road trip software?

FerrisFamily, I also like to plan my trips in advance with both printed maps, directories, and computer software. Unfortunately, the best software I have ever found is no longer available. It was the "Campground Navigator" put out by UnderTow and Good Sam (Trailer Life.)

The last version was 2010, and I am still using it. There is a more recent product put out by UnderTow without the data from Good Sam, but that is a fatal weakness.

Anyway, I can plan my stops along the way using the 2010 version just by checking more recent campgound information. The web sites listed still work, so I can get current information that way.

I have not found anything comparable, and Trailer Life indicates no interest in putting out a similar product.

Wish I had better news, but I just wanted to say that planning at home with my desktop computer is as important, if not more important, than the onboard navigational aids. -- And I do have GPS and smart phone.

Matt_Colie wrote:

FerrisFamilyof5 wrote:
yes that's an option, but I just don't want to hop off and pay any premium price. I like the idea of planning.... would you just hop off and pay for any old room or would you plan it?

I won't be running all over looking for gas, however, being a New York State resident, I don't like filling up at the full service rest stops along the NYS Thruway. Prices are raised, so I'd rather hit the local stations. We travel differently occasionally. I don't haul my camper when we go to Disney, so we stop along the way for the night. that's what i meant.

Thanks everyone for the tips...feel free to keep em coming. I'll take anything i can get.

Ferris,

You need to decide that you will be traveling with a smart phone and a laptop. Get one (or both) of the kids to learn Street Atlas. Get GasBuddy on the phone and get the overlays for Free Overnights at the Discovery Owners site and load it to SA. There is also RVParky and Alstays as both a phone app and a website. Then pre-map and enjoy your excursions. Get DW to driving and you can cover a great deal of territory in comfort.

Carrying internet underway can be expensive if you are not real careful and you can get by without it.

Yes, fuel on NYST is tough, but then there are the tolls - too. We use the Southern Tier whenever we go east. Between GasBuddy for Fuel and the free overnights, travel can be very cost effective.

Matt

Oh there are 3 smartphones, 2 tablets, probably won’t be taking the laptop along and one very old Magellan Road Mate affectionately named Duma, (Dumb A$$) I plan on rolling out of Niagara Falls around 3 AM and if history repeats itself, the DW will be unconscious by the time I hit Erie, PA as will the boys. I’m sure I’ll be fine, but I like looking at my route on a map, knowing where I’m going and what to expect. After a trip down a road named Herring Way in the Plymouth area of Cape Cod in 2011, I’m not 100 percent keen on Duma to be on top of things. It’ll cost more to upgrade her maps than to buy a new GPS, so I use my phone for shorter trips, (don’t have unlimited data).

FerrisFamilyof5 wrote:
yes that's an option, but I just don't want to hop off and pay any premium price. I like the idea of planning.... would you just hop off and pay for any old room or would you plan it?

I won't be running all over looking for gas, however, being a New York State resident, I don't like filling up at the full service rest stops along the NYS Thruway. Prices are raised, so I'd rather hit the local stations. We travel differently occasionally. I don't haul my camper when we go to Disney, so we stop along the way for the night. that's what i meant.

Thanks everyone for the tips...feel free to keep em coming. I'll take anything i can get.

Ferris,

You need to decide that you will be traveling with a smart phone and a laptop. Get one (or both) of the kids to learn Street Atlas. Get GasBuddy on the phone and get the overlays for Free Overnights at the Discovery Owners site and load it to SA. There is also RVParky and Alstays as both a phone app and a website. Then pre-map and enjoy your excursions. Get DW to driving and you can cover a great deal of territory in comfort.

Carrying internet underway can be expensive if you are not real careful and you can get by without it.

Yes, fuel on NYST is tough, but then there are the tolls - too. We use the Southern Tier whenever we go east. Between GasBuddy for Fuel and the free overnights, travel can be very cost effective.

Matt

Gasbuddy.com is the way to go. In trip mode you can describe your vehicle and it will use mfgrs calculated mpg, or you can customize mpgs, tank size and even current fuel level. you can select the reserve you wish to maintain also.

I started road tripen in'67. First long trip was from southern Indiana to southern Cal. No software them. Had 6 days to do it in or be awol. Next was a round trip same spots. Next was in '70 from southern Cal. to S.C. All on paper maps and fuel gauge. I have been doing it that way since. We did 49 days and 7k+ miles this spring/summer that way with our rv. Never ran low on fuel or could not find a reasonable place to stay. Why mess with success.

K Charles wrote:

FerrisFamilyof5 wrote:
yes that's an option, but i just don't want to hop off and pay any premium price. I like the idea of planning.... would you just hop off and pay for any old room or would you plan it?

I don't pay for any rooms, that's why I got a TT. Some people ride all around town to save $0.05 a gallon, I don't, if I get 40 gallons I would save $2.00. When I need gas I stop and get it. I am only 53 ft long, if they can get the delivery truck there I can buy gas there. Planing is something I don't do much of now that I don't work.

I won't be running all over looking for gas, however, being a New York State resident, I don't like filling up at the full service rest stops along the NYS Thruway. Prices are raised, so I'd rather hit the local stations. We travel differently occasionally. I don't haul my camper when we go to Disney, so we stop along the way for the night. that's what i meant.

Thanks everyone for the tips...feel free to keep em coming. I'll take anything i can get.

intheburbs wrote:
Gas buddy for gas prices, and road ninja on your phone for other businesses at upcoming exits.

Your mileage is not going to be constant or consistent - it will vary significantly based on grades/hills, wind, etc. Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable planning specific distances to stop. Play it by ear and pull over when the gas gauge tells you to.

Yup. X2

LOVE Gas Buddy.

Worst mileage I ever got (towing into a 50 mph headwind) is about half the best I ever got.

Did you even consider upgrading to Street Atlas? You don't have to use all the features, just the one you are familiar with from Strips and Treats.

Matt

Gas buddy for gas prices, and road ninja on your phone for other businesses at upcoming exits.

Your mileage is not going to be constant or consistent - it will vary significantly based on grades/hills, wind, etc. Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable planning specific distances to stop. Play it by ear and pull over when the gas gauge tells you to.

I use mapquest. I have to guess where to stop but you will eventually get good at it. They have a gas station feature with prices on their map feature.
Pilot Flying J has a trip route feature on their website. www.pilotflyingj.com, then click on LOCATIONS, then PLAN A TRIP. I use that to find their truck stops on my route. We have the RV Plus card and we get 6 cents off the cash price there. Might not be the cheapest but we like the convenience.