Trucking GPS unit, any recommendations?

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by trucker82, Apr 13, 2014.

  1. trucker82

    trucker82 Bobtail Member

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    I am in need of a trucking GPS. I am a new trucker and only have a Rand McNally road map, and even it is not for truckers, just a regular guide mapbook.

    There seems to be a wide range of feelings on what trucking GPS is best and am wondering what us Canadian drivers have had luck with.

    I have gone through a lot of stores in my area Kitchener-Waterloo, and I can't even find one for sale.

    So my question is, if you have a GPS units, which one has worked best for you and where can I even purchase one in a store in Ontario.

    Thanks for your help.
     
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  3. NRG

    NRG Light Load Member

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    May 21, 2010
    Lloydminster AB
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    Always Garmin!!! Can't go wrong with that. They're the guys behind Mercedes and BMW car Nav units, as well as KW and Pete smart nav systems. I've had TomTom, RM and Garmin, being the best of them all. The models that available now is Garmin DZL 5" and 7.5" screens. Prices range from around $250 to $350 USD, with live traffic, life time map updates, IFTA calculator and built in bluetooth. Those are truck specific GPS models that will show weigh stations, bridges, truck and trailer repair shops and tire dealers.
     
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  4. AfroBat

    AfroBat Medium Load Member

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    Jul 24, 2008
    Los Angeles, Ca.
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    Garmin, from what I have read and seen Randy's not ready to roll. Cobra to a lesser degree. Don 't have much info on the other makes. Garmin has weak speakers that have given out over time because the sun gives em hell. One switches went out on me in the past. I had a PC Miller nightmare I took it back quick! There is another company based in the Boston area still trying to get it together and as far as I know they may have by now they have had plenty of time.
    Garmin is much better overall but don't depend on ANY unit when it comes to rural areas PERIOD! City yes to a limit but cites change laws so you go down that restricted road if you want too YOU will pay the fine no one else will.
    They are handy but from time to time you will grab ya cell phone and paper.
    Good luck! :biggrin_25525:
     
  5. trucker82

    trucker82 Bobtail Member

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    Well thanks for the advice, I just went and bought the Garmin dezl 760. Costs me $490 after taxes.

    Going to play with it a bit for now and see what routes it gives.

    Bought it a Flying J just west of Cambridge. 30 Day return policy.
     
  6. NRG

    NRG Light Load Member

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    Lloydminster AB
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    You'll love it! It's the best one out there for a trucker. Quite a bit of difference between the US and CAD price wise.
     
  7. trucker82

    trucker82 Bobtail Member

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    Just set up the blue tooth, very good sound quality and overall volume.

    Just plotted a route to the states for fun and it gave me a nice interstate path which will be useful.

    Will try it on the road this week and post my findings with it.
     
  8. Macneil

    Macneil Heavy Load Member

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    Sudbury, ON., Canada
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    I have the Dezl 560 and love it. Has saved my bacon a few times! Still keep that old mapbook of yours handy somewhere in the bunk though!!
     
  9. trucker82

    trucker82 Bobtail Member

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    Well tried it out for a week and am really impressed.

    The Dezl 760 made a lot of nice routes for me and I didn't encounter any no truck or height/weight restrictions.

    Of course I have my eyes open and checking all road signs but the routes were very well thought out.

    Charted me on the interstates as much as possible but sometimes you have to do 30/40 miles through small roads with a lot of bridges but all bridges were able to handle 30/40 ton trucks.

    Had some issues thou coming back on the QEW from Fort. Erie, it constantly thought the QEW bridges were too low which of course they are not.

    So ignoring the false warnings on it I am really starting to like this GPS model.

    Screen is large, can see during the day and it also has voice commands which I tested on the road.

    You simply say "Voice Commands" a screen comes up showing you what else you can say and I was able to tell it to find a location and it picked it up perfectly and routed me a nice drive. The voice stuff is really impressive and can't wait to try it out more next week.
     
  10. NRG

    NRG Light Load Member

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    Lloydminster AB
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    I told you, You'll love it. ;)
     
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  11. Prairie Boy

    Prairie Boy Road Train Member

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    Nov 18, 2010
    Edmonton, AB
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