GPS Systems

Hey all. I was wondering if you really need to get the GPS systems for truckers or if a normal one will do. I really can't afford the one made for truck drivers right now however I really don't want to go without some kind of guidance. While watching videos it appears a lot of truckers are just using the standard one. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you.

Rand McNally is a wonderful GPS.

A GPS for cars will not suffice. No way. A truck can't go on every road like a car can. We have to stick to only truck routes. A car GPS will route you through roads you can not to on. Even a truck GPS will do that for you here and there but not as often. Never trust a GPS, but also don't use a GPS that's made for cars.

Thanks, Daniel. I guess I will just have to fork out the dough. Can you suggest a model?

Thanks, Daniel. I guess I will just have to fork out the dough. Can you suggest a model?

If you don't need the extra features like built in wifi and weather alerts then TND 510. It's the cheapest.

If you want a 5" with wifi and weather alerts then TND 520.

Anything above that is much more pricey. I've had the 510 ever since I went trucking and it has never failed me. Just make sure to keep it updated. Also, don't buy them at truck stops. Amazon has the cheapest price.

Try searching the internet for a used or factory refurbished gps system. You may find something you can afford that way.

How's the TND 510 in city and towns?? I'm starting a new job tomorrow with a local beverage company and after training I will defiantly need a GPS as I will have to navigate around towns and cities I've never even heard of.

How's the TND 510 in city and towns?? I'm starting a new job tomorrow with a local beverage company and after training I will defiantly need a GPS as I will have to navigate around towns and cities I've never even heard of.

I currently have the TND 510 and have had it for well over a year. Its a nice GPS and does the same job as the 720 models. So its a good purchase in my opinion. But don't ever rely on the GPS only. Use an Atlas, call the customer, etc. The GPS will eventually fail you and/or lead you down non-truck route roads and low bridges. So I recommend this GPS. But don't depend on it.

I have the Rand McNally 520, I am mostly happy with it but you must double check it in town especially. I make several deliveries a night and a common problem I find is it will try to route you around truck restricted roads even if it's legal for you to be on it. Roads posted no trucks except local deliveries, I had my stop literally blocks in front of me and the GPS would try to take me some crazy way around to avoid a short drive down a restricted road but legal if your delivering on it. Just don't follow your GPS blindly.

Do Not get a Regular GPS for cars, you will regret it if you ever run East. Most truckers use Rand McNally and that's a good sign but I myself use an Application called CoPilot. I cross reference all my trips with Google, Atlas and other drivers if need be.

I have the Rand McNally 520, I am mostly happy with it but you must double check it in town especially. I make several deliveries a night and a common problem I find is it will try to route you around truck restricted roads even if it's legal for you to be on it. Roads posted no trucks except local deliveries, I had my stop literally blocks in front of me and the GPS would try to take me some crazy way around to avoid a short drive down a restricted road but legal if your delivering on it. Just don't follow your GPS blindly.

That is so true. Or you pass the truck entrance before your GPS says "arriving at your destination, on the LEFT," which is actually an empty lot. While YOUR destination was 100 feet behind you, on the RIGHT.

Dave