Trip Planning Software

[timandsusan]

As a DeLorme Street Atlas and Topo software for trip planning, GPS route guidance and geocaching--I now realize by current software is not supported by DeLorme that was recently purchased by Garmin. I have not found a Garmin replacement. What are current MOC travelers using for mapping, planning, GPS tracking and geocaching?
If I find something, I will pass it along.

[timandsusan]

I also posted the question on RV.NET. I got about a dozen responses. All said that Garmin had no replacement software with the capabilities of Street Atlas and does not appear to be interested in providing anything. So, the conclusion is to use DeLorme Street Atlas 2015 and supplement it with printed maps as well as vehicle mounted GPS or a simple Garmin GPS to have current road mapping. This is what I am doing now and it has worked well for our travels. I will do the same using my DeLorme Topo for my geocaching.

[mlh]

I have 2015 Stress Atlas but I copied the product key down wrong so I can't install it. If anyone has a key I would be grateful to get it.
Lynwood

[twindman]

I haven't tried it but watched part of a video on an online app. It is at 'rvtripwizard.com'.
Seems pretty good, but it costs $40 a year. I couldn't figure out how to get a real hands on demo tho.
Personally I am kind of down on online apps since you have to have decent wifi to use it. So I am still using a 2011 version of Trailer Life Campground Navigator. Only drawback is the list of campgrounds are 5 years old. But it does map with many options and I don't need wifi. Oh, and I can whip out the computer and check things along the highway if I need to.

[padredw]

quote:So I am still using a 2011 version of Trailer Life Campground Navigator.

This is exactly what I still use for planning (here at home on my desktop computer). It is unfortunate that this program has not been maintained, but Trailer Life dropped it around 2010. I didn't know there was a 2011 version.

I actually use this as the basic planning tool, then use RV Park Reviews and Google maps for more precise routing and campground information. With these three I am able to do trip planning quite well. I put my route notes on a shirt pocket sized card and then use my Garmin as the only "on the road" guide. I have found when there is disagreement my card is almost always right.

[rslopez65]

I have a Garmin RV760 GPS. I use the "Base Camp" feature for trip routing. I also use the Good Sam Trip Planning tool and Google Maps, and will adjust my Base Camp route if necessary. I don't have 100% confidence in any one route planning tool.

[padredw]

quote:So I am still using a 2011 version of Trailer Life Campground Navigator.
This is exactly what I still use for planning (here at home on my desktop computer). It is unfortunate that this program has not been maintained, but Trailer Life dropped it around 2010. I didn't know there was a 2011 version.

I have the 2010 version and use it extensively. It remains a very useful tool. In addition I use Google maps for checking out the exact roads and highways.

It is a great loss that Trailer Life (Good Sam) decided to drop this extremely valuable software. Every year the data grows more dated. The online tools do not even begin to relpace this desktop planning software. I have corresponded with Trailer Life as a Good Sam member of long standing, but have been told there is no plan to produce comparable desk top software. Sad.

[mhs4771]

I too am still using my Delorme Street Atlas 2015 and comparing routes with the Good Sam Trip maker, which recently saved me as my proposed route would have involved a section of Limited Access Highway, (I.E. Autos Only).
I just purchased the RandMcnally RV 80 Tablet and so far it's not worth the power to recharge the battery.

[mlh]

It's real hard to replace the DeLorme Street Atlas. I hope someone eventually has a replacement it's much better than my Garman or my Ford GPS.
Lynwood

[CaptnJohn]

Our Ram nav is totally worthless even after $149 for the update DVD. Our Ford nav is OK when NOT pulling the 5er. I have a Garmin LM 760 and update it before every trip. It is not perfect but better than anything else including my neighbors Rand McNally Good Sam version. I do have state maps and request new ones every two years.