Best Truck GPS Navigation Systems In 2020 – Our Top Picks
Looking for the best truck GPS navigation systems in 2020?
Great!
Your search landed you here so we will jump right into it. But, before we get into the crust of the matter, we‘ll tell you from the kick go how we arrived at our best GPS for truck drivers list.
Table of Contents
Best Truck GPS Navigation Systems – Guide & Review
We sampled five of the top-rated options, analyzed their functionality and figured out what makes them tick.
We also considered the cost and user feedback. With that out of the way, here is a rundown of the best GPS for trucks based on these thresholds.
Program Your Destination Before You Hit the Road
Feed your device with the address before you leave. Statistics indicate that you are likely to get involved in an accident as you try to punch in the address while driving.
Make Use of the Voice Feature
Be sure to leverage the voice-activation feature of your GPS. And we are talking about giving commands to your unit as well as receiving alerts.
The idea is to help you make changes as fast as you can. Plus, it prevents unnecessary distraction.
Use Your Co-driver
It is not always that using voice will work. If you have to touch the gadget, make sure that it is your co-driver who does it.
And if you are in the truck alone, consider pulling over before you can start to navigate through the GPS with your hands.
Remember, GPS is Only a Device
Make no mistake about it; we are not underestimating the importance of mounting a GPS navigator in your vehicle.
In fact, on the contrary, our truck GPS reviews are all about helping you to choose the best model for your needs and budget. All we are trying to say is that your device is not entirely infallible.
Sure, it makes driving on your route a lot easier, but it doesn’t replace human intelligence. You should, therefore use it with a “third eye” to avoid disappointments.
So, let’s start our list of the best truck GPS navigation systems.
5. Garmin nüvi 2797LMT
At no. 5 we have ‘Garmin nüvi 2797LMT’.
Garmin has cemented its name as a leader when it comes to making top-notch car navigations systems. The nüvi2797LMT touts the same reliability and unrivaled quality that has become synonymous with the brand for years.
This particular model makes it to our list because of the affordability and super thoughtful features that any truck driver and the owner will find useful.
Its most outstanding function is the real-time traffic update that allows the driver to know what to expect on the road ahead. This GPS has a driving map that is always on the screen. Traffic updates appear on the side of the display.
Moreover, you can set the device to give you the alerts through audible, spoken messages. The updates provide info such as anticipated delays and possible detours. It can also tell you if you are on the fastest route. And the best part is, you get the updates for a lifetime.
You don’t have to touch the nüvi 2797LMT to use it.
It comes with an innovative voice-activation function that lets you speak you to it – literally. That way, you can keep your eyes on the road which translates to safe driving. Or, you may choose to use the highly responsive touchscreen interface.
The 2797LMT is also Bluetooth compatible.
Just synchronize it with your smartphone to enjoy hands-free calling via the unit’s built-in mic and speaker.
The idea behind this feature is to allow you to stow away your phone and still receive and make calls without getting your hands off the steering wheel.
Speaking of hands-free operation, this GPS truck is compatible with the SmartphoneLink app to let you use your phone’s data plan to share info such as your destination, parking location and Points of Interest (POIs).
The app allows access to helpful info such as weather conditions in real time. And the beauty of it is that you don’t have to subscribe to these services.
To top it off, the nüvi 2797LMT has a large, bright 7-inch screen so you can view details such as school zones warnings, speed limit, your current speed and the estimated time of arrival at a glance.
In short, this GPS is all about keeping you as informed as possible while on the road.
- Easy to use and understand
- The guidance you can hear and see
- Preloaded city navigator
- The suction cup needs some improvements
4. Garmin dezl 770LMTHD
At no. 4 we have ‘Garmin dezl 770LMTHD’.
Reviewers say the dezl 770LMTHD is remarkably accurate and easy to configure. While this is a refurbished model, it is has undergone rigorous tests to certify that it works as new.
It is a good pick if you can’t afford the expensive truck GPS models but don’t want to compromise quality and function. Besides, this unit comes with a one year warranty, further giving you the confidence to buy.
A closer look at the 770LMTHD reveals one function that long-distance truck drivers will find invaluable. This device offers customized routing so you can know the best route to use as per the size and weight of your trailers.
Theoretically, this means that you can avoid unnecessary penalties due to overloading. Meanwhile, as the truck owner, you can use the logging function to track maintenance, consumption of fuel and hours of service.
That way, you can manage your trucking business even better.
Finding shops, restaurants and other amenities don’t have to be a problem with the dezl 770LMTHD thanks to the Foursquare feature. And the best part is that the device automatically updates new and popular joints so you’ll know where to get the best services en-route to your destination. Plus, you can also search and select stores by brand name and favorite amenities.
You can also tell that the dezl 770LMTHD is a solid truck navigation unit right out of the box due to its robust glass screen and heavy-duty case design. It has a multi-touch screen, complete with True Flat Technology for crystal clear display of information.
In fact, this unit has one of the best resolutions in comparison to other models in its class.
By extension, the highly responsive screen makes it easy to navigate through the device’s interface. And just like any other GPS got truck drivers by Garmin, this one offers lifetime traffic and map updates to keep you in the know when driving.
Other notable features include a Micro SD so you can expand the memory, voice-command for hands-free operation and voice direction to help you identify famous landmarks and streets with relative ease.
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Integrated video input
- USB cable charging
- Short battery life
3. Garmin RV 760LMT
At no. 3 we have ‘Garmin RV 760LMT’.
The RV 760LMT innovative design and functionality allows you to enjoy the freedom of open road and travel while guiding you all the way to your destination.
The flagship truck GPS by Garmin, it has a touchscreen display with a reasonable 800 by 400 pixels complete with a white backlight. With what it has to offer, this is a brilliant model if you want a feature-rich yet an easy-to-operate unit.
While you can use the 760LMT for RV vehicles, it is more of a commercial truck-oriented device, with useful options to help you avoid low clearance bridges and lane advice more so at intersections.
It is a wireless-based unit too, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility as well as reversal camera connection. On top of that, this model comes with maps for Canada and the US with particular restrictions of most (if not all) major highways and roads.
More specifically, you can enter your truck’s weight, width, height and length, and the GPS will tell you if your vehicle meets the requirements for a particular route.
The 760LMT is the only truck GPS on our list with America’s Service Directory and RV parks. Typically, this is a comprehensive inventory of about 20,000 campgrounds and RV parks including state and national parks as well as privately owned campgrounds.
The directory allows you to locate amenities such as garages, on-site laundry, and pet-friendly sites. What’s more? You can speak commands to your GPS and watch it respond via the voice-activated navigation to complement its user-friendly interface.
The Garmin RV 760LMT scores highly when it comes to giving you directions you can understand. Users say it guides “like a friend” using traffic lights and recognizable building. It will even name the streets for you.
Besides, Real Voice technology is more natural so you can comprehend what it is “saying” without having to struggle. We love the fact that you can create routes along particular routes and share them with your fellow drivers via the BaseCamp app.
Even though this is not one of the cheapest truck GPS on the market, it is within reach, and with its features, it is indeed worth every buck.
- Customized routing
- Lifetime trip planner
- Wireless camera compatibility
- Not great for beginners
2. Rand McNally Intelliroute
At no. 2 we have ‘Rand McNally Intelliroute’.
Intelliroute is somewhat a basic model, created with beginners in mind. While this means that it has few features in comparison to other models in our collection, it is more straightforward to operate.
Make no mistake about it though; this unit has everything you’d want in the best GPS for truck drivers. It will indeed provide you with up-to-date info at your fingertips. We take a closer look at what makes it unique.
First, the Intelliroute incorporates hours of intense testing by experienced drivers to guarantee a performance you can rely on. With up to 35% more trucking routing information than other models in its class, it leverages on Rand McNally revolutionary truck data experience gained from over seven decades in the commercial transportation industry.
Depending on how you customize it, this device will deliver better truck routing, suggest new routing options and bring flexibility on how you get to your destination.
The one thing that enables the Intelliroute to stand out is its stellar Wi-Fi connection services with no subscription required. It will show you the current weather conditions of your route, and forecast.
Plus, you can choose from a selection of 10 map overlays, including wind speed and precipitation.
You may choose to subscribe to Rand McNally’s Traffic Everywhere service to access detailed updates about traffic flow and incidents even when you’re off the grid.
The Intelliroute not only allows you to compare routes but also choose between alternate and primary roadways.
It has a mile marker and provides exit information too. With the planner, you can calculate the mileage and estimate profitability between one town and another. And then there is the Exits Quick feature, so can locate restaurants, gas stations and more at highway exits.
In the meantime, the fuel log enables you to track fuel purchase by state and date as well as calculate the average fuel economy.
- Local searches
- Team driving support
- Weather update
- Doesn’t offer voice-recognition
1. Garmin Nuvi 2595LMT
At no. 1 we have ‘Garmin Nuvi 2595LMT’. The Nuvi 2595LMT is the best truck GPS on the market, hands down.
It is as powerful as it is efficient and a must-have unit for any serious long-distance driver. This model features the advanced Garmin Guidance 2.0 with a fast, intuitive engine for better speed and accuracy of searches as well as routing for day to day driving. And that’s not even the best part.
The Nuvi 2595LMT debuts one of a kind traffic avoidance system by the name Garmin 3D Traffic. It seeks to make street navigation painless with its voice-prompted lane assist and turn by turn direction.
Plus, you get to enjoy iconic picture quality thanks to the photoReal junction view. Moreover, this unit has a bright 5-inch display and comes with zero-cost map updates for life.
That way, you’ll have the most recent mapping, navigation, and points of interest at the palm of your hand.
And just when you thought that this Garmin truck GPS couldn’t get any better, we tell you about the live traffic service that brings together current and predictive traffic so you can plan your re-routes accurately.
Through this feature, you can identify incidents and possible traffic snarl-ups. The Nuvi 2595LMT via the Lane Assist option guides you to the correct lane when approaching exists or turns.
It even displays digitized, explicit photos of the upcoming junction in detail including arches and trees. And just as you’d hoped, you can speak addresses to this unit without removing your eyes from the road.
To cap it all, the 2595LMT has over 8 million points of interest and lets you view branded icons on the map as you drive. And oh, before we forget, is the only unit with park position recall, a feature that enables you to locate your vehicle where you left it. How nice!
- Speed limit indicator for major roads
- Attractive, highly intuitive screen
- Automatic volume control
- Traffic update not accurate in major cities
Conclusion – Wrapping It up
After reading our truck GPS navigation systems reviews and the informational bit of the write-up, we believe that you can now single out the model that will work best for your needs whether you are a driver or a truck owner.
We trust that you can tell how a good model should look like and most importantly how to leverage on its ability without putting other motorists at risk.
We will keep an eye on the market, and in case a new model with state-of-the-art features launches, you can bet that you will be the first one to know. Feel free to hit us up with your questions and comments. For now, over to you!
