9 Best Portable Truck Gps Units 2025 in the United States

The Garmin dēzl™ OTR610 is a portable GPS unit designed specifically for truck drivers, featuring a large 6-inch touchscreen that is easy to read with a high-resolution display (1280 x 720). This unit excels in truck-specific routing, offering custom routes based on the size and weight of the truck, though it’s important to note that not all areas are covered and drivers should always defer to road signs and conditions. The unit provides alerts for upcoming road hazards like bridge heights and weight limits, which can be very useful for planning safe routes.

It also includes a directory of truck and trailer services, allowing drivers to find stops with essential amenities such as showers and parking easily. The BirdsEye Satellite Imagery feature is great for detailed arrival planning, showing high-resolution aerial views of loading docks and entrances. Additionally, the unit supports live traffic, weather updates, and smart notifications when connected to a compatible smartphone via Bluetooth. Map updates cover North America extensively, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and several islands.

On the downside, the custom routing might not be entirely accurate in all regions, and the reliance on the dēzl app and Bluetooth connectivity could be a drawback for those who prefer standalone devices. Battery life is standard with one included lithium-ion battery, but the unit can be powered through a vehicle power cable. The Garmin dēzl™ OTR610 is durable and built to withstand the rigors of truck driving, making it a reliable choice for truckers looking for a comprehensive navigation solution.

The Garmin DriveSmart 71 EX is a 7-inch car GPS navigator that boasts a bright, high-resolution display, making it easy to read maps and follow directions. One of its standout features is the Garmin Voice Assist, which allows for hands-free operation, enhancing safety while driving. The device includes free lifetime map updates, ensuring that you always have the latest road information. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi connectivity, making updates and connectivity simple and convenient.

The resolution of 480 x 272 might seem low for some users, but it is sufficient for most navigation tasks. However, this model lacks truck-specific routing, which can be a significant drawback for truck drivers who need routes tailored to their vehicle's size and weight limits. The unit is primarily designed for cars, and there are no specific points of interest tailored for truck drivers.

The included components, such as the dashboard mount and physical buttons, add to its ease of use, and the device's build quality appears to be robust and durable. For car drivers, the Garmin DriveSmart 71 EX offers a reliable and user-friendly navigation experience, but truck drivers may need to look for a model specifically designed to accommodate their needs.

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a highly capable portable truck GPS unit featuring an impressive 8-inch high-resolution screen, offering clear and crisp map visuals. This large display enhances readability and ease of interaction. It provides comprehensive map updates for North America, ensuring you always have the latest road information. It lacks truck-specific routing, which is a major drawback for truck drivers who need tailored routes considering vehicle dimensions and weight limits.

The unit excels in POI, with a vast database including the HISTORY database, U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor ratings, and millions of Foursquare points of interest, making it useful for finding rest stops, fuel stations, and attractions. Voice guidance is facilitated by Garmin Voice Assist, which allows for hands-free operation and safer driving. The integration of live traffic, fuel prices, weather updates, and smart notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone further enhances its utility.

The user interface is intuitive, supported by touchscreen functionality and smart notifications. Build quality is robust, with a durable design suitable for the rigors of frequent use. Additional features such as hands-free calling, built-in Wi-Fi for easy updates, and Alexa integration add to its appeal. While it offers many advanced features, the absence of truck-specific routing may limit its utility for professional truck drivers, making it more suitable for general road travelers who can benefit from its extensive features and user-friendly design.