Best GPS for trucking. Which one do you have/like?

The 2 industry standards are the RM and the Garmin. I have both. Having both often saves me an hour here or there and 50 miles on a load because one has better directions than the other. The RM gives fantastic ETAs, even for multiple stop cross country trips. That is EXTREMELY useful for quick trip planning and no mistakes like doing it in ones head. If I had to do it over again, I'm shelling out 1k without a second thought and buying both units on or before day 1. In my case I bought them both used on eBay for around 300 each, so that is an option to save a little bit.

To get ones money's worth out of them, read the manuals cover to cover. While driving go through the various features. Once you think you know all the features review the manuals again, and you will pick up even more stuff.

These trucker GPS are not merely directions. They have many many useful features. RM is the most sophisticated, but both have some features not available on the other.

You ought to make 1k your first week. Do yourself be a favor and get at least one, if not both top of the line GPS. If you are OTR and you are a $$ maker-hard runner they will pay for themselves in no time.

 

Our very own TTR has an app called Hammer.

 

He wanted the BEST one.

 

Truckers path on my phone. $9.99 subscription. Best $10 a month I’ve ever spent.

 

BURN

 

Google maps satellite view, Rand McNally MC Atlas, Truckerpath free version to plan your parking, paper and a pen to write it all down. It gets me where I'm going 100% of the time. A GPS unit will probably get you there most of the time. There are probably up to a half a dozen ways to get there, but your eyes and your brain will find the BEST WAY to get there

 

Garmin Dezl is the best that I’ve used. For a long time I was using Copilot on an iPad, but it became time to replace it. I was really good though.

Then I bought the RM 85 and determined that it wasn’t worth 10 bucks, and having paid about 500 for it, I returned it. Garbage. Absolute trash with no redeeming qualities. Poor display that could not be read in the sun and directions that couldn’t be relied on. Lag. Just horrible.

Then I bought the Garmin Dezl. From hardware to software, it is rock solid in all categories. I love it. Worth every penny. Excellent hardware, display, mapping, and features. My only beef is that the speed limit displayed is often wrong. Copilot is better in that respect.

 

Wait … seriously garmin is a lot cheaper than a ticket for using a handheld device.

 

And unless you have a good Data plan / unlimited GB you’ll be running that up through the roof.

 

That sounds like a good plan. I think I'll do the same thing. It never hurts to have a backup, and I hate using my phone for anything other than talking to people.

 

Learn to use satellite view on Google maps to add to the short list of things to do with your phone.