Rating of the best navigators for trucks of 2021

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of modern GPS navigators. They are used by both drivers of cars and trucks. Also, navigators are used by motorcyclists, cyclists, etc.

It is worth recognizing that truck drivers are a special category of drivers who have to drive huge distances every day. And by no means always their path lies through familiar places and settlements. But there are rules everywhere. Heavy vehicles are prohibited on many roads. Plus, cities close and open roads for trucks at certain times. Do not forget about radars and unscrupulous inspectors who are hungry for profit.

As a result, you cannot do without a special assistant who will give you the necessary tips, guide you along the right path, and also help save time and fuel.

To meet all these needs, trucks need appropriate navigation devices. It is worth understanding how they differ, what requirements are imposed on them, and also what must be included in such a navigator.

Also, the current rating among the best devices in this category, compiled based on the results of the first months of 2021, will also be presented separately.

What functions should a truck navigator have?

To choose the right device, you first need to know which of its functions and features to pay attention to. A good navigator can do the following:

• Find the best route to your destination, and use the latest data on the condition of different parts of the road. For example, he must look for a detour of the areas being repaired.
• Find on the map any address or organization by its name.
• Determine your location accurately.
• Notify about traffic jams ahead, look for ways to avoid them.
• Report speed bumps, traffic police posts, cameras, accidents, speed limit areas and other important events on the way.
• Prompt at difficult sections, especially junctions.

It will be a big plus if the navigator has a voice control function, then you will not have to be distracted by pressing buttons.

Most modern navigators have such functions, so there is no problem of choice. But if for a passenger car you can limit yourself to this, taking into account only a beautiful design, then for trucks you need to pay attention to many more little things. After all, a driver who has been driving for many hours in a row should experience a minimum of problems when using this useful gadget.

Display and Active Lane Guidance

The navigator screen is one of the main and most important parts of the navigator, so you need to dwell on its characteristics. The main ones are:

• Size - of course, the larger the better. But you need to consider where the gadget will be located and take into account so that it does not limit the view. If it will be mounted on the windshield or on the panel, then a size of 5-8 inches will be enough. Resolution - the larger it is, the clearer the image is, and the easier it is to read the inscriptions.
• The resolution depends on the screen size, but modern matrices in this regard are quite up to the mark and provide excellent detail even at small sizes.
• Brightness - it should be enough so that all the details are visible on the screen, even in bright sunlight. But the brightness should be adaptive, that is, when the illumination falls, it should automatically fall so as not to dazzle the driver, for example, when entering a tunnel. And you don't have to adjust the brightness during the day and at night either.

Some navigators have Active Lane Guidance, which can be very useful on difficult multi-lane roads with turns and junctions. This function allows you to divide the screen into two parts. On one half, a normal navigator map is displayed. The other half shows a road with lanes and the position of the vehicle in the lanes. Here the navigator shows you where you need to change lanes in order to then go to the desired turn.

The Active Lane Guidance function is simply indispensable in unfamiliar cities and on multi-lane roads, which is especially important for truck drivers. She can help out in the most difficult situation.

Route planner

Finding the best route is the main function of any navigator. But they can do this with different efficiency. First of all, it depends on the maps used and their detail. So, for Russia, as well as neighboring countries, maps and Navitel software are most often used. There are fairly detailed maps of all roads in all regions and settlements.

Products of foreign origin do not have such accuracy for the domestic segment, there are usually detailed maps only for the largest cities.

The truck navigator should have the most detailed maps for the regions along which the route will pass.

Updating map data and traffic

A good navigator regularly updates the maps for the freshest and most relevant. In addition, it must display and notify about various situations on the road along the route - traffic jams, repairs, and others. To do this, he must update information over the network. This can be done several times a year, and this procedure should be free for the user of the navigator.

The function of tracking the current situation is not available in all navigators, and if it is in the model in question, then this is a significant plus to its purchase.

Providing data on service points for trucks

A good navigator can display information useful to the truck driver:

• Parking.
• Gas stations.
• Places for stopping trucks.
• Hotels.
• Weighing stations.
• Car services that serve freight transport.
• Points where there is Internet access.

All this makes life much easier on a long voyage, and in case of trouble on the road, it also helps a lot.

Logging and additional information

Some navigators can keep a log, where they record data on the distance traveled and speed, fuel spent. They can track how long the driver is behind the wheel and warn him when it's time to stop and rest.

Also, some navigators are able to warn about the changing nature of the terrain, the road uphill or downhill, about a bad road, about changing weather and much more, even about low branches of trees in front.

The function of recording a route and plotting a return trip along the same route is often encountered.

Now to the question of which navigator designed for a truck should be chosen among the presented range in 2021.

Difficulties in choosing usually lie in the fact that the buyer relies on a certain budget, but also makes high demands. The wide variety of devices is also misleading. Because of this, in the end, it is difficult to decide which navigator for a truck will be better, more correct and preferable to choose. As an additional help, we suggest taking a look at the current rating.

Rating of the best cargo navigators

In order to determine the best navigators for trucks, customer reviews, ratings, comments, as well as expert opinion of specialized specialists were taken into account. That is, the truckers themselves, who have experience in operating certain navigation devices. This allowed us to form a list of favorites.

In order not to mix all the devices together, it was decided to divide them into 3 categories. And here the key criterion was the cost. As a result, you can decide which navigator designed for trucks will be the most suitable and the best in such price segments as:

• budget devices;
• mid-budget navigators;
• expensive devices.

Now separately for each category.

Budget navigators

First, let's take a look at the top among navigators presented in the budget category.

These are the most affordable devices. They provide a basic set of necessary functions, and the technical characteristics are at an average or standard level. Nothing outstanding. But at the same time, navigators are able to provide the required number of maps, quickly find the shortest routes, and provide additional assistance.

• Navitel T700 3G. For many truck drivers working in Russia, this is the best navigator in the budget category. The device has an LCD touch screen. Its diagonal is 7 inches, and the resolution is 1024x600 pixels. More than worthy for an inexpensive solution. You can also highlight the presence of 16 GB of internal memory and 1 GB of random access memory (RAM). This is a multifunctional device that easily connects to the Internet and calculates the best routes. Additionally, through the navigator screen, you can turn on video and view photos. A built-in rechargeable battery is provided as a power source. Its capacity is 2800 mAh. It is completed with a charger connected to the on-board network of a truck. Of the minuses, only a rather fragile plastic case can be distinguished. The current price is about 6.5 thousand rubles.
  
• Consul 5.0 Parking Monitor. It is worth taking a closer look at this inexpensive model. The peculiarity of the device is that it combines a navigator and a video recorder. A special camera is included. The device is compact, which allows it to be installed in the area of ​​the rear-view mirror in the cab of a truck. The screen is touch-sensitive, and this greatly simplifies control. The built-in memory is 8 GB. Smaller than the previous navigator, but still sufficient. But the built-in battery is weak. But this is not scary, since the device can be connected to the on-board network and the navigator can be powered from it. The purchase will cost about 8 thousand rubles.
  
• Dunobil Consul 7.0 Parking Monitor. A multifunctional navigator that combines navigation equipment, a tablet and a rear view camera. Works on the basis of the Android operating system, although not the most recent version. But you can install different programs and applications. There is a 4-core processor with a frequency of 1300 MHz. This makes it great to work with a variety of navigation programs and more. Initially, several useful navigator programs are installed on the device at once. The screen is touch-sensitive, which is also a big advantage. Additionally, there is a rear-view camera with a viewing angle of 120 degrees. There are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules. It is also worth highlighting the presence of a voice control function. But the problem is the same as in the previous navigator - a weak battery. So it's better to work directly through the on-board network. Some drivers also note insufficient screen brightness. In bright sun, information can be difficult to read. For such functions and capabilities of the navigator, sellers ask for about 9 thousand rubles.
  
• Navitel G500. Budget Russian navigator, which also managed to gain popularity. Differs in compact size, long service life and decent technical characteristics. The device is based on the Windows CE 6.0 operating system. Comes with a good lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It takes a minimum of time to charge, and the charge itself holds more than enough. Additionally, through the navigator screen, you can watch videos and view photos. To expand the built-in memory, a microSD card slot is provided. The price is quite attractive. The navigator costs a little more than 6 thousand rubles.
  

And if financial opportunities allow, then it makes sense to look at the level above.

Medium budget navigators

Now let's take a look at mid-range navigation devices that are great for truck drivers. Here, every navigator combines good value for money.

These are more modern and advanced devices. They provide a wider set of useful functions. With such navigators, you can safely go on long-distance flights across Russia and European countries. Most devices are preloaded with road maps, which are the most popular and convenient for truckers.

Also, the middle price segment allows you to count on high-quality assembly, advanced features and a long service life, including long-lasting batteries.

Now we will determine which car navigator will ultimately turn out to be better in the mid-price category and what truck drivers should pay attention to.

• Garmin Drive 61 Rus LMT. One of the market leaders. According to many, this is even the best navigator to help truck drivers in their difficult work. Judging by the feedback from truckers, the device perfectly combines all the necessary properties, functions and additional characteristics. The workmanship is at a high level. The navigator itself is made of durable and high quality materials. This is a 6.1-inch display. The resolution may not be the highest, but objectively 800x480 pixels will be enough. The control is touch-based, and therefore it is easy and simple to work with the device. Of the minuses, one can single out only the standard and not eye-catching design. But there is a Bluetooth module, a voice control function, an excellent level of screen brightness and a high-quality assembly. Such a navigator will cost about 15 thousand rubles.
  
• Garmin DriveSmart 51 Rus LMT. This is an American brand that offers very popular and demanded navigators. Ideal for truck and bus drivers. There are initially built-in maps of Russian roads. Moreover, the maps will be updated free of charge and during the entire service life of the navigator. The device is compact in size, durable body, touch screen and built-in lithium-ion battery. The device supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules. There is also a voice control mode for more convenience. The screen resolution is not exemplary, but in fact it is enough to work comfortably with the navigator. You can become the owner of such a device for 18 thousand rubles.
  
• Garmin DriveSmart 55 Rus MT. Another development from Garmin that deserves to be in this rating. A modern navigation device designed for truck drivers and truckers. There is also a built-in map with Russian roads. The system automatically calculates the optimal route based on the characteristics of the machine itself. This applies to vehicle tonnage, fuel consumption and other aspects. The device is based on a small 5-inch touchscreen. Moreover, its resolution is 1200x720 pixels. Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. The case has a slot for a microSD memory card. A pleasant bonus will be the presence of an alert function when cameras are detected on the route, fixing the speed of movement. Users only complain about not the most reliable factory mount. The rest is an excellent navigator, which can be bought for 20 thousand rubles.
  

It should be admitted that the mid-budget category of truck navigators is in most cases the best choice. Not the highest price with a good set of functions and high-quality assembly.

But there are those who need even more. In this case, you will have to turn to the segment of the most expensive navigators.

The best expensive navigators

Objectively, not all truck drivers are ready to pay more than 20 thousand rubles to install a navigator in their cab. But sometimes this is a forced measure, or the company equips its entire fleet and wants to achieve maximum efficiency of its drivers. And for this, high-level navigation equipment must be installed as assistants.

If you are interested in buying the best navigators and are ready to spend a substantial amount at the same time, then take a closer look at the following options.

• TomTom Go Professional 6200. The best premium car navigation for trucks and more. The system is good in that it independently builds routes based on the dimensions and weight of the truck. It provides 16 GB of memory, thanks to which you can not worry about whether there is enough space to load the next maps. There will still be space for installing applications. The navigator is based on a 6-inch touchscreen display. Its resolution is 800x480 pixels. At the same time, the picture is always bright and clear, even with an active sun. It provides a wide range of additional built-in functions and capabilities. As a result, the trucker's work becomes safer, and the situations on the route are predictable. The only conditional disadvantage is the price. For such a device they ask about 32 thousand rubles.
  
• TomTom Go 6200. Slightly simplified version of the previous model. At the same time, the navigator remains high-quality and rich in built-in functions. A good choice for truck owners and drivers. Here it is worth highlighting a convenient voice control system. The device can be synchronized with a smartphone. Build at the highest level. But the price is still solid - a little more than 30 thousand rubles.
  
• Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S Europe. The navigator of the popular manufacturer, which will be especially useful for both truck drivers and ordinary motorists traveling to Europe. There are pre-installed maps of European countries. Moreover, their update will be free of charge during the entire service life of the device. The device itself is compact, has a small mousse, which allows you to attach it to the glass with a suction cup and not worry about a possible fall. There is Bluetooth and a slot for expanding the internal memory using a microSD card. But some buyers believe that 25 thousand rubles is a lot for such a device.
  

To shell out for premium models or not, everyone's personal choice. But in certain situations, advanced features, as well as better build quality, can play into the hands of the driver and fully justify the investment.

What is better to choose

There are literally a few more recommendations that will ultimately help you make the right decision when choosing a navigator for a truck.

It is important to remember that truckers have to drive a lot, on different roads and in different weather conditions. Therefore, the following items can be considered the key selection parameters:

• choose devices with a screen of at least 4-5 inches for comfortable reading of information on the road without the need for distraction;
• do not pursue a high-resolution display, since 800x480 pixels are considered optimal;
• to make it more comfortable to work with the navigator and control all functions, give preference to devices with a touch screen;
• Since the weather is very sunny, the anti-reflective coating will be an additional advantage;
• the size of the built-in storage must be at least 1 GB;
• a memory card slot is useful but not required if your navigator has at least 4GB.

Based on these tips, as well as studying the ratings, you can make the final decision. What it will be depends entirely on you.

What do you think of the navigators in trucks? How useful are these devices? Which device should you give preference to? Does it make sense to buy premium models for more than 20-25 thousand rubles?

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