CoPilot GPS app- CoPilot Caravan in Europe

[Rugbybull]

Hi,

Newbie here so please be gentle if what follows has been answered elsewhere! Been looking for a suitable sat-nav for a 2017 Burstner IXEO 680G which we’re just in the process of purchasing and came across the CoPilot GPS app. Does anyone have any experience of using this please and if so, what do you see as it’s pros and cons compared with other sat navs? I’m also considering the alternative of getting a map update for the sat nav installed in the m/h. I think it’s a Pioneer. Any idea where I might get this from? Thanks

 

[Phill D]

I have used snooper sat nav’s for years and loved them, I had my sat nav died 18 months ago while in Europe so downloaded copilot onto my iPad.
Larger screen and easy to set up and use.
Will not be going back.
If you pick the right copilot download you can input your motorhome dimensions.

Great value.

 

[Rugbybull]

Thanks for this Phill. Much appreciated.

 

[Andy MacD]

Used CoPilot on an ipad with gps receiver for 3 years now, including about 5 months in total in France. No issues and like the speed limit reminders. You used to be able to get 30 day trial.

 

[Rugbybull]

Thanks Andy

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[125BEER]

I like Copilot because my "Searchforsites " app will link directly to my Copilot app on Tablet.

Cheers

 

[Jim]

Co pilot is also great when you don’t want to use phone data while in Europe.

 

[bigtwin]

Tom Tom now have a Motorhome/Trucking routes option on their App.

Ian

 

[Lenny HB]

considering the alternative of getting a map update for the sat nav installed in the m/h. I think it’s a Pioneer. Any idea where I might get this from?

Naviextras.com - Map updates for your navigation device and more...

www.naviextras.com

 

[autorouter]

I have Copilot on a 10" Samsung tablet, mounted near the centre of the dashboard. I also have Copilot on my smartphone, which I use when on the scooter to navigate the minor roads, small villages and more popular tourist spots.

I like that the maps are stored on an SD card, so no online data needed, it works fine even with no phone signal at all. The 'Whole of Europe' data is several Gigabytes, so I always check it's updated while at home before a long trip.

I set the large screen to show the 'Zoom to next junction', which gradually zooms in as the next junction approaches. It's good generally, but doesn't show good detail on long windy mountain roads if the next junction is far away. I also use the phone, mounted on the dash, as a backup second satnav, with a magnified view showing the junction details and the next hairpin bend.

It's easy to turn the 'Avoid Toll roads' function on and off, so you can meander through less-travelled byways, or cover distances fast, as you wish.

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[Wingingit#1]

I wanted to order a new tablet (mines playing up) and download co pilot but the wife reckons google maps on my phone is 'good enough' .....lets see how many arguments that causes on the way south . .

 

[Rugbybull]

Thanks for the advice all. With so many options, it’s difficult to know which one to go for but I think you’ve swayed me to go for Copilot. Now I just need to work out how to download its maps on to the IPad I’ve just bought……

 

[Phill D]

Thanks for the advice all. With so many options, it’s difficult to know which one to go for but I think you’ve swayed me to go for Copilot. Now I just need to work out how to download its maps on to the IPad I’ve just bought……

Make sure you download the version that covers caravan and motorhomes.

 

[Wingingit#1]

So you just download it and it doesnt use your data ....but presumably it doesnt warn you about traffic jams, road works etc .
Still doesnt sound like a bad option to me .

 

[funflair]

So you just download it and it doesnt use your data ....but presumably it doesnt warn you about traffic jams, road works etc .
Still doesnt sound like a bad option to me .

You can subscribe to "active traffic" for about £10 per year.

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[Pausim]

A word of warning about relying too heavily on sat nav, even the ones where you input your vehicle dimensions. Sat nav relies on maps which do not know the widths of roads. Sat nav should pick up the ones with legal width limits because these are shown on the maps but narrow roads and lanes are not distinguished from wider ones. If a road looks narrow and little used drive on past and let the sat nav re-route you.

I find that Google Maps and Waze have the best traffic information. I think this is because they are free apps and are very widely used, therefore they get much more immediate traffic feedback from those on the road ahead of you. Basically they are getting the average speeds from other users and can quickly spot congestion.

I spend a few minutes reviewing the route before I set out, if I am not sure I use satellite views and Google Street Scene to have a proper look at the roads. In the UK if I can see a white line down the middle of the road it is usually ok but when it disappears take care. Street Scene is particularly good for picking out roads I would rather avoid.

 

[Phill D]

So you just download it and it doesnt use your data ....but presumably it doesnt warn you about traffic jams, road works etc .
Still doesnt sound like a bad option to me .

If you want traffic monitoring then data needs to be on.
I pay £28 a year for my copilot package and feel it’s good value.

 

[Wingingit#1]

Thanks Phil

 

[davet1]

A word of warning about relying too heavily on sat nav, even the ones where you input your vehicle dimensions. Sat nav relies on maps which do not know the widths of roads. Sat nav should pick up the ones with legal width limits because these are shown on the maps but narrow roads and lanes are not distinguished from wider ones. If a road looks narrow and little used drive on past and let the sat nav re-route you.

I find that Google Maps and Waze have the best traffic information. I think this is because they are free apps and are very widely used, therefore they get much more immediate traffic feedback from those on the road ahead of you. Basically they are getting the average speeds from other users and can quickly spot congestion.

I spend a few minutes reviewing the route before I set out, if I am not sure I use satellite views and Google Street Scene to have a proper look at the roads. In the UK if I can see a white line down the middle of the road it is usually ok but when it disappears take care. Street Scene is particularly good for picking out roads I would rather avoid.

Wise words .
I have my garmin set to motorhome with the dimensions in but it would seem road size or condition is not always available to the gps. I recently missed a turning on a roundabout in Cremona Italy and followed the new directions to find myself in the old part of town having negotiated 2 tight turns to find the next road had residents cars parked on one side. physically not enough room to even make the next turn let alone go down a street which was clearly too narrow. I had to persuade 3 cars behind me to back up whilst I had to reverse back round to the main street so I could turn around. There was no doubt that I p****ed these people off big time ! I should have got out and had a look first but hindsight is a wonderful thing .

 

[ChrisL]

Another vote for copilot caravan here, i've been using it for three years with the only issues being user error. One thing to note is if using copilot from Search4Sites make sure it is using the profile that you've entered your dimensions into, this is an easy mistake to make as I found out when it directed my 8mtr motorhome over a very narrow mountain pass in Spain, but the mistake was mine not the apps.

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[Stevil74]

I use CoPilot and its generally pretty good but it occasionally likes to send me on a random loop, took me on a tour of a housing estate the other day instead of just getting onto the main road.

As others have said, always check the route you are given regardless of which sat nav you are using

 

[Living life]

We use Co Pilot, it's brilliant. We use it in the uk and abroad, it's never let us down. The only time we've got into sticky situations is a couple of times when we forgot it and used our phones We are a bit belt and bracers though, we take Maps and a route planner print off, have learnt from experience

 

[scotzsue]

I wanted to order a new tablet (mines playing up) and download co pilot but the wife reckons google maps on my phone is 'good enough' .....lets see how many arguments that causes on the way south . .

Oh no, our friend used that when we were on a 3 van trip to Germany, it took us through a housing estate to try to give us a shorter route, into someones drive and to a cemetery, among other detours when it was their turn to lead.
I wish you joy, hope you took advantage of Black friday for a new tablet

 

[sbbots]

Hi,

Newbie here so please be gentle if what follows has been answered elsewhere! Been looking for a suitable sat-nav for a 2017 Burstner IXEO 680G which we’re just in the process of purchasing and came across the CoPilot GPS app. Does anyone have any experience of using this please and if so, what do you see as it’s pros and cons compared with other sat navs? I’m also considering the alternative of getting a map update for the sat nav installed in the m/h. I think it’s a Pioneer. Any idea where I might get this from? Thanks

I've used Copilot for years and upgraded to the Caravan MH version in 2021. It allows you to input your dimensions. But to ensures you have no problems you also need to tick the best preferences in the settings menu by creating a custom profile. Under road preferences you can select avoid secondary roads and local streets, this is essential and a great feature. As previously mentioned it links seemlessly with search for site's to guide you to your destination.I have used it in the UK and Europe.

 

[zagza]

Hi,

Newbie here so please be gentle if what follows has been answered elsewhere! Been looking for a suitable sat-nav for a 2017 Burstner IXEO 680G which we’re just in the process of purchasing and came across the CoPilot GPS app. Does anyone have any experience of using this please and if so, what do you see as it’s pros and cons compared with other sat navs? I’m also considering the alternative of getting a map update for the sat nav installed in the m/h. I think it’s a Pioneer. Any idea where I might get this from? Thanks

We have an Avtex tourer 2 and we love it , they have now bought out a 3 version so second hand version 2 is a good buy , however we did have to buy a card for it this year to do the latest updates but it was a simple process and made our European trips l more enjoyable as it has some very handy features

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[pat100]

I use the “Here” satnav app on my iPhone. I like that I can paste in decimal coordinates from my mapping and site finder websites and apps. Also, it can take me to the middle of nowhere to, say, start a walk.
The app, and map download updates, are free so it’s easy to try.
Using a phone holder, I can position it where I like.
You can choose from any of Apples UK or US voices. It gets mixed reviews but I’ve been using it successfully for years. Speed and speed camera warnings are useful. It doesn’t seem to be offering size/weight options yet but I’ve only got a compact MH.

 

[Reallyretired]

I have used copilot for years and found it generally good. I like the fact it links directly to search for sites and also the camping carpark app. Speed limits are sometimes a bit odd, sometimes signalling a 50kph limit while on a motorway, possibly picking it up from a crossing road, but I have found this with others. The fact it uses no Internet data is a plus, just check you have the latest map update before a trip.

 

[Tony50]

I have a new Avtex 795 on Garmin don't know how to use it yet !! Has all usual

 

[Jerryhunt2]

I use Sygic, with copilot as a backup, on a 7" Android tablet. Both are Camper versions and allow weights & dimensions - Belt and Braces....

 

[okeydokey]

Used CoPilot on an ipad with gps receiver for 3 years now, including about 5 months in total in France. No issues and like the speed limit reminders. You used to be able to get 30 day trial.

Can I ask which GPS receiver you use with an iPad. Thanks