GPS for Truckers

i have never seen the reason to waste money on this little adventure. i use the cell phone and mapbook and cb and seem to have very little problem getting where i need to be.

 

I consider my GPS the 2nd best investment I've made, first being my cell phone.

Making 7-10 stops a day...GPS makes me money...and most certianlly isn't a waste. Especially when it cost less than my cell phone.

 

The CB? lol Between trying to get a word in from some guy talking about "the girl in the red car" or whatever...

Maps? I have an atlas for backup, but it rarely ever comes out.

Buying a GPS navigation unit is by far the best investment you can make. Plug in the address, and it routes you turn-by-turn. No more picking up the map every time you make a road change. Once you get there, save the location in your waypoints, and you're right on the money every time. It also avoids having to wonder when the exit is coming up. It will tell you when you're two miles from it, and show you in tenths as you get closer. For those "mult-exits," it will tell you which sign to follow.

Miss your turn? No need to stop and pull out that paper map (or be an unsafe idiot and try to read it while driving). It will re-route you on the fly.

A GPS unit will save you time, and more than pay for itself when you consider the "invisible" fuel savings of idle reduction and efficient routing. I can guarantee the $300 bucks you'll spend on a Garmin Nuvi will be paid back in the first year alone. Not to mention, it's a tax deductible item.

 

Just make sure when you buy one that you have the ability to update your maps....if not, you will start getting erroneous information. Like using Q3 2004 maps today.....try to get as current a map set as you can when you make your purchase.

 

Crap!!! My bad guys I typed the wrong model I tried to google the right one but cannot find it all I know is they have one thats targeted for large buses and semis. Its like $1000 bucks. I will try to find the right model number. I still love my Nuvi 650 Its great!!! Just make sure to put it on truck and avoid unpaved roads and uturns. You can also buy the additional traffic receiver which warns you of heavy traffic and offers a detour. I personally dont have it though.

 

Ok there are 2 new garmin models that are targeted towards truckers they are the Garmin 7200 and the Garmin 7500. the difference between the 2 is the Garmin 7500 has a dead reckoning device(means if your are in a big city with big buildings and your gps signal is lost it can still route your properly) If any of you really wanna get a GPS I recommend either the C340 and all the way up to the 7500..just make sure you get it at best buy so you can get the 1 year service plan..which means if you wanna upgrade you can turn in your old one and make up a story saying it has a virus are something and they will give you the credit you payed for your old one towards the purchase of a new one..that is what I'm gonna do when I happen to be close to a best buy Im getting the 7200 its the best thing on the market right now. As for the 7500 haven't seen it yet.

 

When I started reading this thread I was wondering the same thing.
Thanks to all who clarified.
Sure looks like a little GPS unit would be a "must have."

 

I've been using my VZ Navigator on my Verizon cell phone and it has worked quite well ... it has a truck option and talking with the tech support team they tell me it is Magellan based ..... when used on truck option it only routes on roads manageable by trucks.... I did order Co-pilot truck but am sending it back.... never even installed it.... there service after the sale is atrocious ..... never can get thru.... leave messages and no one calls back.... utter B.S. and frustration ..... I DO NOT RECOMMEND THE COMPANY!!!!!!!!

 

Has anyone used the Garmin C580? I just received my COSTCO coupons for SEPT and they have it for $349.00.

 

I use a garmin 350.

It does not know truck routes. You will have to check your map out and keep in mind these units don't know about low overpass problems.