With the popularity of smartphones, you may think that truck GPS are no long relevant. Truckers have so much on their plate already, it may seem like you shouldn’t have to worry about finding a new piece of equipment. However, the best truck GPS only enhance and strength your career.
In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about truck GPS and why you need one in your life. This section presents the top tips and tricks to know as you begin your truck GPS journey. And, then we give you a list of the top products by our two favorite manufacturers: Garmin and Rand McNally.
Table of Contents
- Finding the Right Truck GPS
- Garmin vs. Rand McNally Truck GPS
- Best Truck GPS on the Market Reviews
- Garmin GPS for Trucks
- Newest Models
- 1 Garmin dezl 580 LMTS
- 2 Garmin dezl 780 LMTS
- 3 Garmin dezlCam 785
- Older Models
- 4 Garmin dēzl 770LMTHD 7-Inch GPS Navigator
- 5 Garmin DezlCam LMTHD 6-Inch Truck Navigator
- 6 Garmin dezl 760LMT
- 7 Garmin dezl 570LMT
- 8 Garmin dezl 560LMT
- Rand McNally GPS for Trucks
- Newest Models
- 1 Rand McNally TND 740
- 2 Rand McNally TND 540
- 3 Rand McNally Overdryve 7 Pro
- 4 Rand McNally Overdryve 8 Pro
- 5 TND TABLET 80 TRUCK GPS
- 6 TND™ TABLET 70
- Older Models
- 7 Rand McNally tnd 730 review
- 8 Rand McNally 530
- Conclusion
Finding the Right Truck GPS
When you begin your search for your next truck GPS, you should keep the following features in mind. They are the most important aspects of all truck GPS.
Screen Size
As smartphones have gotten smaller, it may be tempting to find the smallest truck GPS available. Smaller is better right? Wrong.
Think about it this way. Do you really want to be squinting at a tiny screen when you’re also driving your truck? I didn’t think so. That wouldn’t sound like a good idea to anyone.
But, don’t get us wrong, the biggest truck GPS screen is not always the best either. The top screen size for the money will be the one that fits best in your truck. In general, most truckers prefer screens to be seven inches or more.
Your semi truck GPS should be able to mount on your dashboard without blocking your view in any way. This is the most essential thing. Larger semi trucks will be able to have a larger GPS. The best way to tell the size screen that you can put in your truck is to measure the available area on your dashboard. Then purchase a truck and RV GPS that fits.
Mounting
Truck GPS navigation machines come in a variety of mounting options. These can range from side mounting, to top mounting. Some products even have their own cradle that you secure to your dash board.
The mounting option that will work best for you is the one that is safe. The big truck GPS needs to be in a location that is easily seen and handled. You should never have to hold the truck driver GPS in your hand. You should also never have to fully take your eyes off of the road in order to use the product.
Your absolute best bet is to find a truck and RV GPS that comes with a variety of mounting options. That way you can choose the method that will work for you and your truck.
Dash Cam
You will also need to ask yourself either you want a big truck GPS with a dash cam or not. Dash cams are cameras that record ahead of and behind your truck as you drive. The camera usually uploads the footage to the cloud or stores it into a memory bank.
GPS with dash cams provide a great two for one punch. The truck GPS navigation helps you get from place to place. And, the dash cam provides a visual record of the traffic situation as you drive. Dash cams can be crucial pieces of evidence in accident investigation, which is why you may want to consider a truck GPS with dash cam combo.
Traffic
Traffic is going to occur when you drive a truck. But, with incorporate traffic information in your truck GPS, you can keep up to the minute much faster. In fact, the GPS systems that include it provide real-time traffic data.
Obviously, our smartphones do this as well. But, getting your traffic data from your truck and RV GPS is better because it puts the information on a large, and easy to read screen.
Also, truck GPS with traffic data often also include customized routing information. if there is a traffic jam somewhere, the device will help you find a route around it. If you are someone who drives in crowded cities often, then you should seriously consider adding traffic features to your truck GPS.
Using Your GPS Safely
Just because you have purchased a truck and RV GPS does not mean that you can let your guard down on the road. You have to use as many safety precautions as you did when we all navigated with maps. You don’t want to be the distracted driver that causes an accident. So, here are a few tips and tricks for staying safe while using your truck GPS.
Garmin vs. Rand McNally Truck GPS
You will notice that we have only put two manufacturers of truck GPS on the top sixteen list below. This choice was not an oversite. In fact, Garmin and Rand McNally are the two top truck GPS brands around. But, it can be a little hard to tell them apart from one another.
Never fear. Although both Garmin and Rand McNally make great products, they still come with their own pros and cons. When deciding between these two brands keep the following in mind:
Garmin
Garmin International is an American company that was founded in 1989 in Kansas. It specializes in GPS devices for the vehicle industry and wearable technology. With such a focus on tracking and GHPS devices throughout their thirty year history, it is no wonder that they are an industry leader.
Here are some of the pros and cons of Garmin’s truck GPS.
Pros
Cons
Rand McNally
Pros
Cons
Best Truck GPS on the Market Reviews
Garmin GPS for Trucks
Newest Models
1 Garmin dezl 580 LMTS
The Garmin dezl 580 LMTS series of big truck GPS is our pick for the top Garmin product for the money. It includes maps of North America. But, that’s not all. You even get a lifetime of map and live traffic updates. So, you never have to worry about whether a road has changed or if there is traffic up ahead.
Other great features of the Garmin dezl 580 LMTS include voice activation of the controls Bluetooth compatibility, and a USB mass storage device. You will even have access to a complete truck and trailer services directory, including rest stops, that will help you as you drive.
2 Garmin dezl 780 LMTS
Garmin’s dezl 780 LMTS has a much larger screen than the dezl 580 LMTS. In fact, it is two inches larger. The seven inch display on the dezl 780 LMTS is easy to read. This is a good thing because you will want to be able to see all of the great information available on the screen.
Some of the stand-out features of the Garmin dezl 780 LMTS is the ability to receive free live services like traffic and weather updates. Plus, the searchable truck and trailer services directory allows you to plan your break efficiently. There isn’t much not to like about the Garmin dezl 780 LMTS.
3 Garmin dezlCam 785
The final newer Garmin truck driver GPS is the Garmin dezlCam 785. Like the dezl 780 LMTS, the dezlCam 785 has a large seven-inch display. But, it also comes with a dash cam. With this truck GPS you will always have a record of your driving, and you will even get alerts about potential forward collisions and lane departures.
You will also receive all of the great Garmin features of the other two modern dezl series big truck GPS. These include the free traffic and weather updates and fully searchable truck and trailer services directory. Plus, you can activate all the features of the device with your voice, which facilitates safe driving.
Older Models
Garmin’s dezl 770LMTHD is an older seven inch GPS navigator for trucks. It has a glass display, which you will have to take care not to break. But, it’s included amenities make the inconvenience of the glass screen worth it.
The dezl 770LMTHD includes Foursquare, which allows you to find restaurants, shops, and more all with the touch of a button. Plus, the big truck GPS will give you routing information that is customized to the size and weight of the truck you are driving. Finally, the logging tool with the dezl 770LMTHD makes this product a great buy for the money.
The Garmin DezlCam LMTHD is a slightly smaller product than the dezl 770LMTHD, for it has a six (not a seven) inch display. But, this product is still worth the money. It has all of the features of the larger dezl truck GPS above, plus there are a few more interesting ones like the inclusion of a dash cam.
Check out the route warnings feature. This will tell you if you are running close to a bridge that’s too small or if there are sharp curves or steep grades ahead. As any professional knows, warning information is essential to the truck driver. And, the DezlCam LMTHD makes your job pretty easy.
6 Garmin dezl 760LMT
Another great product by Garmin is the dezl 760LMT. Bear in mind that this particular model of truck driver GPS has been discontinued by Garmin. But, it can still be found on certain shopping sites.
The dezl 760LMT is worth the time it takes to find it. It comes with a large seven inch color display. You will receive a lifetime guarantee of updated map and traffic information. Plus, the truck routes feature on the product supports commercial class 8 ratings, which opens up this device for even more truckers.
7 Garmin dezl 570LMT
Garmin’s dezl 570LMT is a great early truck GPS by the company. It comes in either five or seven inch display sizes. Plus, you still have access to Garmin’s truck and trailer service directory. You can filter the directory by a large number of amenities including hotels, restaurants, parking, etc.
Other great features include the addition of Foursquare. You can also log all important information about your route and have access to customized routing. Finally, this product is compatible with a microSD card; however, you will have to buy one separately.
8 Garmin dezl 560LMT
The final Garmin commercial truck GPS on our list today is the dezl 560LMT. This product has a five inch color display. It provides lane assist and uses the NTTS breakdown directory for your convenience. And, the screen is a touchscreen, which makes using the truck GPS a breeze.
The dezl 560 LMT does not have the same number of features as some of the newer and larger GPS models. However, you still get map and traffic information. Additionally, there is a specialized truck system that supports commercial class 8. If you want a big truck GPS without all of the bells and whistles, this is the product for you.
Rand McNally GPS for Trucks
Newest Models
1 Rand McNally TND 740
Rand McNally’s TND 740 is one of the best rated truck GPS available. There’s definitely a reason for the high praise. It has a seven inch screen. You get lifetime map updates, so you never have to worry about a road change. Plus, it has the DriverConnect app directly loaded, which allows you to print up to six months of e-logs and vehicle inspection reports.
Other great specs of this truck driver GPS is that it is Bluetooth compatible and comes with built-in WiFi. There are three watt internal speakers. Also, this is a touch screen device, so it will be easy for you to use while driving.
2 Rand McNally TND 540
Like the Rand McNally TND 740, the TND 540 come with lifetime map and traffic data. You also get access to all of the WiFi connect services that you will need. These include weather, fuel prices, and real-time traffic. You will even be able to search the local area for gas stations, rest areas, etc.
If you want an easy to use and map focused big truck GPS, then this is the product for you. Additionally, the TND 540 comes with enhanced route features like route comparison, warning, lane assist, and fuel logs. The screen on the TND 540 is only five inches, but you still get a lot for the money.
3 Rand McNally Overdryve 7 Pro
The overdryve 7 pro comes with everything you need for truck GPS navigation. It has a seven in screen. It is voice activated, so you never have to use your hands. It will even allow you to perform hands free calling and texting.
If you want reliable and updated navigation and weather information, check out the overdryve 7 pro. It also comes with a dash cam. This allows you to capture what is going on in the road around your truck. Plus, built-in satellite radio will make your drive much more relaxing and enjoyable.
4 Rand McNally Overdryve 8 Pro
Another great, award-winning product from Rand McNally is the overdryve 8 pro. This product has a whopping eight inch display. It, like the overdryve 7 pro, comes quipped with SiriusXM radio and hands free calling and texting.
Plus, truck drivers will receive all the tools they need to get the job done. Rand McNally’s ELD system is ready to be installed in the overdryve 8 pro. This system allows you to log your hours electronically. There is a log book built-into the overdryve 8 pro. But, why not download the much easier to use app. This truck GPS will make any truck driver’s life easier.
5 TND TABLET 80 TRUCK GPS
What makes Rand McNally’s TND Tablet 80 Truck GPS unique is that it is an Android tablet along with working as a truck driver GPS. This is one of the only products on the market that has this feature. Additionally, there is a built-in dash cam to record the traffic situation as you drive.
Other great features of the TND Tablet 80 truck GPS are the many preloaded applications. These include accounting apps, document imaging, a load board & fuel manager, and entertainment and news applications as well. The TND Tablet 80 is truly an all-in-one device.
6 TND™ TABLET 70
Rand McNally’s TND Tablet 70 is very similar to the TAND Tablet 80, expect it is one inch smaller. The display is only seven inches, instead of the eight inches of the other device. But, like the TND 80, the TND Tablet 70 is an Android tablet.
Because of this truck GPS being a tablet, you get even more features than you would on a GPS alone. For example, you will receive updated maps of the United States and Canada. Additionally, you will be able to perform route comparisons, toll calculations, and find road and speed warnings. There’s much more to explore with the TND Tablet 70.
Older Models
7 Rand McNally tnd 730 review
Rand McNally has so many new truck GPS on the market, that there is not much space for their older models. But, we had to make room for the TND 730. This big truck GPS has two interface options: Ice or Carbon. Even though the device is a little older, it still has a very modern look.
Other great features for your money include the seven inch screen, the commercial bus routing option, lifetime map updates, and estimated toll costs for your route. Plus, this truck GPS is compatible with all of Rand McNally’s electronic logging products.
8 Rand McNally 530
The final Rand McNally we’d like to discuss in this article is the TND 530 truck GPS. It, like the TND 730 described above, has the ice and carbon interface options. You can find commercial bus routing and use this product with any other Rand McNally electronic logging products.
Although the TND 530 is smaller than the TND 730 (five inches instead of seven), it still has all of the features that a semi truck drive could need. One thing to keep in mind though is that this product does not have the voice activated calling and controls of the newer Rand McNally truck GPS.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of great options when it comes to the best truck GPS on the market. The product that you choose really comes down to your own preferences. If you are more old-school, then choose one of the products above that does not come with a lot of extra features. But, if you love new technology, then the more loaded big truck GPS are the ones for you.
After reading this buyer guide and review article, you should have a much better idea of how to find and use a great truck GPS. You can’t really go wrong with any Garmin or Rand McNally product. Try out a few today and learn how much easier a good truck GPS makes your life.