TruckingGPS

How often is the atlas updated?

 

i have a tnd 700 and yes it pricey (450 now with discounts) but well worth it. especially in some of those cities like new york, new jersey ( i hate NJ with a passion i cant describe here) among others. make sure you get truck gps if you get a unit. a car gps will not do. i used one for a while and got in some tight spots.

 

Yeah I am getting the 700,thought about the garmin 650 but the 700 is better.It will be a great help.As a reference but not to be relied on..

 

Ive been using the pcmiler 730, even with oversize loads, its never put me under a low overpass

 

Yearly, but that's not a big deal. The road net on that scale doesn't change that often - local routes with municipalities changing restrictions, etc. DO change quite frequently. That can get you in trouble fast.

I don't doubt it. But... the OP and two other posters list themselves as students. I've seen so many folks get in trouble because they rely on these things like they are the word of God - at best a handy tool. But to rely on them totally will get one in trouble fast.

 

So how does the Cobra 7700 stack up?

That seems to be the best one from what I have read, except for the rather crude graphics.

 

I have my car TomTom in the truck. Like others are saying, it is specific for a car, and does not take into concideration bridge weight limits, restricted routes, low clearances, basic truck routes, etc. it is good to use as a tool. I basically use mine for distances, check its routing vs qualcomm to see if maybe a faster, shorter route as I am owner operator. Use it for compass, I let TomTom count down the miles so it kinda ranges me with a time frame. But I always rely on Common Sense (checking surroundings, does it look right that i am starting to roll up towards residential and i am looking for a warehouse) also use motor carrier atlas, large laminated print works well, easier to pull towns out at a glance. qualcomm directions sometimes useful. I either pull up arial view with google maps or call the shipper and get directions. For an extremely jacked up set of directions that you just can't follow to save your life I have even called a cab, gave driver 20 bucks and had him lead me in. (Fortunatally only happened once. Customer moved forgot to update phone directions, qualcomm still had old directions, and no computer access and it is 2:00 am and nobody answering phone)

 

Hey anybody have any thoughts on the copilot software(made by pcmiler) for laptop? Seems cheaper, even with gps receiver than most trucker gps units and we'll have the laptop anyway.

You can not trust completely, the GPS, I have nuvi 360(Garmin) going 75/85N through Atl. It directed me stay right on 75N 1 exit past split, just to get right back on 75S and cross 6 lanes of interstate in less than 1/2mi and take ramp to 85N! All I had to do was stay left on 85N at the split in the 1st place! I swear one time, driving through DC the miserable witch called me an idiot! naw I don't trust her much at all.

I was also hoping someone might have some suggestions on software for the logbooks also? We do still have to get through CDL school and get hired first but being cautiously optomistic we(Husband & Wife want to try team) thought we'd go ahead and start the wish list.

We Thank You much for any info you might be willing to share with us. And beings how we don't know squat about what we will actually need we are open to suggestion.

Thanks Again,
Randy & Susan

 

Search for "Copilot" on this site, and that should bring up some reviews. The last I heard, ALK was going to issue a new release of it - the last one got mixed reviews.

Logging software - try DDL - "Drivers Daily Log" - gets good reviews. Try searching using both as keywords for reviews.

 

Hey Thanks much Ironpony I appreciate it. I tried e-mail ALK for some info on the peoduct can't seem to get it to go through, wonder if that's a sign.

Thanks Much,
Randy