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Table of Contents
The best truck GPS helps drivers navigate from point A to point B with accuracy and speed. When time is money and each mile counts, the right GPS system is a commercial trucker’s best friend. It never hurts to have an extra set of eyes on the road for backup.
The best truck GPS systems provide real-time map updates on truck-friendly route options, traffic alerts, and information on the nearest truck stops. We have reviewed the best truck GPS devices on the market. Drivers around the world have approved these GPS systems.
There are several easy to use truck GPS devices that offer a range of features to help you optimize your on-the-road experience and safety.
View The Best Truck GPS Below
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As one of the best truck GPS units, the Garmin GPS device boasts many useful features. The satellite navigation unit system has a high accuracy rating, according to many customers. Its intelligent truck routing supports commercial class 8 trucks and will help drivers avoid low bridges and underpasses. This model also takes some of the hassles out of identifying street signs. It will give directions by pointing out landmarks, buildings, and traffic lights as well.
Other features included with the Garmin dezl GPS unit are live traffic updates, lane assists with junction view, exit service guides, and proximity alerts. There is also a “points of interest” customization, which allows you to add your favorite diners, truck stops, and gas stations to your routes.
Pros:
+ Quick recalibration and reroute speed
+ NTTS breakdown directory for road repairs
+ Free Lifetime map included
Why We Like It – We like this truck GPS because it’s the best in overall specs. Additionally, the Garmin dezl has a great customized “points of interest” feature for truck drivers.
2. Rand McNally Intelliroute TND 520 Truck GPS
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The Rand McNally TND 520 LM is one of the best truck GPS systems around. With over 70 years in the commercial transportation business, the Rand McNally brand is trusted for its quality and enhanced features. Its well-deserved reputation is built upon the direct feedback of professional truck drivers who quality test the model’s features.
The Rand McNally TND 520 LM will do more than just help drivers avoid restricted roads and low bridges. It also has features exclusive to its brand users, like roadwork construction updates (rural and urban), which keep you informed of potential delays and allows you to reroute ahead of time.
Pros:
+ Free wi-fi connected services
+ Quick planner calculates route mileage and profitability
+ Trails features tracks location and routes traveled
Why We Like It – We like this truck GPS because it’s premium quality and is designed with the needs of the commercial trucker in mind.
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The CARRVAS GPS does double duty for both cars and trucks. It has six driving modes and will determine the best route based on the specs of your car or truck, such as set length, width, height, and weight. The 7-inch touchscreen will also adjust for day or night driving.
The navigation system uses voice-steering, which allows you to make route adjustments handsfree. Its voice broadcasting will also notify you of sharp turns, the speed limit, and the high limit. This GPS unit also comes with a significant amount of memory, more than enough to store an extensive amount of downloadable maps.
Pros:
+ 8GB memory capacity, and up to 32GB of extended memory
+ Free Lifetime map updates
+ Intelligent error correction ensures route accuracy
Why We Like It – We like this truck GPS because its voice-control and broadcasting is a great feature, very responsive, with the best sound quality compared to other GPS systems.
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Less expensive than other GPS brands like Garmin and Rand McNally, you won’t break the bank with the NAVRUF. Like all the best GPS units, it comes with multiple vehicle modes that help you to choose full-featured intelligent routing.
Whether you’re driving a car, RV, or commercial truck, the NAVRUF has fast and accurate GPS tracking. It also includes active lane assist and checks for traffic cameras. This model doesn’t have wifi connectivity or real-time traffic updates. However, its maps are upgraded regularly and easily downloadable. With a handy sunscreen shield, mount it to your dashboard for a stress-free drive.
Pros:
+ Extensive preinstalled North America maps (US, Canada, and Mexico)
+ 12 GPS channels
+ Voice broadcast in 40+ languages
Why We Like It – We like this truck GPS because it is an affordable option. It has all the necessary features of a good GPS unit at a great value.
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The Vinone is the best no-frills GPS for trucks. It is easy to program and has six vehicle modes. It may have fewer features than some other GPS units, but it gets the job done at a fraction of the cost than other GPS systems like Garmin or TomTom.
It’s free lifetime maps will get you to where you need to go. Just enter your vehicle mode and trip information. North American maps are pre-installed. Maps for different locations, like Europe, can be added-on. This GPS is best for the experienced truck driver that is looking for something simple as a backup when driving unfamiliar roads.
Pros:
+ Pre-installed Free Lifetime Maps
+ FM Car Navigation, spoken turn-to-turn directions
+ Sun-shielding frame and two dashboard mounts
Why We Like It – We like this truck GPS because of its minimalist features, fast multi-function satellite navigation, and ample memory capacity.
The Garmin dezl 770 provides many of the same features as the Garmin dezl 560 but on a larger 7-inch touchscreen. Instead of stopping at any random dive, use the Garmin dezl 770 to search for highly-rated truck stops with excellent amenities and well-recommended places to eat.
The Garmin dezl 770 also allows you to log your fuel use and service history, which is useful took for keeping track of your road safety and truck maintenance. Never miss a lane or detour from your main route with its two-screen active lane guidance
Pros:
+ Voice command, Bluetooth, and WiFi-enabled
+ Truck and Trailer Services Directory for repairs
+ 100% subscription-free traffic services
Why We Like It – We like this truck GPS because of the accuracy of its truck routing and how easy it is to change navigation to include your favorite roads. This model can also be paired with Garmin BC 30 backup camera.
This navigator GPS is WiFi-enabled and connects to your smartphone, allowing you to sync across platforms and easily update your truck GPS with live traffic and map updates. Although one of the more expensive GPS systems, this unit also provides one of the most streamlined and user-friendly interfaces.
Its Lifetime truck maps, with 1500+ points of interest, also make it great for customized trip planning. Choosing your truck routing is as simple as entering your vehicle type, size, weight, cargo, and speed. This GPS system works quite well for RVs and small to mid-class trucks traveling or hauling long distances.
Pros:
+ Free LifeTime TomTom Traffic Map Updates for US & Canada
+ Voice-controlled, compatible with Siri and Google Now
+ Active Magnetic Mount
Why We Like It – We like this truck GPS because its wifi-connectivity makes it adaptable. Also, unlike other GPS devices that require you to contact the company to recent updates, you only need WiFi to download
Truck GPS Buyer’s Guide
You might be asking yourself what is the best truck GPS system to buy? The answer to that question depends on several things. What you will need to look for when buying a truck GPS will differ based on your needs as a truck driver. However, there are a few basic features to look for when buying any truck GPS that are must-haves. Any other features are additional and depend on your preferences.
For example, some drivers may prefer to have a large display, while other drivers prefer a smaller display. Some drivers might like having their Bluetooth hooked up to their truck GPS, while other drivers might not care for it. Newer drivers may rely heavily on POI recommendations, but more experienced drivers may find the extraneous. Being aware of what is important for you as a driver is key when choosing a unit.
Basic Features
When buying a truck GPS, there are several basic features that truck drivers should look for, such as accurate mapping, truck-specific routing, and driver-assist features. These are all essential for navigating a large class truck in busy interstates and on long hauls.
Accurate mapping
While this may seem like a no-brainer, unfortunately, not every navigation system has strong mapping functions. When you are on a strict timeline, there is a big difference between 80% accuracy and 98% accuracy. You are likely to run into some faulty routing and a few hiccups here and there, but, by and large, certain brands have developed more detailed maps than others.
Typically Garmin and Rand McNally are safe bets. These two brands both have long-standing reputations and also continue to produce advances in GPS technology. Most units come with pre-installed maps that are as current as possible.
Truck-Specific Routing
An appropriate GPS for a truck has to be able to plot a route that takes into consideration things like restricted roadways and low bridges. You must be able to enter the weight, height, length, and cargo information of your truck. The right GPS will determine the best roads to take based on the parameters that you input. A consumer GPS won’t be able to intelligently plot routes for approved roadways and may take drivers to areas that are off-limits to large commercial trucks. This is a big factor because driving with a GPS that doesn’t take this account may result in the driver being ticketed and getting off schedule.
Driver-Assist
This tool will provide information that is super helpful to truck drivers. For example, driver-assist will help alert drivers to sharp turns, narrow roads, and other things that are hazardous to truckers. It will keep drivers abreast of the nearest truck stops, weigh stations, gas stations, overnight parking areas, and other points of interest.
Some driver-assist will also have the capability to track your hours of service, driving mileage, and IFTA fuel data. These come in handy in the case of an emergency or breakdown on the road. Some units will provide access to an extensive directory of service repair providers that are in the area.
Additional Features
Other elements that are important to look for are Lifetime map updates, connectivity, lane assist, good sound quality, and screen size. These features can help you choose between which unit you decide to buy and which you leave on the shelf.
Lifetime Map Updates
Vitally important for truck navigation, as the name suggests, free lifetime map updates are ongoing updates to the maps already installed in your system. Some truck GPS systems have paid subscriptions for this feature, however, when looking for a good truckers’ GPS, check to make sure the unit has free lifetime map updates.
Because it’s a feature that you will need to utilize long after the initial purchase, you will want to make sure you don’t have to pay for map updates continuously. Also, what would be the point of driving around a truck with a system that has old and outdated maps? Look for map updates that allow you to download and customize for your location as well.
Connectivity
Some truck GPS units are WiFi-enabled, but the biggest concern with buying a truck GPS without WiFi connectivity is proprietary hardware. Proprietary hardware usually restricts you to that specific brand model and product. It’s also often costly and usually requires you to buy access to it. An example of a GPS that uses proprietary hardware that is exclusive to its brand is Rand McNally.
A system that can connect to WiFi is overall a more adaptable and economical choice. Most GPS will connect to multiple devices and sync with Android or iOS. Some, like Garmin models, require a phone application to work. However, TomTom models generally provide flexible connectivity options that make them a versatile and attractive choice as a navigation unit.
Lane Assist
The best truck GPS units will have lane guidance as an additional feature. These are quite useful, especially if you drive a commercial truck because it suggests the best lane positions and when to shift lanes. Some, like the Garmin, come with junction view and split-screen imaging. This feature informs you of the appropriate lane to change into while maintaining a visual of your main route. A GPS system that includes lane assists can better help you to maintain your desired route and also minimizes the risk of missing an exit.
Sound Quality
A GPS with good sound quality may also seem a rather obvious important feature, but it’s also one that can also make or break the functionality of the system. Poor sound quality can be a problem for drivers. If the voice directions cannot be heard over loud traffic and a noisy truck cabin, then what good is a fancy expensive navigator?
The device won’t serve its intended purpose very well if the sound quality is poor. Generally, look for a GPS with built-in high fidelity speakers, high-fidelity stereo headphones, and FM transmitters. Bluetooth-enabled devices can also boost sound quality and volume.
Screen Size
An additional feature to take into consideration is the screen size. Screen sizes will range anywhere from 5 to 9 inches. Smaller screens are portable and have extended battery life, but a smaller screen size also means a smaller display. Larger screens, from 7 to 9 inches that are closer to the size of a small tablet, are much easier to view and wield.
If you have large hands or are wearing heavy-duty gloves, the last thing that you want is to struggle to key in information on the smaller screen. Or, even worse, fumble the device and drop it on the floor while you are in the middle of driving. In that case, a unit with a larger screen size will be more manageable and better to use.
Smaller screens also work wonderfully with voice commands, so that’s also something to consider when determining the screen size you prefer. Perhaps, if you have your eye on a more expensive model, one with a smaller screen size will save you a few bucks.
What kind of batteries do you need?
Most devices run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Some Garmin models, however, will have replaceable 1.5 volt AA batteries. Navigation devices use up a lot of energy because they are constantly sourcing information from many different satellites. Lithium-ion batteries are long-lasting and usually will keep your unit running for at least 10 hours before needing to be recharged.
Depending on the model, mode of use, and amount of use, battery life can last from 10-60 hours. On average, when unplugged, a device can last about 45 minutes. Units come with a USB port and a car charger that you can plug up to charge your device with.
What are the average storage capacities?
Most devices will have anywhere from 2GB to 8GB of internal memory. Some will also have extended memory options, which allow you to add more external memory if you do use up all of the internal storage space. If you are a newer driver, you may track and save a lot of information, so you will want to choose a device that has more than 2GB of internal memory.
What are the language options?
Most of these units are developed for use in North America and Europe. For this reason, they operate with two to four languages, usually English US, French, Spanish, and Japanese. This means that spoken voice commands and voice recognition are designated for those specific languages. However, multiple language translations are available on all devices, but can only be read. As a brand, Garmin has models that operate with ten languages. Garmin also provides an extensive Language Guide Micro SD Adapter for over 25 languages.
This list covers some of the best GPS options for trucks that are currently on the market in 2022. These units fall within a range of inexpensive to premium devices that are sure to be a perfect addition to the dashboard of any truck.
It is important to consider the right system for you carefully, and if you are on the fence about what GPS to buy, chances are this list will take out some of the difficulty in deciding what to purchase. If you are going for a GPS that will provide you with the most enhanced features and also offer you top-notch full-feature navigation, then Garmin, Rand McNally, and TomTom are your tried and true brands that are certain to deliver.
For budget-friendly options that don’t lose any map accuracy, a NAVVRUF of VINONE is probably more suitable. Overall, these seven best truck GPS are great choices for any truck driver who wants to have a dependable navigation system on hand. You’ll never have to worry about getting lost again.
