Ian Hewlett has a look at the latest device from Garmin.
The Camper 770 LMT-D is stylish and thin in appearance, and comes with a large 6.95” touchscreen. It also has an easy attachment system. The internal battery only lasts an hour so connection to a suitable socket is essential for anything other than short journeys. However you’ll need to connect if you want to take advantage of the free digital traffic information, which provides road warnings and custom routing based on the size and weight of your motorhome or caravan.
The device provides road warnings and routing based on the dimensions of your unit
The Easy Route Shaping function lets you modify your route just by adding a point to the route you see on screen. You’ll then see a notification regarding how much time will be added. Meanwhile, Garmin's Real Directions uses recognisable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights in addition to spoken street names, for example “turn right after the red building”.
Like most other similar sat navs the 770 LMT-D is preloaded with detailed European maps and motorhome-related restrictions such as bridge heights, weight limits and related information. That means you will hear and see these warnings, allowing time to prepare for things such as upcoming descents, sharp curves, speed changes, railway crossings, animal crossings and school zones.
The combination of built-in Wi-Fi for easy Here Map and software updates, which do not require a computer, and the lifetime map updates makes this one of the easiest devices to keep current.
Other useful features
Selecting a suitable campsite is enhanced on the Camper 770 LMT-D thanks to a filterable campsite database. And the Up Ahead feature provides a constant stream of nearby places – including restaurants, shops, hospitals and petrol stations – that appear alongside your driving map and also updates as you move along the route.
Travel planning and a trip log can be created to enable pre-planning while additional memory can be added via a card slot. Linking your mobile phone via the Garmin Smartphonelink app will allow hands-free calling and voice-activated navigation plus free live services (network charges may apply) such as basic weather information. A Garmin BC 30 wireless back-up camera can also be added.
Verdict: A very capable camping style sat nav that has many useful features to aid journey planning.