Reddit mentions: The best vehicle gps units & equipment

Well, first of all, there has been in in-car Echo for a while. It's not by Amazon, but by Garmin. It's called the Garmin Speak. I've had one for a while now, and it works pretty well.

If the Echo Auto works in the same way, it's like this:

1. You connect the device to your mobile phone via Bluetooth when you go through setup.
   
   
2. The device itself plays sounds through your phone's Bluetooth to your car stereo, so all you need is your phone connected to your car via Bluetooth. And yes, your phone can connect to multiple Bluetooth devices at once; In this case, the phone is outputting audio to your car stereo, and taking input and sending data to and from from the Echo device.
   
   
3. If you leave Bluetooth on, it automatically connects when you power on the Echo device. I don't know about the Echo Auto, but the Garmin Speak needs power via the cigarette lighter port. Some cars provide power to that port constantly, others cut off power when the car is turned off. Whether or not it's safe to leave it plugged in when your car is turned off is up to you.
   
   
4. It relies on your phone's mobile data completely. Make sure you have a robust data plan with good area coverage. If data drops out, the Echo is brainless during that time. It will also use a fair bit of your data if you plan to stream music or audiobooks, so be aware of your phone service's limits and caps.
   
   The Garmin also has the added benefit of having a little screen on it for navigation and messages. It's not a high-tech screen, but it's good enough to show arrows and plain text. As a navigator, it's OK, but definitely isn't as good as using Google Maps, which Amazon says the Echo Auto will do.
   
   I, too, asked for an invite. I'm eager to try it and compare the devices to see which will win dominance in my car. Since I do a lot of driving all over the state in my job, I find it extremely helpful to have Alexa in my car. I also find it handy to have a good mobile phone service that covers me even in the middle of nowhere!

Good, glad it helps.

So, obviously the benefit of the iPad vs the Garmin in your truck is the screen size. If that's what you want to move forward with you can pick up a bluetooth GPS receiver to make you current iPad FAR more accurate. Should be as accurate as your Garmin... I've used from from a company called Dual Electronics. I loved it. I see, however, that Garmin makes a unit that includes GLONASS for improved accuracy for $99 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Portable-GLONASS-Receiver-Vehicle/dp/B00AYAZENY

At least then you're basically just comparing UI and available basemaps. Check out some of the apps mentioned. I'll tell you now that I've tried a ton of these apps before I found that I really liked Gaia. And, really, I've yet to find anything, including a Garmin I used to have, that I've REALLY liked. They all have their issues...

Hope you find something you like!

I've ran with a Cobra 5500 and I'm now using a Garmin trucking GPS units. I'd recommend either. That being said, don't let the GPS tell you what to do. Cross check all GPS routing with your iphone or a paper atlas (better) before departing. You should always invest in a current paper atlas.

Also on routing, always request directions on the qualcom. Other drivers have been to these shippers and consignees before you. This will help keep you out of no truck zones. If the GPS says different don't listen to it.

Yes any equipment you buy for the truck is tax deductible. If it's going to be more than your standard deduction then save those receipts.

Have you gone out with your trainer yet? Hopefully you'll get an easygoing, professional, clean, safe, trainer. If that's not the case have the fleet manager take you off that truck.

Never driven for Roehl though I have driven for a few common carriers on the east coast. Always happy to help a redditor-driver. Feel free to PM me I'll give you my number if you wish to bounce any other questions off me.

Edit: grammar

Haven't built van yet, but for both my current car and truck I have a little garmin like this that has no monthly fees or anything and all it does is GPS, using free google maps.


The benefit to me is that I absolutely do not want touch-screen controls in a car for AC and things like that, it's just another thing to go wrong, and I mount it right here (sorry too lazy to go take a pic to I drew it) where it's invisible to anyone looking at the car due to tinted side windows to the darkest legal limit. I do not have to connect/disconnect my phone, I don't need a little cradle taking up my windshield, and I can glance over at it just fine. I have one mounted in the "top" glove box of my tundra as well and that one is super hidden. I did it first so I even put a cheap microswitch on the door that turns on the device when it opens.


If they ever break, who cares? Buy a new one they are dirt cheap. No fiddling with phones, nothing sitting on the dash, and concealing it I think might help against people breaking in. Even though they are only like $50, there's bound to be someone out there who thinks they are more valuable or would break the glass for $50.

I'd go with something like this. I don't own the exact model, but in my experience Garmin has the easiest to use interface, and I've never had any issues with either of the ones I owned. The reason I linked that one is because it has the lifetime map updates (you'll probably have to take care of keeping him updated), and a larger screen which I imagine he'd like if he's anything like my grandparents.

Magellan sells something like what you want, but the video quality is pretty bad.

Garmin also sells what you want, but over your budget.

It's still a better deal to buy an entry level navigation device and an A118, and you'll be able to place the dashcam in a more comfortable spot to get optimal video.

> Why do you want a bike computer which would act as an external GPS to your phone? To save phone battery?

What I need is an external GPS. What I'd like would be a nice handlebar mounted display of my current speed. Its a nice bonus.

> But, honestly, your phone's screen probably draws more power than your phone's GPS chip

Thats actually not the drain - the drain comes from two things, the constant attempts to lock onto more satellites, and the main processor doing the hard work associating that data live. I was able to do some brief playing around with an external gps, and I was looking at 30% more out of a single charge minimum.

Edit: And I already have an external battery. Keep in mind that charging while working the processor like that causes some major heat - and I like to avoid that. If I can use the lower, 1A charge setting on my external battery instead of going to 2A just to keep the battery level reasonable, all the better.

> I'm not aware of any (but would like to be informed) which track GLONASS as well as GPS, such as my Garmin 510 does.

Not exactly puck sized, but not big either:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Portable-GLONASS-Receiver-Vehicle/dp/B00AYAZENY

http://www.amazon.com/Dual-Electronics-XGPS-160-Receiver/dp/B00E65TNYE#productDetails

Why not just get a decent Android tablet? My Nexus 7 has a great receiver in it. CoPilot Live is a great nav app. For amazing accuracy, (~3 ft.) I can use a GPS/GLO Bluetooth receiver with it.

I've used a nav before, but I honestly found it to be more distracting than helpful. That's just me. How about this one? It's not waterproof but you can stuff into a waterproof case like this. You want one that's quick and easy to use, no unnecessary gimmicks. Also, have you tried using your phone's nav?

The basic idea is that any GPS logger that exports a .gpx file can be used with any digital camera. As long as the clock on your camera is correct, during post-production you sync the .gpx data file with your photos using Lightroom or other software. Your location data is matched to your photo based on time (at 4:05:42, you were at such-and-such coordinates).

Lightroom 4 has .gpx import built-in. For Lightroom 3 or earlier, you can use the donationware plug-in from Jeffrey Friedl called GPS Support. If you don't have Lightroom, Mac users can use MyTracks (works with JPGs, not sure about RAW files).

In early 2011, before a trip to London, did some testing with GPS loggers (I don't own an iPhone). The main problem I had was getting the logger to sync with my Mac. If you are a PC user, you'll have no problem; the units generally come with a small-size CD with PC software on it. On the Mac, you have to download third-party software that will sync with your unit. Most (all?) Garmins will sync with Google Earth directly. For other units you can use the free HoudahGPS or the inexpensive and very elegant MyTracks.

I began with a handheld Garmin 60C. It sync'd great and is accurate, but the battery only lasts a few hours, not long enough for a whole day. And the unit is enormous; carrying this big thing around London was not something I wanted to do.

So, I ordered the iGotU (US$60). The plastic on the logger broke pretty much immediately. I sent it back.

Then I spent a little more and got the QStarz BT1300ST, which is a beautiful little unit. The battery lasts all day, and it's small and has a nice keychain attachment. I was able to get it to occasionally sync with my desktop iMac, but it never sync'd with my MacBook. It appears to be highly accurate, but since I couldn't reliably sync it with the MacBook I would have with me in London, I decided to try another unit.

I then got a Wintec WBT-201, it is almost as small as the QStarz, and I can reliably get it to connect to all my macs. Unfortunately, it does not appear to be terribly accurate. During a walk along the south side of the Thames River, the unit had me crossing the river zigzagging from the north side to the south side several times, as if I were swimming across the river again and again.

Since then, there are new versions of HoudahGPS, and I even have a new MacBook Air with a new operating system. I really ought to try syncing the QStarz again, it's a tiny little unit. It's entirely possible that it sycs fine with the MBA, I just haven't been traveling in quite a while, so I haven't tried it.

There is one for RVs by Rand McNally - Kinda pricey

From the Amazon Link:

Choose from eleven types of RV, or car and number of trailers to get custom routing information. RV-Easy routing begins with a base of award-winning navigation from Rand McNally, including legal, weight, and height restrictions--all designed for the specific type of RV you are using. Or create your own custom configuration, and the GPS will route according to your vehicle's weight, length and height. The RVND 7720 LM layers on all the information you need to have an enjoyable and safe trip in your RV.

I use this Garmin gps with a built in dash cam. It works great and the video quality is fantastic.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-DriveAssist-010-01541-01-Navigator-Refurbished/dp/B076JJXBBQ/ref=sr_1_7/131-7464126-7419510?ie=UTF8&qid=1536331408&sr=8-7&keywords=garmin+gps+with+dash+camera

A bit cheaper in the US. https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-GLO-Bluetooth-Receiver-010-02184-01/dp/B07M9CZYTD Only 94 USD.

There are plenty of options, but they are around the same price.

But weather or not even the Glo will do much to improve the GPS signal compared to an internal GPS already in the device is questionable. Just make sure the users stay put for a while to let the GPS signal strengthen, and consider an averaged GPS signal.

Timex T5k16 comes with heart rate strap

Lezyne Mini

Polar M450

There's a few others as well

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-DezlCam-LMTHD-6-Inch-Navigator/dp/B010D2URZC i hear this one is pretty cool.

i plan on getting it when i get my CDL and all that

Its a Garmin DriveSmart 51. I love it, its a gps and a dashcam.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-DriveSmart-Notifications-Activation-TripAdvisor/dp/B01N0RT1BG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1520779335&sr=8-3&keywords=garmin+drivesmart+51+lmt-s

How about Bluetooth GPS? I use one with my 7" Fire tablet for laptiming and it works great.

Edit: There are plenty out there (cheaper than this too) but I use this Garmin one and like it: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AYAZENY/

Pretty sure truckers have truck-specific sat navs that have height and weight limits programmed into them.

This unit for example lets you input the dimensions and weight of your vehicle and it will route you accordingly.

It's expensive but IMO it'd be worth the money to have a stress-free drive.

I do pretty much the same thing except my phone gps was very inaccurate so I bought this external gps receiver:

https://www.amazon.ca/Garmin-Portable-Glonass-Receiver-Vehicle/dp/B00AYAZENY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494338680&sr=8-1&keywords=garmin+glo

I just put it in my pocket and the phone connects to it via Bluetooth. It is very accurate. My phone is android but this works with I-phones as well.

Buy a Garmin model that's currently listed on the Garmin site if you want a current model


When looking at model, L = lifetime. T= traffic. M = maps. Thus, 50LMT is model 50 with lifetime traffic and maps.

I'd recommend the 50LMT for your parents. It's a current model and has lifetime traffic and maps. I've had a the equivalent model LMT device from 4 years ago and still use it all the frigging time. I've even had a few passengers go and buy it after seeing it.


Garmin Drive 50 USA LMT GPS Navigator System with Lifetime Maps and Traffic, Driver Alerts, Direct Access, and Foursquare data https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A1HLA9G

I use a Garmin 770 stand-alone unit. It's specific to RVs and allows you to enter your height, weight, etc in order to route you around low clearances and small bridges--plus, no internet or cell service required.

As far as aps go, CoPilot or CoPilot Trucker are arguably the best options. They used to have a dedicated RV app, but they merged it into the auto app and lost the ability to enter vehicle restrictions, which is where the trucker version comes in, as it still allows you to do so.

You can buy a standalone GPS and a pay-as-you-go phone, sure.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072K3RP5H/ref=dp_cr_wdg_tit_rfb

https://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/pay-as-you-go

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HS1PTK4

Sure is.

On it. Garmin Nüvi 2689LMT 6" Bluetooth GPS w/ Lifetime Maps & Traffic - {Certified Refurbished} for $149.99 on Amazon

You can't go wrong with a Garmin

That's the updated model of the one I bought a few years ago

The iPhone as a hotspot will not share GPS data with the iPad. (Google "iphone gps data over hotspot")

One device to look at is the Garmin Bluetooth GPS receiver:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AYAZENY/

No. However, GPS+GLONASS receivers have gotten very cheap lately. They used to only be available to scientists and surveyors due to much higher costs.

The app really has nothing to do with signal reception. All GPS will struggle downtown because of the buildings blocking the sky. Here are a few tips: when you start your route take 10 seconds to look over the route, and take a screen shot so if you lose signal, you still know where to go. Or you can buy one of these. It drastically improved my reception downtown.

I believe this is a known hardware failure. My XZp slowly lost its GPS as well.

My solution is to keep a Garmin GLO (https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-GLO-Bluetooth-Receiver-010-02184-01/dp/B07M9CZYTD) powered on in the car, paired to the phone with the "Bluetooth GPS Provider" app. Since 95% of my GPS use is for car navigation, this makes the problem manageable. If I'm on vacation or exploring and want a GPS on me, the GLO is tiny and battery powered so I'll just pop it into a pocket in those rare cases.

The GLO has a much, much stronger GPS lock than any phone I've used before so it's not something I'm entirely upset to have to be doing. When I move on to a new phone in the future, I'll still be taking the GLO along with me when on vacation/camping/etc, and using it on obscured wintry days.