Community Forums

marietta · 04-19-2011, 07:20 AM

Hello, everyone! I have searched to no avail to find motorhome specific trip planners, i.e. low overhangs, restricted travel, etc. Any help out there? I'm traveling from Florida to California, mostly on interstates, but would like to venture off beaten path without getting into an unexpected hazard or restricted roadway for 40ft Class A. This is my first trip and I am trying to be as prepared as possible!

Chief · 04-19-2011, 07:46 AM

There are several programs that can be purchased that have the info that you desire. "CoPilot" is one that I use with varying results. My experience with this program is such that I can't positively rely on it so I always do a double check with whatever is available, inet, maps, etc.

Another is touted on some trucker websites for semi's. Can't remember the name right off hand but a google search will probably turn up more than one.

Our travel patterns over the last 20 years have pretty much excluded interstates but we have found that US routes can be used without any problem. Always watch the road signs for low clearance or other danger signs for large vehicles. They are most always posted with plenty of time to exit and find an alternate route.

washbob · 04-19-2011, 07:58 AM

I carry a Rand McNally Motor Carriers' Road Atlas and also use a Garmin GPS Model dezl 560 which is a truck specific model. I have the GPS programed for height, width and weight specific to my RV. By utilizing both of them and watching road signs, I never have a problem. I primary travel on interstates or US routes, but have traveled extensively on State routes as well with no problems. As Chief stated, just watch the signs for clearance, weight, and width restrictions.

Dmreese1 · 07-18-2011, 12:33 AM

I just got one of these dezl 560LMT usits. I need to find out how to select the road I want to travel on. I tried to plan a trip from Box Elder, SD to Hardin, MT and the dezl takes me west on I90 but then shoots me up US 85 instead of staying on I90. I have it set for the fastest route. Per my Delorme S&T program going I90 is faster than using US 85 and such.

Appreciate any help.....

Duane

texnet · 07-18-2011, 11:56 AM

I have used Trailer Life Directory Campground Navigator, along with a POI for clearances, for the past couple of years. I find it works great as a planning tool and works ok as a GPS system while on the road. However, I normally just use it to plan our trips, select campgrounds and routing then use my Garmin 7200 for the on the road device.

Wayne M · 07-18-2011, 01:01 PM

I use Microsoft Streets & Trips software with a low clearance file. However, as stated, no one program alone has the most updated version (or not).

So, once I know my route, I'll check the AITA web site for low clearances.

Just search on AITA low clearance and you should get the site.

MS&T also can be populated with the Discovery Owners Group file that gives lots, and lots, and lots, (one more time) and lots, of POI's including low clearances for different heights.

Happy trails.

docj · 07-18-2011, 01:17 PM

We've been using a Garmin 465T which is also a truck-specific unit. It permits you to program in your weight, height, and length and it will keep you out of trouble. My biggest complaint is that RVs aren't subject to truck restrictions on highways so sometimes a perfectly good route will be avoided because it can't be used by trucks. However, quite often roads that are truck restricted aren't suited to a large RV anyway, so it doesn't result in too many unnecessary re-routings.

gallopn'go4r · 07-19-2011, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marietta

Hello, everyone! I have searched to no avail to find motorhome specific trip planners, i.e. low overhangs, restricted travel, etc. Any help out there? I'm traveling from Florida to California, mostly on interstates, but would like to venture off beaten path without getting into an unexpected hazard or restricted roadway for 40ft Class A. This is my first trip and I am trying to be as prepared as possible!

The new Rand McNally TRIPMAKER rvnd 5510

WheelingIt · 07-19-2011, 08:39 PM

Same as Wayne M. Use Microsoft Street and Trips with downloaded "master" POI compilation that has all the low clearance info. In the same file I got POIs for truck stops, Wally worlds, state parks, forest service sites and a bunch of other helpful RV stuff too.

Possum · 07-19-2011, 08:52 PM

OK I use S & T by Microsoft and sure would like to know how to download and add in the low clearance info and etc.

Please?

WheelingIt · 07-19-2011, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Possum

OK I use S & T by Microsoft and sure would like to know how to download and add in the low clearance info and etc.

Please?

Here's the file I got it from:

http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/2595-p...ther-travelers

There's everything in here I could ever want. Just remove any POI you don't need or use.

Pairajays · 07-20-2011, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marietta

Hello, everyone! I have searched to no avail to find motorhome specific trip planners, i.e. low overhangs, restricted travel, etc. Any help out there? I'm traveling from Florida to California, mostly on interstates, but would like to venture off beaten path without getting into an unexpected hazard or restricted roadway for 40ft Class A. This is my first trip and I am trying to be as prepared as possible!

Don't think you will need anything traveling from Florida to California. The North East is where the problems are.

Jim E