This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.
If you’re a big rig driver, having the right truck GPS navigation isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about getting there without hitting low bridges or restricted roads. Regular car GPS will get you lost or stuck on roads not meant for trucks, a truck GPS will keep you on truck approved roads and find places to stop for rest and fuel.
How to choose Truck GPS
When looking at truck GPS units there are a few things to consider:
Screen Size and Clarity: A bigger screen (5.5 to 7 inches) so you can see important info without taking your eyes off the road for too long. The screen should be bright enough to read in the sun.
Truck Specific Features: Look for units that allow you to input your truck size, weight and type of cargo. This will help the GPS find routes that avoid low bridges, weight limits and roads where trucks are not allowed.
Maps and Updates: A good truck route GPS will have maps that cover all of North America and free updates. This will keep your routes current with new road changes and restrictions.
Extra Tools: Fuel stop locations, parking info and break planning tools make a trucker GPS more useful for daily use. Some units can connect to your phone to show real-time traffic and weather.
Meet Our Top Picks
The Winner: Garmin dēzl OTR710 – The most complete package with custom routing and clear directions
Best Value: Garmin dēzl OTR500 – Solid features in a compact size
Budget Pick: OHREX N700 – Basic trucking GPS that gets the job done
Best Basic Option: Garmin DriveSmart 55 – Simple to use with core navigation features
Each of these GPS for trucks brings something different to the table. We looked at their features, how well they work, and what truck drivers say about using them. Let’s dive into each one to help you find the right fit for your needs.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our recommendations come from a advanced review analysis system that’s different from traditional product testing. While other reviews are based on short term testing, our system uses long term user experiences and big data.
Our proprietary algorithm analyzes thousands of verified purchase reviews daily, looking at patterns in user satisfaction, reliability reports and performance metrics. We focus on reviews from consumers who have used products for months, to get insights into durability, maintenance needs and hidden costs that only show up after months of use.
to ensure accuracy our system:
- Filters out fake reviews using AI pattern recognition
- Prioritizes verified purchases with photo/video proof
- Tracks product performance in different usage scenarios
- Monitors customer service responses and warranty claims
- Updates recommendations based on new user experiences
Our team cross checks findings with industry experts and certified testing labs to ensure our recommendations match professional standards while reflecting real world usage. This combination of data analysis and expert validation means you can trust our recommendations to help you make informed buying decisions.
1 – The Winner
Garmin dēzl OTR710
Photo: Amazon
The Garmin dēzl OTR710 is the top truck route GPS because it has so much for truckers. This GPS thinks like a trucker – it knows about bridge heights, weight limits and sharp curves that can be a problem. When you’re getting close to your delivery point it shows actual satellite pictures of loading docks and truck entrances so you don’t have to guess where to pull in.
The 7” screen is big enough to see everything clearly while driving. This trucking GPS connects to your phone to show live traffic and weather and even tracks your loyalty points at Love’s and Pilot. For drivers who like to plan ahead it helps you map out where to take breaks and get fuel along your route.
What makes this GPS really cool is how it integrates with other tools. You can pair it with backup cameras, a trucking headset and even a trucking smartwatch. It has maps for the U.S., Mexico, Canada and several islands so it’s good for local and long haul routes.
Real truckers say it’s overall good but some say the new map update needs work. They like that it’s made in America and that Garmin’s customer service speaks English and actually helps you solve your problems. The truck specific features help drivers avoid restricted routes and find services along the way.
2 – Best Value
Garmin dēzl OTR500
Photo: Amazon
If you want a good trucking GPS without breaking the bank the Garmin dēzl OTR500 is the sweet spot. At $274 it has all the features of the more expensive models but in a smaller package. The 5.5 inch screen is perfect for drivers who don’t want a big screen in their face and the Department of Transportation agrees.
What sets this GPS for trucks apart is it guides you right to where you need to go. When you’re getting close to your delivery spot it shows you potential loading zones and storage lots – a feature that saves time and prevents wrong turns. It also remembers routes that other truck drivers use often which can be super helpful when you’re in a new area.
The GPS pairs with your phone through the Garmin dēzl app (not the regular Garmin drive app) for live updates on weather, traffic and fuel prices. It even shows real traffic cameras so you can see what’s happening on the road ahead. For drivers who use electronic logging devices it works with Garmin’s eLog system without any extra subscriptions.
Drivers who use this unit say it proves itself quickly especially when driving with a 53 foot trailer. They like that it’s easy to take off the magnetic mount when needed. But some say saving locations doesn’t work perfect with the “up ahead” feature and you might need to keep a road atlas as a backup.
3 – Budget Pick
OHREX N700
Photo: Amazon
The OHREX N700 proves you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for a good truck route GPS. For $59.99 it gives you the basics to get you safe. It comes with fresh maps of the USA, Canada and Mexico and you can update those maps for free by connecting to a Windows computer.
This GPS speaks street names and tells you about turns well in advance. For truckers it has custom routing based on your truck size. You can enter your exact weight, length, height and width and the GPS will route you around roads with restrictions that could be a problem for you.
The screen is 7 inches so you can see your route without having to squint. It shows your current speed and estimated time of arrival which helps with planning. It can work with different types of vehicles not just semi trucks but also RVs and vehicles with trailers.
RVers who have used this GPS say it’s good for the price especially for avoiding low bridges in tricky spots like Pittsburgh. The company seems to care about their customers, they usually respond to questions within 1-3 days even on weekends. Some drivers mention the GPS can have trouble finding new routes if you miss a turn but updating the software fixes the issue.
4 – Basic Option
Garmin DriveSmart 55
Photo: Amazon
The Garmin DriveSmart 55 is a more basic approach to navigation for $189.95. Not a trucker GPS but some truckers might like the basic navigation features. 5.5” screen with 1280 x 720 resolution that stays clear even in bright sun.
One thing that sets this GPS apart is how easy it is to use. The menus are simple and you don’t have to dig through settings to get going. Has Garmin Traffic which will suggest alternative routes when there’s heavy traffic but you’ll need to connect your phone for this to work.
Built in Wi-Fi is a nice feature – when you get home the GPS can download new maps all by itself once you connect it to your network. You can control it with your voice and pair it with your phone for hands free calling but some drivers say they don’t use these features much.
Long time Garmin users say this is better than older models especially for screen visibility. Travelers like it and say it works international. But truckers should know this isn’t made for commercial vehicles – it won’t alert you to bridge heights or truck restrictions like a dedicated trucking GPS will.
Lineup (The Final Word)
Each truck GPS we looked at fits different needs and budgets. The Garmin dēzl OTR710 is the best overall for serious truckers who want it all. Custom routing and satellite views of loading docks make daily driving easier and safer. For truckers who want good features without the price tag, the Garmin dēzl OTR500 has most everything you need in a smaller package.
The OHREX N700 proves you don’t have to break the bank to get a trucking GPS. Not as polished as the Garmins but it gets the job done for a fraction of the cost. The Garmin DriveSmart 55 is good for truckers who want simple navigation without all the trucking features.
FAQs About Truck GPS Navigation
Q: Why can’t I just use my phone for truck navigation? A: Regular phone GPS apps don’t know about truck restrictions like low bridges, weight limits or roads where trucks aren’t allowed. A truck route GPS has this important information to keep you safe and legal.
Q: How often should I update my GPS maps? A: Try to update your maps every few months. Roads change, new restrictions pop up and businesses move. Regular updates will help you avoid problems with outdated information.
Q: Do I need a big screen? A: A 5.5 to 7 inch screen is usually best. Bigger screens show more detail but take up more windshield space. Smaller screens might be harder to read while driving.
Q: What’s the most important feature to look for in a truck gps? A: Custom truck routing is key. Being able to input your truck’s size, weight and cargo type helps the GPS find safe and legal routes for your truck.
Q: Can these gps units find places to rest? A: Yes, most truck navigation systems show truck stops, rest areas and parking spots. Some even let you filter by amenities like showers or restaurants.
Q: Do I need a gps with traffic updates? A: Not required but traffic updates can help you avoid delays and plan better routes. Just remember some units need a phone connection for live traffic data.
3 thoughts on “The 4 Best Truck GPS Navigation Systems”