Trip planning can be difficult, but having to navigate a truck through overcrowded streets adds another layer of stress to your journey. This is where having a reliable, state-of-the-art truck GPS system comes in handy. These devices plan truck routes that stay away from hazards such as low bridges and narrow roads as well as avoid places that are difficult for large rigs to traverse. They also provide truck drivers access to other valuable resources that car global positioning systems (GPS) may overlook such as truck stops, weigh stations, and more.
Having the right truck GPS on your dashboard can mean the difference between a short trip and a long haul. Our product review team has rounded up, tested, and reviewed the best truck GPSs to help you plan your next journey. A good truck GPS can give you better route options and make your trip much smoother.
The truck GPS devices in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices.
After looking at factors such as features, touchscreen design, customer ratings, and prices, our product testing team ordered the truck GPS systems that best met these standards. A team member tested each product, taking note of ease of installation, route planning features, and touchscreen response. Each truck GPS was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
We recommend the Rand McNally TND 750 to any trucker who needs a smooth interface, reliable navigation, and accurate driver data tracking. We were blown away by how many additional features the TND 750 offered and found them to be surprisingly useful.
We were able to plan a safe route that had little-to-no traffic outlined between us and our destination. The TND 750 even marked alternative routes, such as tolls or lower-traffic areas, that we could take. Along our route were various pinned restaurants, rest stops, and more, which the TND 750 automatically added.
A feature that really impressed our testing team was the Mileage and Fuel Log, which provided average fuel consumption and gas prices. Considering the current fluctuation in gas prices nationwide, this tool could help drivers save considerable amounts of cash.
Customers who like the TND 750 appreciate the amount of data it gives them on their fuel economy. They also like the large 7.0-in. display and upgraded road atlas software. Those who had issues with the TND 750 criticized its low volume output when turned up all the way.
The hands-free calling feature worked with no issues, plus our team liked the Garmin eLog feature for those who need to track their drive time for commercial purposes. A WiFi connection is required for the best results, so having constant connectivity to the internet goes a long way for this device.
With TomTom MyDrive, users can pre-plan routes on their smartphone, laptop, or tablet and sync them to their TomTom Trucker 620. It has a 6.0-in. touchscreen, lifetime truck maps, real-time traffic updates, and over 1,500 preloaded truck-related points of interest. The Trucker 620 is Siri and Google Now accessible for hands-free calling and texting for improved safety. It can even read incoming text messages out loud so drivers can focus on the road. We recommend it for drivers who like their smart devices interconnected with their truck GPS units.
Because of how responsive the touchscreen was and its numerous additional features, we scored the Trucker 620 at 4.4 stars. Although we liked these functions, it lost points for its tricky installation process.
Reviews that were positive commended the OHREX for its large display and voice navigation prompts. Those who left negative reviews said their GPSs gave inaccurate weight readings of their vehicles and found longer routes.
Magnet mounts tend to offer better performance than suction-style mounts. However, this can depend on your driving conditions. Especially high heat environments can loosen the adhesive that attatch the magnet mount to your windshield.
Bluetooth-compatible truck GPS systems can pair with a smartphone to offer additional features such as hands-free calling and text-to-speech, improving safety on the road (compared to fiddling with your phone).
Truck GPSs are more expensive than car GPSs because of their advanced features specifically designed for trucks, such as mileage logging. Because truckers spend much of their time on the road, having hours of service from a truck GPS navigation device is very important.
Truckers may have to make on-the-go adjustments as they drive, so a responsive touchscreen display means the difference between seamless navigation and a troublesome distraction. Truck GPSs that responded to touch easily and were easy to navigate scored highest in this category.
Since semi-trucks and other larger vehicles have trouble navigating roads that may be otherwise suitable for cars, a truck GPS needs to be able to assess the best possible route to accommodate them. GPSs that found accessible truck routes with detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions scored higher in this section.
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.
As a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.
Driving a truck can be challenging, but SmartTruckRoute takes the worry out of navigation. The SmartTruckRoute GPS app creates truck specific routes with free live map updates, so your maps will always be up to date.
The SmartTruckRoute app takes into account truck restrictions such as bridge heights and clearances, load limits, one-way road designations, sharp turns, and allowances when guiding you to your destination. SmartTruckRoute helps avoid costly tickets and keeps you safe.
The SmartTruckRoute truck navigation app is easy to use, just speak or type the destination, within seconds you'll have a truck specific route with turn by turn directions that avoids low bridges and uses truck friendly roads. Specify your truck dimensions and weight, even your hazmat level for the most accurate route. Stay safe and save money with SmartTruckRoute for your Android smartphone, tablet, or iPhone.
SmartTruckRoute offers an exceptional series of professional features allowing commercial drivers to get the best possible route by taking into account low bridges, load limits, and sharp turns. Helping you avoid costly tickets and keeping you safe.
Speak or type the destination, within seconds you'll have a truck specific route with turn by turn directions that avoids low bridges and uses truck friendly roads. Choose regular street map view or navigate with satellite images for a more realistic view.
SmartTruckRoute understands that you need to approach the destination in a suitable manner for making your delivery. Use the built in satellite image display to give you confidence about how to enter the dock.
Save an unlimited number of points for future reference. Speed limit warnings, via points, truck stops, rest areas, weigh scales, weather, expected location hourly map view, route choices, alternative routes, and IFTA logging. Helping you arrive at your destination on time and within budget.
Available for Android phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads. Contact us for a free trial. Very economical plans which cost less than dedicated GPS's and offer more up to date routing. There are no recurring fees.
Founded in 1981, TeleType Co., Inc. is a software development company based in Boston, MA. Building on over 35 years of experience, TeleType specializes in software system integration and has produced cutting edge products in a variety of industries.
TeleType specializes in portable commercial navigation systems, and Android and iPhone commercial navigation apps including SmartTruckRoute, SmartBusRoute, and SmartRVRoute. These apps help drivers avoid low bridges, weight restrictions, commercial restrictions and more. Our maps and routing are the most up to date in the industry.
Each TeleType product delivers superior value by providing a complete GPS solution to meet the needs of independent drivers and fleets. TeleType products provide the latest in mobile technology in and an easy to use environment at an affordable price.
Johnny Appleseed GPS is the premier destination for truck drivers across Australia, offering the most extensive selection of truck GPS solutions and mounting systems. Our inventory boasts the latest in truck GPS technology, including high-definition displays, real-time traffic updates, and route optimisation for commercial vehicles.
A Truck GPS Navigation Device is a specialised type of GPS (Global Positioning System) device tailored specifically for the needs and challenges of truck drivers and the commercial trucking industry. Unlike standard car GPS systems, truck navigation devices incorporate a variety of features and technologies designed to assist in the safe and efficient navigation of large vehicles like semis, lorries, and other heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) across diverse road networks.
Most Truck GPS devices do not require a monthly subscription fee for basic navigation features, such as mapping and routing. These devices come preloaded with maps and offer core navigational capabilities without the need for ongoing costs.
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