Travel apps

[Bfrnk]

What are best travel apps for rving that will take you safest route for the size of your rv?

[MarkTwain]

whjco wrote:
I use a Garmin DezlCam 785 LMT but I also drive charter buses. Some of our drivers use the Garmin that's specifically made for RVs that also allows inputting vehicle specifications. For route planning, I use Garmin Basecamp which is a free program that can be downloaded from Garmin's web site. It allows for creation of custom vehicle profiles and then you can upload your routes and favorites from Basecamp directly to the Garmin for custom navigation. If you decided to use Basecamp, I strongly recommend using Garmin Express to install map updates to both the Garmin and to the computer using Basecamp. This keeps you from the need to have your Garmin attached to your computer to use the map information as well as rapidly speeding up functionality.

My vote is %100 for the Diesel Garmin cam785. for help with towing my 34' 5th wheel trailer for RVing 4 months a year in all states.

[whjco]

I use a Garmin DezlCam 785 LMT but I also drive charter buses. Some of our drivers use the Garmin that's specifically made for RVs that also allows inputting vehicle specifications. For route planning, I use Garmin Basecamp which is a free program that can be downloaded from Garmin's web site. It allows for creation of custom vehicle profiles and then you can upload your routes and favorites from Basecamp directly to the Garmin for custom navigation. If you decided to use Basecamp, I strongly recommend using Garmin Express to install map updates to both the Garmin and to the computer using Basecamp. This keeps you from the need to have your Garmin attached to your computer to use the map information as well as rapidly speeding up functionality.

[bennefim]

I used the old travel life directory app years ago. Loved it but was discontinued.

Doug

[Matt_Colie]

Because I work while underway, I have to have a keyboard, so that makes my primary device a real laptop. That makes Google maps a problem. I can't get it to receive location data from a GPS. When I can make that happen, I may actually give up on Street Atlas. No matter what I have tried to learn to use, I can't get back to the full functions that were available with that.

Because are travelers and not campers. Planning the actual route of travel even for a day in advance is usually problematic. Every time I have tried to preload the maps, we have run off them before the end of the day. This is discouraging. I had hoped that when Garmin bought out Delorme that SA might have a new life.

Matt

[Almot]

LouLawrence wrote:
Both Google Maps and WAZE work just fine OFFLINE. You just need to download your trip before you go. Even if you did not, it's highly unlikely that you have no idea where you are going when you leave so just wait until you pass in and out or cellular service and your mapping program will work perfectly.

I couldn't make Waze work without WiFi after loaded the map. Don't remember the message - I think it was "can't determine your location".
Google Maps don't load in my Nokia 1, very light software, only Maps Go Edition - main roads, no streets, max area is limited.
To use cell phone service on my Canadian phone outside Canada, roaming costs $11/day and my data plan is very limited.

[LouLawrence]

Both Google Maps and WAZE work just fine OFFLINE. You just need to download your trip before you go. Even if you did not, it's highly unlikely that you have no idea where you are going when you leave so just wait until you pass in and out or cellular service and your mapping program will work perfectly.
Neither service will keep you from driving under a low bridge or across a low weight limit bridge so if you like to wander the back roads more than anything then you should buy a truckers paper map to plan your trip around these kinds of obstructions.

[Almot]

Have same question.
Need an OFFLINE app with FREE Voice Guidance - like free forever, without trial period.

Used to have Here We Go - still do - but they did 2 unforgivable things: 1) Suddenly upgraded the app on the day when I needed it the most, it didn't start at all on that on any later date, was just shutting down. 2) After getting to hotel with WiFi and reinstalling it again, I found that it now doesn't work without WiFi. When I have WiFi, I would rather use Waze or Google Maps - as noted, they are the best for on-line.

Sygic app is not bad - despite $33/year for Voice after 1 month trial. It saved my ars in downtown Portland Oregon when I needed to get back on Interstate 5. It showed - offline - a detailed map, my location ~1 mile from the highway (yes, close, but this town is a mess), and the route to I-5 BUT it was flipping between 2 different routes every few seconds. Without Voice you need a few minutes to look and memorize several turns, but it doesn't give you a few minutes! It's also flipping North orientation all the time, when you stand still. Now North is up, few seconds later it's down or left or right. Didn't they teach you in school that North on the map is always up? Alright, changing orientation makes sense when driving, you need to see what's ahead of you, but why it's jerking when you stand still?

So.... can anybody suggest an off-line AND free app with Voice? Covering US+Canada+Mexico. No hiking or flying, just roads.

[jasonadams]

I use Roadtrippers and Roadside America

[2oldman]

Anything would be better than my Garmin

[JonWalter]

I use Campendium and RVParkReviews to find places to go, and Travel planner for route planning.

I also use FlattestRoute to check grades on different routes if I'm going through mountains, or think there might be issues.

If I'm going off of a major highway I'll check the AllStays app or run the route through the CoPilot app for low bridge clearances.

[LouLawrence]

No matter the device they will give you bad directions at some point so knowing the route you want to travel before you leave is most important. Beyond that, Google Maps and WAZE will give you the most currect road conditions and travel directions. They do not provide height and weight detours. I tried a trucker GPS but it would also keep us off roads where no trucks were allowed but would have been fine (and allowed) for RV's.

[nickthehunter]

I use Waze whether I'm pulling the TT or not.

I'm not sure what you mean by "safest route for the size...". You're not pulling a 65-foot long, 20-foot wide, 20-foot tall ranch home on wheels. It's just a trailer, there's thousands of them on the road, most bigger than yours. If you see trucks on the road, you're fine.

[MarkTwain]

Bfrnk wrote:
What are best travel apps for rving that will take you safest route for the size of your rv?

I like using the Garmen Diezel. Will give you all the information you are asking for. The screen is easy to read and see.