Do traffic updates really work for Garmin GPS?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Getsinyourblood, Nov 23, 2014.

  1. Getsinyourblood

    Getsinyourblood Road Train Member

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    I am shopping for my first GPS purchase. GPS's with the traffic updates cost more money. Do they really work? I go through Austin, TX frequently and would like to know if I could depend on a GPS with traffic updates when it comes to a recent accident. I am also frugal, and do not like spending a lot of money on electronics.

    I have located a Garmin nuvi 50LM GPS Navigator - Refurbished for $69. This is probably the way I am going to go. I thought I would post this question first.

    Thanks.
     
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  3. Hooda

    Hooda Light Load Member

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    If youre a commercial driver, I highly advise you go to craigs or a pawn shop. Get a COMMERCIAL gps. A consumer gps is way more likely to get you in trouble. Not that a commercial model wont, but less likely. Ive seen recent models available under 100.00 and well worth it, or get a 500.00 out of route ticket instead. As far as updates, do a search, make sure it has lifetime updates. Some of the cheaper models will sting you for more than the cost of a new gps for the update.
     
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  4. Getsinyourblood

    Getsinyourblood Road Train Member

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    Well, I kind of run the same route every week. I have a good idea of roads to stay on and off of. Having never owned a GPS before, I just wanted to know if the traffic updates were reliable for recent accidents, or were based on statistical data or whatever. If you wish to post a link to a commercial gps for under a 100, I'll sure take a look. My experience with pawn shops for electronics is sometimes they cost more than buying them new. Just don't have any luck there.

    Here is what I am lucking at, and will probably do today. Thanks for the reply.

    http://www.microcenter.com/product/399364/nuvi_50LM_GPS_Navigator_-_Refurbished
     
  5. Pool6710

    Pool6710 Medium Load Member

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  6. BigBen58

    BigBen58 Bobtail Member

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    Garmin dezl 760 LMT. the larger screen is great. Go to www.garmin.com for more info. Order direct from them in case there is ever any warranty issues. I personally have 4 garmins. Even one for my harley. Just keep them out of direct sunlight or heat. It will fry the screens.
     
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  7. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    The traffic updates that you will get through a Garmin device (or most any other device that provides "traffic") are often going to be "outdated" and/or just plain inaccurate. Having said that, I would not truck without having the Garmin (w/ traffic turned on) operational. I recommend you buy the HD traffic upgrade power cord from Garmin or through Amazon. The HD traffic is far superior to the analog traffic.

    With Garmin traffic (and others) you will find various locations that ALWAYS indicates a traffic problem, but there never are. That's not to say the traffic feature on these devices is faulty or useless. It's only to say they are not perfect because the provider they are listening to is not perfect, so don't put 100% of your faith in them, ever.

    But Google Maps on a smartphone will provide a much more accurate and up-to-the-minute representation of any traffic problems in the area. But you can't always be monitoring your smartphone, so it's good to have the Garmin device as a backup that is always working (so long as you're in a valid area to receive traffic)
     
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  8. Grizzlybuck

    Grizzlybuck Bobtail Member

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    I don't think your going to find a commercial grade GPS for less then $250.00. I just got this a couple of days ago http://sites.garmin.com/en-US/dezl/ the 760 model, yes $400.00, with lifetime updates, but it will pay for itself in no time. It can link to your smart phone to get traffic updates, but I have not set that up yet, but going through Milwaukee the other day on I894 it somehow knew traffic was running slow and gave me advance warning. I am still learning how to use it but it is packed with features, the Rand McNally truck grade unit is also a very good unit but I paid the extra cash for the Garmin because I have had Garmin products in the past, and never had any issues with them.
     
  9. Zigzag777

    Zigzag777 Medium Load Member

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    STexan said: "Google Maps on a smartphone will provide a much more accurate and up-to-the-minute representation of any traffic problems in the area."

    What STexan said about the accuracy is of Google Maps is very true, I am not advocating for, or against any GPS unit, car or truck models. I'm suggesting to use it "in addition to" a GPS and/or Road Atlas. It's just another tool in your bag, and an amazing piece of technology, that will run on your smartphone or tablet. And it's totally free, no monthly or annual fees.

    The way Google determines traffic is that it measures the speed vehicles switch (actually mobile phones) from one cell tower (or WIFI) to the next tower, so it knows if traffic is moving or not. It also uses input from drivers from the WAZE app which is now owned by Google. The newest version of Google Maps includes input from the WAZE app, so you won't need 2 separate apps. The accuracy is amazing. If the lane you're going shows red on the map, you'll be seeing brake lights ahead. You also get the ability to look further down the road for upcoming slowdowns. My only caution would be that looking at a small smartphone screen, while moving is difficult and could be dangerous.
     
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  10. Gunner75

    Gunner75 Road Train Member

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    My tnd720 does traffic using my phones hot spot. It's close, usually 10 to 15 minutes close.
     
  11. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    google maps is free. plug phone inti charger or car dock. have sreen lit up at all times. your good to go for absolutely nothing more then wear on the phone.

    not a gpod idea though as the always lit up screen tends to make a phone hot. spwcially if sitting in the windshield for the sun to beat down on.
    dim the screen and you'll be allright.

    I use a samsung note2 with copilot trucks and traffic is $10 a year. as my daily gps driver
     
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