No two RVers are exactly the same. That’s part of what makes RVing so interesting and enjoyable, too. Today’s poll looks to find out how popular RV trip planners are to our readers.
But first, let’s define terms.
Trip planners
Some RVers love using trip planners because they take the guesswork out of travel. These tools can suggest the best routes, find campgrounds, and highlight must-see attractions along the way.
For those who like to stick to a schedule or want help navigating unfamiliar areas, a trip planner can feel like having a personal travel assistant. Plus, many planners include helpful features like budgeting tools, reviews, and RV-friendly stops, making the journey smoother and more stress-free.
Self-plan
On the other hand, some RVers prefer the freedom of planning their own routes. They enjoy the flexibility to make last-minute changes or take unexpected detours to explore hidden gems.
For these adventurers, the process of mapping out their journey is part of the fun. It allows them to prioritize personal preferences, avoid crowded tourist spots, and experience the joy of serendipitous discoveries that no app or algorithm could ever predict.
And if you’re looking for an RV trip planner, we reviewed some of the best ones (but please note this list was published in 2021 and some apps may have been upgraded and changed since then).
Your turn
Where do you stand? Answer today’s poll question and then use the comments to explain your reasoning.
Actually, SO uses it. I’m more of a wing it plan.
I use 2 different ones and compare the results. I feel safe when planning a route (so I don’t “blow my top” under a low bridge) and if where I am staying (Harvest Host for example) isn’t listed, I can enter the address and be routed safely. It also gives an estimate on drive time, miles, and fuel stops.
Worth the time for peace of mind.
We use RVTrip Wizard for every trip, even for short trips.
Google maps, Harvest Hosts, and various campground apps for trip planning. And critically an RV navigation device that avoids any routes unsafe or undesirable for us.
We used a subscription based RV Trip Planner a couple times and didn’t see much value even when considering the “RV Safe” filter for route selection.
Google maps, GasBuddy and a handful of campground apps do the job for us with no subscription fees.
I agree. I had a free year of Trip Wizard and I liked using it but it wasn’t worth what they wanted for membership when my free use expired.
I have also used the Good Sam planner, but wasn’t impressed. In fact, dropped GS entirely.
Google Maps and various free campground apps work fine for us.
We pull out the DeLorme Gazetteer(s) (we have one for every state we plan to travel) and “plan” our trip that way.
We use RV Trip Wizard to plan and Garmin, Google Maps to navigate.
I have used RV Life Trip Wizard for several years, and feel like I know how to put in my exact stops and routes and go exactly where I want to go. I do double check-out with Google Maps and Google Earth to know if I can pull into get gas (and pull back out). I plan the trip on my computer. Then, when I am ready to leave, I open the RV Life app on my phone, pull up my trip, and listen to all directions through my phone. Before pulling out, I do look through all the turns and stops to confirm that it is giving the directions I had planned.
You and I think alike.
In our case, the trip planner is our TomTom GPS and tour guides. Most GPS navigation systems use the term “avoid” to mean “never”, and may take you hundreds of miles out of your way to avoid a toll bridge or a dozen miles of Interstate. TomTom is no different, but does allow you to use their website to build completely custom routes and transfer them to the GPS unit. Humans are still better at translating “avoid” into “where practical”.
I have a brain and I know how to use it.
The new models seemed to have left that option off…I’ve run into them in many campgrounds lately…Some of them respect my info from my history and say thanks..
My trip planner sits next to me with a map and a camping guide on her lap. She is also the GPS voice. I know where we are going when we get there. I hear: “Wrong turn …. rerouting…” a lot.
I used the Good Sam trip planner until it went away after Lemonis bought Good Sam. In fact, so many Good Sam benefits went away after that, we saw no reason to keep our membership. We dropped it 5 years ago and haven’t been to Camping World since. Anything Good Sam or Camping World provided could be easily found at Amazon, Walmart, or Coach-Net. EXCEPT a good trip planner!
We’re information gatherers, so we use multiple sources to plan trips. Since we have a small TT, we don’t have limitations that large rigs may have. We use road atlases, online mapping, KOA info (usually online), the reservation services for national parks, USFS, etc., do web searches for information on the areas we will be going. We try to buy hard copy maps for hiking and exploring areas too.
Nope. I get on my computer and type in what to see in an area . Then add what I want to a document and so on, with timelines. When done there is a printed out document with stops for gas and food and overnight stops with arrivals and departures for all items listed. Works very well.
I’ve always been my own RV trip planner. I know that I can trust me and then I also know how to take care of changes..It’s great to have those Plastic Cards with plenty of standby amounts of Cash..$$$$$$$.
I sure hope paper maps will still be around as long as I am..
Last year I stopped at a Washington D.O.T. office and showed the lady my worn out shredded paper maps, and asked her for new one’s..
OH! We don’t have those anymore, just go online…
WOW!…If a person ends up in a place with no internet, good luck!
I still use MS Streets & Trips to plan a trip, have for many years.
I also like to use MS Streets & Trips, but am finding it more difficult since MS doesn’t support it any more. And the newer laptops will not load the program – they say it’s missing a certain file to make it useable! Bummer!
We have been using RV Trip Wizard since we retired 7 years ago and have never had a problem. We like to have our trip totally planned out with reservations since we go so far, usually for 2 to 2 1/2 months stopping at almost 40 campgrounds. We have never boondocked but it’s not totally up to me.
I used RV Trip Planner to plan the trip but I use Google map in the motorhome. RV Trip Planner doesn’t perform well going down the road.
I’ve tried a couple, none subscribed though (they’d have to show me more/better before I pay)
There’s two ways to our favorite campground, over (what they call) the mountain, or around the mountain. Steep, couple tight turns. My wife was terrified taking that route in our 25′ class C. No way is she making that in our 43′ 5th. So, around we go.
I’ve tried several apps, and they ALL put us on that mtn. Rd, even after I indicate we have a 100′ RV (which *I* am positive would not make those turns).
So, user, beware….
*I* think, they just “flag” certain routes/roads/turns/bridges etc… that have been reported as “unpassable” by perhaps truckers or users. (Text limit reached it looks)
Oh yeah, be sure to use google street view!
Saved me a couple of really bad turns. No way I could have backed out of that downtown area! under a too short bridge.
Look at the route on a map, check for crowding (towns), tight turns, etc…. then look at those areas on Street View to assess them, then find a way around them.
I subscribe to RV LIFE PRO which I like save for a couple of shortcomings. One of those is particularly aggravating and that is where their map fonts don’t scale right. The more you enlarge the map view, the smaller the Hwy designations get. Particularly the interstate numbers. They cannot seem to get past this issue. That notwithstanding, I haven’t yet found another trip planner that is better.
Thank you, Gail! I have used the Rand McNally one (RV #1 had a Rand McNally RV GPS) and the one included with RV Life. Ultimately these were/are used as inputs into DW planning an RV trip, particularly our trips to Alaska (2019 and planned for 2025). Have a great week and safe travels!