The Garmin GPS is the best GPS for truckers on the market today. It will make life easier for both commercial truck drivers and semi-truck operators alike.
Like many GPS systems for vehicles, many of the new truck GPS units have systems that warn traffic drivers to help them avoid expensive traffic connections as well as get to their destination on time. Just as in the trucking business where the “time is gold” concept is invaluable, these new truck GPS units make this a reality.
Truck-specific map data isn’t sparse anymore. GPS systems now have data that warns truckers of physical and legal limits prohibiting trucks and other overweight vehicles from traveling on certain highways.
A trucker’s GPS software should provide routes for 18-Wheeler and the like, which take into account physical and legal restrictions. Highways, tunnels, bridges, and narrow roads can be challenging to drive your rig, and sometimes costly.
Restrictions on the truck route should include:
- Steep grades
- Low clearances (height)
- Weight limitations
- Restrictions on a wide range
- Length restrictions
- Truck speed limits
- Turn restrictions
- Dangerous bends
- HAZMAT routing
- Loading and unloading limits
And the desire to:
- the truck’s input weight
- volume, width, and height
- find truck facilities and services
- suggest routes at the state level
The portable GPS unit should also come with remote control-if your window is far away, it’s convenient.
Many companies are manufacturing top GPS devices for trucks, but the leading one is Garmin, here we are going to review the top 5 Garmin GPS for trucks, check out our top picks below.
List of Best Garmin GPS for trucks
| Garmin GPS | Size of a GPS Device | Maps Included | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin dezl 770LMTHD | 7 inches | USA, CAN, MEX |  |
| Garmin DezlCam LMTHD | 6 inches | USA, CAN, MEX | |
| Garmin dezl 580 LMT-S | 5 inches | North America | |
| Garmin Nuvi 57LM | 5 inches | U.S. States | |
| Garmin Drive 50 USA LM | 5 inches or 6 inches | USA or USA+CAN | |
1. Garmin dezl 770LMTHD
The Garmin Dezl 770LMTHD GPS is arguably the best GPS truck Garmin has ever done. The good thing about advancing technology is it’s only confined to the niche. If there are people in their daily lives who need technological support, they’re truckers.
Accidents and other related issues do occur, and your insurance policy doesn’t reflect well. Second, by making good use of technical devices like the Garmin Dezl 770LMT, when you go for renewal, your auto insurance policy is guaranteed to get you some discounts.
Now, what are the features integrated into the Garmin Dezl 770LMT that have won it a high level of recognition? The Dezl 770LMT is the perfect Garmin GPS for trucks who want a network that has not only basic GPS functionality but also shows the truck-specific route, truck speed limits, and fascinating trucking points.
One exciting thing about the dezl 770 is that it allows for the driver to be provided with accurate video views of junctions approaching. This is very important as the majority of accidents happen at the intersections. You will be guided rightly, so you choose the right lane at the right time. Also, the dezl 770LMT is designed to assist truckers with load-carrying constraints in the US and Canada. All you need to do is join the load restrictions to experience this activity in both countries, and the dezl 770LMT will handle it from there.
The Garmin Dezl 770LMT GPS Truck incorporates a large 5-inch display unit for a brilliant, clear photograph. For ease of recognition, you’ll always have your truck’s specific route highlighted. If you want to make an emergency call while driving for any reason, the dezl 770 LMT is also a source of help with Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker in that regard. It has an impressive touchscreen so you can dial the number you want to call and talk so that due to divided attention, you don’t get into an accident.
The Garmin Dezl 770 is beautifully designed to give you knowledge about potential opportunities from anywhere. It also has advanced navigation systems to help you test the speed limit, so you don’t get tickets either.
Since it is difficult for you to predict what might be ahead of you, the dezl 770 LMT can help you determine possible areas of ascent and descent so you can make your driving as safe as possible. With the introduction of nüRoute technologies, together with the vital developments in traffic and myTrends, truckers are also bound to make their career a safe and well-decorated one.
While trends allow you to save your popular destinations, allowing dezl 770LMT to determine possible areas of traffic, the traffic trends help the Garmin Dezl 770 to understand daytime traffic flow trends so that you can predict your ETA (estimated arrival time).
The Garmin Dezl 770 is a GPS that is specially designed for truckers. The device allows truckload, restrictions, and classification based navigation. The GPS comes with maps of Canada, the US, and Mexico at street level.
The Garmin Dezl 770LMT will tell the name of the street, so you can get specific directions on where to turn. This GPS truck also has Lane Assist guides that help truckers stay in the proper lane.
There’s also a traffic monitor included, so you’ll be informed if you’re building ahead or building a road. The 770LMT also comes with a microphone/speaker and hands-free call.
Specifications
Truck constraints are assisted by routing, from the height, weight, to the goods that it is holding. The panel measures 8.60 x 6.00 x 3.40 Inches (W x H x D) long. The resolution is a 7′′ glass panel with a touchscreen. This weighs 15.4 ounces (438.0 g).
Battery life is suitable for an unplugged time of up to 1 hour. The points of interest include Breakdown Directory for National Truck and Trailer Services (NTTS). This is a guide to repairing semi-truck shops. This Garmin GPS truck supports multiple routing and can notify you of any sharp curves upfront.
The Garmin Dezl 770LMT is the vision of a lorry driver. Companies developing GPS units have sought, on several occasions, to create a better navigation device to support truckers, in particular long-haul truckers, not only to navigate the highways but also to provide warnings of road accidents or obstructions that they need to avoid.
Pros
- Hands-free, voice-activated navigation (Tell Garmin what you need instead of pressing the display)
- Guides use landmarks wherever possible to stop searching for small road signs
- Bluetooth messaging
- Incorporation of Garmin fleet management for low carriers
Cons
- Plenty of the Dezl770’s best features are spotty. For example, Garmin claims that you can enter custom information about your truck to get rerouting and alerts about weight and height limits. Nevertheless, other truckers consider the Garmin merely telling them “Truck Accessibility Unknown.” Many truckers have also claimed that Garmin is unreasonably redirecting them from the fastest or most successful routes.
2. Garmin DezlCam LMTHD 6-Inch Truck Navigator
It can be a rather tricky proposition to operate a diesel rig. Alone the interstate highway system contains almost 47,000 miles of pavement containing more than a few less than comfortable interchanges. The millions of cars crowding all those thoroughfares are making things even more difficult. Digital technology can manage all of this, but only if it’s presented in a secure, natural way.
Specifications
Our picks are listed below for the most critical specifications on the DezlCam LMTHD.
- Display size: 6.1 inches
- Dimensions: 7.2 inches x 3.7 inches x .6 inches
- Weight: 11.3 oz.
- Battery Life: 30 minutes
- Screen resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
Interactive
This GPS device weights out of the packaging just 11.3 ounces and has a 6.1-inch touchscreen. The LMTHD dezlCam magnetically attaches for quick removal on an adjustable mount. In turn, the mount is secured by suction to the windshield. It can be easily accessed at this location while serving as a dashcam simultaneously. The machine usually runs off a 12-volt power supply, but it has a rechargeable battery that stores up to half an hour of fuel.
The interactive screen can handle multiple contact points, so drawing two fingers together or apart will reduce or widen the current image. As it isn’t always a good idea to run a touchscreen, this GPS navigator provides an audio alternative. The Garmin dezlCam LMTHD has the potential for speech recognition as well as speech synthesis. Verbally, the device can be given predetermined commands along with the addresses. Also, the strong built-in speaker delivers the spoken directions on moving to the desired location.
Communicative
The Garmin dezlCam LMTHD derives much of its ability to pull information from external sources. Of course, it can keep a continuous track of your location as a GPS device.
Bluetooth compatibility is also included in the package. With this, it is possible to bypass the microphone and speaker of the dezlCam with a wireless headset for improved communication. Bluetooth makes up-to-the-minute data available when coupled with a smartphone that uses the Smartphone Link app.
Garmin’s own HD Digital Traffic technology, of course, uses the unit’s GTM60 HD receiver to capture updates of traffic conditions twice a minute and display them alongside the onscreen map. Finally, a 20-inch USB cord allows data transfer to any computer running Windows or Mac.
Illustrative
It’s easy to discern onscreen images due to a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels using thin-film transistor or TFT technology that guarantees super-sharp focus. Even at bright daylight, an extra-bright white back light retains vision. Map views are straightforward with a forward-facing viewpoint view with both the typical road atlas view, the photo-real junction map, which emulates what one sees through the windshield. The Garmin dezlCam LMTHD shows feature markers to show the directions needed along the road, with a destination reached. The unit also shows the vehicle’s location on the map using GPS data in real-time, with one of 14 different symbols.
The app features a complete set of NAVTEQ City Navigator maps, which provides full coverage of the US and its dependencies, as well as of Mexico and Canada. The plans contain points of interest, such as restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, or WiFi hot spots. No problem without date charts since the package includes a lifetime supply of free updated maps. The map upgrades take place several times a year and are obtained via online downloads.
Watchful
The Dashcam is a critical component of the dezlCam LMTHD. There are two available settings. The video camera works in high-resolution mode at 2.1 megapixels to achieve sharpness in 1920 by 1080. Setting the camera to its 1-megapixel mode produces 1280 by 720 videos, which consumes less memory storage.
For carry video footage, the device comes with an 8 GB micro-SD slot, but it can be expanded to a 64 GB card. Using the G-sensor of the dezlCam, when triggered by a crash, the Dashcam will automatically start recording. Another alternative that can be chosen through the touchscreen is to provide video rather than blurred images with sound. Concurrent data such as time, date, position, and speed of the vehicle can also be appended to the recording. As the GPS device is also magnetically attached to the frame, it can be quickly removed and used as a hand-held camera for hand-held shooting. The system can connect with the Garmin BC30 wireless backup camera if more excellent coverage is needed.
Smart
The first thing anyone wants is to show them the most efficient path from A to B to a system like this. The dezlCam goes a step further by taking into account the characteristics of the car itself. Routes are determined based on whether you are a sedan or an 18-wheeler, thereby minimizing lane restrictions. For further route changes, finer details such as precise weight or type of container may also be used. The unit can also keep tabs on hours-of-service aspects, such as driving time, on-duty time, and sleeper time, for truckers.
Pros
- Crystal Clear 6-inch Touch-Screen Monitor
- Free Lifetime Map Updates
- Free Lifetime Traffic Alerts
- Unlimited Lifetime Radar Updates
- Limited Lifetime Traffic Alerts
Cons
- Large Unit and Pretty Heavy
- Expensive
- No Dash Board Options
3. Garmin dezl 580 LMT-S
You will benefit from having a decent GPS navigation device in the cab if driving is the way you make your living. You should count on Garmin to get you wherever you go. Garmin has been selling GPS products for years and, for a good reason, has become an industry leader. The deal 580 truck navigation system is designed for experienced truckers and provides all the features that you might be looking for.
Specifications
It is similar in size to other GPS devices at about 6′′x 4′′x 1′′ and weighs about one pound, which, considering the measurements, is still pretty solid. This uses an 820 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery that is sufficient for up to two hours, but this is disconnected. Using it on a cell inside your cab will last as long as you need it. It has a glossy black cover and a bright 5′′ WQVGA touchscreen display at 480 x 272 pixels high-resistance. The 580 dezl also has 16 GB of memory and a card slot that can be used to add more. It also offers voice-recognition features so that you can use it without letting the key go.
Custom Truck Routing
In North America, the dezl 580 comes preloaded with detailed maps and lifetime updates. Such plans offer truck-related advice for most highways and major roads, such as bridge heights, weight limits, dangerous bends, school zones, and more. To build a vehicle profile, all you need to do is input the details, and the 580 will map the best route for the size and load of your truck.
It will direct you along the way with voice prompts and vibrant onscreen arrows based on real-life landmarks, rather than just street signs and intersections. If required, you can also tap into a bird’s eye view from above.
Through merely touching the screen, the Trip Planner helps you to change directions, and save them for future trips. It also comes with a feature that allows you to change trailers with a single button to schedule your next path.
Break Planning
Often, you should schedule breaks along the way. The 580 helps you to plan stops for snacks, gasoline, rest stops, parking spots, and ATMs, just to list a few facilities, with timely reminders to prevent you from skipping them.
This helps with incorporation with TripAdvisor, so you can also find exciting destinations such as suggested hotels, dining, shopping, national monuments, historical sites, amusement parks, and other points of interest that you may want to explore. These are all searchable through the FourSquare app included.
Through automatic monitoring and digital recording, you can also combine the dezl 580 with Garmin’s eLog ELD for compliance with DOT. Additionally, this Garmin platform is fully compatible with a range of backup cameras made by Garmin. The dezl 580 also comes with pre-installed software for dispatchers and supervisors to organize and track multiple vehicles.
Directory of Services
Garmin also offers an integrated directory to find truck and trailer facilities along the route. It covers truck stops, hotels, measuring stations, outdoor WiFi hotspots, a car park, and more. The brand name or the services they provide, such as showers or truck cleaning, can also be used to check or sort truck stops. Garmin now lists more than 30 000 repair facilities across the US and Canada, including those with after-hours assistance. The dezl 580 also has a Service History Record to keep track of any repairs or servicing and check the strength and mileage of the tires.
Hands-Free Calling
The dezl 580 can conveniently pair up with your Bluetooth mobile. This operates with both mobile devices running the Android and iPhone. The 580 has an integrated microphone and volume-adjustable speakers that are loud enough to allow you to engage in serious conversations about traffic noise. You can also read text messages directly from the show at the dezl 580 without taking your phone from your coat. You can also get the latest local traffic and weather alerts over your GPS with the built-in WiFi anytime you want.
Pros
- This mapping device can work even in the most urban area you can imagine.
- That is pretty accurate. There will be hardly any instances where the device is going to take you in the wrong direction.
- Comparison to other similar devices, the Garmin Dezl 580 LMT-S, Truck GPS Navigator, does not drain the battery quickly.
Cons
4. Garmin Nuvi 57LM GPS Navigator System
The Nuvi 57 is a sound navigation system despite those shortcomings. You get Garmin’s navigation app, which helps you to create multiple waypoints along the way to a specific destination. It then routes you along the most effective way of getting to your destination without passing every point of the way.
It also indicates the speed limit, which informs you both your current speed and the speed limit of the road you are driving. If you’re driving in a new way, this can help you avoid a speeding ticket.
The Nuvi 57 has a 480 x 272 pixel, resistive touchscreen. It, like the TomTom GO 500, is on board with other GPS units in the price range. It also features a rechargeable battery, so you can use the GPS without plugging in. The battery lasts around 1 to 2 hours.
Like all other Nuvi units, the Nuvi 57 can be portrait or landscape-oriented, whatever you prefer. Portrait orientation is particularly useful to help make the device feel more like a native built-in panel interface for your car.
Without the luxurious accessories, including voice control and a high-definition, capacitive touchscreen, the Garmin Nuvi 57 is a barebone navigation tool. Nevertheless, it performs mapping tasks just as well as the most costly GPS car systems do, although you need to spend extra to keep the maps updated.
Specifications
Garmin Real Directions
Spoken Garmin Real Directions lead you like a relative, make use of recognizable landmarks, buildings, and lights.
Up Ahead
Easily find places Up Ahead, including gas stations and groceries, without leaving the map.
Foursquare Data
Preloaded Foursquare Data adds millions of more search results, new and fashionable.
Direct access
This simplifies travel to pick diverse destinations, including malls and airports.
Lane Assist with Junction View
Shows future junctions and uses brightly colored arrows to show the correct course.
School Zone Warnings
Issues and audible warnings and show a message onscreen every time you enter a school zone. The speed limit displayed sometimes adjusts to indicate the speed limit for the school zone.
Pros
- It directs you “like a friend,” Garmin says that and that’s what it does
- This model comes with maps of a lifespan
- You also get updates for free
- It has a 5-inch widescreen that is easy to read. It does make a big difference.
- Easy installation
- Has a 2-hour battery life. A lot longer than using a GPS function on your mobile phone
- Garmin Real Directions & Foursquare details to get the latest info
Cons
- As with any navigator, it gets very lost when it passes through large unfamiliar cities and countries with a lot of buildings and detours. It’s nothing drastic, and luckily, it still got out of those problems way faster compared to Google Navigation Maps.
5. Garmin Drive 50 USA LM GPS Navigator System
When you’re on a deficit and need an appropriate Garmin GPS Tracker, then a reasonable starting point would be the Garmin 50LM model. It does not have additional features such as alarms, whistles, or Bluetooth but offers a 5 “monitor, which is a significant choice for RV owners and car owners.
For the RVs, while on an elevated bench, it would be better for the driver to see the screen. The touch-sensitive GUI is more available for the car owners, and the map graphics are better.
Specifications
Map and Directions Features
How quick it is to follow directions is what’s most apparent about the Garmin Drive 50 USA LM GPS Navigator feature. The interface is transparent, and the instructions are incredibly succinct. The app gets rid of any unnecessary details so that you can concentrate more effectively on the road. If you don’t want the phone to serve as a distraction, there are speech instructions too.
What makes the Garmin Drive 50 USA LM GPS Navigator Program so user-friendly is how it uses traffic signs and landmarks to give you a glimpse into where you are and where you need to go. So the feature comes in handy if you are not used to general directions.
The navigation system matches the average consumer well. The Garmin Drive 50 USA LM renders preloaded and modified maps compliant with Foursquare. But you won’t have any trouble locating famous hangouts at all.
The app Direct Access also ensures a secure location of the airports and shopping malls in your city. The navigator device, though, has been criticized in the past because it has to be updated for longer routes, as it often gets confused during driving hours.
Display
The display’s joystick responds to your orders promptly. A dual, split-screen display also has the added benefit. The dual-screen provides a way to see where you are right now simultaneously as well as the paths that await your destination.
Driver Alerts
With the Garmin Drive 50 USA LM, there are plenty of driver warnings available. You are given notice when there are tight curves ahead, when you are moving into a region with a different speed limit, and when there are red-light cameras.
Additional Feature
The maps on the GPS offer various warnings for having the most accurate route information. Some of these upgrades, however, are considered to miss essential updates in lesser-visited, more remote areas.
Pros
- Lots of steering apps to improve navigation
- Clear instructions for graphics and audio
- For better navigation, dual screen
- Alerts to many different drivers
- Can get frequently updated
Cons
- Often longer roads need to renew themselves
- Updates for more rural areas are not always complete