Best Truck GPS Systems Reviewed

A passive GPS device does not provide real-time updates. It basically just stores roadmap information through an internal memory system and then offers navigation notifications using this stored data. A truck GPS that uses real-time tracking can process and deliver data in real-time. This provides up-to-date information on things like traffic patterns and road closures.

The common assumption these days is that real-time - or active - tracking is always best when investing in a GPS. This assumption is 100% correct, especially for truck drivers. A huge reason to invest in a truck GPS in the first place is to receive accurate information relating to the roads ahead. A passive GPS tracking system just can’t offer this.

Huge semi trucks are very limited on the roads they can use, which is where detailed mapping comes into play.  A truck GPS device with detailed mapping will show preferred vs forbidden routes. It will also provide information on getting to the final destination as quickly as possible, while only using approved roadways for truckers.

The most accurate mapping systems will display everything there is to know about the optimal routes from start to finish. Truck GPS devices with the most detailed mapping capabilities allow drivers to zoom specific aspects of the route, view streets and roadways in 3D, and even estimate fuel costs for the entire journey.

It’s no surprise that the fuel emissions for commercial trucks and buses are incredibly high. Even without a supply loaded into the container, commercial vehicles weigh a massive amount. They burn through fuel quickly, which is why a driver needs to conserve fuel in whatever way he or she can. The best truck GPS system can help with this task.

A truck GPS device notifies truckers of the fuel prices of each nearby gas station as soon as it’s time to fill up. This information can also be accessed before hitting the road, so a driver can pick and choose the best gas stations to use along the way, even before departing. A GPS for truckers will also provide alerts to the driver when excessive speeding takes place. This helps to avoid burning through gas too quickly.

Traffic alerts aren’t the only type of notifications that come along with the best GPS for truck drivers. Top GPS models also alert a driver about upcoming restaurants right off the highway when it’s time to eat and truck stops when it’s time to rest. Take the Garmin dezl 770LMTHD as an example. This GPS comes programmed with the Foursquare app, which offers recommendations on shops and restaurants based on your preset preferences.

The best truck GPS device on our list of reviewed and rated truck GPS systems is the Navruf model. The main reason that this is our top pick for a truck GPS tracker is the large screen size. Every trucker knows the importance of a large GPS screen, but unfortunately, a lot of navigation devices fall flat when it comes to screen size. This isn’t the case for the 9-inch Navruf device.

The screen isn’t just large, but it also features fast-reaction touch screen capabilities. This means that you’ll never experience a lag when pushing buttons. On top of that, the screen comes with a unique cover for satellite navigation. This allows the device to effectively block the bright sunlight during daytime driving and reflective glares while driving at night.

The real-voice navigation of the Navruf provides navigation updates, current driving speed, active lane assistant, remaining distance display, ETA, and even intelligent speed camera alerts. With so many real-voice updates offered, drivers don't have to continually look at the screen to effectively navigate. Not only is this convenient, but it's also much safer.

The real draw of this device is the amazing stability of the GPS signal. The Navruf quickly receives and transmits satellite signals, so you won’t have to worry about that annoying “Rerouting” signal due to loss of satellite connection. The only downside is that this device is meant specifically for commercial truck drivers in Europe. Truck drivers in non-EU countries will have better luck with a Garmin GPS system.

Garmin is and always will be a well-known name in the GPS industry. A good percentage of the world’s drivers have used Garmin devices to help them get from point A to point B, and this includes truck drivers. But you shouldn’t invest in just any Garmin device if you plan on using it for commercial trucking. You’ll want to purchase the Dezl 780 LMT-S GPS model.

This device was specifically designed with semi-truck drivers in mind. It features a premium 7-inch screen, powered magnetic mounting, and of course, free map updates. If you download the Smartphone Link app, you’ll have access to free live services like traffic and weather updates. CDL drivers love that this GPS provides customized truck routing based on the size, load, and weight of the truck.

The coolest feature of all is the fact that the dezl 780 has voice control capabilities.  While on the road, you’ll be able to enjoy hands-free calling thanks to the Bluetooth feature of this GPS. It even has built-in WiFi, which means there is no longer a need to plug-in to a computer or laptop for device updates. The free map updates that are included with purchase include coverage of the US, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas.

Another thing that sets this GPS apart from the rest is the easy break planning feature. To simplify life on the road, this Garmin device provides time notifications to make the most of each stop. The top of the screen will read something like “Break in 1 Hour”, letting you know when it’s time to stop and rest. One drawback is that it needs some improvement in real-time traffic updates. Keep in mind that since this is a renewed product, it does not come with the normal 1-year Garmin warranty. Instead, you’ll be covered for 90 days.

This is the last Garmin product on our list, but it’s certainly not the least. The dezl 770LMTHD is similar to the dezl 780, with a few minor differences. The 5” or 7” display provides customized route tracking based on truck size and weight. There are also millions of preprogrammed options for establishments to visit along the way. Users receive lifetime access to map updates of the North American continent, plus Lifetime HD Digital Traffic.

The glass display screen allows you to see more, and the Spoken Garmin Real Directions allow you hear better. The clearly-spoken turn-by-turn directions create a much safer driving experience. Rather than only referring to the names of hard-to-see street signs, this navigation system refers to easy-to-see landmarks and buildings as references.

Not every Garmin device comes with the HD Digital Traffic feature, but the dezl 770MTHD does. The Garmin company feels that this is the best possible solution to dealing with on-road traffic. With the HD Digital Traffic software, the device receives traffic updates every 30 seconds. This is 10 times faster than any other GPS system manufacturer has been able to offer. In addition to traffic information, this device offers helpful HD Weather updates.

Did we mention that the 770MTHD is Bluetooth compatible? What about the fact that it offers highly-rated truck-specific points of interest, like truck stops, weigh stations, parking, and lodging. We could continue to go on for days about the cool features of the dezl 770LMTHD. The only potential downside is that some truck drivers feel that this GPS is complicated to use at first. All the high-tech features can be challenging to get used to, but the Garmin support team can help. 

The lightning-quick, cutting edge, fully redesigned Rand McNally TND 740 is another top choice when it comes to the best truck GPS systems. This model is a fifth-generation TND device, meaning that the TND line of GPS systems was redesigned 5 times before the impressive 740 IntelliRoute was created. With so many updates and reconfigurations, the Rand McNally company has learned the ins and outs of effective navigation for truckers.

A driver can set customized warnings on the things that he or she would like to hear. This includes alerts on speed limit changes, sharp curves, narrow roads, and more. The device has WiFi connectivity, allowing a driver to easily connect in order to search for local fuel prices, live traffic updates, and weather information.

Truck drivers love the advanced lane guidance of the TND 740. This feature allows drivers to prepare for whatever is ahead, no matter if it’s a sharp turn or complicated highway junction. You can even view these junctions in 3D with the split-screen display, which provides lane guidance for drivers managing these complex interchanges.

The powered magnetic mounting system holds the device securely to the dash or window. When it’s time to remove the device, it can quickly be done by releasing the mounting mechanism in one even movement.  Some reviewers claim that the maps need to be updated before using the device, but this is easy and can be done in a matter of minutes. 

The TomTom VIA is a trusted tool among the trucking community. This GPS model has everything you could ever need. Even though it lacks WiFi connectivity, it ranks high for everything else. The most-loved feature of the TomTom 1535TM is the Advanced Lane Guidance. The GPS tells you exactly which lane you should be in ahead of time, so there’s no confusion at congested highway junctions.

Drivers also love the voice recognition feature through the device’s Bluetooth. You’ll be able to tell your TomTom exactly where to go, without ever having to touch the screen or take your eyes off the road. This voice recognition also makes hands-free calling possible. Just connect your TomTom to your mobile phone via Bluetooth, and you can start taking and making calls while on the road - completely hands-free.

Local information is right at your fingertips with the TomTom GPS. The pre-installed maps come equipped with tons of POIs, including gas stations, restaurants, and truck stops. If you ever need help while on the road, TomTom has got your back. The device offers roadside assistance by connecting you to a specialist wherever and whenever you need one.

In addition to updating maps, TomTom, users can easily update safety camera information. This allows a driver to drive with the latest safety camera information throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico.  The main drawback of the 1535TM device is the limited storage capacity. If you need to update your maps - which eventually you will - you might need to purchase an additional microSD card. The device has just 4GB internal memory, but this can easily be fixed by investing in an 8, 16, or 32GB SD.

Just because you have purchased the absolute best GPS for commercial truck drivers doesn’t mean you can forego caring for and maintaining the device. Just like all top-rated electronics, truck GPS requires maintenance. The main thing you can do to preserve your device is to keep up on updates. Many GPS systems update automatically, but some require the user to do it manually.

Do your best to keep the GPS system clean from dust and dirt. This is easy, just take a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe it down every now and then. Avoid overcharging your GPS; continually charging the battery can cause the device to overheat and malfunction. The risk of overheating also occurs when the device is kept in direct sunlight for long periods.