GPS systems for big trucks

Some newer GPSr units have "truck" navigation settings - which I assume are programmed to follow "truck routes". Have you checked to see if these settings are available on your unit?

I believe work is in progress for "low clearance" POI's - use the search feature to locate them.

Under the Alphabetized List of POI files are 2 files which may be of interest.

Low Clearance Underpasses
and
Rest Areas Combined (has turnouts also)

Look for the Garmin Nüvi 5000 due out this spring. It is supposed to have some great features for truckers (and RV'ers... anyone driving a big vehicle).

I too drive otr. Maverick flatbed. Anyway this site/these people are great for getting your system set up. (family oriented if u have little ones?) I have the truck stops (found some incorrects on loves-but my Garmin had the correct ones loaded already), the weigh stations/temp. weigh stations with a proximity alert, walmarts, low bridges/underpasses with proximity alert, and other useful files. You can add and set your own proximity alerts (at least with Garmin-see freq ask ques). As far as the truck routing from what I understand (with Garmin) the truck option (which of course I leave on) was added in case they ever actually got real truck routing- but they don't have that yet. It does seem to attempt to keep you on big roads though. As a matter of fact you may find yourself switching back to shortest route because it will go to far out of the way to keep you on big roads. Also if you use the avoid traffic otion (I don't mean the traffic reciever-just the option on the gps) it seems to try to keep you on the bypasses of bigger cities you are trying to get around and don't need to go thru the middle of (usefull during rush hour-may waste your time on midnight runs with no traffic). Basically as far as I know-the only true truck routing goes on a latop- so as it always is with everything my gps has become an indespensable tool to use with my discretion and experience- like always- you know how it is. Try exeriementing with yours-you'll soon learn when to listen and when not, and which options you want to use when- and of course end up in places you don't want to be every now and then. (unavoidable with 48ft. of trailer living on the road, going places you've never been everyday- as you know). All in all this is a tool I hope to never go without again- no more missing a exit, reading a map with four wheelers cutting you off and nowhere to pull over, etc). I also recommend reading the freq askd ques, getting started, becoming a member options, and searching your unit on search. Redlight/speed cameras files had been helpful also. Take some time-study you stuff (so as not to ask the same questions that get asked all the time by gps rookies), then ask ques. when u get stuck- these guys are great about giving a hand when ur stuck and can't figure it out. Check thru all the poi file with the mind of a trucker and learn to set longer proximity alerts. As far as the Garmin 5000- I think it's gonna be aimed at truckers/rvs but doubt it has real truck routing like the laptop system I keep hearing about. I thnk it does show upcoming grade elevation and has a big screen along with other truck friendly features. I've done fine with the poi I've downloaded and adjusting the unit I have to contain the information I need, (for the most part). If you want a personnal recomendation for a unit- I recommend a Garmin c550, 530 (you can do a tts mod to it- I hear), and some of the higher nuvi's I hear about in the 300's or 600's. Also you'll find names of web sites to look at/purchase from on here that usually do better than the junk base models or prices at truck stops (u know how that goes to
). These guys have posted allot of usefull info on here about those units and Garmin's own unit comparer is helpful. From what I understand Garmin is one of the best at taking care of its customers and you can actually speak to someone who know English- isn't that crazy. (I think they have a headquaters in Kansas City). Keep your paper maps- you'll soon find places where the info. on your unit is outdated- though not as often as you may think. You'll soon have your new best friend on the dash with your cb. God Bless brother- I'll see ya out there.

Buy A Nuvi 5000>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Get big-time navigation and mapping with the large screen nüvi 5000. This super-sized navigator is designed for RV and truck drivers and gives a big picture of the route ahead without obstructing your view. It features a whopping 5.2 inch display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter and lots of entertainment features for fun on the open road.

See Even More
With nüvi 5000's large, clear display, you won’t miss a thing. View map detail, driving directions, photos, play games and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 5.2-inch display is easy to read and gives you an extended view of your surroundings. nüvi 5000 also includes a composite video input so you can connect it to a rear-view camera for backing up safely.

Navigate With Ease
nüvi 5000 comes with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps and millions of points of interest (POIs) such as hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, ATMs and more. Touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road, and its 3D digital elevation map view gives you fair warning of grade changes. nüvi 5000 also accepts custom points of interest, such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.

Where Am I?
In the event of an emergency, nüvi’s "Where Am I?" feature helps find the closest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations, nearest address and intersection. Also see your exact latitude and longitude coordinates.

Plan Ahead
nüvi 5000 includes advanced navigational features to take the worry out of traveling. With route planning, you can save 10 routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns on the 5000's wide screen. In addition, nüvi 5000 automatically sorts multiple destinations to provide an efficient route for errands or deliveries. It also displays speed limits for highways and Interstates. A trip log provides an electronic breadcrumb trail of up to 10,000 points, so you can see where you've been on the map.

Go Beyond Navigation
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 5000 includes many “must have” entertainment and travel tools including MP3 player, audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, games and more. With nüvi 5000's wireless FM transmitter you can hear audio, including voice prompts, MP3s and audio books, through your vehicle's stereo. It's also compatible with FM traffic alerts or MSN® Direct content (receiver and subscription required). It comes with Garmin Lock™ (an anti-theft feature) and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map. Optional plug-in SD cards let you add additional features to enhance your travel experience including language translation and detailed travel guides. Our SaversGuide® provides information on nearby merchants offering discounts to customize your nüvi.

nüvi 5000: Navigation better than life-size

Thanks for your response, I will be looking at the 5000, soon. And this site may be another great find.
Very helpful.

Thanks again,

Randy Coke

The best one I have had for a big Truck, and I have had a few, Google it.

Stay away from anything running off a SD card. Usually has Windows CE5 operating system. Total disaster. Get a Garmin 7200 (around $320) and go to truckerspoi.com to take care of your POI's.

that also does a comparison with the nuvi 465T. Enjoy

http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2010/03/rand_mcnally_intelliroute...

Pilot Truck Stop and others has truck GPS in several different brands