Google Maps suck when it comes to driving directions.
First they got their motor home stuck in the Nevada Mountains. So they unhooked their Kia Soul - drove it two miles to get help - but got stuck also.
Long ago I learned GPS isn’t magic and it’s essential to have a conventional map to supplement it. I’m 79
Lots of very dangerous terrain in NV. If you don’t know, don’t go. LOTS of places with no cell service for a long stretch on a main road*. We were in such a stretch in east Nevada a couple years ago and I told Mrs rktman if something happens out here, good chance you won’t make it to sunrise.
*If only branDUHn would get the infrastructure fixed....
Lawyers racing to the scene even as we speak........................
I’ve had GPS take me to a remote area that was supposed to be motel I was looking for and it turned out the motel was almost across the road from where I started.
I live in a remote area in the Hill Country. It’s not hard to get to, but if you follow Google Maps it will take longer. It might save a mile or two, but it will take you down some back roads that an RV should not be going down.
I’ve quit using Google Maps for driving directions. But it’s funny - Waze uses Google tech but it is a whole lot more accurate than Google when it comes to basic directions.
One article I read said the couple didn’t set their GPS for highway driving. I would bet they foolishly trusted Google Maps and relied on that. And it killed the gentleman.
Actually that's a good idea even if you're planning to stay at Walmart parking lots.
When the road looks bad stop driving.
Obviously, the man was driving.
Men always refuse to ask for directions.
Should have towed using a real truck. We pull ours (21 ft) with my 5.3L V8 pickup. I wouldn't dare go smaller.
Yep, when you get out in the boonies with no cell or data service, Google maps doesn’t work.
I learned that when hiking the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
You can at least switch to satellite view instead of map view and at least take a look at what it's proposing. The satellite images are updated annually for most areas.
Map-reading is, to me, a life skill. Something you need to teach kids so they know how to get around if their electronics fail. Personally, I find planning a trip on a map kinda fun. Looking at the map tips me to alternate routes, conveniences, historic places, and facilities in case of an emergency.
Also, unless you know exactly where you’re going, think twice before leaving a paved road for a dirt one.
our GPS took us to Louisville Ky. via a whole bunch of back roads. We were headed for W Va, so a bit outta the way,lol. If we were driving at night we would have been jammed up.
[scroll down at link...some are only for emergency rescue, others have texting capability]
As satellite messaging and emergency devices become more popular, Garmin has carved out a corner of the market. Known for their GPS devices, the Explorer+ is a communicator and rescue device.
Combine Garminās legendary GPS with two way messaging and SOS capabilities and you get the Explorer+.
You can send messages to contacts, view your location and navigate via GPS, or hit the emergency button for a magical evacuation coordinated by Garminās for-profit rescue center.
https://www.outsidepursuits.com/best-personal-locator-beacon/
Ya Got to Know
You’re Limitations!!!
.
Being a Cub Scout
Has certainly paid off.
God Bless them for their wanderlust and sense of adventure.
A million times better than spending your last decade on a couch, staring at a screen. A million times better.
At least they were out there living life.
There are areas of Nevada and Utah in which GPS is unreliable because the government experiments with GPS jamming on some of its test ranges.