First big trip planning and preparedness

[Boondock Saint]

Hi folks,

At the end of the month I'm embarking on my first big trek in my rig, some 2700 miles and 41 hours according to google maps. I currently don't have any apps on my phone, or yet own a Garmin. I have a 10" Asus Android tablet I can use for google GPS though, instead of the onboard system.

It occurs to me that I should know where to buy gas at places I can get in and out of, rest stops along the way and maybe belong to some fuel discount programs or additional travel insurance and so on.

If anyone could assist in letting me know what I need to look into, much appreciated. Thanks in advance!




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[jacqueg]

For gas, Waze is an informative app.

Check out the apps at All-Stays. They have one for rest stops.

Also, the states you are traveling through should have maps/lists of their rest stops on heir websites, and other information, including their rules about how long you can stay.

 

[lizhazelmyer]

The book Next Exit is a great resource. They also have a website. We got the book at Camping World but it's probably available on Amazon.

 

[mpruet]

It would help to have a rough idea of the starting and ending points.

 

[shadowmoss]

Three apps I use:

Trucker Path
iExit
Rest Stops

Between this I can usually find what I need when traveling.

 

[crofter]

Have at least two phone plans: one for voice and emergency calls should be the real deal with good coverage everywhere. Other phone with unlimited data for a data connection on the road.

I still use paper maps to look at the big picture, and the data maps to zoom in. I use my data connection to make reservations when necessary. I like to know I have a place to stay the first night in a new area. True boondockers never make reservations. 
~crofter

 

[WanderingRose]

I also like the AllStays app, which includes fuel, propane, dump stations, repair, etc., as well as campgrounds.

I used to carry paper maps but have relied on the PocketEarth app the past few years, which has all the usual gps functions and allows you to download maps to use without signal.

It very accurately tracks your location in real time, without signal, and is the only map and navigation tool I now use.

 

[rvwandering]

Start by deciding how many miles or hours of driving you want in each day. Do you have a limited amount of time or can you stop and see the sights along the way?  Back roads or interstates?

For long distant trips I use ggogle maps to plan the basic route then each day pick a place to stop after deciding how far we'll drive that day. I also include one or two  additional stops in case we decide to drive more or fewer miles or if the original spot doesn't work. 

 Freecampsites has a good trip planner that will allow you to add a few options. Campsites will pop up along your route. https://freecampsites.net/#!&query=TripPlanner

 I use gas buddy to find the cheapest gas  https://www.gasbuddy.com/gaspricemap?lat=38.822395&lng=-96.591588&z=4

 Allstays Walmart maps for quick overnight stops https://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm

 Sanidump for dump stations https://www.sanidumps.com/sanidumps_usamerica.php

 

[Tony's Dream]

Like TonyandKaren, I too use google maps to plan my trips. This gives me start and end points. I then search for military bases (I am retired Army) along the way and try to work them into my itinerary. They are good places to resupply, take advantage of the gyms to bathe, and laundry mats to clean my clothing and bedding. I also look at points of interest along the way, including state and national parks using my passport book. After I plot out all of these things, it allows me to break it down by legs. Then I take a look at each leg and literally walk along the route using google maps and try to find additional points of interest such as scenic overlooks, local points of interest such as museums, or historical markers.

Some of you might say, wow far to complicated but it really isn't because it's not my intent to hit everything. It simply lets me know what is out there before I begin. I also know that before I go, things could change because of the weather or vehicle issues. I leave with the idea that I can take a week or a month to make the trip, so I am not constantly pressed for time. I can go some place and decide I really like the area and might decide to stay for two or three days.

I also use some of the apps listed in other blogs to find places to camp for free, or locate local camping/RV parks.