I see posts wherein some have asked about routing from Point A to Point B.  While reading and researching some have suggested that they would not even take an 18-wheeler on some routes.  Are there maps and/or websites available that would help in planning our future travels?  The last thing I ever want to happen is end up, unknowingly, on a steep decline just prior to a hairpin turn.  I almost have nightmares about that... not to mention the brakes going out.  I just want to be as safe and prepared as possible... and I'm learning a LOT here.

How do YOU plan your routing?

Thanks to all.  Because of you I am just that much smarter! 

We plan our trips using Streets and Trips, Google Earth, Rand McNally Truck Atlas and the East and West versions of the Mountain Directory; the latter available on-line or at Camping World, and RV-Park Reviews.com.  (DW uses the Trailer Life computer travel map program just for searching CG’s if we don’t know the area already but not road planning.)  I also use a GPS extensively when driving, but only after I have verified that it is taking me the way I want to go.  Each of these offers different information from different perspectives.

Trip planning also has a lot to do with travel style and time available.  Some avoid the Interstates and some US signed highways like a plague; others use them extensively as they consider them to be safer as to better guaranteed rig clearances, grades and services, others not so much.  They would rather the back roads.  A style thing.

The Rand McNally Truck Atlas has probably the most information in one place, but it takes a bit to learn how that book is “read” and the maps are pretty congested.

Some of the programs I have seen that let you enter the size and height of the rig as a determination of the route are just all wrong.  There are some data bases out there that way out of date and the routing program will make you avoid an entire state.  So take some of those products with a grain of salt until you verify their suitability.

If you take the time to learn these products it will become second nature to plan your trip IMO.  But after you have selected a site for the night, such as a campground or national / state park, unless it is obvious how to get to the front gate be sure and look for specific directions to the location either on the web site or call them.  Don’t trust a GPS or a general map for that matter as to the route.  There are roads on maps and GPS devices that are not really there.  They are “authorized” roads, but have never been built.

Enjoy the process

Bill

Gary wrote:

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Bill and Linda wrote:

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 There are roads on maps and GPS devices that are not really there.  They are “authorized” roads, but have never been built.

 

Enjoy the process

 

Bill

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 I can vouch for this!

I am currently in Nova Scotia on business and I wanted to go see the rise and fall of the tides at Halls Harbor on the Bay of Fundy.  There are gravel roads that aren't really a problem, really good shape, but the GPS recommended a road that I would hesitate to take a Trail Rated Jeep on albeit an RV!

Just be careful!

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Good point and why in addition to checking with the locals I use Google Earth. Amazing what that little camera in the sky can tell you including longitude, latitude and elevation.  Many times I use it to get the actual coordinates for a camp location.  Many of the ones listed on the websites or maps are wrong.