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Which Road Atlas is best and why?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by candun, Jul 1, 2009.

Which road atlas is best?

  1. MCA "Standard" edition

    1 vote(s)
    4.8%

  2. MCA "Deluxe" edition

    8 vote(s)
    38.1%

  3. MCA "Large Scale" edition

    11 vote(s)
    52.4%

  4. A Brand other than the Rand-McNally Motor Carrier Atlas

    1 vote(s)
    4.8%
Page 1 of 2
  1. Jul 1, 2009 #1
    candun

    candun Bobtail Member

    25
    4
    May 27, 2009
    Raleigh, NC
    0
    The time has come for me to purchase my first Motor Carrier Atlas and I just discovered that it comes in three varieties.

    There is the standard edition (but still the Motor Carrier version), the "Deluxe" edition that has laminated, wire bound pages and the "large scale" version (not sure if it has larger dimensions or just has more map pages).

    I think there may also be truck-specific atlases other than Rand-McNally's but I'm not sure about that.

    Question is, which of these three (or a different brand), do you prefer and why?
     
    candun, Jul 1, 2009
    candun, Jul 1, 2009
    #1
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  3. Jul 1, 2009 #2
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    18,750
    45,481
    Sep 18, 2006
    the road less travelled
    0
    OTR any of the Rand McNally show where the chicken coops are, you need to know that so you can be watching for them.

    Local work, you don't get a great deal of use with that one, there are gazetteers for the states available, if you run multiple states, but stay in a region, Universal labels the county roads, Rand McNally doesn't.
     
    25(2)+2, Jul 1, 2009
    25(2)+2, Jul 1, 2009
    #2
  4. Jul 1, 2009 #3
    dwayne

    dwayne Medium Load Member

    324
    165
    Apr 19, 2008
    0
    I'd just make sure it's laminated! I still use a Rand McNally Motor Carriers atlas from 04'. I wouldn't give it up for the world. So my suggestion would be an updated version of that. Also, a fun little game for some of you new boots; I underline in blue ink every small town/city I pick or deliver in. Sometimes its fun to flip back through my atlas and just see how many places I've been.
     
    dwayne, Jul 1, 2009
    dwayne, Jul 1, 2009
    #3
  5. Jul 2, 2009 #4
    Scuby

    Scuby Heavy Load Member

    816
    235
    Mar 10, 2007
    0
    I use the laminated Atlas because its far more durable. The large is for those that are suffering from the short arm syndrome(ie needs new glasses)
     
    Scuby, Jul 2, 2009
    Scuby, Jul 2, 2009
    #4
  7. Jul 2, 2009 #5
    FriedTater

    FriedTater Keeper of The Snakes

    2,202
    887
    Mar 25, 2009
    United State of Texas
    0
    NOT TRUE ! :biggrin_25510:
    Ive used the RMMCA Large Scale for years,the "detail" is very nice to have.The laminated version will last for years with reasonable care.
    I believe Loves* has the best price going recently ?($40'ish)


     
    FriedTater, Jul 2, 2009
    FriedTater, Jul 2, 2009
    #5
  8. Jul 2, 2009 #6
    GRAYMATTERS

    GRAYMATTERS Light Load Member

    180
    92
    Apr 13, 2009
    Colorado
    0
    I have the '03 and '07 editions, and I have noticed that restricted routes have changed. It might be worth it to have a current edition with you. (restricted routes are listed state by state in the front section of the atlas)

    As far as type...... get the laminated one so you can make notations in the atlas. (I use a ultra fine tip "sharpie".... a little isopropyl alcohol will remove the marks).
     
    GRAYMATTERS, Jul 2, 2009
    GRAYMATTERS, Jul 2, 2009
    #6
  9. Jul 2, 2009 #7
    ucj824

    ucj824 Light Load Member

    62
    17
    Apr 10, 2008
    Kalamazoo, MI
    0
    i also use the large scale because its easier to see all the smaller roads on the map. i believe that the extra detail is well worth it.
     
    ucj824, Jul 2, 2009
    ucj824, Jul 2, 2009
    #7
  10. Jul 2, 2009 #8
    dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

    9,922
    3,713
    May 6, 2007
    Mississippi
    0
    You can't read the small ones in the dark......duh.

    I have an '05 I purchased for $20 new. One of those truckstop urchins. Stolen I'm sure, he had a whole box LOL.

    I literally toss this thing around, in the floor, in the bunk, on the dash. Not a single tear or rip in it. :D

    Certianly worth more than the $20 I paid for it.
     
    dancnoone, Jul 2, 2009
    dancnoone, Jul 2, 2009
    #8
  11. Jul 2, 2009 #9
    Kidworks

    Kidworks Bobtail Member

    9
    0
    Jun 18, 2009
    Port Huron, Mi
    0
    I use the large scale, which I bought for $20 also, and it works well. I've used them for years and find them to be very durable. I use my laptop more these days. I run PCMiler 15 & 20/w Hazmat, and Streets & Trips 2007. It lets me see more of what is around the area where I am heading. I also use Google Earth to get a view from above of the same area.
     
    Kidworks, Jul 2, 2009
    Kidworks, Jul 2, 2009
    #9
  12. Jul 2, 2009 #10
    Kidworks

    Kidworks Bobtail Member

    9
    0
    Jun 18, 2009
    Port Huron, Mi
    0
    That is a nice looking Pete.
     
    Kidworks, Jul 2, 2009
    Kidworks, Jul 2, 2009
    #10
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