Rand McNally Traffic Everywhere -good or bad?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by FordFan, Oct 19, 2013.

  1. FordFan

    FordFan Light Load Member

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    Is it worth buying? Just picked up a 720 and like it so far. Don't want to waste money if not needed.
     
  2. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    I use the traffic feature on my built-in map app on my smart phone when I feel it may be an issue as I'm approaching a large city. It's free (besides a little data consumption) and uses the same traffic data that any GPS mapping device may use. Green through option route A and a bunch of yellow and some red on option route B, I go option route A. Typically they are fairly current and accurate to report average traffic speed via color, and can pin point problem areas pretty well.

    While the feature may be worth buying in a GPS device, it can not be relied upon to always make the best routing decisions (and it will try if you don't tell it not to bother routing based on traffic). That decision need to be made by the driver based on what colors the driver sees and other options that might be prudent and "gut feeling" based on prior experience with the area/time .
     
  3. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    eh i use the traffic if im coming up to a major area other then that i dont cuz i got to have my phone set as a hotspot i think thats the only down side to it. Wish they could make it so we dont got to use our phone internets
     
  4. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    the downside is we're not supposed to be using our phones, PERIOD. LOL.
     
  5. BuckeyeCowboy63

    BuckeyeCowboy63 Medium Load Member

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    Go old school. Use an atlas to get u there and cb to check traffic. That is what i do. Aint been lost yet.
     
  6. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    what if my Cb dont work? Most drivers use an Atlas but an Atlas isnt gonna tell you how the traffic is So not sure why u brought that up he was asking about the traffic option...
     
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  7. FordFan

    FordFan Light Load Member

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    There's definitely a place for the atlas. It's number 1. But I use the GPS for quick references and differences between routes. I also like how it tells you about POI's along the way.

    as far as the cb, it's dying fast. Twice as much junk garbage on it as 10 years ago. I keep it on, but just a lot of garbage on it.
     
  8. Lsv

    Lsv Light Load Member

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    U must be useing 1 of those "dumb" atlases. I upgraded to a " smart " 1. And it gives all kinds of updates, even talks to me in a sexy voice.
     
  9. BuckeyeCowboy63

    BuckeyeCowboy63 Medium Load Member

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    I was being facious. I was kidding about atlas. Seriously though i dont use gps all that much. I just go with the flow, but i also leave early enough to have that time built in and try to time breaks etc around rush hour in major cities. If anywhere near nyc during day use 287 unless i have to cross gw to deliever. Etc.
     
  10. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    i used to leave early. but then i have to shut down early also.

    i'd rather leave later. so i have time at the end of the day to get the heck out.