i just got my Class A and am joining Crete/Shaffer in a couple of weeks. I’ve been scouring the net on anything that I can find to prepare myself for my new career.
With the Qualcomm and it’s various functions, do I still need to purchase a trucking GPS?
Thank you for any assistance.
GPS Advice
Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Chris_in_CT, Jul 2, 2019.
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Chris_in_CT Thanks this.
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Yes, Qualcomm gps still makes mistakes if you go off route. No gps is perfect, even my Garmin give me wrong directions.
Get a good gps, use qualcomm and a map book. Yes yes i know Map book? It's 2019! I admit i don't use it daily but once in a while i have to look at bridge height or restrictions. Maybe like 5 times i pick it up from the dash.RoadRooster and Chris_in_CT Thank this. -
On a previous trip, this very same gps routed me on this two lane road into Montana instead of to I-15 coming south from Calgary. I was stopped at the border where I asked why I chose this route. "I followed my stupid gps directions" was my reply. The CBP guard quipped, "And it shows."
So they took their time searching my tractor the old fashioned way even checking where I used the gps to go.
Down the snow covered and windy road I then went. Haven't driven so slowly and carefully down a hill since, or cursed as much while doing so. Finally reaching I-15 was cause for celebration.
The moral of the story is that a trucker gps isn't perfect, and I am still quite certain that those who programmed the gps routes are in colusion with Big Oil due to the seemingly long routes it wants you to take.
With that being put to text, a trucker's gps is good for notifying you of upcoming weigh stations, toll booths, and low bridges. It should also put you on truck routes that avoid weight restrictions. And should you encounter a sign along your intended route that forbids vehicles over 7 tons, do not proceed. You'll only find yourself in a heap of trouble if you proceed.NavigatorWife and Chris_in_CT Thank this. -
My advise about GPS... USE WITH CAUTION, DONT FORGET TO BRING YOUR BRAIN.
peterd, Flat Earth Trucker, NavigatorWife and 1 other person Thank this. -
Like previous replies said don't forget your brain. I have a garmin truck gps and I also have a subscription to smarttruckroute. I program both of them before my pretrip. I then look at the routes they give me. (Most of the time they are pretty close, one may take me on more city roads) and decide my route. I then take a quick look at my atlas to make sure. Haven't had a problem yet.
Also don't forget to pay attention to road signs! Low bridges, weights, no trucks, etc.. Good luck and be safeNavigatorWife Thanks this. -
I can’t add anything that hasn’t been mentioned above... so I’ll simply say “congratulations and welcome to Trucking!!!”
Lots of good folks here on this website... so keep asking questions about anything you may need to ask!!!
Stay Safe!!!MartinFromBC, Chris_in_CT and NavigatorWife Thank this. -
Keep the big glossy book it may come in handy
NavigatorWife Thanks this. -
I used copilot. Downloaded through google play.
I won't say it was the best. No gps is the best. But it was a close to perfect as one could get.
It's not fancy. But it got the job done without an atlas or causing trouble.NavigatorWife Thanks this.
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