Differences between a Trucking GPS system and a Auto one? my dad's a trucker and wants to purchase a gps system that tells him how tall bridges are and watches speed laws ect. there seems to be only a few portable systems offered by a few companies but which one to pick? also was wondering if these trucking options can be added to a auto gps instead of getting one that is setup for commercial vehicles.any truckers out there that can recommend a device and what to look for? my dad isn't internet savvy, so he has asked me to help him out in getting one of these. i guess, all the cool trucker guys have them. thanks for any help! next on list: wood beaded seat massagers :) Differences between a Trucking GPS system and a Auto one? my dad's a trucker and wants to purchase a gps system that tells him how tall bridges are and watches speed laws ect. there seems to be... » Read More Differences between a Trucking GPS system and a Auto one? my dad's a trucker and wants to purchase a gps system that tells him how tall bridges are and watches speed laws ect. there seems to be only a few portable systems offered by a few companies but which one to pick? also was wondering if these trucking options can be added to a auto gps instead of getting one that is setup for commercial vehicles.any truckers out there that can recommend a device and what to look for? my dad isn't internet savvy, so he has asked me to help him out in getting one of these. i guess, all the cool trucker guys have them. thanks for any help! next on list: wood beaded seat massagers :) « Show Less
1292636
I drive truck, but still use an auto GPS. I was considering upgrading to a truck model before Christmas, but the prices for them wasn't discounted much. I did do a bunch of research, though. From everything I read, it sounds like none of the models are perfect, and some are a waste of money. The one that seems to have the least complaints, and a decent amount of features, was the Garman 465T.
1292637
I'm a trucker, and use the PC Miler Navigator. Tell your Dad this GPS is made for truckers altho not perfect. I've used it for 2 years now and it's only had me on a road once that was posted no trucks. Can be bought in Loves or Pilot truck stops or can be ordered online. I dont think he will be disappointed.
1290622
I did a lot of research on the GPS navigation devices available from 4.5" to 7". I tried all of them that had demos in the stores and had owners I knew let me work theirs. I found it to be a matter of personal choice as to what one likes or dislikes. Also, one can read through Amazon's and others customer reviews. I like the features of the TomTom devices. I've owned a TomTom 4.5", two 5" and now the VIA 1605 TM 6", which I would not trade for any other one. Do your research looking for the one that has the features you like and meets your needs. Keep in mind that those who own other brands are just as passionate about theirs. bob I did a lot of research on the GPS navigation devices available from 4.5" to 7". I tried all of them that had demos in the stores and had owners I knew let me work theirs. I found it to be a matter of personal choice as to what one likes or dislikes. Also, one can read through Amazon's and others customer reviews. I like the features of the TomTom devices. I've owned a TomTom 4.5", two 5" and now the VIA 1605 TM 6", which I would not trade for any other one. Do your research looking for the one that has the features you like and meets your needs. Keep in mind that... » Read More I did a lot of research on the GPS navigation devices available from 4.5" to 7". I tried all of them that had demos in the stores and had owners I knew let me work theirs. I found it to be a matter of personal choice as to what one likes or dislikes. Also, one can read through Amazon's and others customer reviews. I like the features of the TomTom devices. I've owned a TomTom 4.5", two 5" and now the VIA 1605 TM 6", which I would not trade for any other one. Do your research looking for the one that has the features you like and meets your needs. Keep in mind that those who own other brands are just as passionate about theirs. bob « Show Less
704253
No... I would not buy. Mine is almost a year old. Voice went out. GPS's in general can get you lost. This Cobra 8000 has got me into nightmares. I am a truck driver. Over the road. Pending on truck company's the in cab Qualcomm computer/GPS is better.
861500
Yes! Fastest route is the default ... and it takes its real time traffic info into account! This GPS is a very good unit that is much better than last year's version. The voice instructions are more helpful than before and the spoken enunciation is much better than before ... it almost sounds real rather than computer generated. As always with all car GPS units, it gives strong preference to interstates and major highways over secondary highways and local roads, so if you are familiar with an area, you may be know of a faster route than the one it finds. And, of course, be very cautious about minor roads in remote areas that were mapped from aerial photos without on-site verification. This is the best GPS unit I have seen; you should be very happy with it.
1907120
I would suggest purchasing another brand. My 560LMT was not "Truck Friendly"... If I desired to become a Garmin 560LMT GPS expert I could have made it perform better. I'd rather buy a unit that requires me to put it in the cab, plug in the power, put in my waypoints and go... The 560LMT doesn't do that, but it will after A LOT OF twiddleing with it... JMO
24862
The previous response has some merit, both from the police having it on, plugging it in, and different use for city and highway. After using a Valentine One since 1993 with 3 tech upgrades (I love it), I purchased a Solo because the plugging in process in my new 2014 MBZ S550 is awkward and in the way. It is my 9th MBZ and the first one with awkward plug, they were designed for a cigarette user (they still smoke a lot in Germany), not a plug-in cord After many months putting on many miles up to Oregon and down to LA, (live in Monterey) trying all the possible combinations of settings, I was thoroughly dissatisfied, to say the least, and put it away. If I had to plug it in, it didn't meet my needs. I concluded that I really don't need it in the small cities around me (the Valentine rarely went off because I drive near the speed limit) and I can put up with the inconvenience on the highway where I really need it (above the speed limit). The Solo never met the distances or performance of the Valentine. I wouldn't spend much evaluating the Solo. If it doesn't meet your expectations without having to change the settings frequently, return it. I set my Valentine once, leave it alone and I feel safe. Good luck.
894395
The Rand-McNally Truck GPS would be a better selection... It specializes in trucker info... IntelliRoute TND 5" or 7 "... Updated look - New hardware, faster processor, new interface options, improved maps Advanced lane guidance - Be prepared, whether you're approaching a turn or heading through a complicated intersection Toll Costs - View estimated toll costs and compare routes without tolls Lifetime Maps1 - Get updates as long as you own the TND™ 7" Screen - View more map detail
1513110
Yes it shows rest area's and truck stops as well as food and I think it also shows motels only real complaint and its true of all GPS units the updates are always on the rest area's truck stops and food not always on the roads your planning to travel on it's kind of an irritation since your charged for updates of 89.00 on basically a yearly basis I wish all gps units would work with google as their road maps are more up to date than anyone else
1586223
Hello Daina,I don't know if there is an option in the setting that would permit this...It only loads the best rout that it calculates to be the best option. If you connect it with the traffic sensor, and depending on the traffic in your planed rout, it may give a new option (route), and let you know how much time you could save... You will however, have to accept the suggestion before your GPS could implement it (the new route )...Have a great day,Kevin
973018
Absolutely! If you set the parameters for a travel trailer it will tailor the routing to avoid certain areas. I just completed a five thousand mile trip to west Texas and my GPS worked flawlessly. I love the thing. The newest model has provisions for a back-up camera which mine is lacking. That feature would have been very helpful a couple times on this trip. If you buy one read about the features and make sure it has that as well. No backup camera is included of course but the plug in provision is there. They are wifi capable but we used a wireless card and moving along at 70 MPH, that feature was spotty. Absolutely! If you set the parameters for a travel trailer it will tailor the routing to avoid certain areas. I just completed a five thousand mile trip to west Texas and my GPS worked flawlessly. I love the thing. The newest model has provisions for a back-up camera which mine is lacking. That feature would have been very helpful a couple times on this trip. If you buy one read about the features and make sure it has that as well. No backup camera is included of course but the plug in provision is there. They are wifi capable but we used a wireless card and moving along at 70 MPH, that... » Read More Absolutely! If you set the parameters for a travel trailer it will tailor the routing to avoid certain areas. I just completed a five thousand mile trip to west Texas and my GPS worked flawlessly. I love the thing. The newest model has provisions for a back-up camera which mine is lacking. That feature would have been very helpful a couple times on this trip. If you buy one read about the features and make sure it has that as well. No backup camera is included of course but the plug in provision is there. They are wifi capable but we used a wireless card and moving along at 70 MPH, that feature was spotty. « Show Less
1567531
I am also looking for the best unit; especially for rural areas as we do a lot of hiking. We have been depending on cell phone GPS navigation but it sure doesn't work well in the Far West nor on a recent hiking trip to the Great Smokys and Blue Ridge Mountains. I am thinking of the Garmin nvi 2797LMT 7-Inch or the Garmin nvi 3597LMTHD 5-Inch. Not sure what one I will pick but there are 100's to choose from and reviews are all over the place. Wish Amazon provided for comparisons. Try Best Buy for details, they do a much better job of showing all features and allow comparisons. Then search the web for that unit and get the best price (not always on Amazon).
517088
Right on the Garmin site! I studied the features of both units, and further down, they have a comparison chart. That's where I saw something a bit different noted on one unit over the other, so I went back to make sure I knew what it was and sure enough it was the part about how that unit shows the actual highway signs. You might have to click on something in the details to see a demo of what you'll see on the screen. I loaned our portable (old)Garmin to our daughter & was caught without it, so going to get this upgraded one to replace it & let her have the old one...
1513112
No problem. It is a good GPS. I got it because I tow a 5th wheel with a Volvo semi and it gives me all of the routes for truckers. My rig is 13.5 feet tall so I have to watch the low bridges.
1046627
We just wiped out the roof of our brand new RV when we were forced to go under a bridge with only 12' clearance. Has anyone found a workable solution to a GPS with an RV'ers needs???? I need to know who has Diesel. Where the low bridges are. How to avoid U-turns, etc. Has anyone tried the new McNally Trip Maker or the Magellan RoadMate pro?
2226033
Hello,I just got a 1490T. Please excuse my ignorance, but I decided on that unit for the traffic feature as I commute over 35 miles each way. Thing is, I can't find a description anywhere that tells me what I need to do to have access to just the traffic info i.e. do I need to have the GPS active even when I don't need it - I know how to get to my office, for example. I'm a bit confused......Regards,Barry
1848641
I can't get mine to avoid tolls.perhaps because it's in truck mode.?as far as weigh stations it misses half of them.. but I believe if you turn before the scale it will reroute you.? Maybe around it?I really like garmin but not much help for trucks..
959595
There shouldn't be any difference between the two. It is non-GPS non mapping unit so there shouldn't be a difference between the two. I hope this helps :)