I was coming into Maine from Canada at midnight. I lost my google maps on my cellphone. I plugged in my Garmin which operates off satellite and made it to my destination.
I did use my phone gps as I drove through Tennessee. Lost signal and was screwed. I drove back up north with Tom Tom and flawless without losing gps signal.
I use a GPS in my service truck primarily for the live maps, for upcoming streets and roads, current speed, school zone notifications, and to know the posted speed limit for the road I’m traveling as the company truck is monitored via On-Star. Seldom do I use it to get me where I need to go, but I find one useful still as GPS signal is far more reliable than cell service out in rural areas. Mine is mounted high on the windshield, tucked in the corner of the A-pillar. It’s easy to see at a glance yet does not impact field of view or create a blind spot. I agree with your notion that the time of GPS’s as a staple for the masses has come and gone.
My biggest use case is I gave up my smartphone a couple years ago. Navigation is challenging when you can no longer reliably stop and ask directions, most people can't provide them.
I've bought a Hyundai with "integrated" GPS - it was garbage. I couldn't upgrade it but it didn't matter because the whole "infortainment" block fried twice, the second time out of warranty. So it's sitting dead right there. I love my Garmin GPS, it's much easier to use too (obviously), and it's in the line of sight.
This model doesn't but the drive smart models do. I know the one that I just bought for the semi truck has voice command. It's the DEZL500 model. I know a lot of the drive Smart Ones interface with an app on your phone and will give you a lot of real-time information. While the maps themselves really haven't changed all that much the technology within the unit is actually quite interesting. I should probably dig it out and play with it a little more.
I bought one and immediately returned it. It gave me only a single route to a place which has several routes. Not a good product. I am going to stick with my smartphone. Much better.
I haven't seen anything that specific but you can set the parameters up to stay on the main roads and secondary roads. I've been using it for a couple of months now and it hasn't really shown anything like that but I'm still learning
Yes, this one was under $100 but it's made for an automobile and not a semi truck. The semi truck version you can easily add another $200 on top of it. But as these units go, it was actually really good.
@@jimgresham5529 it's all good. There are upgraded versions of this that actually have voice activation and Alexa and hook up to a nap. This wasn't one of those units but it gets much crazier when you go up from here
I don't believe this one does but I believe the models with the smart drive system, or smart system or whatever they're calling it, I believe those are.
Worst review ever. No enthusiasm nor any hands-on experience. If you were a truck driver you'd know GPS,'s are a MUST HAVE and are definitely way better than old school stubborn Paper Maps. We truck drivers rely on gps and Google maps and the paper maps and anything else that can help.
I was coming into Maine from Canada at midnight. I lost my google maps on my cellphone. I plugged in my Garmin which operates off satellite and made it to my destination.
The 1st Garmin I bought 15 y ago already had all these features. "Points of interest". You did live in a remote location, I can tell :-)
I did use my phone gps as I drove through Tennessee. Lost signal and was screwed. I drove back up north with Tom Tom and flawless without losing gps signal.
I use a GPS in my service truck primarily for the live maps, for upcoming streets and roads, current speed, school zone notifications, and to know the posted speed limit for the road I’m traveling as the company truck is monitored via On-Star. Seldom do I use it to get me where I need to go, but I find one useful still as GPS signal is far more reliable than cell service out in rural areas.
Mine is mounted high on the windshield, tucked in the corner of the A-pillar. It’s easy to see at a glance yet does not impact field of view or create a blind spot. I agree with your notion that the time of GPS’s as a staple for the masses has come and gone.
Updates are free for life
My biggest use case is I gave up my smartphone a couple years ago. Navigation is challenging when you can no longer reliably stop and ask directions, most people can't provide them.
Thanks for your review. I don't drive a lot and bought this on sale here in Canada at Canadian Tire. I believe it will suit my needs.
I've bought a Hyundai with "integrated" GPS - it was garbage. I couldn't upgrade it but it didn't matter because the whole "infortainment" block fried twice, the second time out of warranty. So it's sitting dead right there. I love my Garmin GPS, it's much easier to use too (obviously), and it's in the line of sight.
thanks for the review, sir!
Very informative video! Thank you !
Been wondering about these
As GPS's go, it wasn't too bad.
Picked one up used for $75 AUD (50 US), Here's hoping it's good.
You could have done that entire review in 2 minutes
Ok
My Garmin gps took me up and down toll roads just to go to a restaurant 5 miles down the interstate.
Did you ever have a GPS try to take you down one lane gravel roads and such?
Yes. Quite a few times with a car GPS. Was a mess.
@@truckerdaveandred6731 I’ll eat the 3 minutes just keep me on a main road please! 😄
Same here
Or have you get off highway just to get back on
I like to wander and just need a map. Is there any gps like the old Magellan where you can back the view from one or 2 miles?
I like the speed limit change audible alert! Does this unit have voice command?
This model doesn't but the drive smart models do. I know the one that I just bought for the semi truck has voice command. It's the DEZL500 model. I know a lot of the drive Smart Ones interface with an app on your phone and will give you a lot of real-time information. While the maps themselves really haven't changed all that much the technology within the unit is actually quite interesting. I should probably dig it out and play with it a little more.
I bought one and immediately returned it. It gave me only a single route to a place which has several routes. Not a good product. I am going to stick with my smartphone. Much better.
I used it mostly for speed read out, its cheaper then a ticket so far
Is this the model with Live traffic?
Have you used it in Canada?
Hello, is it working without WiFi like the 46lm?
Can you tell me if this model has avoidances like “gravel roads”
I haven't seen anything that specific but you can set the parameters up to stay on the main roads and secondary roads. I've been using it for a couple of months now and it hasn't really shown anything like that but I'm still learning
@@truckerdaveandred6731 Okay!! Thank you!!!
Is that for truck or car??
I see different prices for a 52, is this one under $100. ?
Yes, this one was under $100 but it's made for an automobile and not a semi truck. The semi truck version you can easily add another $200 on top of it. But as these units go, it was actually really good.
@@truckerdaveandred6731 Thanks Driver ! I'm a lowly four-wheeler.
@@jimgresham5529 it's all good. There are upgraded versions of this that actually have voice activation and Alexa and hook up to a nap. This wasn't one of those units but it gets much crazier when you go up from here
Did this one have traffic map as well?
I believe it does but you have to sync it with the Garmin Drive app.
Is this compatible with the back up camera?
I don't believe this one does but I believe the models with the smart drive system, or smart system or whatever they're calling it, I believe those are.
Oh joy
Worst review ever. No enthusiasm nor any hands-on experience. If you were a truck driver you'd know GPS,'s are a MUST HAVE and are definitely way better than old school stubborn Paper Maps. We truck drivers rely on gps and Google maps and the paper maps and anything else that can help.
I dont like Google and Apple spying on me. I like external GPS