Hammer GPS App???

Has anyone used the Hammer GPS app? If so, what was your experience? Thanks

Has anyone used the Hammer GPS app? If so, what was your experience? Thanks

I used it for several months. I decided to try a different app TruckerPath, after Hammer rerouted me mid-trip a couple of times for seemingly no reason. TruckerPath requires a subscription to make use of the truck route features, but I personally think the expense is worth it. Hammer isn't bad. As with any GPS, be careful of how it is routing you once off the highway. I always have where I am going off the highway fleshed out before beginning to drive. I will also often stop at a rest area or truck stop within 30 minutes of my exit so that I can go over the final portion of my route. The interface isn't as smooth as TruckerPath, but that's really my opinion.

You get what you pay for.

I checked the route suggestions a few times against our company navigation and my Garmin and It’s not something I would ever use. Like anything though, it’s just a tool, don’t rely on any of them or follow them blindly. Trip planning is essential. Even my truck Garmin suggest some very truck unfriendly routes when approaching the customer but that’s where the trip plan comes in. If/when my Garmin dies I will immediately buy another, I find it too useful not to have especially for park locations.

You get what you pay for.

I checked the route suggestions a few times against our company navigation and my Garmin and It’s not something I would ever use. Like anything though, it’s just a tool, don’t rely on any of them or follow them blindly. Trip planning is essential. Even my truck Garmin suggest some very truck unfriendly routes when approaching the customer but that’s where the trip plan comes in. If/when my Garmin dies I will immediately buy another, I find it too useful not to have especially for park locations.

I had a Garmin, and I liked it, until I had to do an update and it became useless when I couldn't complete the update while connected to Wi-Fi. To me, the issue of the device becoming a paperweight because an update couldn't complete is worth not investing in another. My company's Samara tablet system has the TruckerPath app installed, and I was already using it before we switched from Omnitracs to Samara.

As noted above, it's a tool, one of many we have at our disposal. I emphasize that it's just one tool.

I've used it, I give it a 'Negatory' Ghost Rider rating for some of the same reasons mentioned above.

I'm not a fan of the Trucker Path app, most nav apps for that matter. The closest thing to being as accurate as a dedicated truck GPS is TruckMap. But, I prefer to use a dedicated GPS due to the fact the app is on my phone and legally can't be touched while operating the truck. I also use my Atlas. However, I really on my GPS for low bridges more than the Atlas because if you're traveling in the Chicago area, an Atlas will not identify about 100 low bridges, but your GPS most likely will. As mentioned by Klutch, even a dedicated GPS will send you down some sketchy, trucker-unfriendly routes. That's why I double, triple, and quadruple-check unfamiliar routes. Then, I check google maps' Satellite imaging to see what the approach to the shipper/receiver looks like. While this won't show low bridges, it helps quickly identify the most likely path in and out off of the main roads.

I've used it, I give it a 'Negatory' Ghost Rider rating for some of the same reasons mentioned above.

I'm not a fan of the Trucker Path app, most nav apps for that matter. The closest thing to being as accurate as a dedicated truck GPS is TruckMap. But, I prefer to use a dedicated GPS due to the fact the app is on my phone and legally can't be touched while operating the truck. I also use my Atlas. However, I really on my GPS for low bridges more than the Atlas because if you're traveling in the Chicago area, an Atlas will not identify about 100 low bridges, but your GPS most likely will. As mentioned by Klutch, even a dedicated GPS will send you down some sketchy, trucker-unfriendly routes. That's why I double, triple, and quadruple-check unfamiliar routes. Then, I check google maps' Satellite imaging to see what the approach to the shipper/receiver looks like. While this won't show low bridges, it helps quickly identify the most likely path in and out off of the main roads.

I love using Google Earth. Getting that satellite view and then being able to select a spot to get a street view; that is an invaluable resource.

You can save it by hooking it up to a laptop and reinstalling the firmware and map that way.

You get what you pay for.

I checked the route suggestions a few times against our company navigation and my Garmin and It’s not something I would ever use. Like anything though, it’s just a tool, don’t rely on any of them or follow them blindly. Trip planning is essential. Even my truck Garmin suggest some very truck unfriendly routes when approaching the customer but that’s where the trip plan comes in. If/when my Garmin dies I will immediately buy another, I find it too useful not to have especially for park locations.

I had a Garmin, and I liked it, until I had to do an update and it became useless when I couldn't complete the update while connected to Wi-Fi. To me, the issue of the device becoming a paperweight because an update couldn't complete is worth not investing in another. My company's Samara tablet system has the TruckerPath app installed, and I was already using it before we switched from Omnitracs to Samara.

As noted above, it's a tool, one of many we have at our disposal. I emphasize that it's just one tool.

Agreed!

I love using Google Earth. Getting that satellite view and then being able to select a spot to get a street view; that is an invaluable resource.

I run a dedicated Garmin otr 500, Google maps for traffic, sattlelite and street view and trucker path for off the beaten path truck stops mostly, although occasionally it will have a decent route in it for when I encounter road closures or accidents. I run all three simultaneously but always start with trip planning with the atlas if I havent been on the route before. I check all this against my company suggested route and usually do my best to follow it as thats where my fuel solutions are loaded. Sometimes though, deviation is needed and I communicate that before I take off, especially so I get compensated for added miles if needed. As said, the best tool you have is using your brain and planning before you the press the yellow nob in.

I drive local and have to trip plan multiple times each day. I am constantly going to new places for deliveries and pickups. I use a combination of the Hammer app and google maps to plan my route. The hammer app will steer you clear of low bridges and for the most part, keep you on truck routes. Where it fails horribly is on residential deliveries and new developments. I compare the suggested routes from both apps and determine my best course after studying the google satellite view of the route. I often deviate from the suggested route by finding a more direct, safer route off of major roads with the satellite study. As always, keep your eye on all road signs. They are your best friend.