What Truckers GPS APP do you use?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by All-American82, Dec 7, 2019.

  1. All-American82

    All-American82 Medium Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2013
    Rogersville, AL
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    Ok, THIS is a perfect example of WHY you SHOULD NOT use google maps as your "trucking" GPS.

    About 2 weeks ago now, I was taking a load to Houston coming in on I-10 west. Approximately 9:30 PM Apparently there was a bad enough wreck that they closed down the interstate and diverting traffic OFF of I-10 onto the "feeder" road. I'm thinking that TDOT would be controlling the traffic flow like they were at all of the exits and on-ramps, and taking us to the next logical on-ramp to return to I-10 W. Well, I was wrong!
    Next thing I know, the feeder road ends and some cars/trucks are going left and some are going right. Now mind you, this is a route that I drive 3 times a week. So, I'm relatively familiar with the area as far as the INTERSTATE goes.

    So I choose a direction, looking at my "Google maps", because I had not purchased a GPS at this time. Next thing I know I'm in an older residential neighborhood with roads BARELY wide enough for 2 cars and a 3 foot drainage ditch on each side of the road. This is NOT the place you want to be with 75 foot of Truck and trailer. Luckily with my own wits and experience, I made it through, winding around, IGNORING the Google and possibly just shear luck with Gods help (I'll take it).

    So to make a long story short and leaving out the gory details, I made it back to the interstate WITHOUT DAMAGE, and went about my merry way! Now, Had I been a new driver or a hardheaded driver, I would have been in REAL trouble. I saw a truck behind me scrape the poles going around the corner. So this was a direction NOT for the "faint of heart", But again, this is where "Google maps" was taking me! So the moral to the story is, for all of you newer drivers, Google maps IS NOT a trucking GPS!!! DON'T rely on it as one.
    DO NOT be under the delusion that the DOT in ANY state will have the forethought to realize that, when the close a "trucking route" they are forcing hundreds of Semis onto what is in reality, NOT for trucks.

    I got out of it because of experience and IGNORING where Google was trying to take me. I'm sure they MAY have been fine for cars. But NOT for trucks. It was trying to take me down streets I KNOW were just deeper into the neighborhood. Not good even in broad daylight. I SHOULD NOT have been there with a truck and would have been a nightmare to have to back out of. I am positive there would have been damage if I would have had to do that!!!

    Please, newer drivers and you hardheaded ones. NEVER use Google maps as your GPS. EVENTUALLY, you WILL be sorry!!

    Just my 2 cents and Everybody, STAY SAFE!!! :cool::cool::cool:
     
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  3. Muskie

    Muskie Medium Load Member

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    Feb 27, 2019
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    What can I say, if you follow Google Maps blindly, your an idiot. Your going to get into trouble, even with trucking software/devices. Nothing is fool proof. If google maps is going to change and it looks sketchy, pull over and make sure of your route. Google street view, a paper atlas, and your eyes (read the signs) can help a lot.
     
  4. jtaran06

    jtaran06 Road Train Member

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    Dec 23, 2007
    western ky
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    I have rolled the dice on gmaps many times. Sometimes I came out on top. Others I have almost just left truck and quit. One time I had break a set down and turn around. But I like live on edge a bit.

    Truck gps can screw you just as bad though. They ain't fool proof either.
     
  5. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    May 6, 2018
    NW MT
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    I'm using Smart Truck Route 2, and have been for almost 2 years.
    It's allows adding mile markers as way points, for example, to customize routes.

    STR2 isn't perfect, but it's very very good, and has not let me down yet.

    Having said that, there is NO SUBSTITUTE for pre-planning, and being prepared. Know where you're going IN ADVANCE. Always. Have a back up plan.

    I use my CC Atlas. I have a small clipboard with my route on the dash. I familiarize myself with my route in advance, and every single time I'm too lazy to do this, I regret it. Every single time.
     
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