By Chuck Woodbury
The 2022 Rand McNally Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas is the atlas that truckers rely on to plan their routes. It helps them get “there” the fastest while avoiding roads where they could get stuck with turns too tight or bridges too low to fit through without shaving off their roofs.
I’ve used this guide for years, mostly when traveling in my Class A motorhome east of the Mississippi. That’s where the most problematic roads and low bridges and tunnels are found. Oh, they’re everywhere, but far less common in the West. The last thing any RVer wants is to get stuck at the entrance of an underpass or tunnel and need to stop and turn around. In rare cases it can be impossible without the help of law enforcement (and extreme embarrassment to the driver as other motorists curse you for the traffic delay).
This is an excellent road atlas, of course, but for any RVer driving a super-sized motorhome or towing a big fifth wheel trailer, it’s invaluable, at least in my opinion. I even relied on it when I traveled with my Winnebago View, which was only 24 feet long, but too high to fit under many bridges on rural highways and country roads.
While I always travel with a dedicated GPS or use Google Maps on my iPhone, I find this atlas to be incredibly valuable if, for nothing else, peace of mind. I can simply look at my intended route in the atlas and see far ahead to determine immediately if are there obstacles along the way. If so, I’ll plot another course.
You’ll likely find the atlas at truck stops, or it’s available at Amazon. If you’re a member of Prime, you may be able to get it delivered within 24 hours.
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REAL Truck Stops usually have this important resource in stock, often at a discounted price. Because these atlases have gotten more expensive, some truck stops keep these atlases behind the counter so, if you don’t see it on the shelves, ask! I always buy the HEAVY DUTY spiral bound edition. The pages are coated so I can use a Dri-Erase pen to highlight my route and make notes. This edition will also open flat and can “fold over” on itself. When done, the pages easily wipe clean. The “Motor Carriers’ Atlas” also has a WEALTH of information re laws and includes contact information about each state. It’s basically the BIBLE of highway information.
The truckers atlas is invaluable, as you say if you’re traveling with a tall vehicle it can sure save your butt. Speaking of clearances New York has the weirdest way of marking overhead clearance. Their calculations are based on 6” of snow on the ground, the first time I went to go under a railroad underpass I saw the clearances and slammed on the brakes, shortly a person stopped going the other way and told me it was safe as he drove a 13’6” trailer through it everyday. Afterwards looking in my atlas it was noted as such. If you don’t know this it could be disastrous.
What make and model would you recommend for a gps rv?
Sadly, there is NO “perfect” RV GPS unit (and I’ve looked at all the brands out there). A buyer needs to ask if a prospective GPS unit is suitable for HIS / HER situation. Some don’t allow you to enter high RV GVWRs (over 26,000#). Others don’t allow the user to enter how much propane is carried. Some units don’t do well with LONG RVs (think OVERALL length if you have a toad / trailer). You’ll have to do your homework here paying attention to the DETAILS that are important / apply to YOUR situation. For a hypothetical STANDARD C coach (NOT a SUPER-C!!!), Garmin makes several nice units (NOT their “dezl” truck GPS). Again, LOTS of variables so, there’s NO “pat” answer. 🙁
I retired from truck driving, but I still use my truck edition Rand McNally GPS. I can set it for heights, weights, and on and on. It keeps me off of routes that I don’t want to find out about the hard way. The RV edition will give the same results.