GTM60 with Garmin Drivesmart 66 (or any newer device with USB C)

The Drivesmart 66, along with many newer GPSr's use the Garmin Drive app on a smartphone to receive traffic data and much more. I use the Drive app with my Drivesmart 66 and NEVER exceed the limits of my basic plan. It uses very little data since, unlike Google Maps, the map information resides on the GPS.

I also find the traffic information provided by the app is much more complete and serves a wider area than the GTM traffic cables.

You can check the app compatibility with your smartphone here:

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/666925/pn/010-DRIVE-AP

As you've asked, perhaps someone else has tried the adapter cable and can link you one that works.

Night and day difference using the Drive App for traffic (bonus for weather, slippery sections, temperature, congestion alerts ahead) compared to what you get with a traffic cable. Not perfect, noticeable reporting delay compared to Google Maps.
I too was concerned about how much data this app takes.. and honestly, can't tell because it's so little. If possible give it a go, no costs involved to try

My DriveSmart 51 uses the "Smartphone" app (instead of the "Drive" app) for traffic. Since (it seems) the 2026.10 update the weather app has been gone. At home that app was useless since the nearest data source was about three (countem 3) miles from home laterally but at an altitude about 3,600 feet higher.

All current units either have traffic receivers built in and use their existing power cables as the antenna, or use a smartphone connection. The former does not require a dedicated traffic cable, which is why Garmin discontinued both the GTM 36 and GTM 60. The latter provides a superior experience compared to the older tech.

I do know my DS65 has built-in traffic without the smartphone. I'm inclined to believe all the older DriveSmart units with mini-USB cables do as well, without requiring a smartphone.

In your position, I would just continue using the DriveSmart 55 rather than switching to a newer DriveSmart. As someone who owns both a DS65 and DS76, you don't gain much from upgrading. If you do upgrade, you can get mini-USB to USB-C adapters for about $5 off Amazon. However, I don't believe they will work for you because of the modifications Garmin made to the mini-USB port to detect whether equipment is connected to a PC or not.

Thank you to everyone that's commented.
Part of the purchase decision is due to the fact that I am unsure if I'll need to replace GPS in the next year or two - figure buy now before prices go up due to imports.

While current GPS works and works well, I have noticed wifi updates have been wonky and I've had to troubleshoot..... not necessarily fact but for me, I have noticed when things get weird during updates, I am due for an update. My previous GPS before I sold had the same issue although technically it was still working when I replaced it.....

That said, I am unsure if anyone knows about the difference with GTM 60 cable --- while most Garmin models come with traffic (either built in or comes with the physical charge cable itself), the traffic data is supposedly only once every 10 minutes? or something like that. The GTM 60 supposedly gets traffic faster.

When I first purchased it, definitely is noticeable but with Garmin Drive app, I am unsure if this "competitive advantage" is worth it.

Per multiple users: Drive app data usage - I am now testing out Garmin Drive app. It ... doesn't look like it uses too much data, although it does use data. Drove for about 3-4 hours and data is being reported as 0.01GB on my burner phone. Not bad. Better than Google Maps which would've been closer to 0.25GB per 3-4 hours depending on how much I search.

My normal cell phone plan on MobileX: I get a 'refund' of my data costs each month so I have an incentive to use ZERO data when traveling. But for my cost benefit analysis, I think I will replace GPS if/when a newer model hits OR system breaks. Battery is definitely no good for more than 15 mins lol.

Appreciate everyone's help and comments. My offer still is available in the highly unlikely scenario anyone has the above device and has 10 mins to spare in the Orlando area, at a time that's convenient to them. Will drive to them to test.

Your user account doesn't say where you're from but I'll assume most of your driving is in or near a large city.

The FM traffic available in many US states and Canada is very sparse, and the HD Radio availability with traffic even less so. As I remember, the GTM-60 has better and faster coverage only from HD Radio stations offering traffic. [I could be wrong!]

Like you, I try to limit my mobile data usage. I'm an extremely frugal Tracfone user so heavy mobile data use results in me having to buy more data. I was surprised at how little data the Drive app uses and the Drive app traffic is at least 10X better than anything the GTM-60 or lesser traffic will offer.

Here is a comparison of "Traffic Services for North America" from Garmin. https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=i34WV8maJa11t7iwvYnz18

Refresh rate for Garmin Traffic is 5 minutes, HD Digital Traffic is 1 to 3 minutes, Live Traffic (includes Garmin Drive app) is 1 minute.

Using the app can also provide more information like some secondary streets.

I agree with CraigW about the FM and HD traffic availability being sparse. Also, the FM and HD signal reception coverage for those stations is a lot more limited than where I can connect with the cell phone network. I have also noticed that the Garmin Drive app uses very little data.

One more point to consider is that using a Live Traffic app "will override traffic provided by a Garmin Traffic or HD Digital Traffic cable/mount."

100% large city. Literally drive from one end of Orlando to another (I have done north Orlando (Lake Mary) to South Orlando (Kissimmee) and from UCF (East orlando) to West Colonial drive (West orlando-ish)

Traffic has been solid. When driving from Central to South Florida, I still received traffic but do not recall accuracy as I only do that once every few years........

I had errands to run today, so I decided to do an actual test as Android keeps track of how much data is being used PER app:
Final results from one end of Orlando to another end (about 70 miles) --- 5.5 hours exactly used all of 3.54 MB of data. WOW! That's NOTHING. Heck, you could do this in 2G !!!

My use case was literally the same as described, Garmin app + HD traffic. GPS stated it was overridden by Garmin app.......

...... all of that said, I assume topics close out after X amount of days of inactivity. WHEN (not if, unfortunately!) my GPS dies and I have to get a new one, I will 100% report back just in case it helps some schmoe out there like me lol

That's what the internet is SUPPOSED to be for in my opinion, helping other people with similar situations out, for the greater good.

hello

I think you will find that the POI Factory keeps threads active, so when you come back in 5 years you can just reply in this thread!

This is true but you might want to make a record of the thread title to make it easier to use the search function in the future.

I just realized it shows FIFTEEN years next to my username.
like, I made this profile in college because I needed suggestions/troubleshooting for unlocked maps and red light cameras for my garmin ....

I think I've posted once every 5 years lol