Route planning re mountain passes/curvy roads etc.

[jzlarson]

I have reviewed the older threads on this topic but haven't found any that specifically address one aspect of route planning that relates to steep hills/mountains or curvy mountain passes we may want to avoid as relatively new MH drivers.

I've seen posts related to some aps like "Co-pilot RV" that sound interesting as far as low bridges, etc. and others (e.g. RVParky) related to finding campgrounds but haven't seen mention of roads/routes we may want to avoid for the above reasons of steep, curvy mountain passes, gravel roads, etc. that we would want to consider and possibly avoid while planning our route. It's possible that some of those aps I've read about contain this information--I just can't see it specifically listed--thanks so much!

[Noelj]

Not much of that type thing available any more. If in doubt, the best thing is to get on Google EARTH, and look at it. Most views are within the last two years or so, but some are older. But roads do not move that much. One big hint, that we use, if it is a doubtful road, detach your toad, and send DW ahead in the toad. Use your cell phones to talk to each other, or we used to use a set of walky-talkys. They can tell you of any trouble spots, or on curvy mountains, any approaching traffic. Used this a LOT up in West Virginia.

[Noelj]

And, ALWAYS plan an alternate route!!

[Cacique]

Maps.me can tell you the curviness

[slowmachine]

http://carobapps.com/products/inroute/

[cruzbill]

We have the book, now they have a app version too (of course)

Mountain Directory for Truckers, RV, and Motorhome Drivers

Most grades are in the 5-6% range and are easily doable: go down in the same gear that you went up in; use your engine/exhaust brake as much as you can and save your service brakes; keep your speed down. Go slow and enjoy the ride!

[Dutch Star Don]

Unless you plan to drive only the back roads when you travel, you really shouldn't have any concerns. Interstates and major U.S. highways are driven daily by RVers and semi trucks. They'll certainly be fine for you to drive. About the only time you will run into trouble is when you're traversing from a major highway to a campground. If you have a concern, call the campground and ask them about the best way in.

If you plan to travel off the beaten path, and boon dock in back country areas, you'll need to learn how to drive windy/curvy roads and might as well get started early.

[jzlarson]

Thanks everyone-I'm checking out all of your recommendations!

[the trainguy]

+1 on the Mountain Directory!
I bought both the Eastern and Western directories.
Great info and fascinating reading.

Bob

[jzlarson]

Yes- I'm looking at a combo of the Mountain Directory and "InRoute" (along with IExit, google maps, etc!)

[barmcd]

There's a truck drivers atlas that lists every bridge below 14' in every state.

[Lt Dan]

+2 on the Mountain Directory. I had to change my original route into the California coast after looking up a couple of roads I had considered. I use that and Google Earth to preview a questionable road, but GE won't show elevation changes just the road.

[distaff]

Google maps. First I plan my rough route, then I look at it for suspiciously twisty bits that suggest switchbacks. The activate the Terrain view under the three bars on the left side (this is on the computer, it is different on a mobile), and look at the elevation changes.

I have some older atlases including one with grades and a trucker's atlas, but I haven't looked at them in years.

[LennyC]

I found this while looking for someone to drive an RV from Phoenix to Rhode Island. Click on the state or province and it links to the road condition reports for that area... very handy with current conditions.
Motorized Newscenter