Is a backup GPS essential

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Handog, Nov 1, 2013.

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  1. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Real world locations get changed, roads get removed from trucking use, and not all receivers and shippers are available or want to be bothered, in my experience, nothing is 100% certain. I get usually 6 stops done between Milwaukee and Chicago with 350 to400 miles in 14 hours, and figure it is good enough.

    Most places don't answer early, phone systems don't work for whatever reason, directions are poor or incomplete, like going to Roundy's and not one label of Roundy's anywhere outside the store, but the address was right. I had everything I listed happen, some repeatedly in the past 2 weeks, as well as roads I normally use being clogged from construction.
     
    25(2)+2, Nov 2, 2013
    #31
  2. Handog

    Handog Light Load Member

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    Four pages and I'm still not sure a GPS is essential, much less a back-up. LOL..good arguments on either side. I should mention I'll be pulling a tanker so locations may be easer to locate? A Rand McNally Deluxe Atlas is on its way. I may just go ahead with the Garmin760 as a supplement to the Atlas just to be on the safe side. Even if it helps a little each day the initial cost seems justifiable.
     
    Handog, Nov 2, 2013
    #32
  3. goblue

    goblue Road Train Member

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    if yur smart hand dog and tech savvy u will love the 760 and it will be useful. the truck GPS units also seem to hold value well to..I tried to find a cheap one on the used market with no luck.
     
    goblue, Nov 2, 2013
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    Handog Thanks this.
  4. DaReallyst

    DaReallyst Light Load Member

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    I use a Rand McNally GPS along with map and directions from the customer. I mainly use the GPS to know what the cross streets are so I don't miss my turn. Never rely on a GPS end of story, period! Most truck companies are too cheap to install truck route gps so be very careful using the navigation on your qualcomm.
     
    DaReallyst, Nov 2, 2013
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  5. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    For the longest time I didn't have a nav unit, I went all over the country and had odd looks when I was asked what model I used and answered with "what's that?"

    If you need to deal with an atlas after you start driving, you don't need to be in the driver's seat. Write down your route, put it somewhere you can see it and use it.

    I am starting to think that if we are going to be treated like an airline pilot with our DOT physical, they need to make it a rule that in order to get a CDL, we need to learn how to read a map.
     
    Ridgeline, Nov 2, 2013
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  6. amiller

    amiller Medium Load Member

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    You don't need a truck gps. Get a motor carrier map and use your phone or a regular car gps. Just do thorough trip planning and you'll be happy that you didn't spend all that money on a truck gps. Later on when you have more experience and money saved up then you can decide to buy a truck gps

     
    amiller, Nov 2, 2013
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  7. Mountain Hummingbird

    Mountain Hummingbird Medium Load Member

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    yup a backup gps is essential for those who dont know how to read a map. Map book 29.98 gps about 300.00 Ill take the 29.98 map book and spend the other 270.00 on something I really need.
     
    Mountain Hummingbird, Nov 2, 2013
    #37
  8. goblue

    goblue Road Train Member

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    a lot of the naysayers also still use abbaccus... fact is that the GPS map shows far more detail than an atlas ever will. I have a feeling some of these individuals may be technologically deficient. prolly the same with elogs ..now they can't cheat no more. if yur still believing the old timers go to a truck stop and look at all the windshields. I'm pretty sure some of the atlas folks run regional or local or have been doing it so long they don't even need the Atlas.
     
    goblue, Nov 2, 2013
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    peterd and Cy Ran Thank this.
  9. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    The atlas is only good for highways and secondary roads, maybe a few more...

    It is no use past that.

    Mikeeee
     
    Pmracing, Nov 2, 2013
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  10. Cy Ran

    Cy Ran Light Load Member

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    I think you would need a few hundred regional maps to fill the need, but I agree with you.

    I agree “use the tools available” but don’t ‘In gladio morientur gladio vivere’ (that is Latin for those who don’t hablo) :)
     
    Cy Ran, Nov 2, 2013
    #40
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