Are you confused about which between Garmin RV 785 vs 890 you should install in your motorhome or travel trailer? Navigating your way through the country’s hidden gems and natural wonders is easier and more convenient if you have a reliable system showing you the way.
The Garmin RV 785 & Traffic and Garmin RV 890 are both reliable satellite navigation devices. However, one has a few advantages over the other. This article shows the similarities and differences between these two systems to help you decide.
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What Are the Similarities Between the Garmin RV 785 and 890?
The Garmin RV 785 & Traffic and RV 890 have many similarities, particularly in navigation, RV, and advanced features. The only significant differences are the form factor and associated components. The following is a rundown of the similarities between these two units.
- Two-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery runtime
- Magnetic mount
- Preloaded street maps, 3D terrain and buildings, and map updates
- Backup camera compatibility using the BC 35 backup camera accessory
- Landmark guidance, TripAdvisor traveler ratings, FourSquare points of interest, traffic updates, Bluetooth calling, weather reports, and voice-activated navigation
- Route shaping, lane assist, speed limit indicator, and driver alerts for speed camera warnings, school zones, sharp curves, red lights, and more
- App-based smart notifications, live services, and map and software updates
- Specialized RV routing, road elevations, RV parks and services, mile marker information, speed limit changes, sunrise/sunset times, and state border notices
What Are the Differences Between the Garmin RV 785 and 890?
Let us now look at the principal differences between the Garmin RV 890 vs 785 & Traffic.
- The Garmin RV 890 has a larger display (8 inches vs 7 inches), a higher pixel resolution (1280×800 pixels vs 1024×600 pixels), an IPS capacitive display (vs WSVGA color TFT), and a dual-orientation display than the Garmin RV 785.
- The Garmin RV 785 has a built-in dashcam, while the Garmin RV 890 does not.
- The RV 890 has a 16 GB built-in memory, while the RV 785 does not.
- The RV 785 accepts a 64 GB MicroSD card in its expansion slot, while the RV 890 can accommodate a maximum of 256 GB.
- The RV 890 is lighter (13.7 ounces vs 15.4 ounces) than the RV 785.
- The RV 890 includes the iOverlander Points of Interest and Easy Route Planner with integrated GPX file sharing features, while the RV 785 does not.
Details About the Garmin RV 785 & Traffic
The Garmin RV 785 & Traffic is a GPS navigation device with a 7-inch touchscreen display and a built-in dashboard camera designed specifically for RVs, motorhomes, campers, travel trailers, and other vehicles of camping enthusiasts.
Its built-in dash cam lets you record your travel and automatically records an incident, including relevant details. The dashcam also activated forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, making your RVing adventures safer.
The 7-inch display has a high resolution, allowing RV drivers to see crucial information instantly, maintaining safe driving.
It also includes a traffic service, empowering RV owners to decide the best traffic-free route. The Garmin 785 & Traffic also increases the driver’s situational awareness with preprogrammed elevation information and other road data, such as weight limits, sharp curves, and steep grades.
You can also check out the best campgrounds in your destination, view TripAdvisor recommendations, learn from HISTORY, try new restaurants and shops along the way, and more.
A Garmin RV 785 review also highlighted its ease of installation. It is a cinch with the navigator’s powerful magnetic mount, ready for your adventure the moment you take it out of its box.
Details About the Garmin RV 890
The Garmin 890 is almost similar to the Garmin RV 785 & Traffic with several exceptions. First, the Garmin RV 890 has an 8-inch display but without an integrated dashcam for recording your adventures on the road.
You can orient the 8-inch display in portrait or landscape to give you an improved view of navigation information. Many RV owners use Garmin RV 890 because of its intuitive custom RV routing technology. The system monitors the RV’s weight and recommends a route for it.
Like the Garmin RV 785 & Traffic, the RV 890 also has information on road warnings, recreational services, RV parks, and more. If you want to make your motorhome adventures more convenient, you can pair the RV 890 with the Garmin Drive app to import and share RV routes.
It also has a voice assistant that works like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, enabling RV drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel. The VA also directs you to your preferred location without glancing at the device screen.
The Garmin RV 890 also has access to live weather and traffic reports, allowing motorhome owners to plan their adventures. It even has live fuel prices, enabling RV owners to decide where to gas up for improved savings.
The Garmin RV 890 also has Bluetooth functionality, allowing users to pair it with compatible smartphones to make and receive calls and receive messages and notifications without pressing any button.
It also has a 16 GB internal memory and a MicroSD slot for accommodating up to 256 GB of additional storage. One can also buy Garmin RV 890 accessories, such as a wireless backup camera, AC adapter cable, high-speed multi-charger, vehicle power cable, serial data cable with FM antenna, and more.
Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between a Garmin RV 785 and RV 890 boils down to your RV needs. Both devices offer nearly identical navigation, advanced and RV features. The only considerable advantages of the RV 890 over the RV 785 are its large display, built-in memory, and greater storage expandability.
On the other hand, the Garmin RV 785 has a built-in dashcam to make your RVing adventures more worthwhile.
Conclusion
It is easy to take sides in the ongoing Garmin RV 785 vs 890 debate. You can pick the RV 785 if your motorhome does not have a dashcam yet. You can choose the RV 890 if you need a larger screen, better data storage, and slightly more robust features.
Either way, you get exceptional navigation to make your RVing adventures safer, more convenient, and more meaningful.
I am Stephen Ryan, content director for RV Web. After seven years of working as an interior decorator, I am confident in turning my clients’ dream houses into reality. I find it rewarding to help others make the best of their space and resources.