GPS systems for trucking.

I use the Garmin 465T truck GPS. I don't trust them 100% Thats why I still use my Rand Mc Nally map . All in all the 465 is a good gps I've had it 3 years now with no problems with it. Think they are around $300 now.

 

Your trainer is 100% correct. While a GPS is a great tool, new drivers still need to learn and know basic map reading skills. Because of your vast travelling experience you may already have those skills and then I would say YES to a truck specific GPS unit. They are great for street level city routing but don't always do a good job in routing you across the country (which should be the easy part).

 

Even truck specific gps units will rout you on restricted roads and under low bridges I.use my maps in combination with the google maps satellite view to plan my routes I use the gps mainly to warn me when I am close to the customer when I first started driveing all I had was a map and my standard cell phone smart phones were not on the horizon then and that was better than what my dad had payphones best to learn how to use a map first so you can navigate when your gps breaks .

 

gps is a great TOOL. not instead of using an atlas, but in addition to it. i also have used garmin 465 exclusively, and wouldnt buy another brand because im happy with garmin. i punch in the destination, then break out the atlas to look for low clearances on the route gps is sending me. garmin hasnt tried to send me under a low bridge YET, but i will never trust her enough to stop looking for them in the atlas. and yes, truck only gps is the way to go. ive heard of people using a car gps, but i dont see how you could do that and not go nuts. in ny for instance you cant use parkways. guess which way the gps is gonna want to send you?

 

i've had pcmiler. the cheapest thing you can buy. and it works. i just plot and drive. had no problems in almost 2 years i've had it. but it's by no means perfect. my phone is my backup. with my atlas being 3rd.

as for all the bells and whistles. there's an app for that. FREE.

 

Here's my advice,listen to your instructors,get a truckers atlas,maps whatever.Even if you do get a GPS,it's a good idea to also have an atlas with you.You're not going to find a cheap truckers GPS.GPSis blamed for truckers that hit low clerance bridges.GPS has made truckers lazy that they don't even read signs.

 

If you've got an android device e.g. tablet or phone, you can't do better than Co-Pilot Truck. It's better than my last Garmin Nuvi. If you use a map aswell and just need the GPS as a back up, you can download Co-Pilot car gps for about $10, an absolute bargain. There is no way any GPS is worth $800 with all the choice out there now.

 

I have a Rand Mcnally. I transferred the low clearances and restricted routes into my GPS. I don;t care what GPS you buy you still have to check for low clearances and restricted routes before you start on the trip. And then you still have to read the signs because Rand McNally isn't perfect either....not by a #### sight.

So I guess I would disagree with your instructor and I would tell you to get both and use both. I would get a GPS that runs off a netbook. I have a 10.1" screen and I would not want to go smaller.