The Magellan Roadmate Pro9165T GPS - A GPS made for RVers

It isn't often that I'll promote a new gadget that I haven't tried out yet, but this GPS may be the exception. If you are a Good Sam Club member like me and prefer parks with favorable Good Sam ratings, then this new GPS may be for you.

Magellan, Trailer Life Directory, and Good Sam Club have teamed up to produce the all-new RoadMate Pro 9165T, a GPS device that was designed specifically for RVers.

An extra-wide, high-definition 7-inch touchscreen offers large vehicle and RV settings that map routes based on vehicle height, width, length, and weight. The intelligent navigator will plan routes according to your preferences.


The RoadMate Pro is pre-loaded with U.S. and Canada campground information from Trailer Life Directory, and Good Sam discount locations. It will give you guidance on a million points of interest (POI), pet-friendly parks, RV service centers and parking.

And, the device comes with a Heavy Duty Extension Mount that is versatile and designed for vehicles with deep dashboards, like your RV. You can make easy adjustments to get the viewing position that works for you.

Standard trip planning features in this GPS allow you to plan and customize routes in advance to become familiar with the route before driving it. Turn-by-turn spoken directions will let you keep your eyes on the road while driving.

Best of all, with the RoadMate Pro you can quickly navigate to Good Sam certified campgrounds where you can enjoy member discounts.

Is it worth the price?
GPS receivers have come down significantly in price over the last few years. So priced at around $380, this GPS is a little spendy. Good Sam Club members, however, can get a  $20 discount if you buy it from the Trailer Life Directory Travel Store. What sets this unit apart is definitely the integrated RV points of interest. If you already have a GPS, then you'll have to determine if the price is right for you. However, if you're in the market for an upgrade, then this may be a GPS to consider.

Trailer Life Directory iPhone App (Just released on July 21)
Finally, if you have an iPhone and just want the Trailer Life Directory electronically, well you're in luck. Trailer Life just released their new iPhone app called the RV Park Finder.

Woodalls RV and Camping CoPilot iPhone App (Available now)
If you prefer the Woodalls North American Campground Directory, then there is already an iPhone app for that. Read more about it here.

I kind of like to know where I'm going, but sometimes it's nice to just see what's around the next turn and go where the road takes you. I like to say "No matter where you go, then there you are." And my wife would say "You don't know where you're going. Do you?" So I now have a GPS.

~T