GPS systems for trucking.

Truck specific is not needed. just a fleece. You said it yourself use a map a phone call and a CAR GPS.

 

I was in comfort,tx .love truckstop just got 7 inch dezl 565 for truck route.garmin make good gps.i have try alot brand but garmin 465t,565t dezle are good model.i would like to get 7 inche dezle 565t,that wil be my next gps.

 

I use pro miles online best trucking software I have used, gives you fuel cost, miles, what route for best fuel savings, and more

 

Im looking at the randy mcnally 720 or 510 does anybody who uses one of these have any input good or bad. Also would like to know if you can input your own route or do you have to use the predetermined routes?

 

I don't understand the arguments against GPS and saying "learn to read a map like Rand McNally atlas first". GPS *is* a map, just in digital format. In fact if you get the Rand TND, you pretty much have more than what is in the atlas. I understand that you have to use common sense as all these things have errors. But the paper atlas is not better than GPS per se. The only thing truly better, or more accurate would be a state or locally produced truck route maps like the online pdf ones Caltrans has. But those have an almost overwhelming amount of detail.

 

The 700 or the 710 is way better that the 720 they changed a few settings I don't like the 700/710 you could do fastest time or shortest distance and you can with the 720 but it also has routing like avoid hwy stay on city roads ect mine will take you 30 miles around a city when you could of drove 3 miles

 

$800 for a GPS??? I did look at a lot of options and went with the RM 510, two years ago and do not regret my decision. Since then RM have come up with the 720, sounds good but I have no first hand experience with it.
The GPS is a good tool,use it as such but it really helps a lot when your diverted off your route because of an accident with no more direction on what to do after you off the highway.

 

I know. Doesn't make any sense to me either. I suppose if your GPS goes kaput you should know how to read a map...but really..who can't already read a map anyway? People seem to confuse GPS with maps and routing. They are 3 totally different things.

Rand McNally paper atlas is a map that tells you where the national network is. You choose a route that suits your trucking needs.

Microsoft Streets and Trips non truck version (for example) is a map that does not tell you where the NN is. You choose a route that suits your trucking needs.
Then, if you ask for it, you turn on the GPS function so you know where you are.

 

Very good question, you saved me from asking it myself. I started digging into this issue 2 days ago and this is what I have decided to do after reading close to 30 threads off of this wonderful site. Since you have stated you can read a map and are tech savy, here is a option you may want to look at if you have a somewhat new laptop. Everything I am going to suggest, are things I have either spent hours reviewing or have used myself in other situations. Just to be clear, all the information I received from this site has lead me to my conclusions.

I have a newer HP laptop with all the bells and whistles. This is the system I will use for both my logbook requirements as well as my route planning / gps with the exception of a wireless printer. (I am still looking into this option). As you already know, keep a paper logbook (prices vary) and A Rand McNally Motor Carrier Road Atlas, ($39.99) as a back up and to double check your route regardless of what gps unit you decide to go with.

1. I will use Microsoft Streets and Trips 2013. I love their software and have been using it for years. $39.95.
2. Truck Stop Plus. This is a add on template for Microsoft Street and Trips that will display items for the Trucking Industry. Rest stops, fuel centers, scales, trucker friendly restaurant parking, truck dealerships and this list goes on forever. It is very impressive and boasts that it is better then any truck gps on the market today. I realize that you can not believe everything you read but for $39.99 I will give it a shot after reading all the features it claims to provide. http://www.truckstopsplus.com/
3. US Global Sat BU-353 USB Port GPS Receiver. (This is needed for Microsoft Street as well as can also be used to help enhance the Eclipse Logbook software) $28.95
4. Eclipse Logbook Software. I have read nothing but good reviews from this very site. $59.99

Total price for logbook and gps software/hardware $168.88. If you are not interested in the e-logs, $108.00. Rand McNally also has many gps units on their site for under $300.00. There are a few hidden cost with this system. (Power Converter, PC Mount, Printer for logs). Hope this helps. Drive Safe. p.s. One lightning bolt / power surge to the electronics and its back to the "Backups Mentioned Above".

 

GET A TRUCKERS ROAD ATLAS that is laminated...last you forever.....I really don't understand how in the world that any freight got delivered period..... from the beginning to the "tech age " started. I guess we just wandered from town to town and city to city hoping we could find the receivers we were looking for. GET a FLIPPING MAP and forget about doing everything the easy way.....