Advice on GPS units?

mike withers · 12-23-2011, 09:46 AM

Looking at new GPS systems to assist in heavy traffic areas i.e. lane changes for exits,getting off beaten path & back on same,etc
I am towing box trailer with a motorhome(63 ft total).

Any suggestions or reviews based on experiences appreciated.

Bob Verwold · 12-23-2011, 10:03 AM

I have a Garman unit that works pretty good. I have a Crew cab truck with a 44' trailer so you have to be careful where it tells ya to turn. Mine spends a lot of time recalculating .... I've heard there is a truck version that won't take you down side streets. But it's about $1000.00 (too much for me) That's all I can tell ya, hope it helps.

Mike Pearson · 12-23-2011, 10:28 AM

Bob, You should be able to go into the menu of the Garmin and change to truck mode and the shortest time. This will keep you off of the back roads and minimize the recalculating. I always check a map for basic directions on my trips then use the garmin for a back up.

jmcarter · 12-23-2011, 10:28 AM

Just go onto Amazon and search "gps navigation for truck drivers" and you'll find several alternatives. Read the reviews and make your pick. You might also make sure your pick provides for regular software/road updates without charging you an arm and a leg.

Bob Verwold · 12-23-2011, 10:45 AM

I guess my problem is, I know how to get to the tracks I'm going to. I mostly use it to keep track of the mileage on the trailer for maintenance. It does help my wife when she takes it out of the truck and uses it from time to time............

Also wasn't sure of spelling.

mike withers · 12-23-2011, 12:29 PM

I found a truck Garmin model 560LMT priced just over $400.00 that appears to have all functions I need and has free map updates. Has anyone used this product? From what I have heard the Garmin products have a good reputation.

Rod Greene · 12-23-2011, 02:50 PM

I have a Garmin 660 that I use on the Harleys and in my truck it works great and can be set for truck mode. I got a free upgrade for lifetime map upgrades.

Rob Petrie E395 · 12-23-2011, 05:32 PM

I have the Garmin model for Big trucks in my toter home and I HATE IT!!!! We also have a Tom Tom in our SUV. I wish tom tom would make a big truck model. The garmin unit looses signal all of the time and it always seems to be when there are multiple turns coming up. I sent the first one back and they sent me another one and it does the same thing. Another problem is the big truck model will not let you go in and see what roads it is taking you on like the the tom tom car units. I would stay away from the garmin big truck units ours sucks.

rallye bob · 12-26-2011, 05:06 PM

"Mine spends a lot of time recalculating ". I hear you brother....LOL

12-23-2011, 09:46 AM	#1
mike withers Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 67 Likes: 4 Liked 3 Times in 1 Post	Advice on GPS units? Looking at new GPS systems to assist in heavy traffic areas i.e. lane changes for exits,getting off beaten path & back on same,etc I am towing box trailer with a motorhome(63 ft total). Any suggestions or reviews based on experiences appreciated. __________________ Mike Withers 1195 SS

12-23-2011, 10:03 AM	#2
Bob Verwold Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fayetteville Ohio Posts: 656 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Advice on GPS units? I have a Garman unit that works pretty good. I have a Crew cab truck with a 44' trailer so you have to be careful where it tells ya to turn. Mine spends a lot of time recalculating .... I've heard there is a truck version that won't take you down side streets. But it's about $1000.00 (too much for me) That's all I can tell ya, hope it helps.

12-23-2011, 10:28 AM	#3
Mike Pearson VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,318 Likes: 546 Liked 1,629 Times in 502 Posts	Re: Advice on GPS units? Bob, You should be able to go into the menu of the Garmin and change to truck mode and the shortest time. This will keep you off of the back roads and minimize the recalculating. I always check a map for basic directions on my trips then use the garmin for a back up. __________________ Mike Pearson 2485 SS

12-23-2011, 10:28 AM	#4
jmcarter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond Hill GA (and Port Ludlow WA) Posts: 4,118 Likes: 1,969 Liked 2,678 Times in 850 Posts	Re: Advice on GPS units? Just go onto Amazon and search "gps navigation for truck drivers" and you'll find several alternatives. Read the reviews and make your pick. You might also make sure your pick provides for regular software/road updates without charging you an arm and a leg. __________________ Jim Carter 2340 Super Stock 2340 SST/2340 Stock

12-23-2011, 10:45 AM	#5
Bob Verwold Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fayetteville Ohio Posts: 656 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Advice on GPS units? I guess my problem is, I know how to get to the tracks I'm going to. I mostly use it to keep track of the mileage on the trailer for maintenance. It does help my wife when she takes it out of the truck and uses it from time to time............ Also wasn't sure of spelling. Last edited by Bob Verwold; 12-23-2011 at 10:48 AM.

12-23-2011, 12:29 PM	#6
mike withers Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 67 Likes: 4 Liked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: Advice on GPS units? I found a truck Garmin model 560LMT priced just over $400.00 that appears to have all functions I need and has free map updates. Has anyone used this product? From what I have heard the Garmin products have a good reputation. __________________ Mike Withers 1195 SS

12-23-2011, 02:50 PM	#7
Rod Greene Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: TN Posts: 514 Likes: 355 Liked 204 Times in 72 Posts	Re: Advice on GPS units? I have a Garmin 660 that I use on the Harleys and in my truck it works great and can be set for truck mode. I got a free upgrade for lifetime map upgrades. __________________ Rod Greene Real men shift for them selves. Slowly working on TA Challenger for D,E/S and a 72 Challenger for SS/K, L as if I don't have enough other projects.

12-23-2011, 05:32 PM	#8
Rob Petrie E395 VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Woodlawn IL Posts: 1,093 Likes: 162 Liked 219 Times in 79 Posts	Re: Advice on GPS units? I have the Garmin model for Big trucks in my toter home and I HATE IT!!!! We also have a Tom Tom in our SUV. I wish tom tom would make a big truck model. The garmin unit looses signal all of the time and it always seems to be when there are multiple turns coming up. I sent the first one back and they sent me another one and it does the same thing. Another problem is the big truck model will not let you go in and see what roads it is taking you on like the the tom tom car units. I would stay away from the garmin big truck units ours sucks.

12-26-2011, 05:06 PM	#9
rallye bob Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Genoa, Illinois Posts: 488 Likes: 8 Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Advice on GPS units? "Mine spends a lot of time recalculating ". I hear you brother....LOL