Google or Apple Maps for RV's?

DoctorT68 · 01-02-2016, 11:42 AM

Hi All!

Planninga trip to Florida in February and just figured out there is no way to set Google or Apple maps to use only roads RV's can travel on. I don't want to buy a GPS, but would like to see a route and directions before I leave.

Does anyone know of a web site that will do this for me?

Thanks a ton in advance!

Bill

bob caldwell · 01-02-2016, 11:56 AM

Map-Quest......Every state highway I've been on back and forth across US has never been a problem....same with interstates

mikel68 · 01-02-2016, 12:03 PM

This app has some stuff including road changes. I believe most of it is free although there are some optional In App Purchases.

Our 2015 Mobile App Essentials for RV Travel | Technomadia

I think general planning is enough. Things do change here and there, but most of were doing this well before GPS or Google maps. Besides making stories while getting there is half the fun, although most weren't fun while they were happening.

We have smart phones with GPS, Garmin 760LMT as well and they all worked about as well as me finding my by the stars in the afternoon in Arkansas one afternoon. But we all laugh now, my family.

**ependydad** · 01-02-2016, 10:19 PM

I think www.rvtripwizard.com shows low clearances on the map. It doesn't route you around them, but it displays them, at least. It comes with a yearly price tag and it's fugly.

Unfortunately, there isn't a good app/website that offers RVers good trip planning capabilities.

**ependydad** · 01-02-2016, 10:19 PM

My wife is my navigator; she never uses Apple Maps and always uses Google Maps.

Homebrew · 01-02-2016, 10:32 PM

WAZE is a free app and it's the only map app that updates the roads as you drive.
We also use Allstays camping and RV to help find low bridges and campgrounds.

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DustyRoads · 01-03-2016, 02:07 PM

What I did earlier this year was purchased one month of SmartRVRoute. It was a minimal fee but it gave me a chance to test and not pay the higher 1 year fee. It works pretty good except where there is no cell service. We did run into that on Interstate 84 between Scranton, PA and Newburg, NY. So if I am going to do a lot of traveling with my trailer I will purchase a GPS.
The good part of this App is when we were in Charlottesville, VA WAZE APP was sending us down alley's and our trailer would not have been able to negotiate. SmartRVRoute sent us around all that. A little longer but it was spot on. I would recommend at least trying for the month to see if it works for you.
If you do lose cell service; shutdown app and restart when you have service back.
Good Luck and Safe Travels.

Boso · 01-03-2016, 02:55 PM

X2 what bobcaldwell said I use as a backup never failed when the gps did

Red Wolf · 01-03-2016, 03:21 PM

I use "Allstays Camp & RV" app to check my route and make sure that when I get off the highway I'm going to hit some low-clearance bridge. It shows LP gas filling places, Walmarts, Truck stops, parks, RV parks, campgrounds, low clearance bridges, RV businesses, etc. Great app.

Maron · 01-03-2016, 03:26 PM

Two apps we use while traveling are Allstays that has a bridge height feature in the Filters section, and Good Sam which requires a membership but has a good trip planning program.
But the maps program on my iPhone is tough to beat for road accuracy. I used it after dark coming into an RV park in southeastern Arizona. A very dark night and a tired driver followed the green line til it stopped. I thought I was in the middle of no where then a guy knocked on my window and showed me my site for the night.
The funny part was when we woke up we thought we were on an Indian reservation. It was close and thank goodness they were friendly Indians.

X96mnn · 01-03-2016, 03:37 PM

Try maps.me app. I cannot recall if I got it for free or a daily app, I do not use it often and prefer the garmin RV unit.

Should have added Maps.me downloads the maps to your device which can help with data charges.

**Flybob** · 01-03-2016, 03:48 PM

If you have a smart phone check out CoPilot. Does what you want and maps built in so you have GPS and maps even in areas with no cell coverage. Special now so great deal.

n-e-d · 01-03-2016, 04:24 PM

X2 Copilot and Allstays

OscarsMom2 · 01-03-2016, 05:59 PM

I prefer Google maps. I also still carry paper map that I get from AAA. We have a Rand McNally GPS that we are happy with. We've also had good luck with Garmin GPS units. Before the trip, I go online to the Good Sam site to map our route and stops and upload it to the Rand McNally GPS. The reason we purchased it is that it has a large screen and is designed for RVs.

WSY DD693 · 01-03-2016, 11:36 PM

I also use Google, Map Quest, Bing maps and All Stay finds any camp areas and much more for free. I also use Cracker Barrels finder for quick overnight stops when driving through for a good meal and free overnight parking with double long parking for RV's. Much better than Walmart. I believe it was Map Quest that gave me a low train underpass warning too.

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