Navigation Systems

Uhh,,,did they say 'give up my Road Atlas'?? I believe they did. Uhhh...only when they put 'Kingpin/distance to rear axle' and a few other things in there...

 

That has to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard! The device you're talking about is called a map! Think about what a Global Positioning System actually is before you go suggesting an eliminated map!

 

Very good--then you got my point! You will NEVER make me believe it is a good idea to have something on your dash in your field of vision--that you can tinker with going down the road! Plan before you leave--check and recheck each time you stop(and you can do that with your new GPS thingie)
But while you are going down the road--pay attention-
and yes I am old and cranky--but it is statement like you just made that causes all the rifts between us and all you newbies__(And believe me I am one of the better ones that do try to help).
Of course I'm sure you know YOU are right and I'm a neanderthal with no clue--so when you break 4million accident free miles with your own truck--gimme a call and I'll buy you a beer.
But just like you s/n and your time out here I'm pretty sure that day will never come--but I'll be rooting for you anyway!

 

Check out Delorme Street Atlas. Works with any GPS antenna. Even has a bluetooth antenna for no wires. I like it better than Microsoft streets and it has served me well for years. No truck routing but a few years of experience and you know where you can and can't go. They truck has a GPS in the satellite system that uses co-pilot but the updates are few and far between. I bought the laptop version of co-pilot for my computer a few years ago when I had windows XP, then bought a new computer with windows vista and could not use it.. Have not even tried it on my windows 7. Delorme has worked seamlessly on all 3 systems

 

Buy a truckers atlas and learn how to use it. gps does NOT work everywhere and is often wrong.

 

I can't agree with this. I have been a driver 40 years and remember the days of the road atlas being the only way to get there. Carrying 150 city maps in a case. Calling and hoping someone would answer the phone and actually know how to get to their business. Going to a post office to find a business because all the BOL has is a P.O. Box. CB directions from some local who drives a 4-wheeler that takes you right up to an unmarked 10 foot bridge and the only way out is to back up a mile or more.

I have a truckers atlas that I use for regulatory info. I have been driving long enough that I rarely need cross country routing from city to city. However I have yet to see one that gives full street level detail virtually anywhere in the country. I also have PCMiler with street level data but, it is rather pricy.

A good mapping program with GPS is a great tool for any driver. You do not have to constantly be referring to a large map or written directions while driving. It will tell you exactly where youe next turn is in most cases. As with any tool, you must know how to use it and use it correctly.

The only complaint I have with most I have seen is that the display is too bright at times. I need it bright to see it well but when I am trying to find an address or back in, I want one that I can turn the backlight off and on with a single touch of a button, but still have the audio function, if needed. This way the cab is dark so I can see better. This would also be good when driving in inclement weather.

These are a few of my thoughts on this matter.

Have a great day

Also a GPS that you can add via's to the route so you can actually program the written directions into it. There are many places we go to where the way the GPS routes, is not necessarily the legal way to get in.

 

I have garmin car model and one that is built into my radio both have gotten me in bad areas at the wrong times, but lately I have been using truckmiles its free with my laptop and a motor carrier atlas

 

Remember that even if you're using a navigation device that takes truck restrictions into account in it's routing solution....that you as the driver are ultimately responsible for the road you are on.

I spoke with a map data provider who's data goes in to some of the commerical truck systems - and they said their data is only 80 to 85% complete for the entire U.S. at any one time. Because new bridges are built, new restrictions added or lifted, etc.....their input was that no data provider will ever have it right 100% of the time.

That said - GPS devices - regardless of manufacturer - can be very useful tools....Just remember to watch for the signs! ; )

 

I'l chime in on this post: I personally don't care about GPS's. I was taught too use a map and a telephone,or your dispatcher,broker! to many people really on device's to do there job.As american's get more dependent on these type of things.they seem to forget how to do daily task. i listen to the news, weather station on my radio (FM) and plan my route by a map.the only thing on my dash is a my gloves shoved in the corner! thats my two cents.




Guys like you probably said the same thing about color tv!!!