Skip to main content

Route Planning

VanRoute's intelligent route planning helps you navigate safely with your caravan or motorhome across Australia. Our system considers your vehicle's dimensions, hazards along the route, and your preferences to create the safest possible journey.

Overview​

Route planning in VanRoute goes beyond simple point-to-point navigation. The system:

  • Analyzes vehicle dimensions against all hazards on potential routes
  • Suggests safe alternatives when hazards are detected
  • Optimizes for fuel efficiency and travel time
  • Considers rest areas and overnight stops
  • Integrates live traffic and road condition data

Creating a Route​

Basic Route Planning​

  1. Open the Map tab
  2. Tap the Route button (navigation icon)
  3. Enter your destination in the search bar
  4. Review the suggested route and hazard warnings
  5. Tap Start Navigation to begin

Multi-Stop Routes​

For trips with multiple destinations:

  1. Tap Add Stop on the route planning screen
  2. Enter each waypoint in order
  3. VanRoute will optimize the route between all stops
  4. Review total distance and estimated travel time
  5. Save the route for later use

AI-Powered Planning​

VanRoute's AI assistant can help plan complex trips using natural language:

How to Use AI Planning​

  1. Tap the AI Assistant icon

  2. Describe your trip, for example:

    • "Plan a 5-day trip from Sydney to Cairns"
    • "Find caravan parks between Melbourne and Adelaide"
    • "Route to Perth avoiding toll roads"

  3. The AI will suggest:

    • Safe routes based on your vehicle
    • Recommended overnight stops
    • Fuel stations along the way
    • Points of interest

Example Requests​

Weekend Trip

"Plan a weekend trip from Brisbane to Byron Bay with pet-friendly
caravan parks"

Long Journey

"7-day trip from Adelaide to Darwin, avoiding unsealed roads,
maximum 500km per day"

Scenic Route

"Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide with beach stops
and tourist attractions"

Route Options​

Hazard Avoidance​

VanRoute automatically avoids hazards that exceed your vehicle's specifications:

  • Low bridges below your vehicle height
  • Narrow roads less than your vehicle width
  • Weight restrictions below your vehicle weight
  • Sharp turns unsuitable for long vehicles

Route Preferences​

Customize your route based on preferences:

Road Types

  • Avoid toll roads
  • Prefer highways
  • Avoid unsealed roads
  • Minimize urban driving

Travel Style

  • Fastest route
  • Shortest distance
  • Most scenic
  • Fuel efficient

Stops

  • Rest areas every 2-4 hours
  • Fuel stations based on tank range
  • Tourist attractions
  • Caravan parks

Viewing Route Details​

Route Summary​

Before starting navigation, review:

  • Total distance and estimated travel time
  • Hazard count and severity levels
  • Fuel stops required
  • Rest areas available
  • Weather warnings along the route

Hazard Breakdown​

Tap View Hazards to see:

  • List of all hazards on the route
  • Distance to each hazard
  • Clearance measurements
  • Alternative routes available

Elevation Profile​

View the elevation changes along your route:

  • Steep climbs and descents
  • Mountain passes
  • Impact on fuel consumption
  • Recommended driving speeds

Saving Routes​

Save for Later​

  1. After planning a route, tap Save Route
  2. Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Sydney to Gold Coast")
  3. Add notes or tags
  4. Access saved routes from the My Routes section

Share Routes​

Share routes with friends or family:

  1. Open a saved route
  2. Tap Share
  3. Choose sharing method:
    • Copy link
    • Send via email
    • Share to social media

Offline Planning​

Routes can be planned offline if you have:

  • Downloaded maps for the region
  • Vehicle profile configured
  • Hazard database synchronized

Limited features offline:

  • No live traffic data
  • No real-time fuel prices
  • No weather updates

Tips for Route Planning​

Before You Go​

  • ✅ Update your vehicle dimensions
  • ✅ Download offline maps for remote areas
  • ✅ Check weather forecasts
  • ✅ Verify caravan park bookings
  • ✅ Plan fuel stops in advance

For Long Trips​

  • Break journey into daily segments (max 500-600km)
  • Plan arrival before dark
  • Book caravan parks in advance during peak season
  • Allow extra time for rest breaks
  • Check road conditions for unsealed roads

In Remote Areas​

  • Download offline maps before leaving coverage
  • Plan fuel stops carefully (stations may be far apart)
  • Carry extra water and supplies
  • Inform someone of your route
  • Check mobile coverage maps

Troubleshooting​

Route won't calculate

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify destination is valid
  • Ensure vehicle profile is complete

Too many hazards on route

  • Review vehicle dimensions for accuracy
  • Try alternative destinations
  • Use AI to suggest safer routes

Route seems inefficient

  • Check route preferences
  • Disable hazard avoidance if too strict
  • Compare with alternative routes

Next Steps​