10 Best Portable Truck Gps Units 2025 in the United States

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.

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 Dezl OTR500 is a specialized GPS unit designed for truck drivers. Its 5.5-inch touchscreen is bright, high-resolution, and easy to read, making it suitable for use in various lighting conditions. The custom truck routing feature is a standout, allowing drivers to input their truck's size and weight for optimized routes. However, this feature may not be available in all areas, so users should still follow road signs and conditions.

The built-in PrePass notifications are useful for saving time at weigh stations, while the load-to-dock guidance provides valuable assistance when approaching destinations. The device also offers information on truck-friendly parking and allows filtering by brand or amenities, making it easier for drivers to plan their stops. The voice assistant feature enhances safety by enabling hands-free operation.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing for real-time updates on weather, traffic, and fuel prices when paired with the Garmin Drive app. The build quality is durable, and the unit includes multiple mounting options for flexibility. The battery life is not detailed, which could be a concern for some users. The Garmin Dezl OTR500 is a robust choice for truckers looking for reliable navigation and route planning features tailored to their specific needs.