RE: Traveling Across The US
Great write up Ken, great information.
Let me comment on a couple of things.  Ken's experience with cell phone GPS
mimics mine.  The cell phone requires data connection for the GPS
applications (most of them that is, at least one does not) to work.  The
answer is to go to a dedicated GPS unit, all map data is onboard.
Another solution for Internet access, assuming yhou have data connection on
you cell phone, is to use a small, free program called PDAnet.  A simple
Google search will find it.  Downloaded and installed on your computer and
smart phone and with the phone connected to the USB port on the computer
you will have Internet access.  I was amazed to find this working in the
middle of the Mohave Preserve where I had no voice connection at all and
just a weak data connection.
And for those seeking campgrounds (other than commercial RV parks) there
has emerged an incredible file of around 16,000 campgrounds across the US.
Free to use online or you can buy the file to load into your GPS or Streets
& Trips for $6!  Check out <http://www.ultimatecampgrounds.com/uc/index.php>