Forum Discussion

wtmtnhiker's avatar
wtmtnhiker
Explorer
May 14, 2021

Adding travel time to Google maps

I use google maps allot while towing. Looking at the estimated time of the trip I'm wondering if you routinely add time to the Google estimate. I normally allow an extra hour for a trip that maps says will take 5 hrs or so. Interested to hear what others do.
  • BarabooBob wrote:
    I also add a lot of time to Googles time. I agree with gbopp, 50 mph average, so I just count on 2 hours per hundred miles. Not much thinking involved.

    I'm going to use this.
  • 50 mph is accurate for us and it makes the math easy to do in your head.
  • From what I can tell, in many places Google Maps uses the actual speed limit in their calculations. I find the projected travel times are not something I can achieved in the western states, as I just won't tow at 80 MPH in Utah for instance. But in states where the speed limit is say 65 MPH, I am closer to what Google Maps projects. But on longer days (300+ miles) I always add an hour or so. Maybe lunch, a gasoline stop, and three or four bathroom breaks! ;)
  • I've found the Google maps estimates to be not too far off for me in my motorhome, for just driving time (not including fuel stops, lunch stops, detours when trying to get back on the route after a fuel or lunch stop, and such like)--at least close enough for rough planning purposes. Driving a motorhome isn't exactly like towing, of course. I do tend to cruise around the speed limit most of the time, at least here in the Northeast where we don't have super high limits.
  • We disregard the times given and go by the standard of 50 miles made good in an hour for the run. This usually works out very close as dog walks, bathroom breaks and a lunch stop will make the google times meaningless. We are also in no hurry so speed limits are not what we go by. Cruise is usually set for about 59 to 64 depending on terrain and traffic.
  • I wish mapping software would have an option for towing. The ridiculous towing speed limits in CA can really alter the estimated time.
  • I also add a lot of time to Googles time. I agree with gbopp, 50 mph average, so I just count on 2 hours per hundred miles. Not much thinking involved.
  • I use Google Maps a lot, they're very convenient.
    I allot my travel time based on a speed of 50 MPH. I believe Google uses an average speed of 65 MPH, which I find to be unrealistic when traveling by RV.