Navigating while RVing is like trying to find a gas station in the middle of nowhere—you hope your chosen method doesn’t lead you astray! We recently asked our readers, “What is your preferred method of navigation while RVing?” to settle the great debate: tech vs. tradition.
The responses were predictable, and—let’s be honest—a little concerning for paper map enthusiasts (all zero of you).
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The Poll Results: GPS vs. Apps vs. Hoping for the Best
Here’s how our adventurous RVers responded:
| Navigation Method | Percentage |
|---|---|
| GPS | 41% |
| Paper Maps | 0% |
| Mobile Apps | 59% |
| Asking Locals | 0% |
That’s right—zero percent for paper maps and asking locals. Apparently, the art of unfolding a giant map or rolling down the window to ask for directions is officially extinct.
GPS: The OG of Not Getting Lost
With 41% of the vote, GPS devices are still holding strong. These trusty gadgets have been guiding RVers since the days when “recalculating” was the most passive-aggressive voice in your life. Sure, they occasionally send you down a dirt road that’s better suited for mountain goats, but hey—that’s part of the adventure, right?
Mobile Apps: The New Kings of the Road
At 59%, mobile apps have dethroned GPS as the navigation method of choice. Why? Because why use one device when your phone can do everything—except hold a charge longer than three hours. Apps like Google Maps, RV-specific GPS apps, and Waze are winning hearts (and data plans) with real-time updates, crowd-sourced traffic reports, and the occasional wrong turn into a lake.
Paper Maps & Asking Locals: The Ghosts of RVing Past
Let’s pour one out for paper maps and asking locals, both sitting at a whopping 0%. It seems the only time an RVer touches paper now is to wipe spilled coffee off the dashboard. And asking locals for directions? That requires talking to people—a terrifying concept in our age of antisocial GPS dependence.
Why Did the Results Shake Out This Way?
Let’s be real—convenience wins. Mobile apps combine the reliability of GPS with the added bonus of live updates, RV-friendly routes, and the ability to yell “Hey Siri!” when you’re hopelessly lost. Meanwhile, paper maps are basically decorative at this point (great for wall art, terrible for avoiding low bridges). And as for asking locals? Unless you enjoy playing “Do they know where this road actually goes?”, technology is just the safer bet.
So, what’s your take? Are you a die-hard GPS user, a mobile app addict, or part of the “I still have a map somewhere… I think” crowd? Drop a comment and let us know—just don’t ask us for directions. We’ll probably just Google it.
