Comparison Garmin RV 890 GPS vs Waze

[ProsperTrail]

I read most of the post about Waze vs Garmin, and I see each having pros and cons.

I opted to upgrade my RV radio with a universal 13.3" wide screen Android 10 powered radio with integrated 4G/3G/etc (not 5G ) , it came with it's own GPS, but I was able to add RVLIFE GPS, Google Maps, and I can access all my web-based planners from Good Sam's, Harvest Hosts, KOA, etc all on my dashboard.

I use Google maps for real-time road congestions, but I DO NOT plan my trip using it as it usually will suggest shortest route even if it's going thru some questionable neighborhoods or really bad roads.

My point being is that picking a single unit is pointless. Pick a couple you are comfortable with and use the best features of each to make the most enjoyable trip.

the same way, in pre-internet times, you would use the Good Sams RV campsite book (remember those thick books) and matched it up with your most recent Randalls maps, and the "Top 10 fill-in-the-blank places to visit" from you subscription magazine.

Taking the best features of each is the way to go!

[dkoldman]

This post is share how to read the Favorability Analysis between RV890 and Waze.

Note: This Analysis is to compare the identified functions and features that are deemed relevant by an RV User, and to compare subjective favorability ratings for each.

The system with the highest score should be viewed as the most favorable for an RV User for that category, or total based on points earned. Not necessarily better than one over the other.

11/27/2022 7:00:43 v1
The Date will reflect the exact data and time a copy of analysis was made
v1 is the version. The Date stamp may change but not the version.

Favorability Rating (H=Very Favorable & N=Not Favorable, or does not apply)
H = High = 10
M = Med = 6
L = Low = 2
N = None = 0

While the columns may not align perfectly due to Google spreadsheet used for formulas, The 1st column with values H, M, L, or N are for the RV890, it is how the function is rated. The 2nd column is the same for Waze.

Column 3 = Points for RV890
Column 4 = Points for Waze

Points are Sub Totaled by each of the Categories, and the Grand Total is at the bottom. The 1st number in totals / results is always for the RV890 and the second number is always for Waze.

The results are not expected to be final, rather just the opposite. Open for constructive RV User feedback based on intend of the Analysis outlined above. Owners and users of the devices in the analysis are particularly encouraged to provide feedback. New Functions / Features may be added or removed. Ratings may be adjusted up or down based on feedback. A new version will be appended to the thread as situation may warrant.

[dkoldman]

11/27/2022 8:57:52 v1
See Post #102 On How to Read

Favorability Rating (H=Very Favorable & N=Not Favorable, or does not apply)
H = High = 10
M = Med = 6
L = Low = 2
N = None = 0


1. Costs Total Category Points 2 16


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Purchase Price N H 0 10
Accessories L M 2 6


2. Setup & Installation Total Category Points 34 36


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Setup M H 6 10
Download M M 6 6
Install M H 6 10
RV Profile H N 10 0
Mounting M H 6 10


3. Navigation Total Category Points 56 56


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Hazard Alerts L H 2 10
Traffic H H 10 10
Live Photos H N 10 0
Accuracy M H 6 10
Upcoming Sites H N 10 0
Police Tracking N H 0 10
Trip Planning M M 6 6
Trip History M N 6 0
Redirection M H 6 10


4. Road Services Total Category Points 56 4


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Weather M N 6 0
RV CoPilot Friendly H L 10 2
Tire Services H N 10 0
Repair Services H N 10 0
Fuel Prices/Locations H N 10 0
Campsites H L 10 2


5. Maintenance & Support Total Category Points 40 36


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Privacy L L 2 2
Phone Support H L 10 2
Map Updates H H 10 10
App Upgrades H H 10 10
Software Bugs L H 2 10
Online Support M L 6 2


Overall Favorability Rating 188 148

[dkoldman]

My initial takeaway is that the RV890 is the most favorable for RV use. The Road Services offering by Garmin in the RV890 looms very large and made significant difference. I plan to use both, but I must admit I have been pleasantly surprised with the RV890 thus far despite the expensive price. The jury is still out on Navigation as I simply don't have enough data to evaluate, but over next few months; I will learn more when trips are taken.

[atreis]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

My initial takeaway is that the RV890 is the most favorable for RV use.

Whew! $500 saved.

A few comments.. Note, A LOT of this is personal preference.

Mounting M H 6 10

I'd put this one the opposite. I've not cared for any phone mount I've tried.

There are a few others that I didn't necessarily agree with, from my experience, but it's all opinion and individual experience on different roads. (e.g. Hazard alerts)

Police Tracking N H 0 10

Got a kick out of this one, even though it's one of Waze's big features. Do you speed a lot while driving your RV?

Live Photos H N 10 0
Tire Services H N 10 0
Repair Services H N 10 0
Weather M N 6 0

I've never used these, and personally wouldn't consider them super important. For the repairs I have a roadside service plan and would just use Google if I needed to find a repair place otherwise. For weather, I look it up in the morning on the NWS website and if it's especially interesting my wife will track it on her phone for me.

Upcoming Sites H N 10 0
Trip History M N 6 0
RV CoPilot Friendly H L 10 2
Fuel Prices/Locations H N 10 0

These are all especially important features to me. For trip history, I'll often put in each leg as separate entries before leaving, and then just call them up from history during the trip. (Some of the places I go, it helps to actually tap the destination location on the map rather than use an address, so it's easier to get the right spot while at home where I can cross-reference with satellite images on the laptop. Garmin complaint about this: I wish I could actually name the trip myself and not have it just be the name of the destination. If you tap a point, it's just the coordinates, so I have to know which one it is in history list.) Fuel prices I don't use, but locations I do.

Map Updates H H 10 10
App Upgrades H H 10 10

I'd have rated the Garmin A LOT lower on these. The best I can say is that the update process usually works, but I find these updates very tedious and time-consuming and it's my biggest complaint with the unit. I know the map updates are big, but I don't know why it can't just do the download in the background (over the phone bluetooth connection or WiFi when it's available) and then let you know when they're ready to install. Under the covers, the Garmin is an Android tablet with custom home screen and apps, so all of the underpinnings needed for doing these in a more automated fashion are there.

Missing items? For me, the size of the screen and ease of touching options on it while driving is a big one that I don't really see listed. That one carries a negative, which is how much of the view is obstructed. These were discussed earlier in the thread too, so nothing new.

Nice list and nice review. Thank you for doing this! Waze does some interesting things, so I'll likely try running it alongside the Garmin next spring. My wife might like running it on her phone while I use the Garmin, and then she can let me know about things it points out (and fiddle with the Garmin less).

[TripleGGG]

You can name a trip anything you want. I can do it when sitting in front of the unit but don't remember off the top of my head. Easy to do though.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by atreis

Whew! $500 saved.

A few comments.. Note, A LOT of this is personal preference.

Police Tracking N H 0 10
Got a kick out of this one, even though it's one of Waze's big features. Do you speed a lot while driving your RV?

I will take a look at this and update accordingly. Give me some time, I got football and basketball games to watch tonight. I need an RV with two Outside TVs

But I will comment on the easy low hanging fruit on the police tracking. Given how much I use to pay Cincinnati Microwave for Passport and Escort, Waze is not only free but has saved me thousands on radar detectors.

Do I speed a lot in my RV? Short answer.... is I drive at least the speed limit all of the time.

My Waze is set to warn me if I inadvertently go 5 mph over the published speed limit. I love to watch people fly by me knowing the law is up front, then I pass them smiling and waving as they talk with the Officer

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by TripleGGG

You can name a trip anything you want. I can do it when sitting in front of the unit but don't remember off the top of my head. Easy to do though.

I agree you can name a trip and even a destinations that you have saved. However I think Atreis is talking when you select coordinates from the "where To" option, the system if it does not recognize the street address or location defaults to "Coordinates"?

I may have 4 of those Coordinate names in my recent trips. I have not figured out how to save the coordinates or rename the coordinates, I think if I could save one, I could rename it. Please look at when you get a chance as we may be missing something, but it does like an oversight ( bug).

[paulwadley]

I have the RV1090 with the 10 inch screen. I just got back from a 1300 mile trip. I did find that when using the voice activation while driving, you have to be specific as to what you are looking for. As an example, I asked Gamin for the nearest Love Truck/ Gas Station. I had driven by one about 5 miles earlier and it kept trying to redirect me to exit and turn around instead of another one further up in my direction of travel. I found that I needed to leave out the word "nearest" when asking for a specific spot/brand. I love the unit and have been using it since April of this year. On another trip from the Grand Canyon to Kartchner Caverns, I was driving south past Phoenix and needed to stop at a grocery store. I just asked Garmin for Grocery stores and it gave me a list of ones nearby to choose from so I added one as a stop with the directions from Garmin.

Paul

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by paulwadley

I have the RV1090 with the 10 inch screen. I just got back from a 1300 mile trip. I did find that when using the voice activation while driving, you have to be specific as to what you are looking for. As an example, I asked Gamin for the nearest Love Truck/ Gas Station. I had driven by one about 5 miles earlier and it kept trying to redirect me to exit and turn around instead of another one further up in my direction of travel. I found that I needed to leave out the word "nearest" when asking for a specific spot/brand. I love the unit and have been using it since April of this year. On another trip from the Grand Canyon to Kartchner Caverns, I was driving south past Phoenix and needed to stop at a grocery store. I just asked Garmin for Grocery stores and it gave me a list of ones nearby to choose from so I added one as a stop with the directions from Garmin.

Paul

You got RV1090 so by rule I have to move you up

I added a row under navigation with below.
Voice Activation H M 10 6 It will show in next version v2

Funny thing about this, originally I didn't know it did voice at all. My Waze is nice because you have a Microphone that if you press it will do Speech to Text. When I was giving Garmin Support what for by not having the Microphone (Speech to Text) the Support Analyst asked me did I know about the "OK Garmin" voice command. I agree with you it works great. Only problem, I have noticed is that when I say OK Google, my Phone some times think I am saying OK Google.

Also, related to your Love Truck Stop story. From what I think I know, if you are on a trip and do that Up Ahead shortup it will show a tiny picture of highway and arrow pointing left or right, one is for on the route and the other is off your route.

[dkoldman]

Today I had to drive to DFW Airport ( 24 min from house) So I setup drive on RV890 in RV Profile and Waze in Car mode.

The RV890 had 40 minutes and a path that I know I would never take. I had no idea why? The Waze had 18 minutes but it also had warning that I was using tolls and it told me the estimated costs; but it shouldn't have because I had setting on Avoid Toll roads. I could not figure out why?

So I left the house ignoring both RV890 and Waze

After two miles Waze figured it out and got the correct route with no tolls 22 mins, but the RV890 kept trying to get me to U turn on what now is a 45 mile ETA. I eventually stop the route on the RV890 as it was too annoying.

When I got to the airport to drive down to Drop Off area for my Terminal, the RV890 popped a Red bar across the top of the map to warn me that the upcoming overpass was 8' 9" Of course I was not in the RV, but it was nice to see what the warning looks like.

This says it may be pretty dramatic differences on where the RV890 RV profile may take you? If I where to drive my RV to the airport, I would go the same way as Waze took me, but I would not have been able to drive to passenger drop off at Terminal E. Of course I could just as easy drive up to upper section that is intended for passenger pickup.

A lot to learn about this tool.

Update:
Adding below because I also noticed that RV890 does display the annoying Ads when you stop at lights.

No Ads H L 10 2

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

Today I had to drive to DFW Airport ( 24 min from house) So I setup drive on RV890 in RV Profile and Waze in Car mode.

The RV890 had 40 minutes and a path that I know I would never take. I had no idea why? The Waze had 18 minutes but it also had warning that I was using tolls and it told me the estimated costs; but it shouldn't have because I had setting on Avoid Toll roads. I could not figure out why?

So I left the house ignoring both RV890 and Waze

After two miles Waze figured it out and got the correct route with no tolls 22 mins, but the RV890 kept trying to get me to U turn on what now is a 45 mile ETA. I eventually stop the route on the RV890 as it was too annoying.

When I got to the airport to drive down to Drop Off area for my Terminal, the RV890 popped a Red bar across the top of the map to warn me that the upcoming overpass was 8' 9" Of course I was not in the RV, but it was nice to see what the warning looks like.

This says it may be pretty dramatic differences on where the RV890 RV profile may take you? If I where to drive my RV to the airport, I would go the same way as Waze took me, but I would not have been able to drive to passenger drop off at Terminal E. Of course I could just as easy drive up to upper section that is intended for passenger pickup.

A lot to learn about this tool.

I think I mentioned it before:

In RV mode the Garmins will not route you down any road they don't know for sure will handle the height, weight, or width of the RV. If you continue that route the Garmin may flash for a very short time a message to the effect of "Unknow Suitability for RV road".

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

I think I mentioned it before:

In RV mode the Garmins will not route you down any road they don't know for sure will handle the height, weight, or width of the RV. If you continue that route the Garmin may flash for a very short time a message to the effect of "Unknow Suitability for RV road".

I will have to play with it some more, but I don't recall any warning from the RV890 on it round about long way to the Airport. I did not see any kind of alert or message.

Once at the Airport, and the Trip had been stopped; but the road tracking still on, I did see a warning about a low overpass. It was where you drive below to enter parking garage and also pick up passengers. It said 8' 9" but now that I think about it, I don't recall seeing anything on the road part that was 8' 9". I think that may have been just to go in the garage itself? There are buses bigger and longer than my RV that drive through to drop passengers off.

I just need more data points. I got the bean bag mount yesterday, so I will put in SUV and use for every trip no matter where I go getting ready for primetime for real trip in the RV.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by atreis

Quote:
Mounting M H 6 10

I'd put this one the opposite. I've not cared for any phone mount I've tried.

There are a few others that I didn't necessarily agree with, from my experience, but it's all opinion and individual experience on different roads. (e.g. Hazard alerts)

I gave RV890 a Medium on Mounting because, I could not mount it out of the box. Maybe I bought the wrong kind of RV, but in my book a RV GPS should mount in any RV out of the box. I lost 8 - 10 days before I use, ordered wrong part because the included mounting bases were 4mm in dia off. I ended up paying $25 more to buy the disc I needed and a base. Even with the right suction mounts, the arm cannot be extended down so the viewing angle is too high when mounted on a dash. If you reverse the mounting arm you can pivot the RV890 downward but since the screen does not rotate 180 it is upside down

I have Waze at H because technically you don't need a mount. It is where ever you like your cell phone today. I too had trouble finding a very good phone mount but the one below is perfect. If you look at my picture above, you don't even see the mount. It has very strong Magnet it is a 10

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by atreis

Quote:
Live Photos H N 10 0
Tire Services H N 10 0
Repair Services H N 10 0
Weather M N 6 0


I've never used these, and personally wouldn't consider them super important. For the repairs I have a roadside service plan and would just use Google if I needed to find a repair place otherwise. For weather, I look it up in the morning on the NWS website and if it's especially interesting my wife will track it on her phone for me.

I agree they would not be used that much, but I was impressed with what is there. The Live Photos would be great and you wanted to know how bad the roads may look due to weather or traffic before you got there. So far I just like seeing the weather on the screen 24/7, I love to know outside temp while driving because we set the thermostat for AGS controlled based on what we expect the outside temperature to be. I figure that the Tire and Repair search's are already vetted for RV owners. I have roadside as well, but I would like to know what other options I may have especially if I needed a repair. I hear RV owners always saying Peace of Mind., well these features are added assurances when you are in difficult situation. I had given weather a M, but the other 3 I really like, I would hate to lose any of them. Again since I am comparing with Waze ( not Google) they are big time features for me.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by atreis

Quote:
Upcoming Sites H N 10 0
Trip History M N 6 0
RV CoPilot Friendly H L 10 2
Fuel Prices/Locations H N 10 0


These are all especially important features to me. For trip history, I'll often put in each leg as separate entries before leaving, and then just call them up from history during the trip. (Some of the places I go, it helps to actually tap the destination location on the map rather than use an address, so it's easier to get the right spot while at home where I can cross-reference with satellite images on the laptop. Garmin complaint about this: I wish I could actually name the trip myself and not have it just be the name of the destination. If you tap a point, it's just the coordinates, so I have to know which one it is in history list.) Fuel prices I don't use, but locations I do.

I am not sure I know how to use the map properly to tap on a destination. I can do it, but not sure if thee is easier way to find map of location at a far away distance like California and then tap to be the exact spot or address you want? But when I do have the coordinates entered, I agree with you that Garmin does not allow you to rename. I started a wish list of the things that Garmin should fix or change, I added this.

I have not used the fuel feature to verify accuracy of pricing, but it is kind of cool to me to see 20 nearby fuel stations, a pointer so you know if they are ahead on route or off route and with pricing, red color showing overpriced for the area and green means it is price lowered than average of the area.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by atreis

Quote:
Map Updates H H 10 10
App Upgrades H H 10 10


I'd have rated the Garmin A LOT lower on these. The best I can say is that the update process usually works, but I find these updates very tedious and time-consuming and it's my biggest complaint with the unit. I know the map updates are big, but I don't know why it can't just do the download in the background (over the phone bluetooth connection or WiFi when it's available) and then let you know when they're ready to install. Under the covers, the Garmin is an Android tablet with custom home screen and apps, so all of the underpinnings needed for doing these in a more automated fashion are there.

I have revised to the below... I also added this to my list of enhancement fort Garmin

Quote:
Map Updates L H 2 10
App Upgrades L H 2 10

Missing items? For me, the size of the screen and ease of touching options on it while driving is a big one that I don't really see listed. That one carries a negative, which is how much of the view is obstructed. These were discussed earlier in the thread too, so nothing new.

I have added the missing
Touch Screen Size H L 10 2
Obstucted view L H 2 10

[dkoldman]

11/29/2022 21:53:51 v2
See Post #102 On How to Read

Favorability Rating (H=Very Favorable & N=Not Favorable, or does not apply)
H = High = 10
M = Med = 6
L = Low = 2
N = None = 0


1. Costs Total Category Points 2 16


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Purchase Price N H 0 10
Accessories L M 2 6


2. Setup & Installation Total Category Points 46 48


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Setup M H 6 10
Download M M 6 6
Install M H 6 10
RV Profile H N 10 0
Touch Screen Size H L 10 2
Obstucted view L H 2 10
Mounting M H 6 10


3. Navigation Total Category Points 66 62


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Hazard Alerts L H 2 10
Traffic H H 10 10
Live Photos H N 10 0
Accuracy M H 6 10
Upcoming Sites H N 10 0
Police Tracking N H 0 10
Trip Planning M M 6 6
Voice Activation H M 10 6
Trip History M N 6 0
Redirection M H 6 10


4. Road Services Total Category Points 66 6


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Weather M N 6 0
RV CoPilot Friendly H L 10 2
Tire Services H N 10 0
Repair Services H N 10 0
Fuel Prices/Locations H N 10 0
No Ads H L 10 2
Campsites H L 10 2


5. Maintenance & Support Total Category Points 24 36


RV890 Waze RV890 Waze
Privacy L L 2 2
Phone Support H L 10 2
Map Updates L H 2 10
App Upgrades L H 2 10
Software Bugs L H 2 10
Online Support M L 6 2


Overall Favorability Rating 204 168

[Sullyd59]

What drives me crazy about my garmin Is they don’t update their exit #s

[atreis]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

I am not sure I know how to use the map properly to tap on a destination. I can do it, but not sure if thee is easier way to find map of location at a far away distance like California and then tap to be the exact spot or address you want? But when I do have the coordinates entered, I agree with you that Garmin does not allow you to rename. I started a wish list of the things that Garmin should fix or change, I added this.

https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webh...EB6867385.html

Hopefully that link works. It'll start the map out wherever you currently are, so it can take a while to drag it to the right spot if it's not nearby.

I also found this (below): If you save the destination as a favorite location, you can then name it. I'm going to have to try that next time I do this.

https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webh...099B85965.html