vulnerable road users. Here’s how to keep everyone safe

time-read
4 分  |
November 2024
FORD KUGA
Practical Caravan

FORD KUGA

Ford has upgraded the Kuga SUV with improved hybrid powertrains, high-tech features and a better infotainment system.

time-read
4 分  |
November 2024
BAILEY PEGASUS MODENA (2016)
Practical Caravan

BAILEY PEGASUS MODENA (2016)

This fixed-bed layout offers ideal touring for two, says Andrew Jenkinson

time-read
2 分  |
November 2024
How to buy SECONDHAND
Practical Caravan

How to buy SECONDHAND

There are brilliant used bargains to be had if you know where to look and how to avoid the pitfalls. Here's what you need to know, says former salesman Peter Rosenthal

time-read
10+ 分  |
November 2024
ELDDIS AVANTÉ 520
Practical Caravan

ELDDIS AVANTÉ 520

A sleek new profile graces the exterior of this compact two-berth and inside, there’s an impressive washroom

time-read
3 分  |
November 2024
COACHMAN LASER 845 XTRA
Practical Caravan

COACHMAN LASER 845 XTRA

The opulent living space in this comfortable four-berth makes the 845 an ideal choice for a seasonal pitch

time-read
3 分  |
November 2024
See the best of France
Practical Caravan

See the best of France

Enjoy a trip to the most beautiful regions of France with a stay at these brilliant campsites

time-read
3 分  |
November 2024
48 HOURS IN...ST MALO
Practical Caravan

48 HOURS IN...ST MALO

Our regular series highlights top attractions and itineraries to help you make the most of a weekend visit

time-read
3 分  |
November 2024