Planning a Cross-Country RV Trip? Follow This Guide!
RV trip planning is stressful. Now add a 4-5 ton load behind you and it gets overwhelming! Say goodbye to outdated maps and hello to instant access to roads, campsites, fuel stations, and more. Get ready for a seamless RV travel experience with today's technology at your fingertips.
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Maps, Apps, and an RV Safe GPS?
Let’s dive into the meat of traveling, especially when it comes to RV travel— the route. When you're starting, it will be a little intimidating to know what roads to take, especially in an unknown area. Our first app recommendation is free— Google Maps. There are four things to look out for; low clearances, tunnels, weight-restricted roads, and tight turns. When in doubt, use the semi-route! It also pays to know and memorize your RV height and weight so that if you approach a questionable area, you can utilize surrounding signage to make your best judgment call.
Next up in route planning is a paid program called RV LIFE.
RV LIFE is a great contender for trip planning because it is built specifically for RV’s! You can type in your RV height and length and it will avoid going through areas that may have low clearance bridges, etc. You can also type in your MPG and average speeds, and it will tell you the radiuses for fuel stations. The program will also show campgrounds along the way!
Some features are more accessible via desktop or tablet, however, the GPS feature is fully functioning within the app along with some other components.
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Fuel Stops
If you’re a diesel truck owner, you’re in luck! Open Roads offers a discounted rate on bulk diesel and many truck stops. We use this app to plan our fuel stops as much as possible. There are usually several participating locations along our trip routes. The great thing is, usually you won’t have any problem getting in and out because of the size of the lanes. Although you have to apply for this, it is completely free and the process takes just a couple weeks from start to card in hand. It is well worth it because of the fuel savings!
One thing of note is that most truck stops will have ample room for you to pull in, around, and through. We like to recommend using Google Maps, as well since it is updated constantly. We use Google’s satellite view to check out the next fuel stop which allows us to see the size of the parking lot etc. One additional thing, if you drive a diesel, most of these truck stops will also carry DEF fluid. GasBuddy is a great alternative to scout fuel prices or where Open Roads doesn’t apply.
*Pro tip: Be sure that you plan these in advanced based on your towing mpg, or if you have a co-pilot, start looking earlier rather than later to avoid risk of running out of fuel!
Within the Open Roads app
Once your transaction is processed, you will have a detailed transaction statement for your diesel savings right at your finger tips! Open Roads will deduct the total after a few business days from the bank account you link to your card!
Travel Day Meals
Nobody likes getting hangry. When pulling over you may not be able to put your slides out just anywhere. So if you can't access your pantry or fridge, plan ahead! Sandwiches and quick snacks are super handy for a travel day. There are some restaurants you can fit in such as Cracker Barrel, but Walmart also has restaurants surrounding, or you can run by their deli! Buccee’s (which also makes for a great fuel stop) or other large gas/truck stops are good contenders as they usually have a restaurant, as well. If you are unsure if a parking lot can accommodate your rig, call ahead or check the satellite images on Google Maps!
Stays and Overnight Stops
It’d be amazing to snap your fingers and be at your preferred destination, but sometimes far distances call for an overnight or a few day’s visit between A to B. Knowing your threshold for a travel day helps to plan where you will need to stay for the night. Fellow RVers use the 3, 3, 3 rule- Drive no more than 300 miles a day, arrive no later than 3 PM, and/or stay 3 days. Everyone’s circumstances are different, however, trial and error goes a long way in deciding how your travel days and stops are best suited. Whatever it looks like for you, is how you will decide where and how long to stay. A few apps that are fantastic for either quick overnight stays or long-term parking are All Stays Pro, Campendium, Boondockers Welcome, and Harvest Hosts!
Get on the Road
No matter where you’re headed in your RV, there’s an app to help you get there. By planning out your route, food, and fuel stops, and places to stay ahead of time with one (or all) of these great apps, you can ensure that your trip is smooth sailing from start to finish.
Watch this video for more details on RV Trip Planning!
