Best road atlas

As a truck driver: The new large format Motor Carrier Atlas. $65 at truck stop. Orange cover, only recently available.

And state by state "all the roads of " type for those I am in on a regular basis. (The Texas Gazeteer http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?beginIndex=0&item=312&section=10096 is a favorite).

I use a seatback organizer that allows me to easily grab them, use them, and put them back. The pair is heavy.

GPS is only good for distance and ETA calculations beyond metro area traffic alerts (and that only good for checking with other drivers on CB) plus knowing IH system mile markers. I use the 7" screen GARMIN dezl 760. Smaller sizes not much use. But plan where to mount it (I use two mounts: One, a bean bag type and, two, which then mounts an arm I drape down over the top of the dash. THere are rules about blocking windshield. This works well in Peterbilt or the Dodge).

The combo of GPS + paper is great. But I wouldn't miss the GPS too much.

But the subscription weather radar (RADAR PRO) is well worth having on the smart phone.

Have an alternative route, and have an early exit strategy.

DH is a computer programmer/systems analyst. I use to help drive when pulling a TT but I have not driven with the 5th wheel, no reason, I just haven't. He has chosen the Garmin RV since we need a new GPS, but we would also like a atlas type. Thanks for all the info. I am beginning the search.

I'M guessing the world has changed a lot. lol Wal Mart Atlas.6.99 and S/T (soon to be cancelled). Sure hope they don't move the interstates or main highways for a few more years.

Reader1,

You don't give any hint how you travel or if DH is a computer user.
If you travel highways in a Class B or a TT, a paper street atlas might be best. If Walmart still has their street atlas that has the advantage of both price and the listings of possible ONP places.

If, you happen to roll in a large version of a class A, get the trucker's books.

If DH is a keyboard user, get him a nice new Delorme Street Atlas. If you own a laptop, get it with the GPS and buy him a 100 watt inverter so it can work on the road. This package is great for both planning (real good) and underway navigation (that maps are always outdated).

Matt

I like the Michelin atlas of North America. It is tiled, with all pages at the same scale, rather than organized state by state, with scale changing willy nilly depending on how each state fits on a page or two. But that just may be my prejudice as a GIS and computer mapping system developer, in one of my careers.

For the RV, I also use the Rand McNally MCRA so that I know which highways are designated for large/commercial vehicles, and where the clearance exceptions on those designated roads.

I also use the tourist maps put out annually by each state's highway department, as these usually include highways left off commercial maps and atlases, and often include a lot of POI and legal information.

This atlas goes together with our Rand McNally Truckers GPS. The GPS screen displays which page in the atlas we are traveling. Nice feature.

Rand McNally Atlas

Laminated water proof and spiral bound.

I carry 2. GPS lies once in a while.

1. A large print Rand Mcnally (old eyes)

2. One of the LAMINATED Motor Carrier atlases (spiral bound). Laminated so I can use a dry erase on it to plan out my routes. And it does not degrade like paper. Like someone else said, if you stay on the marked roads, you will not have any clearance issues.

Interestingly, these are cheaper at a Pilot then buying on Amazon.

I have the Rand because I think it maybe has more of the smaller roads and road side attractions, etc on it then the trucker atlas.

Tim

Get one that has a spiral center so it can be layed flat or folded over. There is also a large print edition if needed. Be sure the size you get fits where you would keep it.

When we travel the right seet sets up with a Gps, Rand McNally, and Pocket Maps on a IPad. She really likes the big Rand and I like Pocket Maps when not driving.

azdryheat wrote:
Rand McNally Motor Carrier's Road Atlas - it's what the truckers use.

We use this also, I saw my trucker friends atlas and thought it was the best thing since chopped liver! :R