Top-5 RV apps

Some of the best RV-related apps to make life easier on the road

One of the easiest ways to access information and entertainment these days is to download an app to your mobile phone or tablet.

As far as fingertip convenience goes, there are few better ways to buy or sell an RV than with the Caravancampingsales app, but what about the best apps to make life easier for caravanners and campers when on the road?

Here are five that should be part of any RV traveller’s technology tool kit…

Wikicamps

This is app is promoted as “the largest and most up-to-date database of campgrounds, caravan parks, backpacker hostels, day use area, points of interest, information centres and public dump points”, and we tend to agree.

This app is a terrific tool to use when planning a trip, or just finding a place to stop when you’re on the go.

It offers a comprehensive listing of campsites as well as useful reviews and comments on each site. Users can also submit new places they find, so it’s constantly being updated and expanded.

There’s also other important information included like whether the campground is free, allows pets and campfires, has disabled access, showers, and is close to the road or fishing and swimming spots.

The only downside is more and more people are using it, so this can contribute to a “herd” mentality with some campsites.

It costs $7.99 to download on iOS, or $7.99 to use the full version on Android.

More info: Wikicamps Australia

GasBuddy

This free app is US-based but now has an Australian version which we’ve found is one of the best for locating the cheapest fuel when you hit a new town.

Sometimes prices can vary greatly in the one area, so if you’re driving a lot or towing a van, the savings can really add up.

The app relies on motorists reporting fuel prices to each other in real-time, and was launched in Australia earlier this year. However, it’s worth noting the pricing data is only as good as it’s updated, and sometimes you can find it can be behind by a day or two.

More info: GasBuddy Australia

Maps.me

This is one of the best, free mapping/navigation apps we’ve used for travelling.

It’s not quite as good as Waze/Google Maps in the city as it doesn’t have traffic data, but much better once out of it, and is most useful to those who head ‘off the beaten track’, like off-road campers, four-wheel drivers, mountain bikers and hikers.

The maps are quite detailed and include hiking tracks and bike paths. It also uses OpenStreetMap data, which is regularly updated by users.

The maps can also be downloaded as small files, for use when travelling through areas without mobile phone reception. There are many points of interest included (everything from banks, toilets, hospitals and accommodation) but caravan parks and campground listings are not as comprehensive as Wikicamps). It’s also easy to bookmark locations.

Overall, a great app for travel not only in Australia but overseas.

More info: Maps.me

Level Remote

This Australian-designed free app is a great option for helping to get your van or camper trailer level on a campsite, when you don’t have another tool available like a spirit level.

It’s a cinch to use: just place it on the drawbar or inside on a flat surface like a table, and the 3D caravan image and audio alerts will let you know when it’s level. You can also do it remotely, from outside the van or even the driver’s seat, using a second mobile device.

The only possible downsides are that it won’t give you exact measurements, and it’s only currently available for iOS devices.

More info: Level Remote

Caravan Helper

Unlike in the USA, most Aussie caravans and motorhomes don’t have on-board ‘black’ or ‘grey’ tanks, so finding the nearest ‘dump point’ is always a consideration when touring around the country, especially outside of caravan parks.

As well as helping you find the nearest caravan park or public dump point, this app includes a database of public toilets and can be linked to Google Maps to help you navigate your way to the dump point. It also includes other relevant features like parking and any payment requirements.

The app is compatible with most iOS devices and costs $2.99. It would make a good companion to WikiCamps, which also provides dump point information.

More info: Caravan Helper

Top-5 RV apps

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