Garmin 560 LMT

I have had a 560 LT for a few weeks now.

Works well. Has a lot of helpful tools and things on it.

So far so good

 

I also have the 560LT-got it when the the TND710 I had just upgraded to from the 700 crashed. I also have the earlier version-the 465T (or is now the LT for Lifetime traffic).

There a lot of things to like on the device and, there are few things not to like but all in all, I am fairly satisifed with it.

Generally, items like these hazard alerts and weight staion alerts are generally eye candy in my view as I think they really don't add to the general functionality in my opinion but, as long as they are there they should be accurate and always on-as they are on the 560 regardless if a route is being run or not.

Traffic is another of those features that doesn't offer much but it's here and it works-generally anyway. As this is the Navtech FM Traffic service, it's subject to the whims of line-of-sight and service errors. I think it would be advisable to take the information with a grain of salt and not to rely on it too much. Another problem with traffic is that once an alert appears in the top row of the map page ie, the guidence header, it won't clear till the traffic incident is cleared. This can cause the user to miss roads or exits-especially in the non-route mode. I am considering shutting down the traffic subscription because of this one problem.

POI data is another issue but not a big one. Simpley, POI icons won't appear till the unit is stopped or at a very slow speed. No big deal. The user can still earch by truck, by NTTS, or by looking at the exit guide ( new and a nice feature). It isn't really neccesary for the POI icon to be visable with the alert feature turned on anyway.

The HOS arn't really good as there is no way that I know of to reset the three HOS-70hr, 14hr, and 11hr by-by just resetting the numbers. However, since this isn't an offically sanctioned electronic device-users would probably be using paper or a device like my electronic log on the Qaulcom and not be too concerned with the log features here.

The IFTA stuff is pretty solid but as a company driver, it's a plaything and not relevent to my operation. I do like using the fuel log though-good way to track fuel prices cross country.

One thing-Garmin is very easy to add personal POI data on. But, between the NTTS and truck POI info, everything seems so far at least, to be covered. And that includes safety and red-light camera POI information IF THE USER chooses to get that subscription. It's pretty close to the private information I have used in the past however. I havn't felt the need yet to add any further POI information to the device.

I'm having the about the same luck with routing I've had with other devices. That is, sometimes it's good and other times, not so much. Look-very simple here folks. It doesn't matter the name on the device-you must take it with a grain of salt and use a little common sense here. Back check the route using a map-call and get accurate directions and make sure the roads are roads that are legal and safe to use. Don't base your decsions solely on this or any other device. You will, at some point, come to grief if you do.

Mark-K7TKR

 

Is it better than the rand McNally or 465T??? Is it worth the extra money???

 

Just FYI. I have added the 560 to our test chart here: http://www.dieselboss.com/truck_gps_review_features.htm

Road testing is still in progress and will be for a while.

 

Unfortantly, only you can answer that one for yourself. Look at all the devices out there and make a decision-don't like your choice-take it back and try something else. The best comparison I've seen are at the Diesel Boss' website which is a great place to start-very few side by side comparisons out there. Kind of like finding a good trucking company to work for-that being, the one that you're the most comfortable with. What I may like may not be what works for you.

I will say though, that Garmin made several changes and improvements with the 560 from the 465. However, Rand McNally continues to make changes and improvements as well so-again-comes down to what works for you.

Mark-k7tkr

 

Im a 3 year Garmin user,time to upgrade to a trucking unit
Sounds as if Garmin will still be making very poor routing assesments ,like which is common with my 4whlr based 255W.

Then again the TND units are pretty much claiming the same??
TND live support any better then the Garmin call centers (45-1.5hr wait on hold)

After 3 years my Garmin is slowly melting down,screen loads,extended eta's
unbelievable routeing suggestions etc,etc

Im old school,but spoiled now,the traffic,lane assit features are worthless
plenty of signage on every highway for those doing their job,which is paying attention.

 

560LT is a good one, if not the best one

 

Very good read...Thanks for the link.

 

They all make poor routing choices. Havn't seen one yet that is able to keep up with reality....just can't be done. Way too much data out there that is constently changing...brings in a large error factor. No PND is going to hit 100% 100% of the time. Just isn't going to happen.

As for traffic...have mine disabled. I think traffic and any prediction crap is nothing more then a selling point which adds little if any functionality to the device-especially in regard to class 8 operations.

Mark-kd7lqw