Maximize Your RV Adventures with RV Trip Wizard's Expert Trip Planning Tools!

[@MichaelPicher43]

Hey, from Maine (just outside Augusta...). If the dates hold up, that will be a great time to be on the coast (personally, I'll be up around Moosehead lake in the North West corner of the state). You might want to stay up towards route 1 a little more as it would make getting to the different peninsulas a little easier. Boothbay is nice but you'd probably only get a day or two out of it. Rockland and Camden are worth a visit. The state park in Camden offers fantastic views (a road to the top or easy hikes). And of course Portland and Freeport. Hope you have a great visit and reach out if you have questions.

[@WilliamNau]

I have tried all the different RV trip planners and have found RV Life the best for us. I have tried the GPS feature and found it's routing the same as our RV Garmin. But the Garmin has so many extra features plus far better lane guidance. Our normal mode of operation is I have Google maps on truck display, and the Garmin off to the right. We have found that both, at times, either GPS will come up with really stupid routing. If they give us different results, my wife will research on her phone and decide the better route. This has worked for us in 50,000 miles of RV travel. We also use Google calendar and share it with our kids so they know where we are and when we will be home for grandkid babysitting.

[@barbdwyer22]

Agreed. It is common practice amongst experienced RV users anecdotally. We have a similar process to them. RV Life is best for planning, Maps for research and backup, and Garmin for live RV driving. It works extremely well and largely avoids the pitfalls of any individual system. I tow with far more peace of mind using this technique.

[@williamhaynes1367]

Been Using rv trip wizard for about 3 years. We love it. One thing I noticed is you can’t delete a trip once created. You can archive it but I haven’t found a way to delete it entirely.

[@rovingrosses3288]

We love Trip Wizard. We use their GPS, which is ok. Garmin isn’t in the budget yet. It has taken us on some narrow winding roads near campgrounds. Now I call the CG and ask for the best local route

[@soldotnamike9329]

Started using RV trip wizard when you mentioned it in a video some years ago about your travel day planning. It is super helpful in planning our RV trips we take. One issue I have found with the trip wizard is that it does not find all the RV campsites in a given area. I have planned trips before and didn't see any RV campsites I liked so I googled campsites in the area I was looking for and found several other campsites. I could then enter them in trip wizard for my planning, but it would be nice if the campsites were accurate for all campsites in the area. i turned off all filters just to make sure I wasn't accidentally filtering out those campsites and it still wouldn't find them. Other than that it has been super convenient for trip planning.

[@TeresaSama-k1p]

Chad, this is a great informative video so thank you. We have used RV Trip Wizard for years now. For the most part the GPS works ok, however there have been times it routes us onto small, tight and sometimes not Big Rig safe roads. We are 44 ft Fifth Wheel and all our RV specs are entered in Trip Wizard. Few examples: The route from our house to the freeway, RV Life GPS routes us down a tiny road that vehicles our size are not allowed and has an elevated railroad track that we no for sure we would bottom out on. Thank goodness we know all this ahead of time. This happened to us again at an RV Resort in Georgia. I do use the RV Life GPS as our main route but also keep other backup Apps running. We really love the trip planning features it has.

[@robertfoster8500]

I agree. My Garmin is way better for navigation while driving. The Trip Wizard GPS has issues. For example, it didn't know that there's a bridge connecting the two peninsulas of Michigan! The bridge has only been there since the 1950's, lol.

[@kevinjones6638]

I just returned from a 2300 mi trip that I have had planned for 2 years on RV Trip Wizard. I Used the GPS feature of the Trip Wizard App the whole way. I was please with the features I used but never knew about some of the features you showed me in this video. Thank you! KUTGW

[@kathyjoslin1361]

We recently started using the navigation as a second tool. It has been pretty good.

[@paulab984]

RVTripWizard is amazing! The real reviews (and tips) from real people make all the difference

[@myriadcorp]

I use the GPS navigation on my Ford F350. Sometimes the Sync 4 system bugs out and messes up. As a backup we always have stuff on a second phone. Sometimes the RV Life GPS would mess up pulling up your planned trip. It has bugs but it's getting better.

[@johnfrits8493]

Fantastic! I have been using RV Trip Wiz for a few years now. I learned a few new useful features from your video. Thanks Much I also did not know that the calendar did layers. I already created a layer for travel. That will be helpful. Your how to videos are always well done.

[@randysegler7577]

We LOVE RV Trip Wizard and have used it extensively for several years and have trips mapped out for years to come. I've learned many tricks to using it but learned some new ones today thanks to this video. The Master Map with Google solution solved one ongoing frustration...laying out desired destinations/attractions/etc without automatically generating a route. And using layers in Google Calendar may help me eliminate double entries into a spreadsheet to track reservations. Bless you! Recently, I started adding more of our cost information to it but have not found a way to generate a budget/expense report. Is there one other than the limited detail when you print the trip? We enter all of our attractions and side trips but I can't assign days within the stay for them plus I have to reenter the campground again at the end of each stay to get accurate routes and distances to the next stop. Is there a way to do that? A way to create a hub and spoke routing for stops along the way? Also, can we move multiple stops as a group instead of individually for itinerary changes?

[@neilcherylscott6380]

We also used RV trip Wizard for our 10 week trip this summer from Florida and to Yellowstone and then north thru Michigans UP….with many stops along the way. We did Boothbay Harbor in 2022…. Awesome little town, not as crowded as Bar Harbor….. we stayed at Meadowbrook campground but not sure you would fit. I would like to see them add Harvest Host locations so you can add them in as you build and have it appear on your itinerary. Moose lodges, Elks Lodges and those are listed and that helps. If Harvest Hosts were listed on RV live it alleviates going from one program to another. Travel safe!

[@joelyons7186]

I really like the RV Trip Wizard. I use it for all of our planning and I use the GPS as my main routing tool. My wife pulls up our destination in Waze as a backup.

[@debbiepate3261]

We definitely use the driving distances in RV Trip Wizard, mainly in the advanced mode of actual driving distances. It really helps us find overnight stops within our preferred day distances - otherwise we end up having 500 mile days because of campgrounds we would prefer. Also, it saves me a tremendous amount of time eyeballing distances, funding out my "eyeballs" are too long or too short and having to look again (and again and...). It was great seeing what features you use as it reminded me of so.e that were helpful in the past that I've stopped using as well as of some ways to use others I haven't tried yet. Also going to play with Google maps some - haven't tried "My Maps". Looking forward to seeing if that will be helpful to us!

[@GIMRRC]

We use the RV Trip Wizard GPS and most of the time it is fine. However on a few occasions it got us into trouble because it doesn’t account for detours or road construction. Also one annoying feature is that if there is lane closures in a construction zone and you are routed to the other side of the median, it constantly announces it is trying to recalculate your route.

[@RobertParent-k5z]

Great info Chad, thanks for sharing your big rig trip planning methods and preferences. I tried RV trip wizard as a last minute travel tool addition for our earlier booked summer trip this year travelling from Manitoba to South Dakota. Was quite frustrated with the mapping and gps they provided. I reverted to using our motorhome in dash gps as I trusted it more. I see now how RV Trip Wizard is still a great tool if I learn more of its features as you have shared. Safe travels and maybe we’ll cross paths again one day like we did on a Sedona trail this past spring. Safe travels to you and Tara

[@HikeCacheRepeat]

I currently live in New Hampshire, and I highly recommend visiting the white mountains! If you visit the northern area (where Mount Washington is, which I definitely recommend taking the cog railway), plan to visit at the beginning of October for peak fall foliage action. Also, drive the Kancamagus Highway (or 112) for some amazing views of the mountains. However, I do suggest doing it during the week as it does get touristy during peak fall season on the weekends. I would love to say hi if you visit (or if you're planning on going to the Hershey Show). We're planning on full-time RVing at the end of October and love your channel!

[@ChangingLanes]

Love that area! We actually rode up Mt Washington with our friends back in 2020: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJmQlHuCd9CmgZY

[@PamW2009]

We just got back from a stay at Plattsburg RV Park, Plattsburg, NY, and went to Ausable Chasm (Aw-SAY-bull!) It was awesome. We tubed it, but they also do a raft. Lots of trails, with different price levels to choose from. Show your military ID for a nice discount!

[@hisierra95]

We have a 44’ Diesel pusher towing a Jeep and use the same planning tools as you. Great explanation!

[@dvjohns4848]

Thank you so much for this. It was extremely helpful. I do use RV Trip wizard very much the way you do. I have run into problems with the GPS. A couple times, it has tried to take us down private farm roads that are gated. Fortunately, we were able to catch the mistake before we turned and then had to back up a significant distance. But over all, we love it. On travel days we use RV TripWizard GPS and Google Maps. What really intrigued me was the My Maps and Google calendar. I’d never seen either of them before. If you ever get a chance, I would really appreciate an episode on how to do the things you do with those two apps!

[@ChangingLanes]

We do have links to my maps and support for it in the description. 👍🏼

[@FMTFXE22]

Hello Chad. I’m looking forward to traveling again after my rotator cuff surgery in my Class C RV with my Harley in tow in my enclosed cargo trailer. Motorcycle Questions Have you made use of the Butler Motorcycle Maps during your travels with your motorcycle Lucile? I’ve been riding for decades initially no helmets then brain bucket helmets, but now I ride with a full face enclosed. Helmet with intercoms. My passenger and I along with others we ride with all have intercoms. It is absolutely the best way to enjoy the ride and camaraderie with just passenger or others in the ride as it’s happening. I’d highly recommend it. And It’s safer.

[@ChangingLanes]

Never used butler. We sometimes use motorcycleroads.com to find routes, but just use apple maps to navigate them.

[@HSTWXMAN]

Great video. I also love my Garmin GPS, but on my last trip, I used Garmin and RV Life side by side. Mostly, they routed the same, but turns were not always depicted the same, or some turns were not included. Garmin would say turn right in 22 miles on x road, and RV life would say turn left in 21 miles. In most cases, the RV life reflected a slight turn that wasn't an actual road change, but they got me to the location.

[@Terry-JoWhitehead]

I love RV Life Trip Wizard ! I spoke with a Rep at the Tampa RV show and he gave me a number of tips for planning which I implemented most very quickly. Looked at a few others that operate similar but I go back to RV Life. Thanks for sharing!

[@jtoepke9763]

Great info. video Chad if this works for you 40+ foot Rv it should be good for my 1/2 the length couple coach. Not a full timer but a part time camper who prefers state park & CoE campgrounds and a plan. We appreciate you taking the time and effort to show your process of trip planning.

[@zacgray3258]

Perfect pronunciation on Pemaquid! I’m from Maine, we have a lobster bake every year in August right on the ocean, maybe 10 minutes from Pemaquid lighthouse. We’re always looking for more people to come with their campers and enjoy some boondocking on the coast and some good seafood with good company!

[@captainkirk8806]

Chad, glad you picked Booth Bay Brewery and yes, it is a Harvest Host. We stayed there three years ago and loved it. Also, several of your fellow KZbinrs stayed there (FOS Crew, KYD, TIS, LJMJ) all gave it high marks. Just an added note i was using Trip wizard while you were talking about it. Next trip is Savanah and Charleston. Never been there.

[@ChangingLanes]

Two areas that we LOVE! Have fun!

[@ejs6010]

Thank you for sharing all these trip planning tips.

[@brianlykins6663]

Thanks, Chad. That looks like it would sure take a lot of the headaches out of traveling. Planning, booking, and itineraries, how could it be any better. Thanks for showing and detailing this. God bless, and y'all stay safe on the road.

[@nomad1500mb]

Thanks for this video. We use RV Trip Wizard for all of our planning. I hadn't considered the Google Calendar for pre-planning. I'll have to give that a try for planning our overall itinerary. We also have the Garmin RV 980. lately, it's been acting kind of weird, showing we're not on the road when we clearly are and showing a trip will take us 8 hours and have hundreds of miles to go when we're 50 miles and about an hour out. It's pretty frustrating and I really don't trust it at this point. We have Waze or Google Maps on a phone as a backup and sanity check. When I get some time, I think I need to wipe the Garmin and start over. There's always something...

[@ChangingLanes]

That's very strange indeed. I would contact Garmin support about that. Maybe the GPS in the hardware has a bug.

[@nomad1500mb]

@@ChangingLanes That's what I suspect. Just need to find a little time to spend with it to verify the issue is the device and not me. LOL! And I typoed. It's an RV 890.

[@BruceS42]

We've been using RV Trip Wizard for years now, and *most* of the time it works well. Sure, sometimes it tells you to drive off a bridge, but how bad could that be? We also had a trip where we'd updated the maps just the night before, to be sure it was up to date, but it still tried to get us to drive through construction barricades that had been up for months. We ended up trusting Google Maps, just *hoping* that it wouldn't route us to a 12 ton limit bridge, or a low overhang. That was one of our worst RV experiences, entirely due to the incompetence at RV Life. It also routed us to a HH location by cutting off a *very* small corner, instead of a direct turn from one paved road to another, having us take a dirt "short cut" with a sharp rise at the end where we scraped a bit. Almost as if we had never told Trip Wizard anything about our rig. The interface has had *so* many bugs, poor design choices, etc, but at least some of those have been improved over the years. All in all, it works pretty well, as long as you're patient with the poorly-designed UI. They could really do with an actual software developer. We watched this video hoping for some great hacks to improve our game, but it turns out you do your planning much like we do. Still, it was good, so thank you for the video. If I had any good tips, I'd share them here, but...

[@cindy.strange]

We love using our RV Trip Wizard along with our google calendar😊 Great video guys with lots of good information 🤗

[@jurasicrocker1961]

Two Comments. 1-It may be worth it to remind your viewers to subscribe or better yet, check their subscription settings. It appears to me that KZbin resets those on their own sometimes. 🤔 2-I use 3 to 4 GPS systems. We bought a Garmin like yours and don’t rely/believe in our Rand McNally GPS that is part of my coach. It doesn’t update and update download is very expensive. As you know, Garmin’s updates are free, at least for now. I also now use RVLife GPS as a travel day tool. Yes it sounds excessive, but you would be surprised how much there is conflict between those three and my wife’s Google Maps or Waze on her phone…I am much happier when RVLife GPS & Garmin are in agreement. Thanks for publishing your tool usage. Video. I do it the same way you do it and it is very effective. Just got done with a 7 month, 62 stop, 202 nights, and 10K mile tour of the West and Central USA and I had some challenges, of course, but no real issues.

[@danawerner2119]

We use RV Trip Wizard for planning, and love it. Question - We went full time in May of this year. I am wondering how you and others choose to separate your trips in RV Trip Wizard. Example, I have one large "trip" for 2024 and one for 2025 with all our stops planned but its getting a little cumbersome (a full year of stops). How do you choose to break them up being full time?

[@ChangingLanes]

We have a "trip" called current segments and just keep adding to the end and deleting from the beginning as we arrive at each location. Then at the end of the year, I use our calendar entries to create a trip for that year just to get data on miles traveled and such.

[@1968alaskan]

Great Information! In the planning stages of traveling, but getting close. These little details help make life easier and lessen the worries or what if's. Thx

[@laurapaul9795]

I can not wait to start using one of these programs in 5 years when we look to travel around the USA

[@gordieconnelly5844]

i used rv trip wizard for many years i did a 6 week trip with 15 stops and it downloaded to my gps seamelesy than they did a upgrade and that went away i upgraded my gps to a garmin but still was not able to move my trip wizard trip to the gps. but i love the program if you go to maine stop at Sunset Iles resort in Harington Maine Kert will deliver cooked lobster to you site

[@ChangingLanes]

Pinned! 👍🏼 😊

[@joedonbaker1673]

Great info! I found it very useful. 👍

[@john0119]

Great Video Chad, Well Done. I'm big on Festivals and Big Car Shows, would be nice if that was added also. Ty 👍🕊

[@sallypella5189]

Just watched your video how do you move your trip from RV Life to your Garmin? We are new to this lifestyle and really enjoy your videos. My husband loves your tech tips!! I am the planner so this week's video came on just as plans are being made to visit Mt Rushmore. I appreciate every minute of this video!! Happy Travels. Sally & Andy Pella Vernonia Oregon

[@Windswept-q9i]

I’d like to know if it is possible to download to Garmin too.

[@HSTWXMAN]

There is a complicated process to import GPX files but I find it easier to just type in the address of the location you want to go to.

[@ChangingLanes]

Good question. Please see: changinglanesrv.com/faq/?Display_FAQ=2946

[@HyphenDude]

When you have a real plan for leaf peep, you need to add Parker's Maple Barn and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Also, Mt. Monadnock in southern New Hampshire.

[@industrialexitstrategist2022]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@eprohoda]

Channging,like it~ you created stunning ~

[@gebertg]

Don't forget about the Submarine Museum in Groton, CT!

[@ChangingLanes]

Pinned! 👍🏼

[@gebertg]

​@@ChangingLanessubmarine vet here, live in CT. Would love to see you there and pass along some real life experiences.....you being a target and all lol!!

[@cassandraccooper]

I use the favorites as RV parks we rule out so I don’t keep clicking on those choices. It would be nice to have a favorites as well as an eliminated options.

[@ChangingLanes]

Well, crap.. I hadn't even considered that. 😀 Great idea.

[@cassandraccooper]

@@ChangingLanes works great. I find I rule most out for various reasons such as availability, reviews, style of park, if our 42’ RV fits or even budget. Usually just a few are left in the area I am looking to book. Thanks for sharing your tips. I learned where to set a size limit so that will save me some time going forward!

[@bobwaldron420]

Great info. Thanks.

[@stewartmcguire8307]

It’s funny you used Boothbay Harbor as your example trip! My family owns a cottage in that area and have been traveling up there all my life. Btw, Boothbay Brewery IS also a harvest host!

[@claymcneill9006]

One thing I noticed in the RV Trip Wizard GPS app is that if you have stops, like a fuel stop, between your start and destination, if you mistakenly pick navigate to your destination in the GPS app it will skip right by the fuel stop. Choose your navigation in legs within the app. It seemed a bit counter-intuitive that your stop(s) added to your trip aren't included in the navigation to your destination.

[@davidmedack6973]

Chad did you pin the Booth Bay Brewery & RV park to your google map?

[@kenherdrick5433]

You start out by talking about the "Master Map" which sound great to me. However, it would have been nice if you could have mentioned how to find it. I've searched and searched on the Trip Wizard and find no information on it.

[@kenherdrick5433]

Missed the part where you mention it is in Google maps, not Trip Wizard. Sorry.

[@Henle15]

Ever tried Adventure Genie??

[@rickrichardson5329]

Great info thanks for sharing

[@travelingtrekez7034]

Great info! Look forward to using it!

[@lindanadaud9698]

Thanks for the video.

[@krisjordan8037]

Hey Chad, completely random question! Did you end up air bagging your F-450 as well, or does it rides fine without it? I had to airbag my steel body Ford, but I don’t think my new ‘24 needs it! Just curious?! Also, love this video, I sent it to my wife! Planning is her department….if I plan it, it will 100% be wrong!!!

[@ChangingLanes]

We haven't done anything to the 450 suspension yet. I'd like to check out the Kelderman air ride.

[@luismelendrez7626]

I just started using Trip Wizard GPS on my 40ft motorhome. I've been using it for about a month now. The only issue I have with it is that it takes me through short cuts which include dirt roads, isolated paths and mountain roads which my wife hates. How do I change this on the GPS?

[@ChangingLanes]

This is why we rely on the Garmin. I'm not sure it can be changed on the RVLife navigation, but they are working on improving that part of the RVLife app.

[@guyfowler7638]

Does the RV Trip Wizard GPS show on Apple Car Play?

[@ChangingLanes]

Yep!

[@jackmccarty1421]

great job

[@JayCarroll]

Are Thousand Trails sites integrated on this app? Having a filter for those would be outstanding.

[@ChangingLanes]

Yes.. all of the major clubs and memberships are in there. 👍🏼

[@JayCarroll]

@@ChangingLanes Thank you

[@ericmackie146]

Hey Chad where can I go to make suggestions for you guys to possibly come and see. I live on the eastern shore of Maryland and just did a day trip yesterday to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad museum. There is also a lot of historical towns on the eastern shore of Maryland and in Delaware you guys may have fun exploring.

[@ChangingLanes]

Great suggestion! Just pinned that to our map! 👍🏼

[@TaraAndJodyDoIt]

Do you have any suggestions for finding dispersed camp sites for us rooftop tent folks?

[@ChangingLanes]

RV Trip Wizard has filters for BLM, DNR, USFS built right in. 👍🏼

[@TaraAndJodyDoIt]

@@ChangingLanes Good to know. We will have to take a look at RV Wizard. Thanks!

[@trailduster24]

New to RV Life and New to Full timing, how do you change the route you want to travel in RV Maps, if you don't want to travel through a particular City or area?

[@ChangingLanes]

Good question. The map has an option to "drag route". When you do that, it creates a waypoint. But probably an easier way is to just pick a point of interest that changes the route.

[@trailduster24]

@@ChangingLanes ok, I was looking for a way to change the route without creating a waypoint or destination

[@gageihm52]

Chad, we have been using RV trip wizard for 2 years now. Is the Master map part of RV Life or is that another app? I like the idea of pinning places to stay on current or future visits. I tried finding it while watching the video, but can't. Where is it?!! Also, Is the calendar part of it too?

[@ChangingLanes]

That's a google "My Map". www.google.com/mymaps

[@davidsimmonds1035]

RV Life now has Android Auto capabilities. I do not know about Apple Play as I do not have an Apple phone. I do use a Garmin RV 1090 device though as it is aware of my truck and fifth wheel.

[@bryanhasse6544]

RV Life GPS works on Apple Car Play as well. We have used a few times, but the GPS still lacks compared to others as it does not have traffic or construction updates. The voice is also annoying, and the routing needs more work. On a recent trip to Tennessee, it told us to exit the highway only to have us drive 3 miles through a tiny town and then get back on the same highway we were just on. I love using the trip wizard for our planning, but as of right now the GPS function is lacking and I usually end up just using Google maps or Apple maps which can be risky as these do not account for motorhomes or vehicles towing travel trailers and 5th wheels. Until RV Life improves the GPS, I may need to invest in a RV specific GPS device as Chad stated in the video.

[@eoneill3343]

The RV trip wizard’s gps is ok, but I find myself zooming in and out on the map often to see better. It’s pretty glitchy so I print out the turn by turn directions before we leave and go from that. There are always some extra directions that are unnecessary and odd and you have to read through them first. It gets the job done.

[@robh063]

My only issue with RV Trip Wizard is when searching for fueling stops or rest areas, you have to zoom in for them to appear. Sometimes you have to zoom in so much that you lose any sense of where you are on the map. When you zoom out to re-orient yourself, those points of interest disappear again so it's frustrating. I've found that RV Parky does a better job with this type of thing.

[@ChangingLanes]

Be sure to give RVLife that feedback: tripwizard.rvlife.com/contact

[@robh063]

@@ChangingLanes I have reached out to them regarding this and they are aware of the issue. I have no idea if they plan on resolving the problem though. They didn't say one way or the other. They just thanked me for reaching out to them.

[@PurdueGuyInLB]

I wish RV Life would have a calendar that one could subscribe to. Would eliminate the manual calendar creation. And could share a link with family, maybe with limited visibility.

[@ChangingLanes]

That would be cool! And, if it had the ability to mark a location as "booked" and reflect that in the calendar, even better.

[@jenniferlasalle891]

Better yet, integrate with Google calendar

[@PurdueGuyInLB]

Google Calendar can handle ISC (Internet Calendaring and Scheduling) published calendars already. ICS is more useful than locking into Google Calendar.

[@jenniferlasalle891]

We love RV Trip Wizard for planning, but the navigation is terrible. Very unfortunate.

[@ChangingLanes]

It sounds like they have some good changes coming to the navigation...

[@lizcort5047]

We use RV Trip wizard for planning and research, their GPS stinks! Quite often we will be driving on an interstate, it tells us to exit, change direction on,y to exit and get back on in the direction we were originally going 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@Windswept-q9i]

I also find the GPS direction instructions to be very confusing. Are the miles listed on the next point supposed to be the distance to that point or how far you travel once you’ve made that transition? That never seems to be real. And the step by step instructions are often way off, telling you to make multiple turns on a straight route. Garmin all the way for navigation. Love RV trip wizard for planning tho!

[@k-mparker]

100% agreed, it sux!!!!

[@jtfritchie]

I use it, but yeah, that’s happened to us too.

[@ATLJonathanH]

Oops, your audio is garbled.

[@ChangingLanes]

You're the only one to say this... Might be your connection?