Gps questions

They are good but not perfect tools. The maps will have flaws. I use mine for: trip planning (time and miles), finding intersections of streets at night in fog (you know when you have the kind of directions like " XYZ street? Yeah it is down five or six lights, maybe ten, but you can't miss it! There is a Chevron station there, or maybe it is a Shell") My rule is if it looks like it is wrong, it probably is, but that is something you have to get used to. Use a GPS in concert with: common sense, Rand McNally, calling the customer prior to getting on your way and you will pretty much be safe 98% of the time. I use a Garmin 7200, not a truck version. I plug in the address, then review the route with Rand McNally for low clearances, weight restrictions, scales, etc and call the customer to verify. Pros and cons? Get a large screen model, one that you can hear over the sound of the truck and has an up-datable map. There are a lot of extra "tools" (planning, search functions, trip computers on the more expensive units.
I have heard good things about the Rand McNally trucker version. In my opinion, they are worth the investment.

 

As in the other post, there are no perfect ones, they all have their quirks. Personally I use the pcmiler one, to keep up with miles, turns at night, weather and such. Since most companies and DOT use pcmiler software, it at least puts us on the same page. Whichever one you choose, just take the time to get used to its quirks and use it as a tool to make your job easier

 

I had an issue yesterday getting from NY to NJ. I found a few low bridges on the map and decided to go the long way around to avoid the issues. I just picked up a new truck atlas. Whenever I go off the main roads I always double check in the book for restricted/low bridges. You know when you make a mistake when you see the sides of the roads on both sides worn out from big trucks making u-turns,lol.

It's like the old carpenter saying "measure twice,cut once"

 

I use the Garmin 465t. Not only is it easy updatable, it has lifetime traffic subscription that will automatically offer a different truck route around the problem. It will also tell you why there is a delay by clicking in the traffic icon so you can decide if its slow traffic, you can stay on route. It if its an accident, take alternate route.
Most units use speed limits to approximate your times, the 465t learns your max speed and your times are based on your governed speed.
It also knows where most scales are and alerts you 1 mile before the last exit to give you the option to go around it.
The ability to have multi stop routing, lane assist, live traffic, and overall ease if use ,
makes the Garmin 465t the unit for me.
Please hit thanks if this was useful.
Thanks.