I remember when I was caravaning with my folks as a kid, that my Dad would pore over OS maps checking terrain to plan the best route to the campsite.
No I know that cars have moved on (I have an Smax) and I am pulling a Folding Camper (1 tonne) but should I still be worried about this or just go where Google maps or TomTom takes me?
Is there an online planner for people towing yet?
For the first trip, Google is saying I could shave 20 miles of the route (but no time) by going an A-road route as apposed to the M-way and major A roads. In terms of fuel saving is motorway driving better?
Many people still swear by having lots of maps and planning a route - personally, I check the paperwork for the site I'm going to, to see if they mention any specific local obstacles to avoid, glance at the basic route on Google Maps and then I just follow the sat-nav. If it looks like its about to take me down a stupidly small road, I ignore that instruction and let it re-route.
Loads of route planners on-line (Google, AA, RAC etc) and viaMichelin is good if you're going abroad (and is also the only one you can select 'caravan' on and all it does is update travel times, not the route itself).
Motorway driving, although dull, is almost always quicker, more fuel-efficient and less-stressful (until you hit traffic!!).
Post last edited on 25/03/2011 11:45:06
Post last edited on 25/03/2011 11:47:22
------------- 'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain
I use a map to have a good understanding of the route assisted with a sat nav to support. I use my common sense in which satnav instructions I follow. Any A roads should be perfectly ok. I try to avoid particularly narrow B or unclassified roads.
Motorway would be more economical but you have to weigh this against any extra mileage you may have on motorway.
Some advice I have been given regarding using sat-nav when towing is when setting it up to use fastest route rather than shortest,that way it should take you on A Roads, motorways ect rather than B roads, you might do more miles but at least you should not get into any difficult situations.
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If you plan a route, and your not sure of parts of it just use google earth and starlight view, they even have street view now where you can drive along the route, like your actualy driving it, all free
They are no subsitute for a paper map & the skills to use it. Paper maps don't need batterys, don't need satalite signals, don't break if you drop them, etc.
I personally find a few hours bent over the map before going away can make life much easier when we are out. Not least of which because when I look at the map I spot a whole load of places I want to go. If you have OS maps, take a moment to look over the key. There is a LOT of info on them if you know what you are looking for.
If you arn't sure of the suitability of a route for towing, consider picking up a 'truckers atlas'. These have things like bridge heights & other relevant info on them for HGV drivers. If the road looks suitable for a lorry, you should get able to get your caravan down it.
Hope that helps.
Your milage may vary, my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.
------------- My opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.
I think sat navs are excellent bits of equipment but they are not intelligent! In addition to using the sat nav I would always check the route against a road atlas and if concerned I would look at Google Earth as that gives you an impression of what the actual road is like. If I am visiting a CC site I always follow their instructions which I have printed off from the website.
Hi camp4btan, I now do as all in the posts above, Used satnav one time when going to visit brother down Lowestoft,satnav took me down M6 then across to Manchester,then towards Nottingham,took me on a few B roads that i had to use first gear ,fount camp site at Buxton around 8pm. Best as stated use fastest route on satnav,take map, chech on google maps to see route.
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.
I use a map every time. Probably because I don't have a sat nav. If I get lost it is my fault not a machine's. However, I do see the point of a machine for the last few miles which can prove difficult at times.
Came across two double axle vans on a 1:7 the other day in Sheffield. Narrow roads in a residentail area - parking either side of the road. Even solo you have to wiggle your way up and down the hill. Were they sat nav assisted, lost or just daft. Obviously oin their way to Chatsworth/Castleton area.
Hi, When first got a tom tom Satnav was testing it out,no good Loch Lomond, At Luss and going to Balmaha on east side of the loch, typed in my destination and found it wanted to take me straight across the loch,must have thought i had boat. now stick to map and use satnav for the junctions.
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.
I use tom tom sat nav and a software program called "Tyre,"
Tyre allows you to select your rouet on google using way points and then download it as a dedicated route on to tom tom. (This stops the sat nav from selecting its own route and possibly sending you up some 16th century drovers road.)
I plan the route using Garmin's Mapsource program on the computer plus proper road maps. I then check out bits of the route where I am unsure of the road quality using Google Earth and adjust the route as necessary. I then transfer the route to my Garmin satnav. Job done.
I only do all this when I'm towing, normally I just let the satnav do its own thing.
------------- The Chinster.
Some people are just all show. I don’t mind that if the show is worth watching but ….
I preplan before at home using google maps and then preplan & force tomtom to go the same way by adding waypoints to avoid footpaths & cornish lanes!!!
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Topic: Driving directions when towing
