View Full Version : GPS: Truck Navigation
There is an article in Landline magazine this month covering truck GPS units, but doesn't really say much other than the brand/model & where to get them. They are noting they are all imperfect & you need to find one that fits your specific needs or desired options. However I would rather find out what everyone here is using & what your thoughts about them so far.
If I had to choose tomorrow w/o any other input, it is a coin toss between the Garmin 465T or the Rand McNally IntelliRoute.
ccoop769
12-17-2009, 05:38 PM
I got my eye on the itelliroute. Garmins a b!tch
Oh, had some issues with Garmin? The only reason I had considered the 465T is because the Garmin in the truck now has worked w/o issue since spring '07. Never have updated the thing.
Oh, had some issues with Garmin? The only reason I had considered the 465T is because the Garmin in the truck now has worked w/o issue since spring '07. Never have updated the thing.
Ditto... Garmin 465T would be my choice. Already familiar with most Garmin functions.
ccoop769
12-17-2009, 07:34 PM
My garmin is old. C550 before nuvis came out. Already updated twice, the maps and firware and software. Sometimes she does really weird things like take me offroute thru a college when I was already on interstate????? Very weird that 1, but stuff like that, or uturn on alligator alley once you go over it when your heading to tampa?? ya, very weird, uturn back to here and there and go north to past miami, WTF!!!! Anyways, not famaliar with the new stuff, but I been looking alot at the inteliroute!!
Ahhh, I was too cheap to update it, but later on when I read the reviews there were people who said they would pay Garmin AGAIN to take the update OFF of their system, so definitely understand your frustration & definitely something to keep inmind with any other system.
Dorsey
08-17-2010, 08:01 PM
Rand Mcnally gps is the biggest piece of shit gps I've had to date. The POS thinks I'm still in Port Wentworth GA. I've turned it off and back on, reset it, put in different addresses. I don't know. You think if I throw it out the window it'll start working? $400 bucks wasted! I got this garmin I accumelated from my former job that came in a box saying newly overhauled that's scared up from me trying to get the face off with a knife to reset it(forgot there's a piece you just pop off with your finger and I was trying to pry the whole face off:o) and spliced wires that hasn't let me down yet. It will do some stupid stuff but it's still ticking.
Any suggestions to fix this thing? It has a picture of a satillite and 2 red x's on each side. I'm sure that means it's not connecting with the satillites.
cosgo
08-17-2010, 08:12 PM
WOW, i had the exact opposite experience as Dorsey (sort of) I bought the Garmin, exchanged it for the Cobra, and finally the Rand McNally. I found the Rand McNally was the best. Ive had mine just under a year, and it rocks.... I did have a glitch with it at the begining like Dorsey, but took it over to Pilot, and they exchanged it for a new one. Problem solved... hasnt let me down since.
bayou hotshot
08-17-2010, 08:28 PM
i have a garmin c330 it was the first one thay came out with i got mine back in july of 05 and have never done a update i can only think of about 2 times it would not pull up a address if it dont pull up i go to search all and it works and mine is set on shortest distance and on truck mine has never let me down ;)
I have one built in on my screen and never use it garmin all the way
P.S. FOCK A TOM TOM:mad:
Dorsey, check here for fixes on the R.M.
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/electronic-connection/108112-suppport-thread-tnd-500-tnd-700-a.html
Mark is a pretty decent guy & helps out a lot with customer support.
Also, anyone else looking to order a truck specific GPS, call or check out the comparison @ http://www.dieselboss.com/truck_gps_review_features.htm
I forget the guys name, but he tests them all before he sells them. Has tested some brands that he will NOT sell.
Dorsey
08-19-2010, 10:12 PM
Talked to a Rand mcnally rep today. Have to send it in and they will send me a new one.
They get you fixed up yet with a new one?
Read some reviews about Garmins 465T on another site & they were not positive. There is a new PC Miler out there for around $300, but overall the Rand Mcnally seems to be worth the extra money.
Dorsey
09-05-2010, 09:37 AM
I mailed it to the house with other paper work and my wife hasn't got around to mailing it in yet. They've already told me they would send another one within 2 days of receiving it. The idea was since I had to mail it to Rand Mcnally and I had paper work to fax off it would be cheaper just to mail it all to my wife and they would give her the prepaid postage to mail the GPS to them.
Noticed the $50 rebate at truck stops on both Rand McNally units, but if you order from the Diesel Boss site, he takes the $50 right off the top & no sales tax/free shipping etc.
Seems like a decent deal, he also makes sure they are updated before shipping them out.
Just thought would mention it if anyone is in the market for a new one...
Tosch88
09-21-2010, 06:55 PM
I'm always in the market for one when mine gets me lost (Tom Tom junk). Then I get to the truck stop & see the $400 price which in turn makes me forget about being lost. I'm gonna have to break down & get one for the truck here soon for sure. So everyone agrees the Randy Mcnally is the best bang for the buck right now?
There is suppose to be a newer map data program being added/updated in the R/M, just not sure when they are going to release it. Would think you would get that update regardless when you buy it, but seems there is always something coming just around the corner improving the thing.
tbc27143
09-22-2010, 08:17 PM
I would like to update my Cobra GPS and the company no longer provides updates for them. I have tried to determine what the software is that they used but have not had any success. I want to update the map and the POI's if possible.
Anyone have a clue how to get this done?
haulin rv
09-22-2010, 09:16 PM
TND 700 is on sale @ Loves $449
I would like to update my Cobra GPS and the company no longer provides updates for them. I have tried to determine what the software is that they used but have not had any success. I want to update the map and the POI's if possible.
Anyone have a clue how to get this done?
It is probably the operating system they are no longer using, therefore no updates. But some really nice car units are available for about the same amount of money as updating.
Read some reviews about the 7" RM's or from any mfg. & some guys were saying they were too big. Also have yet to figure out how RM makes their retailers stick to one price. Every location sells them for the exact same price, the only difference as far as money goes is that at a truck stop you will pay sales tax where as you won't have to on some web sites.
I would like to update my Cobra GPS and the company no longer provides updates for them. I have tried to determine what the software is that they used but have not had any success. I want to update the map and the POI's if possible.
Anyone have a clue how to get this done?
An exact model number would be helpful. ;)
Some models actually run a custom branded version of WinCE.
Haul-A-Round
09-23-2010, 08:19 AM
I have a brand new TOM TOM One and so far I like it. it puts me anywhere I need to go and is on the money. mine came with the updates,plug it in once a week to the lap top and it's done. so far so good. I would not have bought a tom tom after reading and hearing everything on them but my daughters got it for me for fathers day. I on't have any complaints except for the english snob that gives directions.
tbc27143
09-23-2010, 01:21 PM
An exact model number would be helpful. ;)
Some models actually run a custom branded version of WinCE.
I have a Nav One 3000 and a 4500. I really would like to update the 3000 more than the 4500.
I have a Nav One 3000 and a 4500. I really would like to update the 3000 more than the 4500.
well apparently, the NavOne units have proprietary bootloaders/OS. So there won't really be anything that could be done to update those unless Cobra transfers their GPS business to another company.
I even attempted to grab one of their update files for both the 3000 & 4500 and even the old updates weren't there anymore.
As far as you guys with the Garmins... post your model's. I might have updates and a few other 'goodies' for you. :)
tbc27143
09-23-2010, 06:53 PM
Thanks for your help.
smr500
09-23-2010, 07:15 PM
Garmin 465T ver. 3.30 I like it, works pretty good. Just wish it had the miles per state for IFTA reporting
ccoop769
09-29-2010, 08:59 AM
There is suppose to be a newer map data program being added/updated in the R/M, just not sure when they are going to release it. Would think you would get that update regardless when you buy it, but seems there is always something coming just around the corner improving the thing.
Sept 30 2010 seems to be the day of a big update. Plug in the R/M for a update and a "new" popup happens. Doesnt tell you much, but ive never seen that before from the multiple updates they had before. You would figure too after all these updates, they can have it where it wont take 10 minutes for the tnd dock and gps unit to actually socialize together properly without throwing a fuss letting you know, the unit, seems NOT to be plugged in, when in fact it is. Happens 70% of the time for me.
bayou hotshot
09-29-2010, 05:53 PM
Noticed the $50 rebate at truck stops on both Rand McNally units, but if you order from the Diesel Boss site, he takes the $50 right off the top & no sales tax/free shipping etc.
Seems like a decent deal, he also makes sure they are updated before shipping them out.
called him today that guy knows his sh!t we talked for like a hour got the Rand mcnally TND 700 thay got a big update he will put on it before he ships it $428 to the door he is taking off $21 on top of the $50 ill have it sat
haulin rv
09-29-2010, 07:49 PM
Good deal!
Yeah, Don seems like a good guy & good that he knocked off a few extra dollars. Much rather support that than more money to a corporate truck stop.
I need to pull the trigger too, my car GPS is going to get me in trouble sooner or later.
ccoop769
09-30-2010, 05:27 AM
holy moly thats a big update. Cant wait to test it out this weekend personally.
bayou hotshot
09-30-2010, 04:48 PM
He said that price is good untill the end of october
He is going to update mine before he sends it to me he said he has had that update for almost a month he said there is so much he hasnt even noticed
ccoop769
10-01-2010, 11:41 AM
Been playing with it, the rm. Few new options, nothing worthwhile. Everything really is the same. Havent really played with maps though, but 5 minutes of hitting every option, nothing really meets my needs. But definatly more options.
BEWARE, SAVE YOUR IFTA BEFORE THE UPDATE. EVERYTHING RESETS BACK TO 0 unlike the previous updates.
I had that feeling I should of wrote down all the mileage. ARGGHHHh.
Now I have to spend the next 3 hours or so going thru logs and BOLS and routing out my mileage hoping to get it as close as possible.
Dorsey
10-01-2010, 12:55 PM
That sucks! The IFTA is the only reason we(wife) bought the Rand McNally. Its for her not me.
pmmjarrett
10-02-2010, 06:01 PM
Been playing with it, the rm. Few new options, nothing worthwhile. Everything really is the same. Havent really played with maps though, but 5 minutes of hitting every option, nothing really meets my needs. But definatly more options.
BEWARE, SAVE YOUR IFTA BEFORE THE UPDATE. EVERYTHING RESETS BACK TO 0 unlike the previous updates.
I had that feeling I should of wrote down all the mileage. ARGGHHHh.
Now I have to spend the next 3 hours or so going thru logs and BOLS and routing out my mileage hoping to get it as close as possible.
For IFTA, I went back to old school like I was taught 25 years ago. I keep a pocket notebook on the dash and write down the odometer reading every time I stop or cross a state line, then fill out the report at the end of each trip and turn it in just like I did when I was a company driver. Take a whopping 5 minutes to fill out the report at the end of a trip. Sure beats the hell out of sitting and racking your brains trying to figure out 3 months worth over a day or 2.
bayou hotshot
10-03-2010, 08:48 AM
Anyone have any pointers on setting up my Rand mcnally
bayou hotshot
10-03-2010, 02:26 PM
Also how do you look at the miles for each state and also do yall just restart the miles at the end of the quarter
Have you got to use it much yet? If not, will be curious to know what you think of it as time goes.
bayou hotshot
10-15-2010, 11:17 AM
I cant fig it out i have had these things longer than most have but this one is a pain in the @$$
1st thing it will ask is city so you put in lets say beaumont next thing is street than if you make it that far address than after all that its the wrong state WTF!!!
the speed limit thing is cool but its off also the speed limit on i-10 in LA is not 35 and will never be 35
My garmin is on shorter distance cant do it with this one it will take you down a road that is only a mile shorter that has 15 red lights insted of the hwy that only a mile down the road so now its on faster time
Hay coop when you get some time you ant busy give me a call your the only one i know that has one already 409-543-3299
ccoop769
10-17-2010, 04:09 PM
Call you little bit later.
My impressions so far since new update are.
Great for ifta since you can export the files out on the dock now. BTW, since the big update, dont know if you guys noticed but there has been like 3 new versions of the dock and another software update I believe.. Somehow after update, all my ifta came back.
Now, the mapping software blows. Its way more buggier and still dont notice finished construction from over a year ago or so.
WAY MORE BUGGY. Ive had no freezes which is good, but it seems way more laggy to me.
I think the problem is they put a cheapo cpu in it, well, actually, if it was coded better it would run with no lag I bet.
Overall, i think the unit is a POS. why??? my garmin never bugged out on me nor had no lag, and I had like a c550 old school garmin. i could zoom on the garmin, rm zoom is so messed up, im scared to hit it. now RM has been out for about 1 year now, YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD OF FIXED THE NOTICEABLE STUFF...
now, if I had to buy another gps would I buy it again???? HELL YAH, unless of course garmin started doing ifta and a few other things.
The ifta sold it to me, or my wife I should say..... For a drivers standpoint, as easy as it is to write miles down, I hated that crap. There is alot of features, but 75% of it is useless to your normal driver.
I dont know, maybe another year it will be better?? Maybe its my unit??
How about you guys??
My top griefs of the RM are....
Zooming (Scared to touch that button) "your first zoom might be the usa and canada and alot of water.
LAG EVERYWHERE (lag is super slow response for the unknowingly)
Map bugz ( for instance it will freeze once in a blue moon, or the map will kinda stay in the same spot 10 miles ago but the gps will still work and its functions)
There is many more griefs I have, but zooming is my biggest issue, the lag is next. I found myself reseting avg once a day. Sometimes more, sometimes none.
My garmin, if I didnt run the bitch over, if she ever bugged out like that, I would of ran her over...... But she acted like a you know what too 1% of the time. But her acting was with the routing. Sometimes she would bring you thru a college area from off 95 then back on to 95 or reroute you 40 miles from a 5 mile trip. Like I said this never really happens on her. Anywho, now im starting to review her too.
Let me know about your units if its comparable to mine... Maybe I will get lucky and mine will be a dud, I know 2 of you already on here that had to send it back. Cosgo, you said yours is perfect???????
ccoop769
10-19-2010, 01:46 PM
Be careful with them 7 inch RM guys. I heard they had 5 different hardware versions and there latest version is a dud.
Buster
10-27-2010, 11:31 AM
Is anybody using the PC Miler 550? If so, how is it? How does it compare to the others?
Not sure about the PCMiler Buster, never owned one. The Diesel Boss guy said the older version was better for commercial addresses & the Rand McNally did a little better average with both commercial & residential addresses.
What are the latest updates with the Rand McNally 500? Worth the money to buy yet? Found the Garmin 465T at their factory outlet store for $259 shipped, but the TND500 is another $90?
My screen cracked on my old Nuvi last night & need to replace asap.
For anyone that will be buying one down the road....
Garmin has two new versions coming out in March/April, which will have the IFTA reporting.
Cobra released a 7750, but don't need a 7" screen, comes with Aura, which sounds very cool.
Not sure if I trust the RM quality or if Garmins has went down. Just keep reading about units crashing or forever staying in recalculation mode. Thinking most problems are from people not shutting them off at the plug every night, but could be wrong.
Any info much appreciated.
The Garmin is a "Newly Overhauled" model for $259. Whoever answered their phone seemed like they were around the globe, gave up asking them questions. Ordered a RM from Don at the Diesel Boss, will see how it goes. Suppose to be here in three days, if it does not work or freezes up lagging behind, it will be on a fast trip back to Oregon.
Buster
01-26-2011, 12:19 PM
I got the R Mc and its GREAT!! I got the 5". I think any bigger would be to much light at night. The memory is good, the graphics are clear, it recalculates in about 1-2 seconds. The voice conversion could be a bit better and I would have liked more voice options (slutty vixen!) but its far better than any other unit I've used.
ccoop769
01-26-2011, 01:44 PM
Mines starting to take a dump. Calculations and recalculations take a good 30 seconds for 1000 mile trips. Freezing alot more, and the new update completly fubared the weigh station. Guess I need to check in warrenty, although its over a year old now prolly none. Also, my version of RM was when it first came out, well a couple months after. Tony had one of the originals and he warned me not to get it. Havent played with the newer versions but from what it sounds like, mine sucks............................................. .
I got the R Mc and its GREAT!! I got the 5". I think any bigger would be to much light at night. The memory is good, the graphics are clear, it recalculates in about 1-2 seconds. The voice conversion could be a bit better and I would have liked more voice options (slutty vixen!) but its far better than any other unit I've used.
You da thunk that if any of the RM guys had went across Missouri they could have hooked the unit up with the Slutty Vixen. :) Never seen so many shops in one state, seems like there are more of those shops than Wal Marts over there.
Mines starting to take a dump. Calculations and recalculations take a good 30 seconds for 1000 mile trips. Freezing alot more, and the new update completly fubared the weigh station. Guess I need to check in warrenty, although its over a year old now prolly none. Also, my version of RM was when it first came out, well a couple months after. Tony had one of the originals and he warned me not to get it. Havent played with the newer versions but from what it sounds like, mine sucks............................................. .
It is your version that scares me that they are all the same. Irritating that they would sell units that lock up or freeze! I asked Don last night about that very issue & he said after the initial go around with them, maybe one or two percent are returned for locking up. Would bug that Mark guy over at the trucker report about replacing it at a substantial discount. Glad to hear Busters is working out, hope this one does as well.
Motownfire
03-03-2011, 10:38 PM
I am in the market for a new GPS. My Garmin Nuvi has been great but I need to get a truck driver specific GPS. Does anyone have any wheel time with any of these Garmin GPS units ???
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=275
bayou hotshot
03-03-2011, 11:03 PM
They talked about them on road dog the other day sounds like they really have it going on they did say one unit comes with lifetime updates and the other will not from what the guy was saying is there gona be on sale soon they are trying to make a deal with the truck stops now
I have been playing with my R/M some just some things wont pull up but the garmin always finds it one week is all i need to see if i like it
Motownfire
03-03-2011, 11:57 PM
Hey Bayou, how far out of Texas do you run ??? I run from east to west coast and I REALLY need the GPS once I get out of the surrounding states of Texas.
The lifetime updates is worth some serious $$$ alone.
Hate both of them, wish I could bring my 4 y/o nuvi back to life.
Ordered the TND500 from Dieselboss.com, updated as soon as the box was opened. Went out on a small trip & it ended up being 1 for 5 on the addresses, also tried sending me down a 9 ton restricted road even though the truck route was a left hand turn instead of going straight. The voice seemed like finger nails down a chalk board sort of annoying. Totally understand the zoom complaint too, if there is not a major turn for a 100 miles, there is just a screen with a line for 100 miles with zero detail. Finally as Bayou mentioned with the wrong state addresses is absolutely correct. But what I found was that the address has to be put in how it wants to read it. I was trying to find a location on Highway 52 in Rochester, MN & it was pulling up crap in the Dakotas to Michigan. Finally put it in as US 52 & it got close, at least the right city & town though it pointed me to the wrong side of the interstate for where I needed to go.
Mailed it back dieselboss as soon as I got home & went to Loves to buy the Garmin 465T. The functionality is better, does not have all the truck stuff that the Rand Mcnally does. However, the voice on it is too quiet for truck stuff, but the voice also fails. When the voice fails, the system locks up within an hour or so & when you unplug it to reset it, it may turn back on in 30 minutes to an hour. Really makes me nervous everytime I unplug it at night if it will start in the morning.
The bad part with the Garmin is that I bought it at Loves & once they have your money for a electronic item, there are no refunds & you have to spend that money on a electronic item.
New models for both Garmin & Rand Mcnally are coming out right now, so maybe the revamped versions are better.
Scott D
03-05-2011, 11:31 AM
I've rocked and rolled with a TomTom XL for a while. Even though it's for cars, it helps me out after I've old school trip planned my routes.
tbc27143
03-05-2011, 12:19 PM
I have never had issues like what LBZ describes with the Cobra's. The address input is a little aggravating some time but you just have to get creative on how you input a highway number. CR and Farm and Ranch rds are numbers and I finally figured out that for the most part to use just the numbers with no letters. I think all of the GPS's have got some hang ups of some kind.
Traded in the 465T at a Loves on day 30 for another one. Works better, starts faster & has not froze like the previous one did. Kind of wonder if the last one wasn't a refurbished unit being sold as new. Would work fine for several days in a row, then like crap for two or three. The guy at that particular Loves said they get more 465's returned than other brands they sell.
Am curious though if anyone has bought the new Rand Mcnally 510/710. Not hearing many complaints about them yet.
Oh & Don out at dieselboss.com is a good guy. Don't be afraid to order anything through them. While truck stops allow 30 exchange on electronics, Don will refund your money if you are not happy. Big difference as well as no sales tax.
Buster
03-27-2011, 06:54 PM
I have the 510 and like it very much! I've only had a couple of complaints. It shows a particular road near me that is truck restricted to be OK for trucks one way but truck restricted the other way. Also if you use the touch screen to scroll along the route it will sometimes lock up and you have to restart it to clear it. This has only happened 3 times in 5 months. Very user friendly.
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