Is a backup GPS essential

Handdog bud, Use your backup GPS (such as Garmin-Rand or Cobra-Garmin combo) If this makes you comfortable. Funny you would ask here! Anyhow, get yourself a Rand McNally Truckers edition, a Cobra or Uniden (inexpensive) CB radio or two (one as a backup); and you can not go wrong! Use whatever means that increase your confidence and the safety of yourself and others around you. Many drivers watch HBO/Showtime and are active on Facebook and Twitter, but hate the CB (go figure)! You will find out that a CB radio is just as helpful as those GPS. Many drivers still use their CB, I do, and are all to willing to help you get to your destination. But you need to acquire a thick plate of outer skin (your emotions) and get Trucker Tough! Negative comments sometime accompany using the CB. On another note, if you enjoy radio communications, you may want to seriously consider getting your HAM Radio license, a handheld or mobile two meter radio and learn to use repeaters (located all over the USA & Canada), you will be surprised at the number of retired and or active Truck Drivers and others, who monitor these repeaters and are very willing to help you. Aim High!

 

A backup GPS??? Why in case the first one doesn't get u ###### up enuff??

 

All these people who talk down on using modern tools are straight up dumb. And chances are even though they're bragging about their feat, they're probably that truck you see making an illegal u-turn in the middle of the night at a stop light. Women got around fine giving birth without anesthetics, does that mean we shouldn't use them?!

GPS is an amazing tool, but as others pointed out ... you cannot rely on it. My garmin for instance wanted me to go 10mi out of route because of a 14' bridge it registered as 12.5' for some reason.

Plan out your trips and you'll be stress free.
Use your atlas, GPS, Google maps, Google earth, Qualcomm, and DEFINATELY call the shipper/receiver if possible.