RV Travel Apps – Handy Tools For Digital Nomads

Technology Can Save the Day!

The life of a digital nomad is on the rise, and more people are embracing the freedom it brings. For RV travelers, this shift means hitting the open road, exploring new places, and connecting with nature. But with the perks come the challenges. That’s where technology steps in to save the day.

These days, RV living isn’t just about having a home on wheels. It’s about staying connected with the world, ensuring your route is safe and efficient, and finding the best spots to park for the night. Enter RV travel apps – the unsung heroes of modern nomadic living. These apps help you navigate, find campgrounds, track maintenance needs, and stay connected with your loved ones.

Where to start? Let’s break down some of the most popular categories of RV travel apps.

Navigation and Mapping Apps keep you on track and help avoid low bridges and narrow roads that might not suit your vehicle size. Then there are Campground and Site Finder Apps that make finding the perfect spot for a night’s rest a breeze. Lastly, Maintenance and Connectivity Apps ensure both your RV and its residents are safe, happy, and connected.

Navigation and Mapping Apps

Navigating the open road in an RV is different from driving a regular car. You need tools that understand the unique needs of RV travel like larger vehicle dimensions. That’s where specialized navigation and mapping apps come into play.

These apps offer features tailored specifically for RVers. You’ll find options to input your vehicle’s size, height, and weight, ensuring you avoid low bridges and narrow roads. Google Maps is great, but consider apps like CoPilot, which allows you to create routes tailored for RVs, or Waze, which is known for real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions.

CoPilot is excellent for its RV-specific navigation. You can input your RV dimensions, and it will plan the safest route around restrictions. Google Maps, although not RV-specific, offers fantastic general navigation and is especially useful in urban areas for finding services and amenities. Waze shines in providing community-sourced real-time traffic conditions, helping you avoid unexpected jams and road hazards.

Garmin products are some of the best if you want a robust GPS navigation system! We have over two hundred thousand miles traveled in RVs and systems like this have been the best! Our current RV, like others we have had, has its own onboard GPS navigation system, but they are still not like having a Garmin unit placed in plain view to clearly see while driving.

Our current RV, like others we have had, has its own onboard GPS navigation system, but they are still not like having a Garmin unit placed in plain view to clearly see while driving. Check out the Garmin RV 1090 unit. This is the Cadillac of systems to getting you safely to your destination.

The large screen offers many features to help you navigate places you have never been. It also has many other features: hands-free navigation, hands-free phone calls, road and traffic warnings, and more!

Real-life scenario: Imagine you’re maneuvering a 40-foot rig and come across a narrow road or a low bridge, causing a big headache. Perhaps apps like CoPilot could help avoid these situations by planning a safe, suitable route from the get-go.

Balancing these tools can make a world of difference. Combining Google Maps for general mapping and services with CoPilot for tailored routes ensures safety and convenience. Plus, the community insights from Waze add an invaluable layer of real-time updates. The right blend of these tools transforms the challenges of RV navigation into a smooth ride.

Campground and Site Finder Apps

Finding the perfect spot to park for the night can make or break your RV adventure. The right campground can offer that serene lakeside view or a convenient location near must-see attractions.

Campground and site finder apps are essential tools for this job. They offer comprehensive databases of campgrounds, RV parks, and even boondocking sites. Popular choices include Campendium, RV Parky, Passport America, and AllStays.

Campendium is a treasure trove for RVers. With user-generated reviews and photos, you get a real sense of what to expect. It covers everything from amenities to the quality of the cell signal at each site. Plus, finding free camping spots is super easy.

RV Parky is another great option, providing a straightforward interface and detailed information on RV parks. You can browse by amenities, rates, and even see reviews from fellow travelers. This app is especially handy when you need a quick overnight stop and don’t have time for detailed research.

AllStays is like the Swiss army knife of RV travel. It covers campgrounds, rest areas, and other overnight stopping points. You can filter based on your needs, like pet-friendly spots or those with full hook-ups. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your camping needs.

Why do user reviews matter so much? They give you the lowdown on real experiences, not just marketing fluff. Reading about other travelers’ experiences can save you from potential disappointments. Whether it’s a hidden gem or a place to avoid, these insights are gold.

Using a combination of these apps ensures you have a broad view of available options. Start with Campendium for in-depth reviews, follow up with RV Parky for a quick look when you’re on the move, and finalize with AllStays to check all the boxes. This way, you’re covered from all angles, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

Maintenance and Connectivity Apps

Staying connected and keeping your RV in tip-top shape is essential for any road warrior. The right apps can help you manage maintenance tasks, find the cheapest fuel, and stay connected with friends and family.

A solid internet connection is crucial for digital nomads. Apps like Speedtest by Ookla can help you find the best spots for connectivity wherever you are. Pair this with a good mobile hotspot for reliable internet access even in remote locations.

Maintenance apps like RV LIFE Maintenance Tracker are a game-changer. This app helps you keep track of essential maintenance tasks. From oil changes to tire rotations, having a record ensures your RV stays in optimal condition and avoids costly breakdowns.

Fuel costs can add up quickly. GasBuddy is an excellent tool for finding the cheapest gas stations along your route. Over time, the savings really add up, giving you more budget flexibility for fun activities.

We use the TSD/OpenRoads fuel card for diesel. It offers thirty cents to almost a dollar at fuel stations around the US. If you go to this link and sign up, you can start saving, too! When asked, you could do us a favor and use the name “Howard Jaros” as the “referral by” person. We would appreciate it! After all, we will save you a lot of fuel costs!

Roadtrippers is another versatile app that combines route planning and discovery features. Find interesting stops, historical sites, and scenic routes, making your road trips more enjoyable and enriching.

Keeping track of multiple tools might seem daunting, but integrating these apps into your daily routine makes life so much easier. A smooth-operating RV means more time to enjoy the journey and all the wonderful places you visit.