I noticed there is some good advice in this section about specific trips and routes. I was wondering if anyone can recommend an app or website that provides good information for RV travel? Many times I can map out a route, but it doesn't necessarily tell me what the roads are like. Are there big hills to negotiate, sharp curves? Sometimes it pays to drive a longer route to avoid these perils, but I would like to make a good informed decision before I leave. We actually prefer taking back roads and avoiding the highways, but again with 60' of rig, we want to know what we are getting in to.
The All Stays appears to be a great resource, especially for planning where to stay. Although I have only briefly perused it, it doesn't appear to provide much on the actual roads...but again, I will look deeper. It will definitely be added into my favorites, and we will eventually get the app.
It does provide info from Mountain Directories which tell you grade, etc. for all mountain passes, etc. For specific road conditions best thing to do is look at that state's Highway Department web site which will give you up-dated information on each road. We try to use US highways and occasionally interstates, and often will look at Goggle Earth the night before at our next stopping place - if we see semis on the road, we know we will be fine.
Each state has its own Department of Transportation. Visiting a particular state's DOT Web Site, prior to departing on your next trip allows for proper planning of alternate routes depending on traffic conditions, construction, weather and other items. Most state DOT's also have their own mobile apps as well - downloadable from the App Store.
Or, you could go 'Old School' in a pinch and dial 511 for local road conditions.
Thanks to all for the replies and great advice. I had considered the State sites, and had used them in the past, but just wondered if anyone had taken the concept to the next level of convenience! We also ride a Harley, and I have found a few sites that are very specific on road types and conditions. This allows us to choose roads that will provide a scenic ride...when we are on the bike, we could care less about point A and B, just loving the journey.
'Waze' is a great app for road issues, we use it along side our RV GPS (Garmin) We also use an app called Roadbreakers, this one gives you overnight parking options along your route, WallyWorld, rest areas, flying j etc. IExit is another good app, tells you all the services, restaurants etc that are available at upcoming exits along your route.
Kim x
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2016 Vilano by VanLeigh, 2012 F350 Diesel SD 6,7L long bed SRW
Staying at Greenlakes RV Resort nr San Antonio TX
Kim is way too busy planning to have a 'real' job!
Jay is a civillian Gov't Historian Randolph AFB TX (retired AD in '07 after 23 yrs)
Technology has completely changed the way we travel. Even when going on an off-grid adventure, we document every detail to save as soon as we’re back in an internet connection. Anytime planning a trip, I've used several apps and found them really useful: Stay calm, Explore, Get Around. About website I think Travel+Leisure is among the best providing kind info about beautiful destinations and travel tips. when it come to RV camping, I regularly read some tips from Outdoor Fact