Need a decent GPS

does anyone know if the new cobra or the goodyear is any good?

 

Well, I'd love to hear more opinions of the Cobra, but my last weeks of playing with it lead me to say that I don't "dislike" it really. The software interface is fairly straight-forward, but the map screens look "dated" in terms of its aesthetic appeal. It is very big (at 7" screen size) for those who want the largest available screen. I have no routing testing done, so cannot comment on the truck routes whatsoever at this point. And since the PCM740 does do very good truck routing, if a 7" size is the deciding factor in your buying decision, then I would go with what I know works when spending $500 myself. Hopefully we'll get some drivers out there who have some "miles" on that thing to comment on the truck routing here.

As far as the Goodyear, I cannot recommend the version that I tested at all. If they have revamped the software then it would warrant another look, but if not... then no.

<these are my opinions as a GPS tester and I certainly won't declare that they are the "be-all-end-all" answer to your question. Just the current impressions I have on the two units that you asked about>

 

Would'nt the logical thing to do if someone wanted to use a GPS is to get the route from it and than cross referance it to a Rand Mcnally trucker atlas to make sure it is not taking you down a restricted route?

 

Neither covers state or county routes. We've been over this. Most of the roads I've been down lately aren't even in the paper atlas.

 

Been using the PC Miler for about 6 months now all over the east coast including NYC. I also use my Iphone GPS and my RM truckers map. I have had not one problem. Has any of them steered me wrong? Of course but God gave me eyes and a brain. I find if I use them and pay attention to where I'm going I avoid the pit falls. I also gladly take any directions that a shipper, broker or my dispatch wants to give me. I review my PC miler turn by turn and compare it to my RM and then pull it up on my Iphone and I rarely make a wrong turn. Could I do it without the tech-no gadgets? Sure I could, been getting around for over 50 years. But I see it like walking to work as opposed to taking my car. It's a lot faster by car. In trucking I have found that anything that saves you time ultimately saves you money.

 

Agree, never trust a computer to get you under a low overpass. I'll probably wind up getting anyway but be very cautious and plan my trip myself before hand. I guess it would be good for knowing where all truck stops, wal marts, etc. are located.