GPS Options

Howdy all. I've been reading and learning tons off this website, thank you. Into week two with my mentor at Swift Transportation.

For trip planning we've been using the road atlas, Qualcomm and his garmin trucking GPS. I've only ever used garmin products on the ocean but before I spend nearly $300 I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the Rand McNally or Cobra options?

Thanks!

Howdy all. I've been reading and learning tons off this website, thankyou. Into wk2 with my mentor at Swift. For trip planning we've been using the road atlas, Qualcomm and his garmin trucking GPS. I've only ever used garmin products on the ocean but before I spend nearly $300 I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the Rand McNally or Cobra options?

Thanks!

There was a great thread on here that points readers to http://www.dieselboss.com/truck_gps_review_features.htm which compares the specs and features of three different makes of trucker GPS's, including Rand McNally's 500s and 700s models, and the Garmin Dezi 560 (along with something I've never heard of before, 'PC Miler'). Going by that, I'm personally sold on the McNally 720, and I believe it's Guyjax who's got an older model McNally and absolutely loves it. But I also don't have any personal experience with any of them (back when I was a courier, I just used Sprint Navigate on my phone, and that was it), so take my words with a few mines of salt.

Howdy all. I've been reading and learning tons off this website, thankyou. Into wk2 with my mentor at Swift. For trip planning we've been using the road atlas, Qualcomm and his garmin trucking GPS. I've only ever used garmin products on the ocean but before I spend nearly $300 I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the Rand McNally or Cobra options?

Thanks!

When I went through swift, trainer and I only used Qualcomm and atlas.. when it comes to GPS, you need to be careful, you could end up in a bad situation.

I was pleased with the Rand McNally 720 (in conjunction with Qualcomm and Road Atlas).

I've used both the Rand McNally 710 and 720, and they're great. Just don't put all your faith in them, or any other GPS for that matter. They can and will lead you astray. Consider it one tool in your arsenal, to be used in conjunction with your atlas, company routing, and customer directions.

Awesome. Thanks all. The McNally it is!

The main point here is well said and that is not to rely on any one tool. They can and will get you in trouble. And that includes the Qualcomm. That being said I have tried all 3 and found as a personal preference the rand McNally suited me best. I use it in conjunction with my qc and google maps. Even then I only use it as an overview to get me close to me destination at which point I use the macro directions to get in. The macro lists the best way in to avoid weight restricted roads, low clearances, and dead end streets. Before I move an inch I map out my route with my atlas and then if my gps and qc are in agreement I let them lead the way