Customer Reviews

Frommer's Exploring America by RV (Frommer's Complete Guides)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Though this book has some basic information on the general concept of RV ownership and offers several suggested US itineraries, I regret wasting my money buying it last year since much of the material is way outdated. Though my copy was dated 2009, it apparently was actually written many years ago - one of the authors unfortunately died in 2002 and the other is now 85 years old. It doesn't seem likely he is out exploring all the many RV parks and destinations to be sure the information presented is still accurate -- and no other co-author is credited for updates.

I have noticed this in other Frommer guides - I lived outside the US in a tourist destination and was apalled that the Frommer guide (marked on the cover as that year's dated version)still listed "top" restaurants in great detail that had closed several years previously. Meanwhile, I met and became friendly with a writer who was employed by Fodor's guides who carefully updated her material annually. I no longer buy Frommer guidebooks - the company is trading off the good name of Arthur (Europe on $5 a Day) Frommer from the 1960s - and I am kicking myself for making an exception.

The authors who wrote this book have lived the RV life and represent it in a realistic light, along with a great sense of humor. We've used many of their tips, all of them practical and much appreciated. They write in a easy to understand manner and break up the book into great, usable sections. A must read for any RV owner or owner-to-be.

Overall, I think this book has lots to offer. However, it does seem that not enough attention has been paid to making sure the info is current.

I purchased a 2010 edition of the book. But some of the information is out of date, or simply erroneous:

1. The authors refer to "modem" connections at RV campgrounds when they really ought to be reporting on availability of Wi-Fi or other high-speed Internet connections.

2. The speed limit along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway is 35 mph, not 45 mph as reported.

3. Grandfather Mountain along the Blue Ridge in North Carolina is reported as a privately run enterprise, when in fact much of it was acquired by the State in 2008 and the rest is operated as a not-for-profit preserve. It is less of a tourist attaction now and more of a nature attraction.

In general, a good book, but travelers would be well-advised to verify the info ahead of time if possible.

I purchased this book as we were planning several extensive trips in our RV. I have always found Frommer's books to be very informative, so imagine my surprise when this book arrived and only a few areas of the US are included. I was greatly disappointed and this book was worthless for the trips we were planning. I would suggest a different book that includes all the states, not just several areas.

The book has some good information. However, there is quite a bit of information that is not up to date. The best way to use this book is to make your plans using it's information, but then verify that the information you are working with is still current. People, places, and things change all the time. I recently bought a book on "Free Camp Sites", and found that a lot those "free places" no longer exists...even as a pay for camping place. Patch

This book covers a great deal - what you need, where to go, campsites and attractions,the unusual and the usual. It is not so big or heavy that we won't be able to take it with us. It is one of the few books we could see that specialised in travel in an RV and covered Canada as well as the USA. It seems to match the description so we have not been disappointed. The proof is in the pudding they say so we shall see how good it is, and how accurate, when we tour later in the year.

Good ideas. Includes maps to find campgrounds, restaurants, and highlights reviewed in the book. Each trip is covered in detail with suggestions on the best time of year to take the trip, appropriate clothing, food, and other needed items.

Good information for RV'S. Taking a trip this summer and intend to tryout some of the suggestions in this book.

The atlas was a gift and arrived promptly, and was very well received. I understand the book is very well written.

Was a gift and the recipient loved it, they had recently purchased an rv and found the book very helpful.