Best GPS for Trucks: Our Top 5 Picks Reviewed

Imagine this: you’re on a long haul, the sun is setting, and you’re trying to find a specific delivery spot in an unfamiliar town. Do you rely on a crumpled paper map, or a GPS that might not understand truck routes? For truck drivers, getting lost isn’t just an inconvenience; it costs time, wastes fuel, and can even put you behind schedule. That’s why choosing the right GPS is so important.

The world of truck GPS devices can feel overwhelming. So many features, so many brands! It’s tough to know which one truly fits your needs. You want something reliable, easy to use, and that can handle the unique challenges of driving a big rig. Picking the wrong one can lead to frustrating detours, missed turns, and a whole lot of stress on the road.

But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great truck GPS. By the end, you’ll understand the key features to look for and feel confident in choosing a device that makes your job easier and your journeys smoother. Get ready to navigate with ease!

Our Top 5 Gps For Trucks Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Gps For Trucks Detailed Reviews

1. Garmin dezl OTR610

Garmin dezl OTR610, Large, Easy-to-Read 6" GPS Truck Navigator, Custom Truck Routing, High-Resolution Birdseye Satellite Imagery

Rating: 9.4/10

The Garmin dezl OTR610 is a large, 6-inch GPS truck navigator designed to make long hauls easier. It features a bright, high-resolution screen that’s easy to read, even in sunlight. This device offers custom routing that considers your truck’s size and weight, helping you avoid tricky roads. You’ll get important alerts for things like bridge heights and sharp curves. Plus, BirdsEye Satellite Imagery gives you a bird’s-eye view of truck stops and loading docks, making arrivals much smoother.

What We Like:

  • The 6-inch touchscreen is bright and clear for easy viewing.
  • Custom truck routing helps you avoid roads that don’t fit your truck’s size and weight.
  • You get helpful alerts for bridge heights, weight limits, and sharp turns.
  • BirdsEye Satellite Imagery shows detailed aerial views of truck entrances and loading docks.
  • The route planner helps you find good spots for fuel, breaks, and overnight stays.
  • You can filter truck stops by name or available services like showers.
  • PrePass notifications save time by letting you know if you can bypass weigh stations.
  • It comes with updated maps of North America.
  • You can get live traffic, weather, and smart notifications when paired with your phone.
  • It works with Garmin backup cameras, headsets, and smartwatches for a connected experience.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Custom routing might not account for all vehicle characteristics in every situation.
  • The custom routing feature is not available in all areas.
  • To use features like PrePass notifications, you need an active PrePass account and a compatible smartphone.
  • Accessing live traffic and other smart features requires pairing with a compatible smartphone via Bluetooth.

The Garmin dezl OTR610 is a smart tool for professional drivers. It simplifies navigation and keeps you informed, making your journeys safer and more efficient.

2. Garmin Dezl OTR500

Garmin Dezl OTR500, 5.5-inch GPS Truck Navigator, Custom Truck Routing and Load-to-Dock Guidance, 010-02603-00

Rating: 8.8/10

The Garmin Dezl OTR500, 5.5-inch GPS Truck Navigator is built for truckers. It helps you get where you need to go safely and efficiently. This device offers custom routes for your truck’s size and weight. It also provides helpful information for your journey.

What We Like:

  • The 5.5-inch touchscreen is bright and easy to see.
  • PrePass notifications help you skip weigh stations when possible.
  • Custom truck routing considers your truck’s dimensions.
  • It shows truck-friendly parking spots.
  • The Truck & Trailer Services directory helps you find what you need.
  • Load-to-dock guidance makes finding delivery spots easier.
  • You can see popular routes used by other drivers.
  • The voice assistant lets you control the device hands-free.
  • It works with Garmin eLog for Hours of Service recording.
  • Live weather, traffic, and fuel prices are available when paired with your phone.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Custom truck routing may not be available everywhere.
  • You must always follow actual road signs and conditions.
  • The Garmin eLog solution requires a mobile device to be complete.

This Garmin Dezl OTR500 is a powerful tool for any professional driver. It makes long hauls more manageable and efficient.

3. OHREX N700 GPS Navigator for Car Truck RV 2025

OHREX N700 GPS Navigator for Car Truck RV 2025,Truck GPS Commercial Drivers,Trucker GPS for semi Truck,Free Lifetime Maps Updates,7 inch Touchscreen,Custom Truck Routing,Driver Alerts

Rating: 8.9/10

The OHREX N700 GPS Navigator is a powerful tool for anyone hitting the road, especially truckers and RV owners. It boasts a large 7-inch touchscreen and comes packed with features to make your journey smoother and safer. This device is designed to handle the specific needs of larger vehicles, offering custom routing and important driver alerts.

What We Like:

  • It comes with the latest 2025 North America maps already loaded, covering the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
  • You get free lifetime map updates, so your navigation will always be current without any extra cost.
  • The device provides clear turn-by-turn directions with spoken street names, helping you avoid missed turns.
  • It offers custom truck routing, allowing you to input your vehicle’s size (weight, length, height, width) to avoid restricted roads.
  • Driver alerts are included, such as speed camera detection and active lane guidance, enhancing safety.
  • The 7-inch touchscreen is easy to read and use.
  • It displays your current speed and estimated time of arrival (ETA).
  • OHREX is a US-based brand with a professional support team.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While North America maps are pre-loaded, maps for other regions like Europe or Australia need to be downloaded separately.
  • Map updates require connecting to a Windows PC or using a TF card, which might be less convenient for some users.

Overall, the OHREX N700 is a robust and feature-rich GPS navigator that caters well to the needs of commercial drivers and RV enthusiasts. Its custom routing and safety features make it a valuable companion for long hauls.

4. Garmin dzl OTR610

Garmin dzl OTR610, Large, Easy-to-Read 6

Rating: 9.3/10

The Garmin dēzl OTR610 is a robust 6-inch GPS navigator designed specifically for truckers. It boasts a bright, high-resolution touchscreen that makes it easy to see, even in bright sunlight. This device offers custom routing for trucks, taking into account your vehicle’s size and weight, and provides important alerts for things like bridge heights and sharp curves. Its Birdseye Satellite Imagery gives you a clear, aerial view of tricky spots like loading docks and entrances. Planning your route is simple, with suggestions for fuel stops and places to rest.

What We Like:

  • The large, 6” touchscreen is bright and easy to read.
  • Custom truck routing helps you avoid low bridges and other hazards based on your truck’s size and weight.
  • Birdseye Satellite Imagery offers detailed aerial views for better arrival planning.
  • The route planner helps you find the best stops for fuel and rest.
  • The Truck & Trailer Services directory makes it easy to find what you need, like showers or specific truck stops.
  • PrePass notifications save time by alerting you to weigh station bypass opportunities.
  • It includes up-to-date maps of North America and live traffic and weather updates when paired with your smartphone.
  • Works with Garmin backup cameras, headsets, and smartwatches for a connected trucking experience.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Custom routing may not be available in all areas and might not account for all vehicle characteristics.
  • Requires a compatible smartphone and Bluetooth for some features like live traffic and PrePass notifications.

The Garmin dēzl OTR610 is a powerful tool for truckers looking for smarter, safer, and more efficient navigation. It simplifies long hauls with its specialized features and clear display.

5. OHREX N900 GPS Navigator for Truck Car

OHREX N900 GPS Navigator for Truck Car, 9 inch GPS Truck Driver Commercial, Trucker GPS for Semi Truck 2025, Lifetime Map Updates, Custom Truck Routing, Lane Guidance

Rating: 9.1/10

The OHREX N900 GPS Navigator is a robust tool designed specifically for truck drivers, but it also works great for cars. Its large 9-inch screen makes it easy to see directions, and it offers a wealth of features to make your journeys safer and more efficient. This navigator aims to simplify long hauls and everyday commutes by providing clear guidance and important alerts.

What We Like:

  • Lifetime map updates for North America (US, Canada, Mexico) are included with no extra cost or subscriptions.
  • Custom truck routing takes into account your vehicle’s size and weight, avoiding problematic roads.
  • Advanced lane guidance and intelligent voice alerts warn you about upcoming hazards like low bridges, speed cameras, and animal crossings.
  • The 9-inch touchscreen is bright, clear, and easy to operate with a resolution of 800 x 480.
  • Real voice navigation offers turn-by-turn directions in over 40 languages, and the FM amplify function boosts audio clarity.
  • It supports multiple vehicle modes, including cars, trucks (commercial and semi), ambulances, buses, and taxis.
  • OHREX offers dedicated US-based technical support for map upgrades and questions.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Map updates require connecting to a Windows PC and using an external SD card; Mac compatibility may be an issue.
  • The system might not be compatible with all Mac operating systems for map updates.

This OHREX N900 GPS Navigator is a powerful and user-friendly device for truckers and drivers who need reliable navigation and safety features. Its comprehensive updates and custom routing make it a valuable companion on the road.

Your Truck’s Best Friend: A GPS Buying Guide

Finding the right GPS for your truck makes a big difference. It helps you avoid tricky roads and saves you time. This guide will help you pick the best one.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for a truck GPS, keep these important things in mind:

  • Truck-Specific Routing: This is super important. A good GPS knows about truck restrictions. It avoids low bridges, weight limits, and roads trucks can’t use. This keeps you safe and your truck out of trouble.
  • Screen Size: Bigger screens are easier to see. A 7-inch screen is a good size for most trucks. It lets you see the map clearly without taking your eyes off the road for too long.
  • Navigation Voice: You want a voice that’s clear and easy to understand. Some GPS units let you pick different voices.
  • Real-Time Traffic Updates: This feature helps you avoid traffic jams. The GPS can reroute you to a faster path.
  • Points of Interest (POI): Look for a GPS with lots of POIs. This includes truck stops, rest areas, fuel stations, and repair shops. It makes planning your stops much easier.
  • Durability: Trucks can be bumpy places. A sturdy GPS can handle vibrations and everyday use.
Important Materials

Most truck GPS units have a plastic casing. This is good because plastic is light and strong. The screen is usually made of glass or a tough plastic that resists scratches. Look for GPS units that feel solid and well-made.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
  • Screen Quality: A bright screen with good colors makes it easy to see the map, even in sunlight. A dim or washed-out screen can be hard to read.
  • Software Updates: Good GPS companies offer free software updates. These updates add new maps and features. They keep your GPS working well.
  • Mounting System: A strong mount keeps your GPS secure. A weak mount means your GPS might fall off, especially on rough roads.
  • Battery Life: If you plan to use your GPS outside the truck sometimes, good battery life is a plus.

User Experience and Use Cases

Using a truck GPS should be simple. You want to be able to enter your destination quickly. The maps should be easy to understand. The voice directions should be helpful.

  • Long Haul Drivers: For those who drive long distances, a reliable GPS is essential. It helps plan routes and find necessary stops.
  • Delivery Drivers: Delivery drivers need to get to many different places. A GPS with good POI information helps them find addresses and parking spots.
  • New Drivers: If you are new to driving a truck, a GPS can give you confidence. It guides you on unfamiliar roads.
  • Avoiding Fines: Using truck-specific routing helps you avoid roads where trucks are not allowed. This can save you from costly fines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck GPS

Q: What is the most important feature for a truck GPS?

A: The most important feature is truck-specific routing. This makes sure the GPS guides you on roads safe for your truck.

Q: How big should the screen be?

A: A screen size of 7 inches is usually a good choice. It’s big enough to see easily.

Q: Do I need real-time traffic updates?

A: Yes, real-time traffic updates help you avoid delays. They can reroute you around traffic jams.

Q: What are Points of Interest (POI)?

A: POIs are important places like truck stops, rest areas, and fuel stations. They help you plan your stops.

Q: How do I know if a GPS is durable?

A: Look for a GPS that feels solid and well-made. Check reviews for comments on durability.

Q: Are GPS maps always up-to-date?

A: No, you should look for GPS units that offer free map updates. This keeps your maps current.

Q: Can I use a car GPS in my truck?

A: It’s not recommended. Car GPS units don’t know about truck restrictions like bridge heights or weight limits.

Q: How important is the mounting system?

A: A strong mounting system is very important. It keeps the GPS from falling while you drive.

Q: What if I drive in areas with no cell service?

A: Many truck GPS units work offline. They use downloaded maps so you don’t need cell service.

Q: Where can I find good truck stops on my GPS?

A: A good truck GPS will have a list of truck stops as Points of Interest (POI). You can search for them on the map.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.