Which GPS would you get? Or do you have one that works well?

[rbakeremai]

So I’m having a heck of a time figuring out which GPS to get. I’ve used GPS before and love the audible instructions. I see that there are only a few out there that cater to trucks. Co-pilot (Laptop based), and the teletype Worldnav 3300, 7100, and 7200 are all truck specific, anybody have one of these? Know of any others? I know Cobra is supposed to have one, but can’t find any info…

I worry about running the copilot software on my laptop constantly, I imagine that the constant vibration may be a little hard on it. I’d love to hear about experiences with this route.

I also wonder if anyone uses the “Traffic” function and whether it pays off or not? I Imagine knowing if there is a jam or accident ahead could be useful, being able to pull off at a good location as opposed to wherever you find out about the issue and being stuck. Does it help or is it a waste?

Any feedback or other ideas would be great!

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

I usually use the Original forms of GPS:
A Map and a Compass yet these don't work well at Night.

[double_r]

I use a Garmin Nuvi 350. It has an option for trucks on it. Although not perfect, it is OK. It keeps you on mostly main roads. I also found a website were you can download "add-ons" to a GPS(ie. truck stop locations, scale locations, low clearence locatios,etc). But it will never replace the three items that I have always trusted:

A TRUCKER ATLAS AND A PHONE CALL TO THE CUSTOMER FOR DIRECTIONS AND COMMON SENSE

[rbakeremai]

Agreed, nothing beats good old common sense. Taking out a bridge because your GPS says so is plain foolish, no matter what technology you use you still need to be a diligent driver. It’s not autopilot! I like it for when you miss a turn, it can give you the quickest way to correct the mistake. However, a GPS tuned for a car would likely send you down a residential street as a shortcut. Sure, it won’t do that all the time, I’d just rather have a unit that generally won’t do that, you know? The only reason to get one of these is to save time and stress, right? No, reading a map isn’t stressful, but having to stop in a big city to reroute in rush hour can be impossible, and there’s the stress factor.

I could never have a GPS again and do just fine, it’s all about making your job a bit easier. Same reason we have laptops, CB’s, cell phones, fridges, and TV’s, it makes the job better by having some comfort and convenience. Having a GPS at night is easier than a map and compass for sure, but the old standby still works.

I checked into the Nuvi 350, not bad, $198 at Wally World. I like Garmin too. May just do that one. Sure, having a unit that will keep you away from low bridges, avoid areas that can’t easily accommodate a 53’ trailer and avoid non-truck/weight limited areas would be nice, but the price is pretty darned good. These truck units even account for hazmat at different levels. Handy if you haul hazmat. I think Garmin stopped offering the truck option since there was more to it than they originally figured. I appreciate the input, I now have another option and it’s by far the most economical.

Thank you both for the replies, and if anyone else has more input fire away!

[ranger309]

Originally Posted by rbakeremai

So I’m having a heck of a time figuring out which GPS to get. I’ve used GPS before and love the audible instructions. I see that there are only a few out there that cater to trucks. Co-pilot (Laptop based), and the teletype Worldnav 3300, 7100, and 7200 are all truck specific, anybody have one of these? Know of any others? I know Cobra is supposed to have one, but can’t find any info…

I worry about running the copilot software on my laptop constantly, I imagine that the constant vibration may be a little hard on it. I’d love to hear about experiences with this route.

I also wonder if anyone uses the “Traffic” function and whether it pays off or not? I Imagine knowing if there is a jam or accident ahead could be useful, being able to pull off at a good location as opposed to wherever you find out about the issue and being stuck. Does it help or is it a waste?

Any feedback or other ideas would be great!

Some of the newer cellphones and smartphone come with GPS built in, so you can use google maps to find a destination or location. Not as nice as a laptop be still works pretty good, IMO.

[ranger309]

Originally Posted by double_r

I use a Garmin Nuvi 350. It has an option for trucks on it. Although not perfect, it is OK. It keeps you on mostly main roads. I also found a website were you can download "add-ons" to a GPS(ie. truck stop locations, scale locations, low clearence locatios,etc). But it will never replace the three items that I have always trusted:

A TRUCKER ATLAS AND A PHONE CALL TO THE CUSTOMER FOR DIRECTIONS AND COMMON SENSE

Bingo! As nice as some new GPS tech is it never hurts to use a map and a phone.