It’s crucial to have a good, trustworthy GPS; these days, finding one is simple.
There are several GPS devices available. Use your phone if you want. But having a trustworthy and precise GPS is much more crucial for truckers.
It is a good idea for truck drivers to have a GPS specifically for them since there are so many highways with low overpasses and other obstructions that may prevent a truck from passing.
It might be challenging to choose which truck GPS is the best with the wide variety available nowadays.
Our ranking of the top truckers’ GPS systems for 2022
If you’re short on time, let’s look at my comparison table here:
1. GPS NAVIGATOR GARMIN DZL 770LMTHD 7-INCH
The Garmin dzl 770LMTHD is the first item on our list. This GPS is really good and has many functions built in.
To begin with, this GPS includes a brilliant 7-inch glass screen that makes it simple to read the maps and other features. This GPS may be mounted or placed on the dashboard.
The battery life is just one to two hours without being plugged in.
The routes it suggests are precise and may even be altered for your particular vehicle. Your truck’s size and weight may be entered, and the app will only take you on routes that suit your needs. You may also list your stops to visit them in the most efficient sequence.
Last but not least, the maps and routes are updated perpetually, so you never have to worry about this device being out of the current. However, you must update it, which some people neglect to do, which may lead to annoyance and issues.
In addition to the mapping functions, other trucking-specific add-ons are available for this GPS. A journal of the hours of service is one of them. You may record oil changes, tire rotations, tire mileage, and anything else you would need to record in this journal.
You can record anything with this GPS. To aid in filling up log books, you may also transmit data from this gadget to your computer.
Connecting to Bluetooth headphone is another useful feature of this GPS. As a result, you won’t have to attempt to listen to the instructions while driving and may instead get them directly in your ear. In addition to distance, landmarks are used as a guide.
Last but not least, this model contains location data for truck stops and maintenance facilities. This is practical so that you can always determine the ideal rest break.
This GPS has the same problem as all of the others. Even with regular updates, it may not always be entirely correct. New road construction begins every day; if you don’t update every day, it may not be considered.
Additionally, some users have reported unit deaths. However, this appears to be an old bug that has been fixed. Despite these issues, the Garmin dzl 770LMTHD is still a very excellent GPS device.
2. TOMTOM VIA 1515M 5-INCH GPS WITH LIFETIME MAP UPDATES
The TomTom VIA 1515M is up next. With just a 5-inch screen, this device is a bit smaller than the previous one, but it is still more than large enough for most scenarios and has an excellent resolution.
This device’s battery life, which is 3 hours, is decent and charges rapidly.
The screen features a split screen function that allows you to see two items simultaneously, and it is also a touchscreen, making navigating simple. Additionally, a tiny quantity is included to hold the gadget while in use.
The TomTom VIA 1515M provides great, precise routes. It offers lifetime access to at least four significant map updates and real-time journey times. Although four updates may not be sufficient to correct every problem, it does so for the most part. Additionally, this device does a fantastic job of assisting you in determining which lane to be in and the best path for trucks.
Although you can’t record as much information in this device as you could in the previous one, it still has recorded points of interest. Nicely, they include anything from petrol stations to truck stops to maintenance facilities. This device has a map-sharing feature that allows locals to exchange fresh route information, and the instructions are read aloud so that following them seems more natural.
This device’s drawback is that it sometimes has trouble forming a route and connecting to a satellite. It may struggle to discover the optimum route and will keep looking if you are in a location far from big cities. Some people have also complained about the mount’s affordability, although these problems appear to be older. The TomTom VIA 1515M is still a usable device, and conveniently, it can operate on batteries, but it isn’t flawless and can only do basic GPS functions. However, it also comes with Canada maps, which some units charge extra.
3. GARMIN DEZL 560LMT 5-INCH WIDESCREEN BLUETOOTH PORTABLE TRUCKING GPS NAVIGATOR WITH LIFETIME MAP & TRAFFIC UPDATES
We will now move on to a different Garmin device. The Garmin dzl 560LMT, a 5-inch model, is available this time. The touchscreen color display features a high-quality resolution. The device is tiny and lightweight, making it simple to mount on your truck’s dashboard for convenient viewing. Additionally, it includes a powerful battery with a 4-hour standby time. This device includes class 8 commercial vehicle routing and real-time traffic, which help determine the optimal routes.
The routing is precise and will take you through the quickest route available in the system. It quickly determines the routes and doesn’t have satellite problems like others. Even though this device receives lifetime map updates, the maps sometimes go out of date between updates. Although this device lacks some of the mileage monitoring and logs tracking features of the other Garmins on our list, it still contains information on truck stops and repairs. To be ready when you arrive, you may search and discover what is near forthcoming exits. Additionally, this vehicle features lane assistance and a junction view so you can see precisely which lane to go where you need to go. This will minimize lane changes at the last minute.
The majority of people like this product and find it useful. However, some people have had problems while utilizing poor routes with the Garmin dzl 560LMT. Additionally, because you can’t enter your precise vehicle measurements into this unit, if you have a larger or unusual truck, it could send you on a path that doesn’t function, or if you are performing huge stuff, you might run into problems. However, this device will work in most cases and is a simple, easy-to-use machine without many bells and whistles, but it is tiny and functional.
4. RAND MCNALLY INTELLIROUTE TND 520 TRUCK GPS WITH LIFETIME MAPS
The Rand McNally Intelliroute TND 520 is shown last. There is a tonne of features in this GPS. It includes a 5-inch screen that is visible and simple to use. Additionally, its small size and included mount make it simple to install. This device’s battery life is just approximately an hour. However, it has a wire to plug it in, so it may be charged. The capability of this device to connect to wifi hotspots is one amazing feature that sets it apart. It may thus use the internet to get the most recent information. It can provide you with information, like the current weather and gas prices.
The Rand McNally Intelliroute TND 520 offers reliable routes and lifetime map updates. To ensure that the courses offer the greatest possible path, they are built using technology with over 70 years of expertise. To know what is ahead if you need to stop, you may also obtain information about each exit and see other routes. Last but not least, you may see junction and lane information so that you can swap lanes when you reach a split in advance rather than at the last second. This mechanism enables driver input so that others may forewarn impending changes. To avoid being caught off guard, you may also schedule reminders for things like changes in the speed limit.
In addition to routes and maps, this device also includes complete log capabilities. You can monitor fuel use, tire wear, and even driving time. Here, you may keep track of everything that needs to be recorded in a log book. It also offers a team driver monitoring option so you can keeps an eye on the performance of two persons using the same vehicle. This is helpful since it allows you to segregate and tidy your team logs.
Last but not least, this device’s characteristics include connecting to satellites even without the internet. This indicates that even without the internet, it is not completely worthless. To ensure that you have navigation, it includes databases built within it from which to get data.
As with any other device, some users have run into situations where the routes weren’t the most precise or led them in the wrong direction due to rerouted roads, but this is to be anticipated when using any GPS. Sometimes being there is the only way to know anything. A few other customers have complained about the units being defective, but thanks to Rand McNally’s excellent customer service, these problems were remedied. The Rand McNally Intelliroute TND 520 is an excellent choice if you want a reliable GPS device you can rely on.
Which option to choose?
All four of these GPS are excellent and have positive attributes, but the Rand McNally Intelliroute TND 520 or the Garmin dzl 770LMTHD are the finest truck GPS.
This is because they provide much more functionality than simply map information. They stand out from the crowd because they can maintain records and keep track of crucial information.
While the other options aren’t awful, those two are just superior, and if you’re going to invest in a trucker GPS, you should buy a decent one.
Conclusion
Finding a trustworthy GPS may be challenging, particularly for truckers, but all four are excellent places to start. Finding one with both lifetime map updates and, if possible, real-time updates is crucial.
After reading this, you’ll know which truck GPS model is ideal for your requirements, although any one will work. There are several on the market, so you want to be sure to locate one that will work for you immediately.
That is why you should get the Rand McNally Intelliroute TND 520 if you want something a little smaller or the Garmin dZl 770LMTHD if you want a huge screen with all the functions. You won’t be disappointed with these truck GPS, which will endure for a long time. Both businesses have solid reputations, which is crucial while operating a truck. Choosing the best route and arriving at your destination on time are your top priorities, and your GPS is your lifeline in achieving these goals.