Maps

I agree the NEXT EXIT is a good tool for planning down the road stops as your progress. I would not count on a single gas station at an exit, but if the books list four or five it is a pretty good bet there will be at least two or three still open.

Though for night planning the next day's run, I'll use my laptop with Microsoft Streets and Trips. It too will be slightly out of date (if you keep it updated) but fairly accurate. Just don't like to have the laptop up front as it's a hazard if something goes wrong. Plus the papermap is usually quicker and less distractive.

Of course, I have never worried about planning fuel stops. I keep an eye on prices and when I get near 1/2 tank I find one with reasonable prices and stop. Only once out of 75,000+ miles did I get caught and that was coming out the back side of Bakersfield. Didn't like the looks of the one station so decided to wait to another. Didn't realize the town ended so suddenly with nothing for 75 miles beyond. Figured I had plenty to make the next town which I knew was big enough for at least two stations, but still sweated it. Stopped at the first station I came to which ended up saving me 25 cents a gallon - and this was back when it was $2/gal.

GGeorge wrote:


I would stay away from Next Exit. If you can read the highway signage you do not need next exit. By the time you get it, the book is normally outdated because hotels (which you do not need), food chains and gas stations change monthly and your book was published last year if you are lucky.

I certainly have not found that to be the case. yes, there are some changes of course but even if the gas station changes brands, the layout and location are usually unchanged.
also, as we drive by various intersections, the wife and I check out places that appear to be RV friendly and highlight them for the next time we are on that road.
I often have the co-pilot check out intersections 30-or whatever miles ahead when I am due a break, fuel, etc. and plan ahead to stop at those locations, not making a decision at the last moment and happen to hit a business that is NOT RV friendly.

bumpy

A truckers map is a good map but not a primary map, As stated the skyline drive and Trace are not on they map because only service trucks are allowed on those roads. I recommend a truckers map because if a truck and trailer can do it most chances are you and your trailer can do it.

The next essential map is a Rand McNally road atlas, it has all 50 states and Canada bound in one spot.

A state map from the first visitors center you stop at will give you major county and state road with a better picture of the road than rand.

I would stay away from Next Exit. If you can read the highway signage you do not need next exit. By the time you get it, the book is normally outdated because hotels (which you do not need), food chains and gas stations change monthly and your book was published last year if you are lucky.

Moved to Roads and Routes

The problem with truckers maps is that they tend to be through routes and not the scenic routes I prefer.
For example you will never find the Natchez Trace or the Skyline drive on a truckers map

Next Exit
Road Atlas.

Regards
Gemstone

next exit is not a map. it is a listing of various interstates and what is available at each exit. buy one. RV friendly sites are highlighted in red (if this is the right one)? Join AAA and get a bunch of free maps. just stop at the welcome center as you go into a state and get a current map and information on things to see, places to stay, etc. AAA has camping books with information the same as one of the major sources.
any truck stop will have a truckers atlas.
bumpy