Most Detailed Road Atlas?

I asked a similar question about atlases. My husband's old trucker's atlas (circa 2004) is excellent, but we are thinking it needs to be replaced due to age. The other atlas needs to be replaced because it is horribly falling apart. We are still torn between a cheap Rand McNally from Wal-Mart and going with a newer version of the trucker's atlas. The problem is, we really don't need all the extra info that the trucker atlas gives. But we love the laminated pages. (The non-laminated atlas has splotches all over it from splashing coffee, despite the use of commuter mugs!)


Donna

I'd buy the cheap Walmart atlas and replace it every year.

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Originally Posted by DonnaR57

(The non-laminated atlas has splotches all over it from splashing coffee, despite the use of commuter mugs!)

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You grubby lot! LOL

I've had mine for many years, and use them everyday.... even here at home. They're still in perfect condition.

Lifey

I like the laminated one -- not because I'd ever allow anyone to spill coffee in my truck... but because it holds up under the stress of having my laptop case, two cameras, assorted flotsam and jetsam that seems to gravitate to the floor behind my seat and some assorted gear and clothes that somehow is often sitting on my maps. I like all of that extra trucking information as well -- keeps me looking at stuff I'd miss otherwise.

There are only two things I tend to collect... maps and flashlights. I have a few dozen of each.... (Most of my map collection is framed and hangs on walls though.) My working road trip map collection is comprised of only about 12 maps!

Mark

I like the Rand-McNally, large print, spiral-bound edition. I purchased a 2010 last year and will used it again this year. I augment the R-M with Benchmark books for any destination state covered by Benchmark (most of the West) or by DeLorme Atlases where detail is needed and a Benchmark isn't available. I also carry a Garmin Nuvi for giggles at silly things it directs me to do sometimes, and for (kidding aside) advance notice of turns, exits coming up.

Just recently my RV'ing friend gave me a 2011 "EXIT NOW" book, published by the Good Sam Club, showing available goods and services at every interchange along the US Interstate system. Such is handy for drivers of large vehicles and for those who purchase diesel fuel, as we require room to maneuver and want to purchase our fuel from high-volume outlets since diesel does some funny things if it sits in underground storage tanks for a long time. Knowing that a TA or Flying J or other plaza is available at a particular exit is pretty handy.

Foy

Flying J, which merged with Pilot, has the RV Advantage card. It used to be called something else, but it's just a frequent-fueler card. It gives you .02 off per gallon - if you don't have one, ask for one next time you're in a FJ or Pilot. They also have a book listing all of their stores and what's at each one - they sent me one when we got a new RVA card.

The Exit Now, or any of the equivalent books, is excellent! They're easy to figure out - my daughters learned to read one the first year we got them (when they were in middle school). I like the ones that have the RV-accessible places listed in bright red print, as anyone who has pulled into a short gas station with a 45' long rig knows how uncomfortable that can be! We get a new one every couple of years or so. My daughter borrows it periodically when going on a road trip weekend with her hubby.


Donna