The best GPS ever

Faster hardware relates to much faster routing. But as others have said it is a personal opinion choice
Learn to use all the tools you have.

 

That's what I thought but wanted to make sure, I still have time to "exchange" the Garmin, and like the features that the Rand 510 I have now better. Maybe I'll exchange the Garmin and get the Rand 520, if I decide I don't like it then I guess I could always exchange it for another Garmin.

 

And did you update the 720 before using it as per the instructions?

 

GPS's can and do sit in warehouses/stores for a bit of time. It is like any other software driven piece - Once you own it, update it.

Any Electronic device that has a battery, guess what, after sitting in warehouse/stores for a bit, the batteries do need to be charged before using.

Any Electronic device to include GPS devices have default settings from the factory. No company can fine tune the Electronic device to meet your needs. Just like a computer, the customer needs to adjust the settings to their needs.

I find most users buy the product, open the box, turn it on, wonder why they get a black screen or if they do plug it in still get a black screen on the 7". As suggested, plug the electronic device into a power source, turned off, for several hours to give the internal battery a fighting chance.

Manuals are no longer shipped with most Electronic devices. You get a starter guide, but the full manual is usually found on the Companies website or via the Dashboard on the computer to update the device linking back to the companies website. Rarely do users read them.

Most users will use the default settings and wonder why they are directed for routing the way the device does. Then, in fustration a few days later exchange it for another brand/model and continue the trend.

Any GPS device takes about a month to fully get used to the way the screens are and for the driver to understand the settings and most important, feel somewhat secure in using the device. Agreed exchange periods are only for x days/weeks, so this will put a hamper on the learning curve.

Just because other trucks are on a road does not mean it is a truck legal route. Most roads do not post any restrictions. You have to understand that there are two classes of roads for trucks. STAA and Non-STAA. STAA usually = 53' 102" trailers and Non-STAA = usually 48' 96" trailers.

The Highways system is based upon these two classes for the most part. Many shippers/consignee's are on a Non-STAA road. Most cities will allow a 53'102" trailer for pick up/delivery, but not for thru routing. Simply changing the trailer to the Non-STAA settings will allow routing.

Some states like CO have a preferred HazMat routing on the US routes.

You have to understand the maps used by GPS will never be 100% and in some cases new additions can take a year or two to be reflected in the map set.

You see a road in front of you, the map set sees a segment with a lot of variables as to if it can route you on this road or not.

NY does show bridges at the lower height, but not the actual. Map sets have to go by what is issued by that State DOT.

Car GPS do not show the legal truck routing. The software and mapset is not set up for trucks.

The above will apply to any GPS no matter what the brand/model.

Preplanning using whatever means available to the driver before driving will lead to a more stress free trip.

A driver runs freight between a shipper and consignee. You have a very important job in that the general public and businesses depend on your getting from point A to B safely and on time.

GPS's are not made to take over the complete planning of a trip. They are tools like the MCRA to assist you in pre-planning a route. You still have the final say in how you wish to plan your route. GPS's cannot think like you do and take road A over road B since you prefer that route. You can adjust the routing on any GPS to plan your route the way you wish.

 

I won't get into where on the TND unless on the support thread, but the TND does have those options.

Thanks,
Mark