Garmin vs. Rand McNally: The Truck GPS Showdown

When it comes to navigating the open road, truck drivers need more than just maps. A reliable GPS system is crucial for ensuring timely deliveries, avoiding restricted routes, and optimizing fuel efficiency. Two major players dominate the truck GPS market: Garmin and Rand McNally. Both companies offer feature-rich devices designed specifically for truckers. But which one is the best? Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of Garmin and Rand McNally.

Garmin: Precision and Versatility

Overview: Garmin is a well-known name in GPS technology. The company’s truck GPS units are part of their Dezl series, tailored to meet truck drivers’ needs. With a reputation for precision, Garmin is a popular choice in the trucking industry.

Key Features:

  1. User-Friendly Interface: Garmin devices are praised for their intuitive design. Even new users can quickly access essential information.
  2. Truck-Specific Routing: Garmin’s Dezl series offers accurate routing based on the size and weight of your truck. This helps drivers avoid low bridges, narrow roads, and restricted areas.
  3. Real-Time Traffic Updates: Garmin excels in providing real-time traffic information. This allows drivers to reroute and avoid congestion, saving valuable time.
  4. Voice-Activated Navigation: Hands-free navigation is a big plus for truckers. Garmin’s voice-activated commands let drivers keep their hands on the wheel while getting directions.
  5. Customizable Features: Garmin’s GPS units offer customization options. Drivers can input their truck’s specifications and set route preferences.

Drawbacks:

  • Price Point: Garmin GPS units can be expensive, which may be a concern for budget-conscious drivers.
  • Software Updates: While Garmin provides regular updates, some users report the process can be slow.

Rand McNally: Tradition and Innovation

Overview: Rand McNally has been trusted by truckers for decades. The company has evolved from paper maps to advanced GPS systems. Their Truck GPS series, such as the TND series, is designed with professional truck drivers in mind.

Key Features:

  1. Detailed Mapping: Rand McNally is known for its comprehensive maps. Their GPS units include an extensive database of truck stops, weigh stations, and other points of interest.
  2. Truck-Specific Tools: The TND series offers tools like fuel logging, mileage tracking, and HOS management. These features help drivers manage their business on the road.
  3. DriverConnect: Rand McNally’s DriverConnect allows for easy log tracking and ELD compliance. This feature integrates seamlessly with the GPS.
  4. Custom Routing: Like Garmin, Rand McNally offers custom routing based on your truck’s dimensions and load type. This helps drivers avoid problematic routes.
  5. Lifetime Map Updates: Most Rand McNally devices come with lifetime map updates. This ensures your maps are always current without additional fees.

Drawbacks:

  • Interface: Some users find Rand McNally’s interface less intuitive than Garmin’s. It may take more time to master.
  • Durability Issues: There have been reports of occasional hardware issues with Rand McNally devices, such as screen freezes.

Garmin vs. Rand McNally: Head-to-Head Comparison

Accuracy and Mapping: Garmin’s mapping is precise and offers real-time updates. Rand McNally, however, offers detailed maps with extensive trucking-specific data.

Ease of Use: Garmin’s interface is more user-friendly, making it a better option for drivers who want simplicity. Rand McNally may require more time to learn but offers more detailed information.

Additional Features: Both brands offer robust features tailored to truckers. Garmin’s voice-activated navigation and traffic updates are convenient, while Rand McNally’s DriverConnect and truck-specific tools are ideal for integrated business management.

Price: Garmin generally has a higher price point. Rand McNally offers competitive pricing, especially considering the range of features included.

Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between Garmin and Rand McNally depends on your priorities. If you value user-friendly design and precise routing, Garmin is an excellent choice. If you prefer detailed mapping and integrated trucking tools, Rand McNally may be better.

Both brands offer reliable GPS systems that can make your life on the road easier. Consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision. With the right GPS, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any route with confidence.

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Uncle Birchy

Well-Known Member

9,509 messages 4,239 likes

NEither or.

Ya just watching a Gps screen both brands will lead ya on no truck roads have ya doing uturns on side streets.

Get you a map and do a "Pre-Plan" kinda have an ideaabefore ya go.

Think of GPS as "Guidance" but if it tells ya turn someplace and it dont look right "Dont" just keep going when ya can stop somewhere get your bearings again

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Uncle Birchy

Well-Known Member

9,509 messages 4,239 likes

Gps will also take ya down bike trails if ya aint paying attention.

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389 Hood

Well-Known Member

5,147 messages 7,139 likes

It has to go out the same way it came in or go out from the air. $$$$$

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Electric Chicken

Well-Known Member

27,227 messages 23,281 likes

I use CoPilot on my tablet with a traffic subscription. Don't remember what the app itself cost, if anything it would have been a one shot purchase because I'd notice repeated billing, but traffic is $10 a year and well worth it. It automatically updates every minute or few minutes and has a visual color coded bar for you to see in mileage terms where the delays are and a delay calculation in minutes (hours if it's a true clusterfuck).

If there's another route that is faster than the delay, it will pop up a message and ask you to accept or reject the suggestion.

It's so good, when my subscription to traffic ran out last year, I pulled over onto a ramp to renew it. And I don't stop for shit.

It helps me especially bigly doing these Upper Marlboros that require me to run 66, 495, and 270.

You still need to keep your eyes open and your brain active for the routing portion. It doesn't always calculate routes that make sense. I'll call it 90% accurate.

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Electric Chicken

Well-Known Member

27,227 messages 23,281 likes

Caveat: I have no idea if this would be good OTR going to an unknown customer. As a local doing familiar routes every day, I use it for the traffic.

When I go to a new place, I do the Google satellite view thing and scroll the heck out of it. If street view is available, I also use that.

If neither are a thing (brand new build), I feign sickness/mechanical and nope out then ask the group chat about it. 😀

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Electric Chicken

Well-Known Member

27,227 messages 23,281 likes

I never had a high opinion of PTL but I had a higher one than that. Palos Garza ranks better now.

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krelithous

Well-Known Member

12,815 messages 4,763 likes

there was one video years ago of a gps leading someone into a state park 😀 . the idiot kept going no common sense to stop and figure things out!!!

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