Certain features must be included When choosing a GPS device for trucks and truck drivers. First and foremost, the device should be designed with trucks in mind. This will ensure that the device can avoid roads unsafe for large vehicles, making it crucial to choose a GPS device for truckers that meets these criteria.
Additionally, the device should be able to provide truckers with helpful information, such as upcoming sharp curves and speed limit changes. It should also allow for customization of routes based on size and weight restrictions.
The Garmin Dezl 580 LMT-S
This Garmin Dezl GPS navigation device is an excellent choice for truckers because it prioritizes routes compatible with large vehicles and provides helpful information like truck-friendly stops. It also allows drivers to input their trucks’ height, weight, and cargo type to find an appropriate route. It’s also one of the few GPS models that includes lifetime maps as part of the purchase price. This is a significant benefit, as the maps in other models can often become obsolete after a couple of years.
This model is easy to use and has an easily legible 7-inch screen. It’s also equipped with a backup camera integration feature, which makes it possible to see what is behind your truck at all times while driving. It also comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and a voice command system for hands-free calling. It also has a built-in directory of truck and trailer services, including places to buy fuel, ATMs, and more. It’s also compatible with the Garmin eLog Electronic Logging Device, which can help save you time and money by recording your hours of service.
This device, unlike smartphones, is designed for truckers and is safe to use on the road. It connects to smartphones via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for texts, app notifications, traffic alerts, and lane warnings..
Another great thing about this unit is that it offers a large, easy-to-read screen that can be seen even in direct sunlight. It’s also compatible with a backup camera, making navigating tricky highway interchanges easier. It can also record and display trips on a map. Connecting it to a power distribution box is easy; you can power it with the 12-volt adapter.
The OHREX GPS
If you’re a truck driver, you need the right GPS system to help you navigate your route. A reliable truck-friendly GPS should offer crucial data such as permit restrictions, weight limits, turn restrictions, one-way roads, and detours. It should also access the internet for real-time traffic and weather updates, saving time. Some modern GPS systems can even notify you about upcoming road closures and hazardous conditions that may affect your journey.
Truck drivers often use apps for route planning, but these apps can be slow and lack truck-specific maps. Using a cell phone while driving is unsafe and illegal in many states. Fortunately, portable GPS systems, tailored for truckers with large screens and helpful features, offer a safer and more convenient solution.
The OHREX GPS, for example, comes with a bright 9-inch HD touchscreen and can easily adjust to fit the dimensions of your truck. Users love this system’s ability to provide truck-friendly parking information, popular routes used by fellow truckers, and more. It also offers a variety of other convenient features, such as a voice assistant that lets you interact with the GPS while keeping your hands on the wheel.
Another top choice is the Rand McNally TND 540, known for its excellent software and durable hardware. The device offers a range of alerts, including those for upcoming bridge heights and weight limits, and allows you to set up preferences for specific warning notifications. It also displays the price of diesel fuel at upcoming stations so that you can plan your stops accordingly.
The TomTom PRO 7150
One of the best-known names in GPS technology, TomTom makes an excellent truck navigation system with unique features for truck drivers. These include a route planner considering truckers’ slower speeds when mapping routes and providing ETAs. It also factors in the difficult, sharp angles often encountered on a truck’s road journey. Another great feature is that the system can monitor fleet performance and reliability.
Another thing to look for when buying a GPS device for truckers is a screen size that’s large enough to see easily while you drive. A large screen will mean you can get directions without taking your eyes off the road, and it’s also helpful when it comes to selecting lanes for your truck. Additionally, some models come with a voice-activated function that can help you navigate hands-free.
Finally, truckers need a GPS that can provide them with real-time traffic and weather updates. Updates save time and money by alerting truckers to road closures due to construction or bad weather. A quality trucker’s GPS also offers vital info about the road ahead, like accident-prone areas, narrow roads, steep inclines, and sharp curves.
Some top-rated truck GPS devices include a dash cam, and you can use these to record video clips of your trip for insurance purposes or as proof of what happened on the road. They also feature a touchscreen display that automatically reduces brightness levels when exposed to sunlight for easier viewing. Many of these models also have a USB port for connecting backup cameras and other electronic accessories.
The Rand McNally TND540
Unlike other trucking GPS models, this device has all the standard digital tools that any other GPS will include. It will help you keep track of time, distance, and speed. It also has a DriverConnect feature, making integrating with various electronic logging devices easy. You can see a complete list of compatible devices on Rand McNally’s website. The TND 540 has several additional features, making it an excellent choice for truckers. It includes a handy trip planner and lets you select the stops you want to make before getting on the road. It will then calculate your best route and provide a printable itinerary. This model also has a lifetime map update service, so you’ll always have the latest maps.
The OHREX GPS is another great option for truckers looking for a high-quality GPS navigation system. It has a wide range of Wi-Fi-connected services, including fuel prices and weather updates. It also has lane guidance to ease the stress of driving in busy areas. It’s also worth noting that this device offers a cheaper price than some other models without sacrificing quality or functionality.
This trucking-specific GPS device can create routes based on your load’s size, weight, and hazmat classification. It will also show you the location of gas stations, restaurants, and other amenities near your route. It has a 5-inch screen, which may seem small to some truckers but can be useful for hands-free navigation. Additionally, it can connect to a backup camera, and you can use voice control to change directions.
The Xgody X4
While any GPS can get a driver from Point A to Point B, truckers need a system that will consider their trucks’ height, weight, and cargo. Trucking-specific GPS units like the TomTom PRO 7150 consider this to provide drivers with a better navigation experience.
Trucking-specific GPS units ensure that drivers don’t waste time getting lost and finding themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time by considering truck-friendly parking locations. These devices typically come with lifetime traffic and map updates to ensure that drivers always have the most up-to-date maps. Manufacturers design them with large screens and high-resolution displays to make them easily readable from the driver’s seat.
Truckers seeking added security should opt for a GPS with a dash cam to record their journey, potentially providing evidence in accidents or thefts and enhancing safety. Another essential GPS feature is advanced lane guidance, ensuring they choose the correct lane for exits, turns, or complex intersections.
The Garmin Dezl OTR700 is a top choice for truckers looking for the best intelligent software and durable hardware. Users love the accuracy of its mapping and find that it’s easy to use and navigate. It’s also compatible with the Garmin eLog electronic logbook, saving them time and money by automatically logging their service hours.
Choosing a suitable GPS device for truckers can be challenging. There are many different options on the market, each with its own unique set of features. The most important qualities to consider are responsive touchscreens, easy-to-use interfaces, and accurate ETAs. A good truck GPS will also be able to assess the size and weight of your vehicle and select a designated route that will avoid low bridges and weight restrictions.
