Forum Discussion

padredw's avatar
padredw
Nomad
Aug 11, 2013

Route Planning Software

I am active in two RV forums: Montana and NuWa. I responded to a query on one of those forums about route planning software:


I'm afraid this is going to be a rather negative comment, but let me begin by "accentuating the positive."

I have been using the Trailer Life/Undertow software for several years, through several versions. The latest I have is "2010 Version." It is still good for route planning, but the information about campgrounds is now over three years old. The good news is that "most of the time" the campground information is still pretty good.

I tried to update last year, but there was no later version available at that time. I was happy when I received a notice that Undertow was releasing a 2013 version and ordered it immediately.

Now the bad news: for some reason Trailer Life and Undertow parted company and Undertow is prevented from accessing the campground information that is held legally by Trailer Life. On the other hand, Trailer Life does not yet have (and may never have) a software program of its own. So . . . I find the Undertow new version to be woefully inadequate and often with very wrong information.

Still, I like the ability to plan my route with specific locations for campgrounds. What I am doing is continuing to use the 2010 version of the Trailer Life/Undertow program. I still find it one of the most valuable aids to planning, even with some outdated information. Frankly, I regret even buying the new 2013 Undertow version. It is worse than useless unless they can get access to the campground information.

I don't know of any other software out there with comparable value for RV route planning. Wish I had better news.

20 Replies

  • Been using S&T since it was automap,and update every other year, love the way gpx files can be added
  • trailertraveler, I do use POI Factory for my Garmin. I haven't tried to import into the Undertow program but will give that some attention soon.
    We just got back from a 5500 mile trip up to Glacier, Oregon, Crater Lake, etc. I used the old Trailer Life/Undertow all the way and it was my basic planning tool. It is a shame that Trailer Life and Undertow did not work together in an updated version of this good program.

    The great advantage of this software is that the actual campgrounds become the basis of the planning. That is far better than just having a general mapping program. I plan my stops based on the campground information.

    Thanks for the suggestion. I will give it a try.
  • padredw,

    Can you import data (POIs) into the Undertow program? If so, maybe one of the formats available on the Discovery Owners Forum or POI Factory will work to let you add updated campground information. They seem to update the major systems like Good Sam, Passport America, and KOA at least once a year.
  • Wish I had seen this a week ago. I'm using the 2011 TL version, and just ordered the Undertow package.

    Oh well. Back to looking for hatchet marks on the trees.

    GM
  • I'm still using the Trailer Life Directory & Navigator 2011 version. I like it because I can add new campgrounds or ones they don't have highlighted. I wish there was a newer version, though.
  • Can you tell me how many stops you can have on one trip? For example Google maps limits it to 26


    With Streets and Trips you are not limited and can program as many stops or via points as you want. I use S&T along with Garmin BaseCamp to plan our routes.
  • here is the newest version of Undertow. It doesnot have as much information as TL version.
    Undertow
    I use Micros Streets and Trips for main trip routing in conjunction with the Pharos GPS antenna.
    I use te Undertow products for loacting campgrounds along with my Rand McNally 7710 GPS.
  • Road Runners wrote:
    I have been using Microsoft's Streets and Trips for many years now for both trip planning and enroute navigation. It has all the bells and whistles you asked for. I highly recommend it.


    Can you tell me how many stops you can have on one trip? For example Google maps limits it to 26.
  • I have been using Microsoft's Streets and Trips for many years now for both trip planning and enroute navigation. It has all the bells and whistles you asked for. I highly recommend it.