What GPS is the best?

DO NOT listen to these idiots telling you to use directions.

70% of my loads have bad phone numbers, so good luck getting directions.
The directions that exist are usually 2-5 years old.

I used a road atlas when I first started for my main route. When I go someplace far flung from where I've been, I do the same. Your GPS gets you the last 10 miles. And it's worth its weight in gold for that alone. (Google will route you onto no truck routes and into low bridges so DO NOT count on it!)

These days, the only reason I NEED a gps is for my last 5-10 miles. But it's really handy for the nearest CAT scale, the nearest repair facility, etc.

Mine was something like $300. Best $300 I EVER spent.

 

This may be the worst advice I've ever seen on truckersreport.

Anyway I never had a rand McNally but I like the garmin. The main function of my garmin is to find fuel and rest areas along my route. Don't even spend your money on an atlas. I'm not ####ting you when I say in five years ive never once cracked my $50 atlas open. Besides that big ### atlas can do nothing for you to find a shipper. You'd have to have city atlases for every state in the country. Rusty bolt may not even be a trucker that advise was so bad.

 

I have a Garmin Dezl 770 and it's pretty good.It has told me to take a non truck route before but not that often always look before turning for no truck signs and low bridges.Google maps is a must with satellite and street view....Trip planning is your best friend check and double check.

 

Really? I'm an O/O that doesn't even own a GPS. I'll look at the satellite view of a customer on Google. That's as close as it gets. Can't count the number of times I've heard "But my GPS said...."

Following a GPS without verifying the route first is shear stupidity. This new breed driver mentality is a huge part of the problems in the trucking industry.

 

Garmin is the best.
Youll need the junction view, to help you see what lane you need, before you get to a junction.

 

I had a rand mcnally and after returning it 2 times when it stopped working after a month or so threw it in the trash. Have a garmin now and have never had issues with it (its been roughly a year since I got it) stay safe ^_^

 

On a serious note, there is no "best" gps. they all have quirks. I use a Garmin Dezl 570 and google maps on my phone. If that fails, I call one of our other drivers who hopefully has been where I am going. Pay attention to signs as they will tell you whats up. Best of Luck -

 

Have a MCRA (Motor Carrier Road Atlas) on hand and in your truck in case your GPS Fails.

Use GoogleMaps to see where you picking up or delivering to and the area's around it. Do not route with Google Maps as it uses car criteria and not truck criteria.

Use a GPS as a Aid and a Tool to assist you in route planning.

Yes the GPS may send you on an odd path or two, but what is in the Map data may be seeing no truck restrictions for that route. So hence it will route you. Maps are not 100% perfect no matter what brand you use. They will never be. A lot of data goes into the map database other than it is a road.

The GPS use a router/algorithms based upon your truck settings and the route you choose. It may pick one route one time and another route the next time. It looks at a lot of criteria in the Map Database to try to keep you on a truck legal route.

Just because other trucks are on a road it does not mean it is a truck legal route.

The National Highway act (STAA) only allows a 53'102" trailer to go off 1 mile off the National Highway. Usually after that you are on Non-STAA routes. Simply change your trailer to 48'96" and you will get a more direct route to your shipper/consignee.

Everyone will have their own thoughts on what unit they prefer. Some may have had a bad experience a few years ago on an Rand for example and tend to hold that grudge till present.

For good advice read these reviews by DieselBoss. He does an in depth testing and review process. Call him and talk to him.

http://www.dieselboss.com/truck_gps_review_features.htm

 

Garmin, they are the best.