GPS Advice

Yes. I use both the Rand and the Garmin

 

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.

 

Unfortunately, the truckers gps is the be all, end all navigation system it could or should be. I used a Rand McNally up until last year. It usually worked well, and had coverage where my phone did not, but it would sometimes lead me to a destination that was not even in sight of my intended shipper or consignee. And so, one night, it pulled this shenanigan once again and I snapped. In less than a minute, I discovered what the inside of a $400 Rand McNally gps looks like without the aid of a screwdriver.

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.

 

My advise about GPS... USE WITH CAUTION, DONT FORGET TO BRING YOUR BRAIN.

 

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 safe

 

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!!!

 

Keep the big glossy book it may come in handy

 

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.