Community Forums

Willma · 10-22-2019, 09:56 PM

I am new to the rv lifestyle and need some advice. What is the best apps to plan out a trip? How many miles should I plan per day?
Thank you,
Wilma

road dogs · 10-22-2019, 10:55 PM

I do all my planning with a paper map, small post-it notes, a ruled line notebook Google maps for distance calulations and internet search for places to stay. On long trips we try to limit driving to 300 miles, shorter trips maybe a little longer, just depends on how much time is needed to get to our target destination.

drdit92 · 10-23-2019, 03:21 AM

I use RVTripwizard. Easy to use, helps me pick out campgrounds and the route can be downloaded to a GPS system or Google maps. I drove my fifth wheel over 14,000 miles this summer and RVTripwizard paid for itself, easily. So much easier than any alternative. I'm a solo traveler, so I have to know where I'm going cause I have no navigator with me.

Indy Glenn · 10-23-2019, 03:43 AM

Driving distance is whatever you are comfortable with. Keeping in mind you are in a motor home and not a car. I like to travel about 400 miles in a day. This will take you some 5 to 7 hours to drive. Of course speed, stops, traffic all have an impact. Also, what distance/time are you comfortable driving. Some may drive long, hours, some go 200 miles. Up to you. Have driven 10 hours in some trip segments just to make up some time and distance.

Programs to use for navigation........lots of them.

Good Sam Club - paid membership required. Based on RV travel
RV TripWizard - paid membership required. Based on RV travel
AAA Trip Tiks - free online
Pilot/Flying J - free trip planning & fuel stops.
Google Maps - free.

Apps.......I am not sure - - I'll have to rely others for these as I use web based navigation - RV Trip Wizard & Pilot/Flying J.

When planning your trips - remember - you are in an RV - longer, heavier, taller than a car. Something like Google Map, AAA directions will not take into account when planning your trip.

A RV GPS will also help and is suppose to keep you on roads, which your motor home can navigate safety, i.e. no low bridges, etc.

Good luck - I look forward to seeing what others use as I am always looking to improve.

Take care,

g

petrel · 10-23-2019, 07:04 AM

How far you travel each day is up to you. There are quite a few variables to consider there.

I start with google maps for an overview and idea of alternate routes. I try to avoid population centers at rush hours, or road work, whenever possible. Then I divide up the route by the distances I wish to travel each day. Once I get an idea of where I may land each evening, I search for campgrounds in those areas with good ratings. Once I have a few choices, I search the campground names on this forum.

With the approximate route and stops (including fuel stops)roughed out, I lay it all out in Garmin Basecamp and transfer it to my GPS. It is still just a template, as anything can change while underway, but I like to start with a plan.

Garyp4951 · 10-24-2019, 02:42 PM

I use Rand McNally Trip Maker, and works great. Just drag your mouse to the distance you want to go, and then use Campground Reviews to search the area for rv parks.