Author Topic: Trip planning software  (Read 15070 times)

Keith Cooper

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Re: Trip planning software
« Reply #15 on: November 26, 2015, 12:03:21 AM »
This kind of depends on how you define trip planning. I look at it this way:

RV Trip planning tools are used to layout the route and stops for a complex multi-stop trip based upon your particular driving parameters  (max /min miles per day, campground preferences, fuel mpg, etc.). RV Trip planning is performed prior to the start of the trip and the resulting trip itinerary is modified on an as needed basis during the trip.

RV Navigation tools provide turn by turn directions to get between two or more points using routes which avoid RV hazards (low bridges, etc.). Navigation tools frequently include onboard and/or downloadable Point Of Interest (POI)  files.  Navigation tools may be used on a daily basis during your travels -

Some navigation tools are capable of performing trip planning functions and some trip planning tools are capable of performing navigation functions.

I think a trip planning tool  should be able to do the following:

1. Create a multi-stop route plan based upon your driving patterns. Route plan should includes a time-line and  be flexible enough to allow for last minute changes.
2. Provide an extensive list of RV parks and campgrounds including BLM sites, City, County, State, CoE, NPS, Moose & Elks clubs.
3. Identify discounts accepted for commercial campgrounds/RV Parks (Passport America, Good Sam, FMCA, Escapee, etc.) along with contact information for reservations
4.Identify truck stops, real time fuel prices, current weather and traffic along the route
5. Produce an itinerary which can be converted to a .csv file for input to a GPS, Google Maps or other applications
6. Identify nearby attractions along the route for day trips.

For us the best trip planning tool has been RV Trip Wizard It has allowed us to quickly lay out extensive trips in a relatively short amount of time. For example here is our Summer 2016 trip RV trip Wizard generated a spreadshett we used for direct input to both Google Maps  ( https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zMWDHzd33f8Q.keVPEKMOcSeQ&usp=sharing ) if you select any of the colored points you will see the level of detail. A seperate file can also be generated for direct input to our RV GPS