silly question

[sallyjmad]

Should I get a new Rand McNally map (ya know one of the big ones)? Mine is from 1999.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I update my current maps collection every two years. Here are the maps we personally recommend and use. There are no silly questions herein.

Mark

[Midwest Michael]

I'm not sure the last time I had an atlas that lasted 8 years, I tend to replace mine as they wear out, which is usually 2-3 years. After that I'm usually missing the cover and a handful of states...

I'd put the useable life span of an atlas at about 5 years on average. Clearly, the longer you hold onto it, the more likely it is to be inaccurate, espcially in more urban areas where its a little more likely that a new road will be built or an old route removed.

A 1999 atlas should be good enough to plan your basic route without any problems, but since a new basic Rand McNally atlas only costs about $5 at most big box stores, its probably worth it to pick up a new one before you actually hit the road.