Trip planning help. GPS or mapping??????
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 188
Likes: 2
From: Arizona
Trip planning help. GPS or mapping??????
Hi guys,
I am planning a RV trip to Yellowstone later this year and wondering how you guys plan your route when towing an RV. I started to think is there any huge hills to climb or other areas one mite want to bypass when towing through unfamiliar routes.
So how do you guys plan a route that's best with an RV?
I have looked at driving directions on map quest and goggle maps and didn't see any options on avoiding anything.
Also my Garmin that i use in truck does not have any RV options either.
Or you guys just pick the fastest route and go for it?
Thanks for your help
I am planning a RV trip to Yellowstone later this year and wondering how you guys plan your route when towing an RV. I started to think is there any huge hills to climb or other areas one mite want to bypass when towing through unfamiliar routes.
So how do you guys plan a route that's best with an RV?
I have looked at driving directions on map quest and goggle maps and didn't see any options on avoiding anything.
Also my Garmin that i use in truck does not have any RV options either.
Or you guys just pick the fastest route and go for it?
Thanks for your help
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
In my opinion, choose the fastest route (if what you're looking for is to get there quick and not doing any sightseeing along he way) and go with that.
Do you have any special concerns such as is your 5er over height? Interstates should have 16 foot minimums, once you get off them, then you may run into some overhead clearances of 13.5 feet but there are some out there with less than that, but they should be marked clearly. It does get to be a pain if you see the signs too late and you don't have any exits to go around, but I travel frequently from Kentucky to Florida, quite a bit to South Carolina and points west of Kentucky and usually the only problems I've run into are the roofs at some fueling places being too low.
I also run with a regular Garmin GPS,and I also print out a copy of my Google maps itinerary, just in case.
In just a few words - I think you'll be OK as long as you stay on mainstream routes
Do you have any special concerns such as is your 5er over height? Interstates should have 16 foot minimums, once you get off them, then you may run into some overhead clearances of 13.5 feet but there are some out there with less than that, but they should be marked clearly. It does get to be a pain if you see the signs too late and you don't have any exits to go around, but I travel frequently from Kentucky to Florida, quite a bit to South Carolina and points west of Kentucky and usually the only problems I've run into are the roofs at some fueling places being too low.
I also run with a regular Garmin GPS,and I also print out a copy of my Google maps itinerary, just in case.
In just a few words - I think you'll be OK as long as you stay on mainstream routes
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,653
Likes: 4,737
From: Itinerant
Trucker atlas to start with it will have routes that are safe for them or us. In the front of the atlas there is a section by state that will have low bridges and other info.
DOT sites by states also have info on roads in thier states.
Then there is the rv forums that have specific sub sections of routes traved or best routes.
Let's not forget the bloggers/ vloggers that have info of places they been to and routes traveled.
DOT sites by states also have info on roads in thier states.
Then there is the rv forums that have specific sub sections of routes traved or best routes.
Let's not forget the bloggers/ vloggers that have info of places they been to and routes traveled.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 2,498
From: West Michigan
I've mentioned it here before. https://www.rvtripwizard.com/ Its web based, annual subscription based. You can create trips based on distance, etc. Has height/size restrictions, so that it wont create a route through low clearance areas. can down load the route to GPS. What I like about is that on a multiday cross country trip you can set your min-med-max distances you want to travel, and it will show that on the map. then you can make it show campgrounds, walmart, etc for where you want to overnight, etc.
You are still going to want a GPS for real time navigation, but this was a big help for me as a planning tool.
You are still going to want a GPS for real time navigation, but this was a big help for me as a planning tool.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 31
From: Northern Illinois
I just got a Garmin Dezl 770 and like it so far. I have not used on a trip yet but put in the camper information. Driving to work I go under a low bridge and it was warning me .also ha s the speed limit changes. I am adding the wireless camera to the rear of the camper and a second one on the truck
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
I will consult a hard copy map and mapquest if it is an unknown route.
Then I pull it up on my randmcnally rv gps and review the route it suggests. I will make note of the differences and decide from there.
Then I pull it up on my randmcnally rv gps and review the route it suggests. I will make note of the differences and decide from there.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Witness Protection Progam
GPS is nice and convenient. Paper Maps don't screw up along the route. Yes, I do use the GPS but, I also have Paper to back it up of which I have utilized a few times already.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 110
From: Lakeland, Fl
I plan the route in google maps, then load it into Basecamp then to the Garmin gps. I have poi's loaded from lowclearances.com to keep me from hitting a bridge, and from poi-factory.net for everything else.
My issue with Garmin is when you travel on a pre-planned route and stop for fuel, food, etc. it will re-route you according to the preferences set in gps when you resume. The only work around I have found is to restart the route at every stop.
My issue with Garmin is when you travel on a pre-planned route and stop for fuel, food, etc. it will re-route you according to the preferences set in gps when you resume. The only work around I have found is to restart the route at every stop.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
for planing... no gps.... maps.. internet... there are even internet sites for elevation information.
a gps is for running YOUR ROUTE.. not planning...
I set it for the end of each day.. where I plan to spend the night... and adjust based on time,weather,detours, etc.
I have a Garmin dezl 770 'trucker' with poi factory RV files downloaded to Garmin...
and a Garmin 2597 on the motorcycle.
a gps is for running YOUR ROUTE.. not planning...
I set it for the end of each day.. where I plan to spend the night... and adjust based on time,weather,detours, etc.
I have a Garmin dezl 770 'trucker' with poi factory RV files downloaded to Garmin...
and a Garmin 2597 on the motorcycle.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 396
Likes: 7
From: Wherever the RV is parked
Right now I'm using my cellphone plugged into Sync 3 and using google maps. As many have already stated,
don't trust any one source of information. I check my route on my PC using Google maps, write down route
numbers, exits and carry paper maps. Another good reference is Truckers Mountain Directory. It will have
all the info on passes. I'm planning on getting a dedicated GPS because they generally have more info and
are easier to navigate through set up screens. Google maps through the cell phone has very limited settings.
don't trust any one source of information. I check my route on my PC using Google maps, write down route
numbers, exits and carry paper maps. Another good reference is Truckers Mountain Directory. It will have
all the info on passes. I'm planning on getting a dedicated GPS because they generally have more info and
are easier to navigate through set up screens. Google maps through the cell phone has very limited settings.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,653
Likes: 4,737
From: Itinerant
klbrown mentioned mountain directory which is a great idea for knowing the grades before you get there. I'll check my route for any grades using the directory. Its downloaded on the computer.
Mountain Directory for Truckers, RV, and Motorhome Drivers
Mountain Directory for Truckers, RV, and Motorhome Drivers
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 624
Likes: 2
Any preference between Garmin 770 for truckers vs the one for RVers?
I plan on buying one really soon. I understand you can download a more comprehensive POI database of low clearance structures from lowclearances.com.
I plan on buying one really soon. I understand you can download a more comprehensive POI database of low clearance structures from lowclearances.com.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 31
From: Northern Illinois
I asked that question a few weeks ago. Seems like a slight preference for the trucker dezl model. I went shopping and the 770 dezl was easier to find. I got one for 175 shipped lightly used on eBay
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 624
Likes: 2
Are there other features about the trucker model that make it more attractive?