RV Travel and NASCAR - Freeway Travel Apps

After completing a 1,200 mile round trip to Sonoma Raceway while towing a vehicle, I wanted to share with you THREE really cool smart phone apps and tips that are good during freeway travel.

1.     Using the “GasBuddy” App.

 

Finding a gas station with the best prices that allowed easy
in/out access for my RV and Tow Vehicle was important.© Photo By Paul Wilkinson

This app was helpful in finding the least expensive fuel.  It also informed us if there were more than one gas station coming up.  This gave us options with regards to the size of my RV and length of tow to select a location that was easy to get in and out.

Your debit/credit cards may limit the amount of fuel purchased at the pump.  On one occasion after I had reached my "limit", the price actually went down while I was standing there.

The price of fuel actually went down from when I started to fill my tank.
© Photo By Paul Wilkinson

2.      Using the “Maps” App.

Although it was helpful in getting us in the correct general direction and ultimately to our final destination, we found that having the "fastest route" or "show traffic" updates on would result in multiple options which would unexpectedly update those instructions.  Including those to randomly get on/off the freeway.

My stubbornness to get off the freeway when "told", actually saved us from "imaginary" detours and traffic.  

3.      Using the “Waze” App

Although I must admit I did NOT use this app for this trip, I have used it in the past.  This app shows other “Waze” users who input traffic, hazards and other road conditions that could affect your travel plans including potential police speed traps looking for out of state travelers.  

I am not the biggest fan of this app for several reasons;  unless you have someone with you to input potential traffic issues, you're basically texting while driving.  Also, the amount of data it uses and how quickly it drains your phone battery with continuous use in my opinion is somewhat excessive.

I am sure there are other helpful “Travel Apps” out there, so, what kind of “Travel Apps” do you use when on the road?

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**©2015 The Infield Guru.  The Infield Guru is not affiliated with and does not endorse any track or driver.  This article is for informational & entertainment purposes only.  There are no guarantees regarding the availability or quantities of any offers that may be shown above.  Prices subject to change without notice.  Please contact the specific track or appropriate website for more detailed information regarding limits and expiration of these offers.  If any links fail to open, check your pop-up blocking software or consider calling the tracks directly.

Heading to Sonoma Raceway! Getting Ready!

As I prepare for NASCAR at Sonoma Raceway it really takes some planning to make sure things aren’t forgotten and to help keep costs down. 

The excitement started months ago when wifey first gave the O.K. to plan for a trip to the first of two scheduled NASCAR road course races of the season

Getting the RV washed off and ready for the races.

© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

Ready to load up for Sonoma Raceway!
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

Getting things ready to load up is a little different at my place.  Because I live in a Home Owner’s Association (HOA) they have specific rules regarding how early you can bring the RV to the house to get it loaded.  So our dining room table becomes our NASCAR race pre-loading zone.

 

My dining room table becomes the pre-loading/Staging area.
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

Here are FIVE tips to make planning your trip less stressful:

1.      Create a shopping list.  Start your list early so when you find sales or coupons for non-perishable items you can get them at reduced costs, as well as, spreading the expense over several weeks/ paydays.

2.      Schedule maintenance on your RV/Camper early.  Many service centers are booked weeks, if not months, in advance making important routine maintenance items a challenge to get completed if you wait. 

3.     Plan you road trip to the track.  If you are traveling any significant distance you may need to stay at a campground prior to heading to your site location.  Be sure to print out your reservation confirmation so if you arrive late or your reservation can’t be found because their computers are down.  If you think you’ll be late arriving, be sure to call the front office to find out their procedures for late check-ins.

4.     Don’t forget your Race Tickets.  Make sure you put your tickets where you won’t forget them as you head out the door!

5.      HAVE FUN!  If this is your first time – get ready to meet some great people!  If you’ve done this before enjoy your time with your NASCAR camping friends.

What are some things you do to get ready to camp at NASCAR?

Don't forget to SHARE this post with your friends and "LIKE" us on Facebook .  Also you can now follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru or by clicking the links on the right.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield.

** ©2015 The Infield Guru.  The Infield Guru is not affiliated with and does not endorse any specific track or driver.  This article is for information & entertainment purposes only. There are no guarantees regarding the availability or quantities of any of the above items. Prices are subject to change without notice. Please contact the specific track or appropriate websites for more detailed information regarding limits and expiration of these offers.  If the links fail to open for you, check your pop-up blocking software or consider calling the tracks directly.