What tools do you use to plan routes?

[bonvanroulez]

The Allstays Camp and RV app lists low bridges and difficult highway grades on an interactive map. It also lists campgrounds, public and private, Walmarts and Cracker Barrels, Costco etc for overnights, other overnight parking like rest areas, casinos, Elks clubs, etc, in addition to dump stations, repair and supplies locations, propane suppliers and more.

App available for iPhone and Ipad from the Apple App store.  https://www.allstays.com/apps/camprv.htm

For other devices Allstays Pro is web-based and has even more information.  https://www.allstays.com/DL/

I purchased the Allstays app specifically for the highway grades information but refer to it for much more.

 

[Pleasant Travels]

With the extreme heat in the southwest avoiding steep grades is probably a good choice!

This is my concern!

I currently reside in Arizona. Once I'm full time, I intend to stay primarily within AZ, but might wander elsewhere not too far away. But while I have a powerful rig (2006 Express 2500 6.6 Duramax), I'm towing a 24 footer, which is about the maximum this van can do. I have no exhaust or engine brake, so in addition to not overheating pulling up a long grade, I don't want to take on challenging downhills either.

Ideally, I'd like to be able to know the grade and length of those grades for the entire area I might roam. I don't mind going a little out of my way if it means safety and preserving my vehicle by taking routes less severe than what is more direct or popular.

 

[JennyJ]

Is there a travel app that will allow me to put in the number of miles I want to drive on a route in a day, say 400 miles, for the next stopping point?

 

[eDJ_]

Below are two links.  The bottom one is a portal of useful info.  Click on it.    At the top left of the "Links" list is a section for  Trip Planning at Home or on the Road.   Some amazing and powerful tools in that list.

 

[JennyJ]

Thanks a lot, eDJ!

The second link reminded me that I had completely forgotten about GasBuddy Travel Planner, used while fleeing Michigan for Florida five winters ago. I really loved that it showed me where to fill up for my car, which allowed me to plan days ahead of time where to stop for the night, usually after the second fill-up. I could drive a lot longer five years ago.

This time around, I'll be driving slower and hunting for camping instead of motels, so want to stop after the first fill-up. After 60, five years of aging is exponential, LOL!

 

[GypsyJan]

"driving slower and hunting for camping"

Sounds like the perfect plan to me! I am aiming for a 3-4-5 plan when I retire: 300 miles per day max /park by 4 pm/ drive no more than 5 hours per day. That will be only for the days I travel to my next destination. Otherwise, I will stay in one area for several days at a time.