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

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by AIV LLC, Sep 30, 2021.

  1. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Finding the CAT scale on the CAT app doesn't give you a truck friendly route from your location to the scale. The RM has CAT scales built into the internal database. 2 clicks (search, CAT scsle) and it gives you a truck ssfe route to get weighed, even in Chicago.
     
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  3. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    I've always had Garmins even before trucking, so that's what I like to use. My son uses a 560 that's maybe 8 yrs old, and the 760 I have is a couple years newer. I did have problems with the 760 updating maps due to not enough storage. A microSD card fixed that. My new trucks have built in GPS with a TomTom logo showing when the maps load. So far they work good enough I don't use the Garmin.

    Back when the ELD mandate was coming soon, my first try was a Rand 8" tablet. I keep it on my desk to remind myself what wasting $550 looks like, and keep the ceiling fan from blowing papers off.

    CAT scales are usually inside a truck stop. Find the scale on Google maps, then find that truck stop in the Garmin. Or just use Google maps to find the scale in the first place. Can't remember if the scale app gives coordinates, that's another option. Gotta be smarter than the tool.

    After a few years you pretty much know where they're at without searching.
     
  4. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    Within submenu's of the Garmin GPS, there are listings for truckstops and scales, as well as what @Hammer166 said about using the Cat scales app
     
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  5. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I have always used RM.

    My 540 just went south so I had to buy the 550.
    Why do they have to change things that work perfectly?

    So much has changed, and I am not happy.
    Trying to find a POI now is a challenge; and when I search for nearby things from my destination the distances listed are from were I am at instead of where I will be.

    When I went from the 530 to the 540 I was given the option of using the old/classic interface, which I was grateful for.
    The 550 does not give that option.

    The maps are also much less defined.
    The colors are too similar so it is hard to make out the roads. Not enough contrast in it.

    They also reduced the volume level, so it is hard to hear even at maximum volume.


    Progress is not all it's cracked up to be, and I may need to go to a different company to find a GPS that I can actually like now.
     
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  6. Gliding ProStar

    Gliding ProStar Heavy Load Member

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    I have been using the Copilot app for 6 years now with the "Active Traffic* subscription for $9.99 per year.

    In the early days of using the app I was not impressed with the operation of app but not because there was a problem with the app. The problem was that I didn't take the time to learn how to properly use the app and set up my truck properly in the app. Once I figured out how to use the app it has worked flawlessly and provided years of quality service.

    There is also a feature in the app that I use that will keep track of your state-to-state miles and it comes in handy if I forget to make note of my miles for IFTA Reporting. The only way the app can keep track of your state-to-state miles is if the app is programmed for directions. When I leave the house or after a new pickup/delivery I always program it for my next or my final destination so it can stay as accurate as possible.

    I don't like to use my phone as my GPS so I have always used a tablet with a custom mount that I made from a RAM laptop mount or one used for ELD mounts. I use a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 now that is WiFi/Cellular capable and attached to my wireless plan.
     
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2021
  7. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    Funny to hear so many people complain about the audio prompts not being loud enough. I have mine on mute. When I'm into an unfamiliar local road, or a complex interchange, the chattering from the gps contributes to mental overload and mistakes. The mute button takes away a distraction in my case.
     
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  8. Gliding ProStar

    Gliding ProStar Heavy Load Member

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    I totally agree. I keep my audio prompts on mute. When you are in a stressful situation on the road like a heavily congested area or complex intersection/interchange the last thing I want is a GPS turn prompt or lane warning to interrupt my focus.
     
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  9. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    Man some of you sound like your planning lunar moon missions with a dry van.

    99.9% of the time my Garmin hasn’t failed me. The other .1% is covered by my eyes.

    Garmin Dezl LMT series 3 years and still going strong. The new OTR series are lifetime updates as well I think and I’m getting ready to get a 7” version.


    I just like to point out I look at satellite view just to see how I’m going to enter or exit my destination. The rest is simple. Watch for signs and the road.
     
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  10. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    Drivers that can actually think for themselves don't need to hear that thing yakking at them.. those driver can also read a map and know left from right and north from south..... but they are becoming a endangered species
     
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  11. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    My bride tells me it's because my hearing ain't so great any more. I think what she really means is the gps interrupts her talking.
     
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