Garmin RVCam 795 and RV 795 Review 

I got a black cutting board and stuck it to the dash with Alien Tape so it won’t slide. Then I attached a 3 way cigarette adapter on it so I only have one cord to my lighter. To the 3 way I attach the 890, the tire minder, and the rear view camera on the camper. All of those cords are bundled and lay on the board. I’ve been very happy with the ease of use and the 890.

Great review and covered the features well. I have the 890 that I use with my fifth wheel. I live in a rural area and the roads haven't changed in decades. The 890 gave a few seriously dangerous directions in the past year such as potential routing down a narrow winding road clearly marked "No Trucks" for good reason. The 890 always wants to route me down that obviously inappropriate road to and from the highway. It's local to me so I know better. Also, reports the main road in my town as having a "10 Ton Weight Restriction" and obsessively tries to reroute via unsafe side streets with sharp turns (yes, with Fifth Wheel navigation selected). I checked with the local police and there is no such restriction on these roads. Plenty of 18 wheelers make daily deliveries to Walmart on this road. The main road is absolutely the safest, legal and best route with my RV. I've reported these issues numerous times with no correction in Garmin updates. I don't fully trust the 890. I don't trust the RV-specific directions. Also, I prefer a separate dash cam that is smaller and would not obscure the windshield like the 795. The user interface, destination search, and touch screen is way too cumbersome to use while driving. I tell the copilot (wife) which functions to press. It needs to interface better with Android Auto and Apple Carplay to avoid the annoying conflicts with Bluetooth phone connections and audio functions of the infotainment center in recent models. I have a 2022 Silverado and they don't coexist nicely all the time . . . I run Android Auto and Google Maps as the primary on my infotainment screen and have the Garmin as the secondary with the phone permissions and voice commands turned off. The 890 doesn't quite hit the mark and the 795 doesn't seem any better.

Thanks for your detailed review. I have a Garmin RV 780 GPS mounted inside of our 45 foot Class-A motorhome and was interested to hear the new upgrades. I’ve been very happy with the RV 780 thus far. I would prefer a magnetic mount versus a suction cup mount, however, as it would allow me to hold it in a more convenient spot as opposed to leaning over the dash. I was glad to hear that the new units have long battery life. My 780 only lasts a minute or two before it shuts off. You mentioned that you don’t use the campground lookup feature on your Garman unit. I use it regularly to look up and select our next destination campground. That way it stores the campground name in the “recent‘s“ history. That way, if for any reason I press stop, yet still want to go back to that campground, it’s readily available to select in the “Recent“ history.

Thanks for the comprehensive review. I love my RV780.

If i was full timer i would definitely buy one of these. I wish Google maps would get rv option maps. But the dash cam feature is so great. We always have a dash cam running as there are more drivers that are just horrible drivers and don't care about others. As far as cell phone having a small screen and no cell signal, that's true to a degree. My current cell phone is 6.7 screen size and Google maps allows you to download maps in advance. But not having rv maps can be not good.

Always carry a current road atlas.

Very good information. Thanks

Awesome review...thank you.

Almost to 80 thousand subscribers, congratulations 👏. 👍

hi from Alaska, Just got an older class B with no safety features, so will definitely be getting a 795 cam for it, Thanks Jason

Mount a battery bank behind you mirror. 10 inch usbc cord

Good video. Thanks.

I have an old non-rv Garmin and I've replaced it a couple of times with used ones on EBAY because of the dashboard options, where I can display much more onscreen than the current ones. Miles left, time left, elevation, etc I lose on the newer features, but for my limited needs, that dashboard is super handy.

Interesting features - seems like the second generation of these dashcam RV options will be the ones to grab. And I admit - the magnetic mount of the 890 is a SWEET feature and so much better than the plastic clips.

Thanks, interesting and very well done.

Great video, thanks for sharing. I did buy the 890 and so far I am very happy with the screen size and sound. I have already updated the map data twice in less than six months. The reason why I bought the 890....the Rand McNally sucked on the Map Data updates.. RM never updated my maps in over 5 years and when I called them the only thing I got from them... "we're working on an update soon" well, that was three years ago and the GPS kept taking me into the wrong roads.

GARMIN, if you're listening/skimming the comments, please consider adding the following to your RV units via a software update... 1) Provide an update that allows "user-selected" menu/sub-menu items to move to the top of the sub-menu lists. This way, users won't have to scroll a "country mile" every time they go looking for their favorite sub-menu items or categories. Having sub-menu/category items repopulate, based on one's most recent selections, sure would help increase user efficiency. 2) If possible, add a "battery percentage indicator" next to the battery status bars.

Thank you Jason for the review on the Garmin. We have one we use in our vehicle and it works great. I’m glad they upgraded for the Rvs.

Really helpful, thank you.

Good info!!

Really useful. Many thanks. Would love to know how it behaves in the UK and Europe

If you have overhead map lights, above the rearview mirror, or any other electrics mounted up there, you can usually drop that panel and tap power from it. You may not be able to power everything at once ( i.e. gps+ lights) but replacing old bulbs with an LED version can help spare more power.

We used a GPS many years ago before Cell Phones really became good directional devices. Now I don't even think about hooking my iPhone up when we go We just do it. This is an ideal idea and Garmin is the best no doubt. Thanks Jason just need to decide on the Camera one which I think is the clear winner by a long shot. MY Wife thinks more in dollar and cents terms so she needs to see the clear benefit to it. Very good review, I'm a believer now.

Well shoot. I was going you could switch to rear camera when ever you wanted. Nice review.

Having a Garmin unit that is satellite-based is necessary equipment on roads such as the Alaska Hwy, where cell service is extremely limited! Overall, it is far superior to Google maps for over-the-road trips, especially the ability to set the amount of zoom depending on the type of road you are on (straight vs curvy).

have had a Garmin for several years and has worked out great

How good is the video? Can you read number plates? Can you use it upside down and with a friction mount?

We have a Garmin 890. There are some great features. I like where I can see the elevation gain or loss. That way I know what is coming and then we might detach our tow vehicle. However it has made some major mistakes in getting us to our final destination. One time it was about 20 miles off. We now compare where Garmin takes us with Google maps.

I have the RV780 and it does a pitiful job navigating in RV mode. It will choose tight residential streets instead of a main highway through town (think Bodega Bay). It has other useful features and I generally use it along with Google maps navigation and it is quite useful compare the routing choices made.

I have the Garmin 770 and am generally pleased with it. The “sharp curves” annoyingly alarms on the slightest variation in the straight road. Most are not really “sharp” curves.

Like my 890 a lot but disappointed that they don’t integrate rear observation camera functionality. Seems like this is also the case for the new ones. Too bad. I guess it’s still multiple screens for now. Bulletpoint mounting solutions has some really great vehicle specific offerings for mounting these and other gear. Check them out.

Does this unit help you with any fuel station info, rest stops or dump stations? Thanks

I have had garmin gps for years, driven across country . I have one with a camera and need a upgrade gps but they dont make one. There great for going around traffic, side roads, dirt roads or a new city to find gas/shopping etc...

Is there any kind of rear view cam that is available full-time and not just on back up? We have a backup cam built-in to our Jayco, but would prefer to have the rear view to keep an eye on our tow vehicle.

I keep my Garmin underneath my spare tire as a last ditch tool. The mapping and interface both make it the absolute biggest POS imaginable.

It’s going to be hard for me to ditch my older Garmin with lifetime maps and traffic. I use the truckers atlas with google satellite and street view to plan the route. Then use Garmin’s Base Camp to tweak my route and up load it to my 2797 and we are off. I don’t trust the Garmin alone, just like you said.

BTW, your speed can be recovered the old fashioned way. Mile markers, streetlights, lane markers, all have standard sizes. So your insurer, or the police, just need some simple math to determine your speed from the video alone.

Can you transfer GPX files from Garmin BaseCamp as with earlier Garmin RV GPS units?

Thank you for the review of the Garmin GPS. I am going to Alaska thur Canada this year. Will this GPS work in those places? If not, do you have any recommendations that will?

Great video Jason! Does it give you advanced lane warning and direction notice?

I really wish Garmin had an option of adding RV maps to existing GPS. I have a Nuvi Cam that has been fantastic since I got it in 2015. Works flawlessly and takes great video. It would be even better if I could have it do RV navigation. It uses the mag mount which has been rock solid, and I take it out of the window when I park to keep it from overheating, press the power button, remove it and put in in the console. This one with the plastic clip would not be so easy since the plug is connected to it and would have to be removed. I think they are approx the same size, the Nuvi and the 795. I tried the Rand Mcnally version of RV and cam, but the darn thing is a freaking Tablet with GPS on it and the cam is NOT integrated with the GPS so no time/date stamp and location or speed. It also is a pig and no mount I found will hold it steady, they all shake like crazy due to the weight. Never had to worry about weight with the Garmin. Now if Garmin could add voice packs like TomTom so I can get John Cleese to say Bear left, Beaver Right......

How is the recording at night? Is it pretty clear? Night vision? Does the quality drop to 720p? Thank you.

6:05 If your rear-view has electronic features like telematics or auto-dimming, there are adapters that pull 5v (usb) power from the mirror. However those are typically meant for dash cams and radar detectors, so I'm not sure how many amps they can pull or if they could power a larger display like this.

Between my Rv rear cam screen, the tire monitoring screen and GPS there’s no way to even see out the darn window anymore 🤪. Need a front view cam to see past the shat on my windshield haha.

This is RV Garmin is perfect for my planned 2023 trip! Great review. One question: How large (and type) of storage SD card can it take? I did not find this on the Garmin website.

Upgrades at my Garmin is always very very time consuming and there is always something not working correctly. Without watching tons of youtube videos I have no chance to do the updates. .... and I am a software developer!

Picked up the 795 RV cam, but having a hard time figuring out how to mount this on our Class A motorhome. If I stick it to the windshield it’s about 3 feet in front of me and impossible to reach while driving. Any advice?

Do these units have a standard map display mode, like a paper map or do they only offer a bird's eye view?

We have the RV890 and like it a lot but it's not perfect. No GPS is but it works the best for us.

If you wanted to mount on your dash, due to camera placement, could you flip it to be upside down on your dash, so that the cam is on the top of device and the mounting ball is below. Does it have auto orientation?

Do you have any recommendations for just a car? I would like one with both. Thank you. I just love your site. Also what do you get to record the back of the car while driving?

If Garmin creates a hardware device that interfaces with my Android Auto with my Ford's 12 inch screen, then I'll buy it. I don't want another screen that I have to put on the dash just for RV specific navigation. The technology is there, Garmin just has to implement it.

How can I find out if Garmin is supporting the RV660 still.

I dont want it to route me sometimes. The only problem I have with google maps is not being able to easily plan a route and have it saved without google trying to find the most effient route when opening. I have a 20ft travel trailer so my concern isnt roads but GAS stations that have lots big enough to swing in and out. That's all. I want a gps mapping app that does that easily.

Jason another great video, check out Dongar Technologies, they are creating innovative dash cam wiring solutions. Their products are designed for seamless integration with your vehicles auto-dimming rearview mirror. Use one for my dash camera in my F150. Thanks Again

Great overview! So since it is a USB C, can you use a regular USB C cable to power it, rather than the cigarette lighter plug?

help.. my rv 795 will not calculate routes /?? what am i doing wrong ?? thank u

Good info Jason! Is it possible to plan a route with RVLife and import into the garmin unit?

How many map updates do you get? And do you get live traffic updates for life?

Nice, GOOD Information. No code for a discount?

Looking at this for my class a. The front window is like a mile away if I put it there. Seems like the one with the dash cam might not be an option.

Gonna sound dumb, but.. what’s wrong with google maps on an iPad? Omg you answered it before I finished typing hahahaha!

Where is that railroad track located that you showed as to low?

I cannot get it to connect to my phone? Do you use Garmin DRive? or Garmin connect

Jason ill take your old one. I don't have one 😁

Would you say this would be a good solution to replace our current, LOL Garmin Collision MIdigation option that many Class A and C manufactures claim will protect you from accidents, that's a joke. The screen is about 1.5" and since it is mounted on the windshield about 5 feet away from me as I drive my Class A. Needless to say it's useless. Your thoughts, thanks?

It's like you were reading minds! I was just about to do some Garmin research as I'm fed up with Google maps. Great info, thanks!

Is there a subscription cost?

I have the 1090. You don’t want to update over Wi-Fi. It can screw the map up.

Is the camera good enough to let you read license plates twenty feet away?

Is there a GPS out there that offers front cam, ability to show rear camera, and TPMS? Seems dumb to have so many monitors when one that could rotate through makes so much more sense.

Don’t forget to check the meteor shower forecast before you go too. Come on live a little, Desoto. No need to bring the risk reduction lawyers and accountants on the trip. Dang I thought I was a planner, but you make me feel like one of those free spirits. Just ribbing you…

Would you like to get rid of your old Garmin?

My butt puckers every time I see a RU-vidr driving a big rig and only Google maps pulled up on their phone in their dash. Sooooooooo many things are bound to go wrong. No one should be allowed to drive a big rig without a specific GPS that accounts for weight, height, and length at the minimum!

Hello iss working only witch camper iff i have a car normal like sedan Toyota iss not good iss stiil work only with camper car

Garmin needs a good bankruptcy and management change. The GPS units they’ve put out the last 10 years have lost so much content from waypoint icons and name displays on your map. Poor choices of features for units. Off-road units that aren’t waterproof. Car units still using a 12V charger when many manufacturers are only providing USB ports in their vehicles(seems like they finally changed with this unit). Abysmal computer software that you’re supposed to plan your route with and import to your gps. My GPS will calculate a better route and quicker than their program using the same map. Let’s not forget, a fantastic website that you can’t compare the previous RV 780 model to this one. They don’t highlight anything different except the optional model with a dash cam. And now they’ve finally moved from mini-USB to USB-C. Honestly surprised they didn’t move to micro-USB because they’re usually a generation behind updating.

I've used Garmin GPS units for years and have had to swear to never buy another. They are SO poorly designed... I mean from a software/usability standpoint. I don't have enough room here to go into details, but whoever designs their UI clearly doesn't have a clue. Just one tiny example: Why is the map +/- button on the left side of the screen? You have to cover the whole screen with your hand to touch it. The GPS will 99% of the time be sitting to the driver's right, so those buttons should be easily accessed with the right hand without obscuring the GPS screen. Furthermore, they use dreadfully slow CPUs and graphics processors, yet their units aren't inexpensive. I won't even attempt to cover how stupid the UI is when trying to find a POI. It's just awful.

Not happy with Garmin for the money ! Not worth it unless you drive alone with no passenger then it might be good !

I have had the 890 for about a year. WORST PIECE OF JUNK EVER. Most of the time it doesn't know the RV site I want while the google and mac maps find the site almost always. There are more bad things than good.

You don't need that. google maps killed the gps.

Expensive toy in my opinion.