GPS for Truckers

[TACC1]

The vehicles we're using are basically just like any other passenger
vehicle: full-size vans and Suburbans. A friend of mine has gone back into trucking, and when he did, I gave him a standard Garmin unit.
He says it's nice for most use, but lacks the merits of a dedicated
trucker's GPS. Who makes a good one, and what sets them apart
from std. automotive? Different roads only used by trucks? TACC1

 

[bitstream]

Hmm, interesting. I've seen all the same GPS units for sale at truckstops as I've seen anywhere else? I don't recall seeing some kind of special trucker version?

 

[TACC1]

I just saw a nuvi660 up for bids, that claimed advance warnings
of known speed-traps, and other stuff. Might work for our drivers in some instances. More research...... TACC1

 

[NE450No2]

I have the Garmin Street Pilot 7200. It has a LARGE screen, so it is easy to see when drivein.

I have had it for several years. It is one of the most favorite things I own.

Even if I know EXACTLY where I am going, I still turn it on.

I could not drive from my driveway into my garage without it...

When I go on any kind of trip, with a buddy in their vehicle, I take MY Garmin with me...

 

[safearm]

Garmin allows you to set the type of vehicle in it's program. While I use the standard automobile, my wife uses the large truck in her GPS as she pulls a 4 horse/living quarters trailer.

 

[TACC1]

HMMM....7200

I too always have my GPS up and running. Have been getting
the nuvi200w's from e-bay, as they show location of rairoads,
even at highway speeds. Some of the newer ones have lost this feature.
My first 200W rides in my friends semi, and just keeps working.
TACC1

 

[truckemup97]

There are truck-specific GPS units available. They are supposed to keep you on designated truck routes and keep you away from low bridges. They do, kinda. As with any computer programmed by a human, they aren't 100% accurate. When they go bad, they often go really, really bad. They are also very expensive, in the $400 to $700 range. As of yet, I haven't invested in one. I use a Garmin made for cars occasionally, but most of my directions come directly from the shipper or receiver backed up by Mapquest.

 

[Davwingman]

I have driven for Wal-Mart the past twenty years & have seen a steady progression of electronic devises come into & out of use. We currently use a system made by Qualcomm. Among other things it will give directions to any WM facilty or vendor nationwide. It also is an electronic logbook, a two way message system & vehicle monitoring system. About the only thing it doesn't record is what color shorts you are wearing! Additionaly, the latest tractors are equipped with a collision avoidance system which automatically controls braking & throttle input when a vehicle enters your lane that is moving slower than you. Also it inputs controls to avoid rollover & loss of traction.
If all of this sounds like big brother is watching, maybe, but if you doing the right thing, it is your best buddy if you become involved in an accident.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

The Trucker version has a special button that you can press to hear this.
Convoy Theme Song - YouTube

Now if that don't get cha wantin' to bite off from a plug of Levi Garrett and start to spitting out the window of the mini van while waiting in the pick up lane at your kids school than nothing will