Decent HGV Sat Nav

techbob

Hi guys, I'm after a decent Sat Nav system to use in my rig. I know there are a few truck specific systems out there, but wondered if anyone has any experience of using them?

I'm ideally after something that takes into account height and weight restrictions, don't want to end up down a road I can't turn around on once it gets too narrow. I've been there before and it wasn't a pleasant experience!

Pssst

I wouldnt have thought you would need a truck specific model.

You;d be just as exposed to risk with that on board since you'd be relying on its data being accurate instead of relying on what you see out of your cab window i.e road signs showing width,height,weight and speed restrictions.

A couple of months ago,i tooted a large artic driver who was about to turn down a side street. He had already half rounded the corner. I told him about the width restriction up the road. He then had to reverse back out. Strangely,just on the approach to the turn is a very big sign detailing the restriction and alternative route !

fwor

There's a forum section specifically for HGVs and motorhomes on Pocketgpsworld:

http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=53

techbob

Pssst wrote: »

I wouldnt have thought you would need a truck specific model.

You;d be just as exposed to risk with that on board since you'd be relying on its data being accurate instead of relying on what you see out of your cab window i.e road signs showing width,height,weight and speed restrictions.

A couple of months ago,i tooted a large artic driver who was about to turn down a side street. He had already half rounded the corner. I told him about the width restriction up the road. He then had to reverse back out. Strangely,just on the approach to the turn is a very big sign detailing the restriction and alternative route !

Not sure quite what to say to that! If the sat nav contains all the data, it'll map out a route of the best roads to use, would it not? If they can accurately map areas, it's not hard to note restrictions too.

Surely with a standard sat nav, it'd try and take me the quickest route, sometimes down restricted roads. That's been my experience so far anyway with standard units designed for cars. I have more problems using that than a truck specific. To suggest I'd then ignore all signs too is a bit ridiculous too.

I've been doing a bit of digging anyway, and someone at work is using this, seems to think it's perfect for the job really.

Was trying to post a link, but apparently new users can't. Bit daft but I understand why. I was looking at a Snooper S600 Truckmate on thesatnavwarehouse website anyway.

Anyone used these? Have to say they look pretty impressive.

Inactive

techbob wrote: »

I'm ideally after something that takes into account height and weight restrictions, don't want to end up down a road I can't turn around on once it gets too narrow. I've been there before and it wasn't a pleasant experience!

Surely all restricted roads have signs up in good time to warn drivers.

I know a lot of numpty HGV Drivers tend not to see them by the number stuck under low bridges around here.:rolleyes:

missile

techbob wrote: »

I was looking at a Snooper S600 Truckmate on thesatnavwarehouse website anyway.

Never had a snooper satnav, but I had a snooper radar detector a few years back. Not the cheapest, but it was well made and was very reliable.

I hope you find a trucker friendly satnav :j

DatabaseError

Inactive wrote: »

Surely all restricted roads have signs up in good time to warn drivers.

I know a lot of numpty HGV Drivers tend not to see them by the number stuck under low bridges around here.:rolleyes:

Said like a true small car driver.

I imagine the point of HGV sat-nav is to avoid going miles down a road to find a "low bridge 100yds " sign at the end of it.

Also, I know there is a temptation to just check how accurate the height signs are...there are some bridges I've got under with an inch to spare..and others which have new scrape marks on the underside because they were a little 'too tight'

You'd also possibly be surprised at how many signs are missing dirty or otherwise obstructed

Inactive

DatabaseError wrote: »

Said like a true small car driver.

You are simply guessing at that, I am not guessing, I see the evidence almost every week in my local rag.

Oh and there ample pre-warning signs to all of these bridges.

Luckily the bridges are even thicker than the numpties that try to drive under them.

DatabaseError

was it a good guess?

bribrian

I would think that most of them would give you a route suitable for truckers, i know my Becker Traffic Assist gives me shortest, quickest & lorry routes (avoiding low bridges etc..)......

Inactive

DatabaseError wrote: »

was it a good guess?

In all honesty, no it wasn't.:p