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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about VanRoute. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our support team.

General Questions​

What is VanRoute?​

VanRoute is a navigation app specifically designed for caravans, motorhomes, and large vehicles traveling in Australia. It provides:

  • 57,000+ verified road hazards (low bridges, narrow roads, weight limits)
  • Vehicle-specific routing based on your dimensions
  • AI-powered trip planning
  • Live fuel prices for NSW, VIC, and QLD
  • Fuel economy tracking
  • Offline maps for remote areas

How is VanRoute different from Google Maps?​

Standard navigation apps don't account for vehicle size, leading to dangerous situations. VanRoute:

  • Knows your vehicle dimensions and avoids hazards you can't navigate
  • Tracks caravan-specific hazards not in standard databases
  • Plans safer routes designed for large vehicles
  • Shows fuel prices updated in real-time
  • Works offline in remote areas without coverage
  • Understands towing physics for fuel economy predictions

Which countries/regions does VanRoute cover?​

Currently Australia only, including:

  • All states and territories
  • Major highways and tourist routes
  • Remote outback roads
  • Coastal and inland routes

We're considering expansion to New Zealand based on user demand.

Pricing and Subscriptions​

Is VanRoute free?​

VanRoute offers both free and premium tiers:

Free Plan:

  • Basic navigation
  • Limited hazard warnings
  • Vehicle profile setup
  • Map downloads (limited)

Premium Plan ($9.99/month or $89/year):

  • Complete hazard database (57,000+ hazards)
  • Vehicle-specific routing
  • AI-powered trip planning
  • Live fuel prices
  • Fuel economy tracking
  • Unlimited offline maps
  • Priority support

Family Plan ($14.99/month or $129/year):

  • All Premium features
  • Up to 5 family members
  • Shared trip history
  • Multiple vehicle profiles

Is there a free trial?​

Yes! All new users get a 7-day free trial of VanRoute Premium with full access to all features. No credit card required for the trial.

Can I cancel my subscription?​

Yes, you can cancel anytime:

  • iOS: Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions → VanRoute → Cancel
  • Android: Google Play → Subscriptions → VanRoute → Cancel

Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.

Do you offer refunds?​

Subscriptions are managed through Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Refund requests should be made through their respective platforms:

We'll do our best to help resolve any issues before you request a refund.

Hazard Data​

How accurate is the hazard data?​

Our database contains 57,000+ verified hazards from official sources:

  • NSW: Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
  • VIC: VicRoads
  • QLD: Department of Transport and Main Roads
  • National: NHVR (National Heavy Vehicle Regulator)
  • User reports: Verified by our team

We update the database weekly with new restrictions and changes.

What types of hazards does VanRoute track?​

VanRoute tracks all obstacles that affect large vehicles:

Height Restrictions:

  • Low bridges
  • Overhead power lines
  • Tunnels with clearance limits
  • Tree canopies on rural roads

Width Restrictions:

  • Narrow bridges
  • Single-lane roads
  • Tight urban streets
  • Narrow mountain passes

Weight Restrictions:

  • Bridge load limits
  • Seasonal restrictions
  • Axle weight limits

Other Hazards:

  • Sharp turns unsuitable for long vehicles
  • Steep grades (>10%)
  • Flood-prone areas
  • Unsealed road sections

How often is hazard data updated?​

  • Government sources: Updated weekly
  • User reports: Reviewed and added within 48 hours
  • Critical hazards: Updated immediately when reported
  • Seasonal restrictions: Updated at start of each season

Premium users get priority access to new hazard data.

Can I report hazards I encounter?​

Yes! Premium users can report hazards:

  1. Tap the hazard location on the map
  2. Select Report Hazard
  3. Add photos and details
  4. Submit for verification

Our team verifies all submissions within 48 hours. Confirmed hazards are added to the database for all users.

Vehicle Profiles​

What vehicle information do I need to enter?​

To ensure accurate routing, provide:

Essential:

  • Height (including roof racks, air conditioning, antennas)
  • Width (including mirrors and awnings)
  • Weight (total loaded weight)
  • Length (vehicle + caravan/trailer if towing)

Optional but recommended:

  • Axle count
  • Fuel tank capacity
  • Average fuel consumption
  • Turning radius

Pro Tip: Measure your vehicle at a weighbridge and with a tape measure. Don't rely on manufacturer specs—they often don't include additions like roof racks, solar panels, or loaded weight.

Can I have multiple vehicle profiles?​

Yes! This is useful if you:

  • Own multiple vehicles
  • Rent different caravans
  • Travel with and without a caravan
  • Share the app with family (Family Plan)

Switch between profiles in Settings → Vehicle Profiles.

What if I don't know my vehicle's exact dimensions?​

Height: Park next to a building with marked heights (like a car park) or use a tape measure.

Weight: Visit a public weighbridge (often found at transfer stations, farms, or truck stops). Cost is usually $5-15.

Length: Measure from front bumper to rear (including caravan if towing).

Width: Measure at the widest point, including mirrors.

If you're unsure, round up to be safe. Better to avoid a route unnecessarily than risk getting stuck!

Does VanRoute work offline?​

Yes! Premium users can download maps for offline use:

  1. Go to Settings → Offline Maps
  2. Select region to download
  3. Maps stored on your device
  4. Navigate without internet connection

Limitations offline:

  • No live traffic data
  • No real-time fuel prices
  • No weather updates
  • Can't use AI trip planning

Hazard database is stored locally, so hazard warnings work offline.

Can I plan routes with multiple stops?​

Yes! Add up to 10 waypoints:

  1. Open Route Planning
  2. Enter destination
  3. Tap Add Stop for each waypoint
  4. Drag stops to reorder
  5. VanRoute optimizes the route between all points

Why is VanRoute suggesting a longer route?​

VanRoute prioritizes safety over speed. A longer route might be suggested because:

  • Shorter route has hazards exceeding your vehicle dimensions
  • Alternative route has better road conditions
  • Avoiding unsealed roads (if enabled in settings)
  • Routing around current traffic or road closures

You can always:

  • Review hazards on the shorter route
  • Manually select alternative routes
  • Adjust vehicle dimensions if they're incorrect
  • Disable strict hazard avoidance in settings

How accurate are arrival time estimates?​

VanRoute factors in:

  • Speed limits
  • Road conditions
  • Elevation changes
  • Typical traffic patterns
  • Rest stop recommendations (every 2-3 hours)

Estimates are usually within 10-15% accuracy for trips over 2 hours. Shorter trips can vary more due to traffic variability.

Fuel Tracking​

Which states have live fuel prices?​

Currently:

  • NSW: Via FuelCheck API (updated every 15 minutes)
  • Victoria: Via FuelWatch (updated daily)
  • Queensland: Via RACQ data (updated daily)

We're working to add more states as government APIs become available.

How do I track my fuel consumption?​

  1. Go to Fuel Economy in the app
  2. Enable Automatic Tracking
  3. After each fill-up, tap Add Fill-Up
  4. Enter litres and cost
  5. VanRoute calculates L/100km and trends

See our Fuel Economy guide for detailed instructions.

Why are fuel prices sometimes outdated?​

Fuel price accuracy depends on the source:

  • NSW FuelCheck: Updates every 15 minutes (very accurate)
  • VIC/QLD: Updates daily (may be several hours old)
  • User reports: Depends on when last reported

We show the last update time for each station. If prices seem very old (>48 hours), the station may have closed or stopped reporting.

Technical Issues​

The app keeps crashing​

Try these steps:

  1. Force close and restart the app
  2. Check for updates in the App Store/Play Store
  3. Clear cache: Settings → App Storage → Clear Cache
  4. Restart your phone
  5. Reinstall the app (saves data to the cloud first)

If issues persist:

  • Check you have enough storage (maps can be large)
  • Ensure iOS 15+ or Android 10+
  • Contact support with your device model

GPS location is inaccurate​

Check GPS settings:

  • Location services enabled for VanRoute
  • "Precise Location" enabled (iOS)
  • Location mode set to "High Accuracy" (Android)

Improve accuracy:

  • Ensure clear view of sky
  • Disable battery saver mode
  • Update phone software
  • Try disabling and re-enabling location services

Maps won't download​

Common causes:

  • Insufficient storage space (maps can be 500MB-2GB)
  • Poor internet connection
  • Download interrupted

Solutions:

  • Free up storage space
  • Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data
  • Download in segments (download one state at a time)
  • Restart app and try again

Route calculation fails​

This usually means:

  • No safe route exists for your vehicle dimensions
  • Destination is in an inaccessible area
  • Network timeout (try again)

Try:

  • Check vehicle dimensions are correct
  • Try a nearby destination
  • Use "Show alternative routes" option
  • Contact support if problem persists

Account and Data​

How do I create an account?​

Download VanRoute and:

  1. Tap Sign Up
  2. Enter email and create password
  3. Verify email address
  4. Set up vehicle profile
  5. Start navigating!

Or sign up with:

  • Apple ID
  • Google account

Is my data private?​

Yes. We take privacy seriously:

  • ✅ GPS data stored locally on your device
  • ✅ Routes and trips encrypted in transit
  • ✅ Personal information not sold to third parties
  • ✅ Analytics anonymized for app improvements
  • ✅ Can delete account and all data anytime

See our Privacy Policy for details.

Can I sync across multiple devices?​

Yes, with a VanRoute account:

  • Vehicle profiles synced
  • Saved routes synced
  • Fuel tracking history synced
  • Offline maps must be downloaded on each device

Log in with the same account on all devices.

How do I delete my account?​

  1. Settings → Account
  2. Scroll to bottom
  3. Tap Delete Account
  4. Confirm deletion

This permanently deletes:

  • All saved routes
  • Fuel tracking history
  • Vehicle profiles
  • Personal information

Subscription will be cancelled but must be finalized through App Store/Play Store.

Mobile App​

Does VanRoute drain battery?​

VanRoute is optimized for efficiency:

  • Screen-on navigation: ~15-20% battery per hour (typical GPS app usage)
  • Background mode: Minimal battery use
  • Offline maps: Reduces data and battery usage

Battery saving tips:

  • Enable battery saver mode in VanRoute (Settings)
  • Lower screen brightness
  • Download offline maps to avoid constant data connection
  • Use car charger during navigation

Can I use VanRoute with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto?​

Not yet, but it's on our roadmap! Currently, you'll need to:

  • Use phone mount in your vehicle
  • Enable Do Not Disturb mode while driving
  • Use audio navigation prompts

CarPlay/Android Auto support is planned for 2025.

Does VanRoute use a lot of data?​

Data usage depends on features used:

With offline maps: ~5-10 MB per hour (just live traffic/fuel updates) Without offline maps: ~25-50 MB per hour (downloading map tiles) Planning routes: ~1-2 MB per route

Data saving tips:

  • Download offline maps before trips
  • Disable live fuel prices when not needed
  • Use Wi-Fi for route planning

Still Have Questions?​

Can't find your answer here?

  • Email: support@vanroute.com.au
  • In-app: Settings → Help → Contact Support
  • Response time: Usually within 24 hours (weekdays)

Before contacting support:

  • Check Common Issues guide
  • Try basic troubleshooting (restart app, update, reinstall)
  • Note your device model and app version (in Settings → About)

We're here to help make your travels safer and easier!