Is anyone using a regular tablet for navigation?

I've read that many use gps and don't require wifi or LTE/sim card. I would download hammer or something similar. This would free up my phone and be easier to see. I bought a gps devices on Amazon ($75) but the deal breaker was the screen was too dim when it's sunny out. So I returned it. My phone is perfectly viewable in sunlight. I'm trying to find a way around the 3 to 5 hundred dollar ones .

 

I ran Copilot on an iPad for over a year. Copilot was completely offline and did not require a network connection, although my device had LTE. You just download GB's worth of maps for regions or states you want to go.

I saw 40 plus states using that. It was an excellent combination and the large screen was great. The primary issue I had was the mount. It did fall off every other month or so. I was able to find one that attached to the top of the dash via a suction cup and hang over the side, bracing against the dash in a second spot. When I changed companies and truck, there was no practical way to mount it and I switched to a Garmin DEZL OTR 800.

 

From all my miles, that's just a no, your navigation is completely dependent upon cell tower availability.

You would be far better off to purchase a better GPS.

A tablet is, however, nice to zoom in with satellite view to see the exacts of the streets GPS is telling you to go down for your final approach.

And the same with my el-cheapo Amazon GPS, too dark in the day too bright at night, backwards humans.

 

I guess I'll wait to buy the 6.5 in Garmin. To me 300 buck is too much right now let alone more

 

That's my issue, the initial investment.

 

Yup. The guy I trained with got a $500 one at love's using his points. But thats alot of points.

 

I paid for my DEZL OTR 800 with mostly points. I think I kicked in maybe 150 or so. It was 500 or so at the time at Pilot.

Can't go wrong with a Garmin. They are excellent.

 

Under my phone plan I bought a cheap tablet, increased my phone bill by like $18. I use hammer like everyday. Not a bad investment.

 

I've considered that but I use cricket and don't think a tablet is offerred

 

Install Trucker Path and use the free trial version so it provides truck specific routing. I would NOT use a GPS meant for cars, it will get you in trouble as it doesn't avoid routes with low clearances or routes that prohibit trucks. Telling the cops "my GPS sent me this way" will not get you out of a ticket for being in a truck prohibited area.

On Trucker Path they allow a 7 day free trial. The Gold Package, plus the more expensive versions, provide truck routing. You can keep getting the free trial if you provide a different email address every 7 days.
Here is a video of how to get unlimited email address.