Forum Discussion
Deb and Ed M wrote:
Deb here: I use a 3-pronged approach:
1. A new atlas - large print. I'm partial to the Rand McNally spiral-bound books. I look at it to get a "feel" for where I'm going; might make a note or two about places where I'm switching expressways
2. I have MS Streets and Trips - but there are other (free) mapping tools like Google Earth. I print maps at street-level for specific places I'm going, like RV parks
3. Then I plug in the address I'm heading to (or simply the city) into my Garmin Nuvi. I like having it because it gives me plenty of warning for lane changes, etc; plus it tells me where things like truck stops, restaurants, etc are. Once at a destination (like an RV park) save it to "favorites" - then, if you're sightseeing and get lost, you can at least find your way "home".
X-2!!!
And did routes like US 90 from San Antonio to Van Horn Tx, via Del Rio Tx (457 desolate miles & no Cell Phone Service most of that route), and US 62 from from El Paso Tx up US 62 to Carlsbad Caverns (145 miles and only one restaurant and 0 gas stations). And coming back down US 62 to El Paso, the GPS did not lead me into Mexico by mistake. Took me right to the addresses I had typed in!
The Garmin did just fine and did not take us off on any long horn cattle paths. I will admit that we had taken along the latest FMCA Road Atlas Travel Guide, but did not need to refer to it.
Oh, the maps on my Garmin are out of date, being from 2011. In fact my Garmin is obsolete and there are some new roads that are not on it. When it shows me out in a cow pasture and I am on new pavement, I just keep going and do't panic. Could up date the maps for $49 but I.m cheap. Some common sense is required when using a GPS, like don't pull onto a unmarked cattle trail, or unmarked logging road from the main road you are on if it wants you to!!! We have the both here in the western region of NYS where I live.
Oh. love planning trips on Microsoft Streets and Trips. It makes life so much easier. I know how many miles I am going to do in a day, and what campground to call before I get there to make a reservation at the end of the day. And it even tells me what restaurants are in a given radius of were I am at. I think Streets and Trips is the Cats Meow!!!! I can even modify the routing it gives me if I want to see something in particular that might be a bit our of the way.
About RV Tips & Tricks
Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,115 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 04, 2025