If you are a truck driver, you know how important it is to have a reliable GPS device that can guide you through the best routes, avoid traffic, and alert you of potential hazards. You also know how frustrating it can be to use a regular car GPS that does not take into account the size and weight of your truck, or the restrictions and regulations that apply to your vehicle. That is why you need a truck GPS that is designed specifically for your needs, such as the Garmin dezl OTR800.
The Garmin dezl OTR800 is a truck GPS that offers a large, easy-to-read 8-inch touchscreen display, custom truck routing, load-to-dock guidance, truck-friendly parking information, and more. It is one of the latest models in the Garmin dezl series, which is a line of GPS devices that cater to the trucking industry. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Garmin dezl OTR800, and compare it with some of its competitors. We will also share some of the customer reviews and ratings that we found online, and provide a link where you can buy the product if you are interested.
Features of the Garmin dezl OTR800
The Garmin dezl OTR800 has many features that make it a great choice for truck drivers. Some of the main features are:
– Custom truck routing: The device can create routes based on the size and weight of your truck, and show you alerts for upcoming bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades, and more. You can also enter multiple stops and optimize your route for time and fuel efficiency.
– Load-to-dock guidance: The device can show you potential loading zones or storage lots when you approach your destination, so you can avoid wasting time and fuel looking for a place to park or unload your cargo.
– Truck-friendly parking: The device can display truck parking information along your route, such as the availability, location, and amenities of truck stops, rest areas, and weigh stations. You can also filter the results by brand or preference.
– Truck and trailer services directory: The device comes preloaded with a directory of truck and trailer services, such as repair shops, towing services, tire shops, and more. You can filter the results by brand or service type, and see the ratings and reviews from other truck drivers.
– Popular truck routes: The device can show you the routes that are commonly used by other truck drivers, so you can navigate new areas with more confidence and situational awareness.
– Voice command: The device supports voice control, so you can use your voice to activate the device, enter addresses, search for points of interest, and more. This allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
– Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity: The device can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and to the internet via Wi-Fi. This enables you to make and receive hands-free calls, access real-time traffic and weather updates, sync your data with the Garmin Drive app, and download map and software updates without a computer.
– Smart notifications: The device can display your smartphone notifications on the screen, such as text messages, emails, calendar reminders, and more. You can also customize which notifications you want to see and which ones you want to mute.
– Dash cam: The device has a built-in dash cam that can record your driving and save video footage in case of an incident. The dash cam also supports advanced driver assistance features, such as forward collision and lane departure warnings, that can alert you if you are driving too close to the vehicle ahead or drifting out of your lane.
– Mounting options: The device comes with several mounting options, including a powered magnetic mount with a heavy-duty suction cup, a screw-down mount, and a 1-inch ball adapter with an AMPS plate that is compatible with RAM mounting systems. You can also switch the display from landscape to portrait mode, depending on your preference.
Benefits of the Garmin dezl OTR800
The Garmin dezl OTR800 has many benefits that can enhance your driving experience and performance. Some of the main benefits are:
– Improved safety: The device can help you avoid accidents and violations by alerting you of potential hazards, traffic conditions, and road regulations. It can also assist you with driver assistance features, such as collision and lane departure warnings, that can improve your driving behavior and awareness.
– Increased efficiency: The device can help you save time and fuel by creating optimal routes, showing you truck-friendly parking and services, and guiding you to your loading or unloading zone. It can also help you manage your hours of service and driver logs, and sync your data with the Garmin eLog app.
– Enhanced convenience: The device can make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable by allowing you to use your voice, access your smartphone notifications, and connect to the internet. It can also provide you with entertainment and information, such as music, podcasts, news, and more.
– High-quality display: The device has a large, bright, crisp, and high-resolution display that can show you clear and detailed maps, directions, and graphics. The display is also responsive and easy to use, with a touchscreen that supports pinch-to-zoom and dual-orientation.
Drawbacks of the Garmin dezl OTR800
The Garmin dezl OTR800 is not a perfect device, and it has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. Some of the main drawbacks are:
– High price: The device is one of the most expensive truck GPS devices on the market, with a list price of $599.99. You may be able to find it cheaper online, but it is still a significant investment that may not be affordable for everyone.
– Short battery life: The device has a battery life of only 2 hours, which is not very impressive for a device that is meant to be used for long trips. You will need to keep it plugged into a power source most of the time, which may limit your mounting options and mobility.
– Mixed reviews: The device has received mixed reviews from customers online, with some praising its features and performance, and others complaining about its reliability and accuracy. Some of the common issues reported by customers include software glitches, map errors, routing problems, and poor customer service.
Comparison with Similar Products
The Garmin dezl OTR800 is not the only truck GPS device available on the market, and you may want to compare it with some of its competitors before making a decision. Here is a table that compares the Garmin dezl OTR800 with four other popular truck GPS devices: the Garmin dezl OTR700, the Garmin dezl 580 LMT-S, the TomTom Trucker 620, and the OHREX GPS.
| Product | Screen Size | Custom Truck Routing | Load-to-Dock Guidance | Truck Parking Information | Truck and Trailer Services Directory | Popular Truck Routes | Voice Command | Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity | Smart Notifications | Dash Cam | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin dezl OTR800 | 8 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $564.00 |
| Garmin dezl OTR700 | 7 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | $399.99 |
| Garmin dezl 580 LMT-S | 5 inches | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | $299.99 |
| TomTom Trucker 620 | 6 inches | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | $299.99 |
| OHREX GPS | 7 inches | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | $69.99 |
As you can see from the table, the Garmin dezl OTR800 has the most features and the largest screen size among the five products, but it also has the highest price. The Garmin dezl OTR700 is a close second, with almost the same features except for the dash cam, and a slightly smaller screen size and lower price. The Garmin dezl 580 LMT-S and the TomTom Trucker 620 are similar in price and features, but the former has a smaller screen size and the latter lacks some truck-specific features. The OHREX GPS is the cheapest and the simplest product, with only the basic feature of custom truck routing.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
The Garmin dezl OTR800 has received 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on 4,584 ratings. Here are some of the representative customer reviews that we found online, with some minor edits for clarity and grammar:
– Positive review: “I have been using this GPS for a few months now and I love it. It is very accurate and reliable, and it has a lot of useful features that make my job easier. The load-to-dock guidance is very helpful, especially in unfamiliar places. The truck parking information is also very handy, as it shows me where I can find a spot to rest.
– Negative review: “I bought this GPS hoping it would be better than my old one, but I was very disappointed. It is slow, buggy, and inaccurate. It often freezes or crashes, and sometimes it gives me wrong directions or sends me to roads that are not suitable for trucks. It also has a lot of features that I don’t need or use, such as the dash cam and the smart notifications. I wish I could return it, but I missed the deadline. I do not recommend this GPS to anyone.”
– Neutral review: “This GPS is okay, but not great. It does the job, but it has some flaws. The screen is big and clear, but it also reflects a lot of glare and fingerprints. The routing is decent, but it sometimes misses some truck restrictions or traffic updates. The voice command is convenient, but it also misinterprets some words or phrases. The Wi-Fi connectivity is nice, but it also drains the battery quickly. I think this GPS could be improved with some software updates and better quality control.”
Conclusion
The Garmin dezl OTR800 is a truck GPS that offers a lot of features and functions that can benefit truck drivers. However, it also has some drawbacks and limitations that may affect its performance and reliability. Depending on your needs, preferences, and budget, you may find this device to be a good fit for you, or you may want to look for other options. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but we hope that this article has helped you make an informed decision.
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