Traveling secondary roads and bridges

[dtfoster]

We are fairly new to rving, and we prefer driving along the secondary roads rather than the interstates. When planning a road trip is there a website that can alert you to bridge heights, or when on the road an atlas, app, or GPS that works best for these roads? Thanks!

[Ford Idaho]

I have driven several two lane roads when pulling the lite, I just keep an eye on road signs.

I figure if I run across an issue I GPS my way around it, never in a hurry and extra time has been allowed for travel.

I just use the Google map app on my kinna smart phone.

Last year we booked a few days in Crown Villa RV park in Bend, OR.

The lady warned us about a low bridge we would need to drive around, so your host may be a good source of information just ask questions.

[youroo]

State roads that Big Rig's run will be Safe for you! Very few things to see on the Interstate! Youroo!!

[Dave_the_Piper]

Originally Posted by dtfoster

We are fairly new to rving, and we prefer driving along the secondary roads rather than the interstates. When planning a road trip is there a website that can alert you to bridge heights, or when on the road an atlas, app, or GPS that works best for these roads? Thanks!

We use a Garmin DEZL 560. It is for truckers and RVers. You can input your length, height, width, weight and you will receive a plenty of warning. If you are far enough off the beaten path and the roads you travel are not in the data base you will receive a warning that the road is unknown. We are traveling in a 5th wheel that is over 13'.

[Jim34RL]

The Rand McNally RV GPS unit will also route you around low clearances and some tunnels that restrict propane. In the Route folder you can pick your preference such as no interstates, toll roads, U-turns, dirt roads and other items. Under the RV preferences you state the length of the RV including tow vehicle, weight, height, number of propane tanks and size. with this information the program will route you according to you preferences. You can also set the speed that you want to tow at and the unit will tell you if you exceed your set tow speed or above the speed limit.

[Oaklevel]

I too prefer the lesser traveled roads but no road is completely safe I do not like 2 lane roads as I have watched in horror and seen the all too often fatal head on collision from someone being distracted and crossing the center line.......

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by dtfoster

We are fairly new to rving, and we prefer driving along the secondary roads rather than the interstates. When planning a road trip is there a website that can alert you to bridge heights, or when on the road an atlas, app, or GPS that works best for these roads? Thanks!

The best apps are for truckers, of course, and are subscription based. You pay a yearly fee because these are updated according to new construction, detours, etc. An incomplete app is worse than no app at all.
Another point as mentioned by Youroo, federal and state secondary roads are safe, for the most part, because trucks used them before the Interstate system was built. Obviously a two-lane country road with no dividing line is a crap shoot.
FWIW, I look at the trees on the shoulders of those roads. If you see the lower branches have been "pruned" with a right angle to a side-ways "L" shape, box trucks and tractor trailers use the road for local delivery and you're good to go.

[Stetay]

I just downloaded the "Allstays" app. haven't used it yet but you can set it to warn you of low clearance. It can be set up to show you where overbite parking is, state campgrounds, private campgrounds also.

[RFLLambert]

I bought a Garmin RV 760 GPS last year. You can input your RV data and it will warn you. I am really satisfied, at least once it saved me to get into trouble.

[ben31]

Smart Truck Route is a good gps app.

[asquared]

Originally Posted by RFLLambert

I bought a Garmin RV 760 GPS last year. You can input your RV data and it will warn you. I am really satisfied, at least once it saved me to get into trouble.

X2 on Garmin rv 760LMT. You can choose car or RV when using it. You input your rv dimensions and weight. It has traffic alerts too. I've had good luck with it so far. My only downside was the 7" size is bigger than I like.

[Filterman]

Originally Posted by Jim34RL

The Rand McNally RV GPS unit will also route you around low clearances and some tunnels that restrict propane. In the Route folder you can pick your preference such as no interstates, toll roads, U-turns, dirt roads and other items. Under the RV preferences you state the length of the RV including tow vehicle, weight, height, number of propane tanks and size. with this information the program will route you according to you preferences. You can also set the speed that you want to tow at and the unit will tell you if you exceed your set tow speed or above the speed limit.

X2. We have the Rand McNally RV7715 and it keeps you out of trouble well, as long as you set your parameters and put your info in correctly. If you are under 13'6" ,which you likely are you will have little trouble. Just watch
Bridge signs and especially the corner gusset heights on covered wooden or steel bridges. We two preferred roads less travelled.
Have fun.

[bplantcjf]

I use the Rand McNally gps but I also lay out my route then follow the route on Google Earth. When I see a bridge I go to street level and look at the height sign if it is a low bridge.

[JP Camper]

Waze is a good app for your smart phone or tablet, you'll need web access though

[camaraderie]

Cheap and good is the Co Pilot app for android or i phone that lets you program in your preferences including height restrictions. Does NOT need a phone signal to work like GoogleMaps as the maps are stored in the phone. Full version with voice & traffic is under ten bucks....and there are several lesser options all the way down to free. See it here: https://copilotgps.com/us/

[Jon A]

Originally Posted by RFLLambert

I bought a Garmin RV 760 GPS last year. You can input your RV data and it will warn you. I am really satisfied, at least once it saved me to get into trouble.

DITTO.....

[Oaklevel]

I assume that you need a smart phone for these amps ????????

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

I assume that you need a smart phone for these amps ????????

App?

I use a MOTO X phone it is only kinna smart, but yes.

[camaraderie]

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

I assume that you need a smart phone for these amps ????????

CoPilot does NOT require a phone. You can use it on an android based tablet (since GPS is built in). I have a copy on my 10" Samsung Tab which is a bit much for the dashboard (using the phone there) but excellent for my navigator in the right hand seat.

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

CoPilot does NOT require a phone. You can use it on an android based tablet (since GPS is built in). I have a copy on my 10" Samsung Tab which is a bit much for the dashboard (using the phone there) but excellent for my navigator in the right hand seat.

Tablet? mine requires a pencil is there another type? Android thought that was in a sci fi movie guess I better get up to the times............ Sorry........... have none of those things I could check my Beta tapes to see if I have an Android alien in them........ I don't guess anyone still uses paper maps like I do any more either. .............