6 best navigators for trucks

More and more motorists use a navigator when traveling in unfamiliar cities and regions. If a car driver can easily perform a few additional maneuvers when deviating from the route, it will be much harder for a long-haul truck driver. That’s why truck navigation is a priority system, especially when traveling abroad. Selecting a truck navigator is a demanding task. The device should not only choose the right route, taking into account tonnage and dimensions, but also promptly remind you about changing lanes and upcoming interchanges, warning of the approach to hotels, service stations and cafes. So not every device can cope with this task. Recommendations of our experts will help you choose the most effective device.

The criteria for choosing a navigator for a truck

The main functions of the navigator for the truck. A real assistant on a long journey will only be a device that can perform several basic functions.

First of all, the device should find on the map the best route from point “A” to point “B“. At the same time, it should be guided by the latest events on the road (repairs, traffic jams).

1. The navigator needs to be able to find the organization or address.
2. At any time the device should indicate to the driver its location.
3. Even during driving the navigator has to constantly monitor the situation in order to respond in time to a traffic jam on the road and to find a detour in case of a large blockage.
4. Modern roads are replete with auxiliary elements, such as speed bumps, cameras, and traffic police checkpoints. If the navigator is able to notify about the approach of the truck to them, then the driver will be able to save on fines and maintain the integrity of both the cargo and the car.

Navigator screen.All information about traffic situation is transmitted through the navigator screen. It has several important parameters.

1. The size of the display usually ranges from 5-7 inches. On the one hand the big screen is better to see small icons, but the gadget can limit the view of the road.

Image clarity depends on the resolution of the sensor.This parameter is expressed in pixels, the most advanced models have a resolution of 1024×600.

1. On multi-lane highways with complex interchanges the function of split screen (Active Lane Guidance) will be useful. One half of the screen will show the map, and the other half will tell the user the position of the truck in respect to the lanes and help to change lanes.

Cartography.The navigator can set the route only if the device has a map of the region. To travel around Russia and neighboring countries will be sufficient to install the software firm Navitel. Real-time map updates will be a useful option, especially if it can be done for free.

Further information. For the truck driver will be important information about the following service points:

1. gas stations;
2. hotel;
3. Parking lots and rest areas;
4. service stations;
5. weighing points;
6. internet access points.

We have selected 6 navigators for trucks in this review. You can buy them in specialized outlets. When assigning the place the magazine’s editorial (expertology) guided by the opinion of the expert community, taking into account feedback from Russian truckers.

Rating of the best navigators for trucks

TomTom GO PROFESSIONAL 6250

Rating: 4.9

The TomTom GO PROFESSIONAL 6250 portable navigator can become a multifunctional assistant for a trucker. Small GPS device creates the most profitable route, shows the map in 3D, timely warning about traffic jams. If you synchronize the navigator with your smartphone, then all the information coming to your phone will be displayed on a 6-inch display. The experts consider alerting about the fixed photo cameras to be a very useful option. The device is compatible with Google Now and Siri. Built-in memory capacity of 16 GB, the model is equipped with such useful interfaces such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, MicroUSB. The editorial staff gave the navigator the first place in our review.

Truck drivers are flattered by the Dutch device. Disadvantages include only the high price.

Advantages

• quality build;
• trip computer;
• GPS module;
• rich equipment.

Disadvantages

• high price.

Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-D Europe

Rating: 4.8

American-Taiwanese navigator Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-D Europe has many reasons to be considered the best in the review. Model is equipped with a large 6.95-inch screen with excellent resolution (1024×600 pixels), TMS receiver for traffic and weather information. The device is equipped with all the necessary interfaces (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroUSB), its own battery for autonomous operation. The device understands voice navigation commands, so the driver will not be distracted from the road. The experts liked the friendly tips, they make the instructions as clear as possible. Only the highest price did not allow the device ahead of the leader.

Domestic truckers are still not familiar with the navigator Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-D Europe, which explains the scarcity of reviews.

Advantages

• large screen;
• high resolution;
• rich equipment;
• friendly tips.

Disadvantages

• high price.

TomTom GO 6200

Rating: 4.7

On the third position of our review is another navigator from the company TomTom. Model GO 6200 is a compact car device, equipped with a radar detector and GPS-module. Given the multifunctionality of the device, experts consider the cost of the device quite reasonable. The navigator has all necessary interfaces (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microSD, USB), the built-in memory is 16 GB. The information is displayed on a 6-inch color LCD screen, the screen is a realistic display of exits and junctions.

Russian truckers like the ease of route planning, it can be done on any devices and then transferred to the navigator. Thanks to the magnetic fastening device is quickly and safely installed and dismantled.

Advantages

• Radar detector;
• GPS module;
• easy route planning;
• magnetic clamping.

Disadvantages

• Not officially delivered to Russia.

Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S Europe

Rating: 4.6

Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S Europe has a small weight (171 g) and compact size. Experts included this model in our review for the ease of connection. With the help of suction cups device can be fixed on the panel or windshield. The device already has a map, but if you want you can connect an additional flash card microSD. According to the experts, the weak side of the navigator is its 5-inch display with a resolution of 480×272 pixels. But given the block text, drivers won’t have any problems during operation. The more that there is voice support.

Truck drivers have no complaints about the route planner, voice and visual support. Only people with poor eyesight are better to choose a modification with a 6-inch screen.

The advantages

• simple mounting;
• clear menu;
• voice and visual support;
• 3D interchanges.

Disadvantages

• small screen;
• modest resolution.

NAVITEL T700 3G

Rating: 4.5

From all sides have had time to appreciate the ability of the navigator NAVITEL T700 3G domestic motorists. Some users are completely satisfied with its work, others have critical comments. The strong side of the device is the big screen (7 inches) with a good resolution (1024×600 pixels), according to the experts. Includes a set of installed maps, it is possible to download other maps. The model has an intuitive interface, you can watch videos in HD mode without any problem. Map update is free.

As for the disadvantages, the truck drivers are not satisfied with the navigator’s behavior in the city. Often loses satellites, sometimes freezes applications. There are cases of defective products, and consumers blame the Chinese branch.

Advantages

• large screen;
• good resolution;
• affordable price;
• HD video viewing.

Disadvantages

• satellites are lost;
• hangs on the built-in applications.

Garmin DriveSmart 51 RUS LMT

Rating: 4.4

The smallest size (84x18x140 mm) has a navigator Garmin DriveSmart 51 RUS LMT. This lightweight (174g) device with a 5-inch screen will not interfere with the driver while driving. Experts noted the presence of all the necessary options in the device for convenient operation (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microSD). The device looks stylish, works quickly. Experts especially praise the model for the responsive touchscreen. As for the weaknesses, in the first place should be allocated resolution 480×272 pixels. Therefore, the handheld device closes the top 6 of our review.

Users in reviews praise the quality build, responsiveness to commands, real-time services (weather forecast, “live traffic”). The main drawback is a small screen with a low resolution.

Advantages

• compact and lightweight;
• quality assembly;
• responsiveness;
• up-to-date maps.

Disadvantages

• a small screen;
• low resolution.