Community Forums

Cmarkj · 09-14-2014, 07:11 PM

Pardon my ignorance, but browsing thru the forums, I'm not sure that I have found the answer to my question.
Is there a program, app, website that can tell you the best route from here to there based on pulling a camper?
I do believe there is info out there ie: % grade, elevation etc for someone to be able to plan a route themselves (if you understand such things) but I was looking for some thing that would plan everything out for me knowing I have this appendage hanging behind me. A quick example, using google maps or mapquest, I ask to go from my house to Johnson, Vt. It sends me through Canada (ok, I get it) but it has me entering the States after driving through Montreal. Not real sure I want to do that.

Thanks

Gordon Dewald · 09-14-2014, 07:19 PM

I believe the only way to do this with any degree of certainty is to buy the truckers atlas and plan the route manually.

There are RV GPS out there that claim to consider the route based on the RV specs you input but I have doubts that they can be relied on with any degree of certainty. I have been sent down roads that are not suitable for our RV and the stories from other folks have issues.

Perhaps using a GPS and then reviewing the route on the hard maps may be a solution.

I am not aware of any GPS that enables you to input the max grades you want to encounter but someone with greater knowledge may be able to clarify that.

When I input the size of the RV and try to plan a route to a location in some instances the GPS will display a message that there is no legal route for me to travel. I reduce the size of the RV and try again. It seems that once the message pops up it remains as I have reduced the size of the RV to a B.

jeffwit · 09-14-2014, 07:20 PM

Good Sam's website has a routing program. It's most likely RV friendly, but not 100% sure. I found it to be a little cumbersome in the way it worked. I use Google maps, the DW uses Mapquest, we have an RV GPS unit in the motorhome, and paper maps. We use a very non-scientific method between those to figure out our route.

Usually Google and Mapquest do a good job of routing. When we have to get on smaller roads and such, I tend to listen more to the GPS unit.
As always, YMMV.

eddieelk · 09-14-2014, 07:24 PM

I had a program on my laptop from I think Woodalls, that you could enter the start & stop points, and it would route you there and show all of the grades %, & campgrounds near the route. I lost it, and am looking for a current one. If anyone knows where to get it, let us know. Eddie Elk.

Ramets · 09-15-2014, 05:47 AM

I'll use google maps for location to location routes. It's not infallible, but by using the satellite view it's easy to make adjustments to my route. It will usually give you three options, with the first being the shortest route. By dragging your cursor over an option it will highlight the route on the map. Pick the one you want, then print it. It's been working for us the past 4 1/2 yrs.