Travel Aides

Tools for Planning, Navigation, and Comfort on the Road

Traveling with a travel trailer can be an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning and organization. Thankfully, there are several websites and apps designed to make your trip smoother. From finding campsites to saving on fuel costs, these resources ensure your adventure stays stress-free and enjoyable. So, download a few before you hit the road, and get ready for the ultimate travel trailer experience!

ROAD EXIT AMMENITIES

I cannot wait to use this guide to find US Interstate highway services: Including gas, food, hotels, RV camping, Rest Areas, Welcome Centers, Parks & more. GPS only gets you to your destination....this book helps to be well-prepared.

MILEAGE LOG BOOK

I wanted to keep track of my trips by distance. This will help to know when to inspect different items on the trailer like tires, towing vehicle maintenance, fuel consumption and more. Note that this is not spiral bound like the picture implies.

CAMPING JOURNAL

I looked at different journals and liked how this one had so many different types of entries to keep track of your travels. Having a journal helps keep track of campgrounds and camping sites.

STICKER TRAVEL US MAP

I wanted a record of my travels to the different states in my travel trailer. I kept seeing these at RV stops and locations, but they were so much more money. I liked how this one had a photograph of each state's attraction without being a cartoon. I put it on the inside of my trailer's door.

US WALL MAP

I am a visual person and wanted to look at the entire map of the United States when planning a trip. This one is very large (32"x50") and dry erase markers can be used on it to markup trip ideas while you are at home.

US ROAD ATLAS

What if your GPS stops working? Have a backup. I looked at 3 different US atlases. I liked this one the best for information and size of maps, plus it has National Park information.

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Website & Apps

1. Camping /RV Park Directories and Boondocking resources:

  • Good Sam Club: This membership program provides access to a directory of thousands of RV parks and campgrounds across the U.S. It also offers discounts at participating locations.

  • Passport America: This membership program provides access to a directory of thousands of RV parks and campgrounds across the U.S. It also offers discounts at participating locations.

  • Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome: This membership option for RVers seeking unique and often beautiful places to stay while traveling. It’s a great way to connect with local businesses and communities. Most sites are self-sufficient, and businesses ask for a $30 purchase or donation.

  • Other directories that I have not used are Thousand Trails, KOA (Kampgrounds of America), RV Parky, Allstays, Hipcamp, Campspot.

  • Campendium: A website and app with reviews of both campgrounds and boondocking sites (free camping on public lands). You can search for locations based on your needs, like dry camping spots or RV sites with hookups.

  • FreeCampsites.net: A free resource that lists free camping options, including public lands and parking lots where overnight stays are permitted.

2. Route Planning Apps and Websites:

  • Google Maps: A standard tool for route planning but be mindful of your vehicle's height and length when selecting routes. Google Maps also helps you find fuel stations and rest stops along the way.

  • RV Trip Wizard: This app is specifically designed for RV travelers, allowing you to plan your route with RV-friendly roads, campgrounds, and points of interest. It helps you avoid low bridges or unsuitable roads for larger trailers.

  • Roadtrippers: Ideal for long road trips, Roadtrippers allows you to plan your route, discover attractions, and find campgrounds along your journey. It also includes off-the-beaten-path destinations.

3. Fuel and Toll Apps:

  • GasBuddy: This app helps you find the cheapest gas prices along your route, as well as identifies stations with large fuel pumps that accommodate RVs and trailers.

  • Trucker Path: Originally designed for truckers, this app is useful for RVers as it helps locate truck stops with larger fueling areas, as well as rest areas and overnight parking.

  • Transponder Systems: Electronic toll collection systems that require a toll tag or transponder to pass through tolls without stopping.

    • E-ZPass: Used in the northeastern U.S., Midwest, and parts of the South.

    • SunPass: Used in Florida.

    • FasTrak: Used in California.

    • TxTag: Used in Texas.

    • Good To Go!: Used in Washington State.

4. Travel expense/budget and itinerary trackers:

  • Tripcoin: A travel app designed to help users track their travel expenses, manage budgets, and keep a detailed record of their spending while traveling.

  • TripIt: A travel organizational app designed to help users plan, organize, and manage their travel itineraries in one convenient place

5. Mobile Connectivity and Wi-Fi Solutions:

  • Mobile Hotspot Devices: Staying connected on the road can be a challenge. Investing in a mobile hotspot like Verizon Jetpack or T-Mobile Hotspot can help you stay online, especially in remote areas. Just make sure to check coverage in advance.

  • Wi-Fi Finder Apps: Apps like Wi-Fi Map, Coverage? Lite or Speedify help locate free public Wi-Fi spots along your route or at campgrounds.

  • Starlink: Satellite

  • ConnecTen: Rural High-Speed Internet

6. Safety and Security Tools:

  • Roadside Assistance: RV-specific roadside assistance services, such as Good Sam Roadside Assistance or Coach-Net, provide emergency support like tire changes, fuel delivery, and towing, which is especially useful when you're towing a trailer. I use AAA for my tow vehicle and travel trailer.

  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): A TPMS, like the TireMinder, helps monitor the pressure and temperature of your trailer's tires in real time, reducing the risk of a blowout.

7. Weather and Navigation Tools:

  • Weather apps: Apps like The Weather Channel or AccuWeather help you stay informed about local weather conditions, which is particularly important when towing a trailer to avoid dangerous conditions.

  • Waze: A navigation app that provides real-time traffic updates, road closures, and hazards, helping you avoid unexpected delays. It can be especially useful in more crowded areas or cities.

8. Mobile Dump Stations and Water Fill Locations:

  • Sanidumps: An app and website that helps you locate RV dump stations and places to fill your water tank along your route.

  • RV Dump Stations: Another tool that lists RV dump stations, providing important details about access and available amenities.

9. Entertainment and Services Along the Way:

  • AllTrails: If you enjoy hiking, AllTrails helps you discover nearby trails while on the road.

  • National Park Service App: Perfect for those visiting national parks, this app offers maps, trail information, and services specific to each park.

  • State and National Park Passes: Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass if you plan on visiting multiple national parks during your travels.

  • BringFido: A mobile app designed to help pet owners find pet-friendly travel accommodations, including hotels, restaurants, parks, and attractions, making it easier to travel with pets.

  • GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor or Viator: Three travel apps designed to help travelers discover and book tours, activities, and experiences in destinations around the world.

10. RVer Communities and Forums:

  • RV forums like iRV2.com and RV.net are valuable resources for getting advice from fellow travelers, troubleshooting mechanical issues, or getting recommendations on RV parks and routes. RVtravel.com is another great resource.

  • Facebook Groups: There are many groups for RV owners where you can ask questions, share experiences, and find helpful tips from other travelers. Many of the groups are also manufacturer and model specific.