New to the site. Can't wait to get some great advice!

[DNicholson04]

Hello! We have a Keystone Cougar fifth wheel and we're gearing up for a trip out West in June. This will be our 3rd big trip and I would like to know what apps or websites are the best for planning routes. Google maps tends to take us down some very narrow, two lane roads when I know there must be other routes available. We've survived the last two trips, but we would love to avoid having to deal with that on our next trip. Also, in order to cover the ground we want to cover we need to break up 2 days of driving by staying in a hotel one night at each place. We discovered our limitations on how long we can sanely drive with 2 kids! How can I find out if a hotel's parking lot is large enough (and if they will allow us) to park our vehicle and rv in while we stay at the hotel? I'm looking forward to any helpful information everyone can offer! Thanks!

[momdoc]

Welcome to the forum.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share. Read the various forums here and ask questions as they come up and add info when you can.

Instead of trying to find a hotel that will work for you and all the hassle of checking in and out, why not find an inexpensive RV camp ground for an over night stop. There are tons of them and many have pull through sites big enough that you do not have to un-hook for the night. You can also use a cracker barrel, Dicks sporting good, Cabella's, and many walmarts for a free overnight.

Good luck and enjoy the adventure!

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by DNicholson04

Hello! We have a Keystone Cougar fifth wheel and we're gearing up for a trip out West in June. This will be our 3rd big trip and I would like to know what apps or websites are the best for planning routes. Google maps tends to take us down some very narrow, two lane roads when I know there must be other routes available. We've survived the last two trips, but we would love to avoid having to deal with that on our next trip. Also, in order to cover the ground we want to cover we need to break up 2 days of driving by staying in a hotel one night at each place. We discovered our limitations on how long we can sanely drive with 2 kids! How can I find out if a hotel's parking lot is large enough (and if they will allow us) to park our vehicle and rv in while we stay at the hotel? I'm looking forward to any helpful information everyone can offer! Thanks!

Hello welcome. We use RV TRIP WIZARD (https://www.rvtripwizard.com/) to help plan the trip. As far as roads we use a navigation GPS. With this device you put in your RV type, length, weight, it can route around low bridges, constructions and the like. It is Garmin RV770. I do like it.
Second the thought of finding a campground for overnight stop. You got the beds, food with you.
Another site to use is RV Parky (https://www.rvparky.com/) it gives good information about campgrounds.
I totally understand about hurrying to get there and back because of still working, be careful in your driving

[CathedralCub]

As a business traveler to hotels far and wide) and also as a RVer, I agree with the others about stopping in the RV for the night. It takes a lot longer in and out of a hotel after parking than just climbing in the trailer and catching some rest. This and then zero time is spent finding a hotel that will let you park there, maneuvering in and out of the hotel's often un-RV-friendly parking lot, and driving off of your path over whatever hurdles lie between the highway and the hotel. In some areas, the RV's contents become a target at hotels because the owners are likely in the hotel in the wee hours.

My $0.02 .

Welcome aboard!

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[TonyDi]

Welcome to iRV2

I think one of the nicest trip planners is RV Wizard. It can be a little daunting at first but it is a powerful tool for planning a trip