Walmart Road Atlas

[speedhighway46]

Hello everyone:

Searched the forum for this subject and found nothing, so I don't think I am starting a redundant thread.

My current road atlas is now five or six years old, and I decided to get a new one. I have purchased the Walmart version atlas by Rand McNally in the past; and that's what I wanted this time; maybe try the spiral bound kind so it would lay flat on the table. Ive always been happy with this road atlas.

I have bought this atlas in the past because: a> its cheaper than the non-Walmart version of the same atlas; b> it has a listing of all the Walmart locations in the back; and 3> Im a big Walmart supporter because they let me stay in their lots; I do a lot of Walmart Hilton camping each year.

So I stroll into my local Walmart the other day to pick up a 2015 or 2016 version. I remember these used to be stacked up like cordwood at the check-out lanes. On this trip; nothing. Asked several sales folks and they said maybe in "books"; nothing. Talked to the department manager and it seems as if Walmart no longer carries their atlas in the stores.

Went on line to Walmart to purchase. All they sell is the generic Rand McNally atlas now; no store listing in the back. Product reviews contained many comments of sub-quality complaints (pages stuck together; no map overlap across pages; no store directory.

Does anyone know the real story on this; or has anyone bought a new version of the Walmart Road Atlas in the past month or so?

Thanks.

 

[compassrose]

I haven't actually looked for one. The Atlas I have is a 2010 Michelin. It was a spiral bound and I found the maps easy to read. I have since tore it apart and each sheet slips into a standard sheet protector (so I can use wet erase markers to plot my trips and stops). I use my old 2013 Streets & Trips (with the POI Megafile) and AllStays.com to find places like Sam's Clubs, Cracker Barrel and Wal-Marts to stop overnight at. You might try to see if FMCA.com has an atlas that will work for you. I tried to look before I mentioned it but the site (store) is down for maintenance. So you will have to look it up for yourself (http://www.fmca.com/ > under "HOME" on the left hand side of the page a drop down menu will have Shop FMCA Store)


When I leave again to head back east, I will get another Michelin or a Rand-McNally along with an new The Next Exit. I will probably get the Allstays RVers app for my tablet (with the larger screen) or I will breakdown and buy a GPS (used). Probably the GPS since I have no speedometer in the bus and I can buy a used GPS for less than a new cable.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We looked in several stores before finding Wally's 2016 addition.

 

[rvpopeye]

I'll check the next time I go to Wally's.
Bought one last year, they do (did) seem to run out from time to time.

 

[TMG51]

People still look at pieces of paper for directions? :huh:

 

[akrvbob]

My guess is they have just run out and will get more in eventually. Check with other stores nearby, chances are you'll find one.

I prefer the National Geographic Road Atlas. The extras are okay, but I prefer the maps themselves and it's spiral bound. They make a Large Scale one for older eyes http://amzn.to/1jkg1hI

But I always buy a Benchmark or DeLorme Atlas of every state I spend much time in, they are far superior. I prefer the Benchmark. But they get expensive of you buy one for each state you spend a lot of time in.
Bob

 

[buckwilk]

They are most always back by the tire desk.

 

[USExplorer]

Every state hands out free state maps at their visitors centers. I've collected a whole bundle of them. I do have a beat up Rand McNally on my dashboard for those states with poor quality maps like New Hampshire. I deliberately refrain from becoming dependent on electronic gadgets, preferring to depend on my sense of direction and my truck's compass. I kicked the GPS habit back in the spring, and now it stands unused on my dashboard.

 

[compassrose]

They are most always back by the tire desk.

What tire desk? Ah, the joys of only having a semi-super wal-mart.

 

[rvwandering]

We've been looking for the Walmart Rand McNally road atlas with the stores listed in the back for quite a long time. Our old one was falling apart and loosing pages so we finally broke down and got one without the store listings. To tell the truth I don't think we'll miss the listings much because I've gotten used to checking Alstays before we start driving and entering the stores in our GPS. The GPS is a recent putchase, love it.

We ended up with a large scale, spiral bound Rand McNally..

 

[Dust-In-the-Wind]

I was under the apparent mis-impression that Walmart had discontinued their version of the atlas. I'll have to look again. Thanks!

 

[LeeRevell]

People still look at pieces of paper for directions?  :huh:

I am NEVER without maps and atlases.  GPS will fail, and can be wildly inaccurate.  It is electronic after all, and electronics are not that reliable.  Been there, done that, found my way with a map. 
I use my Delorme atlas when I am in a state that I have one for, otherwise it's the Wally Atlas/Map. 
I currently have four dedicated GPS units,  one no longer syncs, one is utterly useless, one is barely useful but unreadable on the dash, and my big Magellan Roadmate is inaccurate, once literally 180 degrees out of whack.  When I need a 'GPS' function, I use my SIII smartphone.  It is readable and accurate and fits my dash mount.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

People still look at pieces of paper for directions?  :huh:

Yes and it is a dying skill.  Interesting to watch new Boy Scouts go catatonic when we take their electronic gadgets away and require them to navigate with map and compass.  Always have a low tech backup and always know where you are on a map.

I find GPS best for finding my way around an unfamiliar city and for marking my way back to my vehicle on a hike (but don't depend on it).

Every state hands out free state maps at their visitors centers. 

I always get the official state map as I cross into a new state.  They are bigger than the RM atlas maps and the whole state is on one sheet unlike Benchmark or Delorme, so is easier for initial planning.  Eventually go to the 1:10,000 USGS maps for best resolution.

-- Spiff

 

[highdesertranger]

I use both paper and electronic maps. I much prefer paper maps. the electronic are handy for some things. but they are not near as reliable as a paper map. highdesertranger

 

[akrvbob]

Once you leave the pavement, every automotive GPS I've ever seen is not just wrong, it's wildly, fantastically wrong.

I rarely go for a drive where I don't leave the pavement so I rarely use GPS.
Bob

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Once you leave the pavement, every automotive GPS I've ever seen is not just wrong, it's wildly, fantastically wrong.

I rarely go for a drive where I don't leave the pavement so I rarely use GPS.
Bob

Magellan has just announced the Explorist TRX7 Off-Road Navigator, designed for use by 4X4s and ATVs.  They claim it comes pre-loaded with over 44,000 roads and trails on public land.

http://www.magellangps.com/Vehicle-Navigation/Magellan-eXplorist-TRX7-Off-road-GPS-Navigation

Regards
John

 

[travlinman and wife]

if you have state farm ins most agenceys give away free  road atless