What size GPS to get?

I did a while ago probably over a year ago now maybe longer

 

There is a new update, no matter how tiny, every quarter. Usually. Garmin
just released a huge updates last monthish. It took plus 3 hours to download and install all these updates. The map update has been hugely helpful.

 

What I've heard over the years, the GPS only units are more durable and dependable than the tablet-based units. The more things the one box is supposed to do, the less likely it will do all of them over time, the truck GPS-only units like the Garmin Dezl 770 or the RM 750 (both 7 inch screens) are cheaper and dependable than the table-based do-everything models from the same makers. The bigger it is, the more room it takes up and the fewer the places you can mount it without something being in its way or it being in something else's way. You can see the "lane guidance" arrows at any size screen. The voice features of the truck GPS give you most of the info you need while driving. In an emergency, if my 7 inch RM740 had broken and I had to replace it that day, I was deciding about replacing it with a 5 inch version for $250 or switching to Garmin 770. I decided on the Garmin. I love the Garmin screen. I don't like the Garmin OS, or maybe since I was used to the RM way of doing things, and some of the things the RM can do easily, I could never make the Garmin do. I regret buying the Garmin. Many other drivers prefer the Garmin and hate the RM. Both are great. Both have issues. Whatever you use first will seem natural after a month or two. The first month you will need to be skeptical of what it is telling you until you see what mistakes it makes, it will make some. They are much much better than Google maps, which doesn't do truck routing. In some areas all routes are truck routes. In other places truck routes are not the same as car routes.

I've got a barely used Garmin Dezl 770 sitting in it's box I would sale for $250 (firm) to someone. Or I would take something new you buy for points in exchange. I don't use it and it's got maybe 1 month of use since I bought it in Oct 2021.

 

My 10 inch asus tablet held up just fine running copilot. The t660 i ran it in i had zip tied to the trim on top as part of the roof.

On that note. I was perfectly happy with 4 inches. I don't like being lit up at night. My eyes like darkness.

 

Back in 2019, I bought the Garmin DezlCam "LMT".

It measures about 7" in width, and a little less than 4" high.

It's a truck-dedicated GPS, with a suction mount for the windshield.

Even now when delivering fuel, I still use it.

Having satellite-guided, turn-by-turn GPS navigation, at night, in unfamiliar places, is really too cool for words.

If you go with a Garmin--I would suggest that you compare the final destination location that it generates--to that in Google Maps.

Sometimes one will be correct, and the other won't.

Between the two--you should be able to reach the correct destination location.

Also--check the Garmin's GPS routing near the destination (especially in urban areas)--to make sure all the highlighted streets/turns are indeed truck-friendly. You can modify/adjust the routing to suit, if need be.

You can also input a route (that you customize) to a destination--and it will memorize/keep the route for you, in a route library.

The turn-by-turn verbal instructions from the Garmin are quite good, as is the color graphics.

It also is very good at getting you into the correct lane, for either merging onto another interstate...or for an upcoming turn.

There is no perfect truck GPS navigation system....yet.

Each will have its own strengths and weaknesses.

Personally--I would not recommend something any bigger than what I have.

--Lual

 

I have a Garmin 10” in my boat. Great split screen graphics with the bottom machine. And easy waypoint configuration.

 

I have Garmin 1000 for over a year its good. Garmin makes products for the government.

 

The satellite view will put you on target and at the dock. One trainer I had I tried to convince of that but I think I wasted time. I would look at google maps on my phone to see layout around where I was dropping. I have the 1000 now without satellite so I guess I will be upgrading someday. You will like the 1010!

 

You are correct about the larger screens blocking the forward view. That is why I mounted mine the way I did. The top of the gps doesn't block my view of the right hood mirror. The position of the camera for that picture was about chest high while sitting in the drivers seat.

 

I have mine mounted on top of the windshield.