102 XT Routing Problems

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A Few SImple Work Around Solutions.

What is RUT Behaviour ? In certain circumstances the Zūmo XT seems to get 'stuck in a rut', of repeatedly asking for a U-Turn. It is trying to get you to go back to the last point when you were on its recalculated route. This will be behind you if it has already asked you to turn back. The same behaviour happens if you disable U turns - except it finds side roads to get you to turn back - so there is usually a longer gap between requests, At least the repeated U turns give you a clue that something odd is happening.

Pic 1 - is a real example. I am at the green flag. The magenta line is the route that the XT has calculated to get me to orange flag. 28 miles to reach a via point less than 2 miles away.

If I create the same route on the XT Trip Planner App, or if I use this same route and 'fix' it using one of the methods described below, the XT does not do this. Instead it does what I would expect: as soon as I turn away from the plotted route at the red circle, it immediately calculates a new route - in the direction I am heading.
When Does it Happen ? It only happens with imported routes, never on a route created entirely on the XT. It seems to be initiated when the XT recalculates the route. eg when using 'Skip'

Subsequently, RUT behaviour happens if I deviate from its route. It seems to want me to return to where I first left the route. Note that repeated demands for U turn do not by themselves indicate RUT behaviour. But if it continues, when the way ahead is clearly the best way to the next route point, then it seems likely. There are other symptoms that can prove it.
Avoid RUT:
  • Do not use 'Skip' or 'Edit Route'.
  • Do not allow the route to recalculate.
  • Plan routes on the XT
These avoid the problem - they do not prevent it from happening.
How to Prevent RUT behaviour (PC):
Use the solution developed by FrankB which is posted here
How to Prevent RUT behaviour (XT) - See Pics 2 and 3.
  • On the XT load the route → Go! , select the start point → Start
  • Re-open the trip planner and select the Active Route.
  • Save with a new name. This adds the current position as a new start point.
  • Load the new route → Go!
  • Select the original start point → Go!
If the XT has problems calculating a route that starts hundreds of miles away, then either :-

* Simulate your position closer to the start before resaving the route

* Re-save the route the night before - when the start point is just outside !



Use TripManager to transfer GPX files.
Trip Manager is a completely different way of getting the route from a gpx file into the Zumo XT - by not sending the gpx file to the XT ! Instead it replaces the Zumo import process and creates the necessary Trip file in the XT itself - using the information from the trip file. This prevents the Zumo from changing your route point names, from moving their position and any other little things it does to alter your route. The Zumo doesn't get chance to see the file and 'process' it out of all recognition.


The XT / XT2 has to calculate the route - but it will do that at some time anyway, but it keeps all of the route point names, all in the correct position and it does not have to be imported. The appropriate information is provided to make the XTs think that it has been created on the Zumo itself - ie it is a Saved Route - so it never displays RUT behaviour.


It is a program for or PCs only developed and written by FrankB of this forum.

Link to pages about Trip Manager on this site.

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The information on these pages has been acquired from personal experience of using and testing the behaviour of Basecamp and my Zumo XT. I have no links with Garmin, and these pages should not be regarded as instructions. They are presented for interest only. The contents of these pages must not be shared, copied, transmitted, redistributed or re-published in any form without my permission. (C) JHeath 2021.