RV Apps:  Which Ones Do You Need?

Technology continues to change and RV apps continue to evolve. With over 20 years of road travel experience, we have tried and tested our share of travel apps. We’ve put together this article to help you choose the RV Apps that best fit your RVing Lifestyle.

Specialized RV apps are designed to make RV travel smoother and safer. Likewise, access to digital entertainment and online shopping are at your fingertips. With weather apps, travelers can track storms, wildfires, and even the Northern Lights. Plus, there are some apps that can help you save big money on fuel.

While we all want the newest wiz-bang product, some tried and true apps are still the better choice. Using the right tools, you can focus more on enjoying your journey and less on worrying about unexpected obstacles.

Let’s get started exploring our favorite RV apps.

RV Trip Planning and Navigation Apps

Traveling by RV is an adventure, but it comes with challenges, like finding the best routes, avoiding low clearances, and ensuring safety. Relying only on popular navigation apps like WAZE and Google Maps can sometimes lead to headaches, especially when these apps don’t account for the unique needs of RVs.

The wrong route can make your trip a nightmare, from getting stuck under low bridges to struggling with tight turns.

The app store is loaded with navigation and trip-planning apps. Sorting through them can seem tedious and overwhelming. Many boast of “being the best” RV app for trip planning. While some are good, these are the best RV apps for planning and navigation.

RV Trip Wizard

RV Trip Wizard is our go-to trip-planning tool. When you enter your destination, it plots your route, calculates miles and travel time, and estimates fuel, site, food, and entertainment costs.

The wizard makes it easy to reorder your stops and add points of interest along your route. You have complete control of your trip, stopping where and when you decide.

Finding campgrounds is easy with the RV Trip Wizard app. Their huge database includes commercial campgrounds, state parks, and national park campgrounds. RV Trip Wizard encourages campers to leave truthful reviews and pictures that will help the RV community.

The GPS component considers your RV height and weight, for safe routing. Scenic byways and backroads often prohibit large RVs and trailers. Google Maps and Waze work well for cars, but not for RVs or trailers. Using RV-safe navigation helps avoid potential hazards.

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is a handy RV app for finding points of interest and roadside attractions along your route. Whether you want to explore a ghost town or visit a quirky tourist trap, this app has you covered.

As you travel to your destination, the Roadtrippers map shows campgrounds, eateries, and places of interest, making it easy to plan stops and discover hidden gems. The GPS component helps keep travelers on RV-safe roads.

With a premium membership, Roadtrippers offers its members discounts on various services, including campgrounds, tire purchases, and RV rentals.

Google Maps

Google Maps offers many benefits, especially for signaling road hazards, detours, and delays. It’s a great tool for staying updated on real-time traffic conditions.

A Word of Caution: using Google Maps alone does not guarantee an RV-friendly route. Google Maps does not account for low clearances, narrow roads, or weight restrictions that can be problematic for RVs, however, it does provide real-time data on traffic conditions.

We use it as a secondary reference alongside our Garmin dezl Truck GPS and RV Trip Wizard to make sure we’re on a safe and suitable path for our RV.

USA Rest Stop Locator

The USA Rest Stop app is a handy tool for travelers, providing detailed information on rest stops throughout the country. It helps users locate nearby rest areas, amenities available, and even user reviews.

This app is useful for RVers and long-distance drivers, helping you find clean and convenient places to rest during your journey.  Sometimes you can even find a rest stop with a free dump station and potable water.  

Finding and Booking Campgrounds

As full-time RVers who travel often, we know campgrounds come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Descriptions and website pictures do not always tell the true story. Finding objective reviews and real pictures helps us make better decisions on booking campgrounds.

From beautiful resorts to free BLM, there is a lot to consider when booking campgrounds. We have found these apps helpful for booking the perfect vacation site and finding a free overnight campsite along our route.

CampgroundViews

We love using CampgroundViews as it provides a 360-degree video tour of commercial and privately owned campgrounds and state parks.

This RV app helps determine which spots are better for big rigs like ours. Paper maps can be vague about terrain, space between rigs, and how level a site is, but seeing the actual space helps us avoid disastrous conditions.

CampgroundViews’ mission is to make it easier for people to get outdoors and connect with nature, family, and friends. Their Virtual Tours allow anyone to see campgrounds and pick their site, minimizing the unknown and helping people discover great places to camp.

RV Parky

RV Parky is a great resource for RVers as it designates Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, Casinos, and Campgrounds along your route. The app conveniently provides detailed information on each property and a quick link for navigation.

You can often find reviews and pictures of the various locations. This feature is helpful, especially when contemplating a quick overnight stay in a Walmart parking lot.

Hipcamp

This RV app provides access to many “off the beaten path” campsites in highly desirable areas.

Independent landowners often offer unique, camp spots for travelers. With HipCamp, you might find a “campsite” in someone’s driveway or a shady spot on a quiet farm. We have camped in both!

Click this link and save $10 on your first booking with HipCamp!

Harvest Hosts

Harvest Hosts is a fantastic app for RVers looking to enhance their travel experience with unique and memorable stays. This app connects RVers with a network of wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and golf courses that allow overnight parking.

It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional campgrounds, offering picturesque and tranquil settings, often with the added benefit of local expertise and hospitality.

Boondockers Welcome

Boondockers Welcome App connects travelers with hosts who offer their land providing a more personal and unique experience compared to traditional campgrounds.

RVers can find convenient and secure spots to camp, often in scenic and quiet locations. It’s a perfect solution for those looking to save money and enjoy a more community-focused travel experience.

iOverlander

iOverlander is a valuable app for RVers and overlanders seeking reliable camping and travel resources. It provides user-generated information on campsites, amenities, and services worldwide, including off-the-beaten-path locations or boondocking sites.

Users can find and share details on free camping spots, water sources, and RV dumps.  With its extensive database and real-time updates, iOverlander helps travelers plan their routes, find essential services, and discover unique places to stay.

The Dyrt

The Dyrt app is a great tool for RVers looking to discover and book campgrounds across the United States. It provides an extensive database of user-reviewed campgrounds, offering detailed information on amenities, activities, and site conditions.

With its interactive map and search filters, users can easily find the perfect camping spot that meets their needs and preferences.

In addition to campground reviews, The Dyrt offers features like trip planning tools, offline access, and a booking system for hassle-free reservations. The app’s active community of campers contributes valuable insights and tips, making it a reliable resource for everyone.

Finding Fuel and Fuel Discount Programs

Fuel-saving apps are a great resource for RVers looking to save money. These apps provide real-time data on fuel prices, helping you find the best deals and discounts available at various fuel stations.

Whether you drive a diesel or gasoline RV, these apps can help you keep more money in your pocket and make your travels more affordable. Check out our recommended fuel-saving apps to start saving today!

TSD Open Roads

Did you know big rig truckers get huge discounts on diesel fuel? Now, you can too with the TSD Open Roads app! This app allows RVers to access significant savings on diesel, offering discounts of up to $0.65 per gallon.

TSD Logistics’ Diesel Fuel Buying program is free to join and can save substantial fuel costs.

The savings vary depending on the fuel station and the negotiated discounts. Typically, you can expect a discount ranging from $0.16 to $0.65 off the posted pump price, with 90% of the savings going directly into your pocket. This can add to significant savings, making the TSD Open Roads app an essential tool for diesel-driving RVers.

Click here for TSD Open Road, use Referral Code RVRS1124 or Robert Strobridge

MudFlap

Mudflap is an app designed to help truckers and RVers save on diesel fuel. It offers substantial discounts at participating fuel stations across the country. Users can easily locate nearby stations offering the best prices, track fuel purchases, and see their savings in real-time. 

With no fees to join or use, Mudflap is a convenient and cost-effective tool for anyone looking to reduce their fuel expenses while traveling.

GasBuddy

GasBuddy is a popular app that helps drivers find the cheapest fuel prices nearby. It provides real-time updates on gas and diesel fuel prices at various stations, allowing users to save money by choosing the most affordable options. 

The app also includes features like fuel price tracking, trip cost estimation, and rewards programs. GasBuddy is a valuable tool for anyone looking to reduce fuel expenses and make more informed fueling decisions during their travels.

Weather and Road Conditions

Weather is a major concern for travelers. High winds, heavy rain, and snow can be dangerous for RVers.

A freak snowstorm can shut down mountain passes and highways without notice. Torrential rain can lead to flooding, causing mass evacuations. Scorching temperatures and temperatures that fall below freezing can cause major havoc for travelers.

These weather-related RV apps will help keep you informed as you travel.

WeatherBug

WeatherBug is a useful RV app, offering detailed weather information that’s easy to access. With its clear hourly forecast, you can plan your day with confidence.

The app also provides real-time alerts, radar maps, and extended forecasts keeping you informed on changing conditions. With WeatherBug, you can stay ahead of the weather, making necessary adjustments to your plans for a safe and enjoyable journey.

AccuWeather

The AccuWeather App is perfect for RVers, offering detailed forecasts for planning your travels. The 60-Minute MinuteCast® provides minute-by-minute updates for the next hour, which is great for anticipating immediate weather changes and making quick decisions.

Additionally, AccuWeather provides extended forecasts, severe weather alerts, and radar maps, keeping you informed about upcoming conditions throughout your journey.

MyRadar

MyRadar is a user-friendly weather app that provides real-time radar imagery to help you track weather conditions. It’s useful for RVers, offering features like animated weather radar, storm tracking, and severe weather alerts.

With its high-definition radar, you can see weather patterns and potential storms in your area, allowing you to make informed decisions about your travel plans. MyRadar also includes detailed weather forecasts and aviation layers, making it a versatile tool for staying safe on the road.

Drive Weather

Drive Weather is a valuable RV App, providing real-time weather forecasts along your planned route. It displays conditions like rain, snow, and wind at specific points on your journey, helping you decide when and where to travel.

The app adjusts your route based on weather to avoid hazardous conditions, making for a safer trip. Additionally, it provides details on temperature and road conditions, enhancing your overall travel planning and keeping you informed for a smooth and safe journey.

Frontline Wildfire Tracker

Frontline Wildfire Tracker is a vital app for anyone traveling through wildfire-prone areas as it provides real-time updates on wildfire locations, sizes, and containment status. It offers detailed maps and alerts, allowing you to monitor wildfire activity along your travel route and make necessary adjustments to avoid dangerous areas.

In addition to tracking wildfires, the app provides critical information on evacuation routes and safe zones. This feature helps RVers quickly find the safest path away from potential hazards. You can stay informed and prepared during your travels with Frontline Wildfire Tracker.

Aurora Alerts

<style=”text-align: center;”=””>
Aurora Alerts is an excellent app for travelers who have the Northern Lights on their bucket list. This app provides real-time notifications on aurora activity, giving you the best chance to witness this mesmerizing natural phenomenon. It includes detailed forecasts, location-based alerts, and visibility maps, making it easier to plan your viewing experience.</style=”text-align:>

For many travelers, seeing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Aurora Alerts helps you chase this dream by offering precise information and updates. With this app, you can maximize your chances of catching the breathtaking displays on your travels.

Safety

Personal safety apps are essential for RVers to stay connected with family and friends on the road. Safety apps with features like emergency alerts, check-ins, and location history, offer peace of mind for you and your family.

Staying in touch through these tools ensures that help is just a call away if needed, making your RV adventures safer and more secure.

Life360

Life360 is a comprehensive family safety app that helps you stay connected with your loved ones. It offers real-time location tracking, driving safety features, and emergency alerts. It also includes features like crash detection and roadside assistance.

The app allows you to create private circles for your family members, enabling you to see their whereabouts and receive notifications when they arrive or leave designated places. This is a valuable tool for the safety and well-being of your family members on the road.

Internet and Connectivity

Internet and connectivity apps are vital for RVers to stay connected on the road. These apps help you find nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and provide detailed cellular coverage maps. Strong cell signals are important for RVers who rely on digital communications.

Additionally, they allow you to check your connection speed, making it easier to access reliable internet for work, entertainment, and staying in touch with loved ones. These tools enhance your RV experience by keeping you connected wherever you go.

These are our recommended Speed Test Apps:

Google Speed Test

This Google feature is kind of nifty. Just type “speed test” into your Google search bar and click Run Speed Test. This speed test is user-friendly and convenient for quick checks.

Meteor App

Meteor App is a favorite for non-techy people like us. This app tests your internet speed and provides a performance rating for other popular apps, like Netflix and Hulu.

Understanding how well the internet signal supports specific activities will alleviate the frustration associated with “buffering”.

Ookla Speed Test App

Known for its accuracy and extensive server network, Ookla Speed Test is a reliable choice for RVers looking to measure their internet speed with precision.

Open Signal

Beyond testing speed, Open Signal offers insights into network coverage and performance. This is a valuable tool for RVers to compare networks like Verizon vs Starlink to find the best service in their current location.

Shopping and Entertainment

RV apps that simplify shopping and entertainment can greatly enhance your travel experience. Easily purchase essentials, stream your favorite movies and shows, listen to audiobooks, and explore local tours and attractions.

These apps provide everything you need for a fun and convenient journey, making your travels more enjoyable and stress-free.

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime offers a range of benefits that are particularly useful for RVers. Members enjoy fast and free shipping on a wide variety of items, which is perfect for getting supplies on the road.

With Amazon Prime, your packages can be delivered to your campground, a nearby Amazon locker, a package receiving center, and USPS General Delivery. Plus, your Amazon Prime membership gives you access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading. There is something for everyone.

Audible

Audible is an excellent app for RVers, offering a vast audiobook library that makes long drives more enjoyable and entertaining. With a wide range of genres and topics, you can find something to suit every interest, from fiction and non-fiction to educational content.

Additionally, Audible allows you to download books for offline listening, giving you access to great stories and information even when you’re off the grid.

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Kindle Unlimited is a perfect solution for RVers who love to read but want to save on storage space. With access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines, you can download and enjoy your favorite titles without needing physical copies.

The benefit of free downloads allows you to explore new genres and authors without additional costs, making it an ideal choice for avid readers on the go.

GuideAlong

GuideAlong is an app that offers narrated audio tours through many National Parks and scenic drives, providing engaging and informative commentary. The narrator’s friendly and enthusiastic personality adds a unique charm to the experience, making the tours enjoyable and memorable.

Working offline, the app ensures you can access these insightful stories without needing an internet connection, making it an ideal companion for RVers exploring the great outdoors.

Conclusion

RV Apps can significantly enhance your travel experience by providing essential tools for route planning, fuel savings, and finding the best campgrounds. These apps offer real-time information, valuable discounts, and user reviews, helping to make your RV adventures smoother.

Whether you’re planning your next destination, tracking weather conditions, or locating convenient amenities, these apps are indispensable for any RVer. By integrating these helpful tools into your travel routine, you can enjoy a more organized and cost-effective journey.

Travel Safe and Adventure Often!