Truck GPS

I just got my CDL and I'm starting on a job soon. I'm looking for my first truck GPS. Anybody has any recommandations? I'm thinking about getting Garmin dezl 760

I've got the 5" Rand McNally GPS. I like it as it goes along with their map book as well, free lifetime maps.

Remember, truck GPS is only a tool, and should not be relied on 100% of the time. I use my GPS with my map book, google maps and google earth.

I have the 5" version of the Garmin you posted and its a must have! Im the map everybody calls for directions or advice and I hated the Rand MCNally. Garmin isnt perfect but hands down the directions are 10 times better than the Rand.

I've got the 5" Rand McNally GPS. I like it as it goes along with their map book as well, free lifetime maps.

Remember, truck GPS is only a tool, and should not be relied on 100% of the time. I use my GPS with my map book, google maps and google earth.

Agreed, and I use the same set of tools. Sometimes the routing is utter nonsense. This is why you still need to use the atlas and your noggin.

Bought the new Rand 530 when it came out and I love it. Mainly for the extras it provides, like logging mileage in each state, etc (my company does not have Qualcomm). I was a longtime Garmin user but after having several issues with downloading updates I stocked up my Pilot points and splurged on the Rand. The update dock is much quicker and easier (to me) and they're quick to address unit issues with updates. As far as the routing, make sure all the parameters are set correctly and most of those issues will be solved. As stated earlier, GPS units should not be the only source of direction. I always use phone apps (Google Maps, Earth, TruckerPath, to name a few) to see where I'm headed and what I may encounter along the way. Best of luck!

I've got the garmin 560 dezl. I find myself using that half of the time for it's directions, the other half I use my qualcomm. But what I really like having the 560 for is the real time traffic with routing around dead stops!! It's got me around quite a few traffic jams in the 3 months I've been using it. It's also nice to get a feel on drive time to a destination or multiple destinations. Although it figures drive times at speed limits of roads traveled and not my 58 mph truck but it gets me in the ball park. Prime's QC doesn't give you ETA as they don't want drivers "relying" on that time. The other must have feature on the 560 is lane assist that tells you what lane you need to be in before you get to a maneuver.

So if you're looking at the 760 I think you're going to like it. There are more features on these that I haven't mentioned but overall I think garmin has a good product with the DEZL line.

I am going to throw this out here as another possible option. If you choose the go the phone or tablet app route, look into Copilot TruckGPS. During my research, some truckers seemed to go this route for many reasons: 1. They prefer the navigation over the other options. 2. If you switch phones or your tablet dies, you can just transfer the app over to the new tablet. It saves cost over the long run.

The app is downloadable to your device so it can be used offline. If Drivewyze becomes a major player vs. PrePass, that can be integrated into the navigation. The cost of the app is $150. In the past they have had temporary sales for $100. Who knows if they will have them in the future. You can integrate Inrix's real time traffic app for $10/mo. I have used the Inrix app and it appears to be pretty accurate and timely. The updates are lifetime free.

If I end up going OTR , this would be plan A for me in terms of a Navigational aide. I would test it out before I layout $150 by using Copilot premium ($10) on my phone and the motor carrier's atlas together to stay on truck safe routes. If I thought the navigation was solid I would consider buying a 7" tablet with GPS capabilities and putting on Copilot Truck. I have seen quite a few tablets under $100 with decent reviews on Amazon. Here is one example

Anyways, something else to chew on

Well Santa decided Rand 720 for me. I am pretty pleased.

I've been using the Rand 720 for a little over a year, and it frustrates me sometimes. I will know exactly where I am going, because I have been there before. The Rand will want me to keep driving past my turn and go 15 miles down the road, make a U-turn and come back up the opposite side of the 4 lane to get to my destination. It behaves like this on a regular basis, making me never really trust what it is telling me.

Don't get me wrong. If you stuck a gun in my face and tried to take it from me, I would snatch the gun out of your hand and walk away with both!

For me, the GPS is simply one of 4 legs I stand on.

1- I have my route suggestion provided by the company. 2- I have my road atlas with enlarged central city maps. 3-I have my local directions provided by the company. 4-I have my GPS.

Sometimes they all come together perfectly, but rarely in New Jersey. Sometimes even the directions provided by the company are wrong, so the GPS doesn't have a monopoly on errors.

I have a friend who owns both the Rand 720 and the Garmin Dezl 760, and runs them side by side on his dash. He says that the Dezl does less stupid **** than the Rand, and I believe him. I really wish I had bought the Dezl in the 5 inch model. The larger 7 inch models in both brands have some features I don't need that are already taken care of by Qualcomm , so I paid for some features I really don't need or want to deal with. Also, the 5 inch models are easier to see around, with less chance of obstructing your view when using your hood mounted mirrors.

Bought the new Rand 530 when it came out and I love it. Mainly for the extras it provides, like logging mileage in each state, etc (my company does not have Qualcomm). I was a longtime Garmin user but after having several issues with downloading updates I stocked up my Pilot points and splurged on the Rand. The update dock is much quicker and easier (to me) and they're quick to address unit issues with updates. As far as the routing, make sure all the parameters are set correctly and most of those issues will be solved. As stated earlier, GPS units should not be the only source of direction. I always use phone apps (Google Maps, Earth, TruckerPath, to name a few) to see where I'm headed and what I may encounter along the way. Best of luck!

TruckerPath has been discontinued, but you can get TruckerPath Pro for free.