However, mobile solutions are not always the best choice and cannot completely replace traditional GPS navigators. Garmin's dezl OTR series is proof of this.
If you’ve been following the new releases in this market, you probably know that few companies are still committed to building, releasing, and updating these devices. The market has shrunk significantly, but Garmin remains a major name in this space, targeting a group that has so far been ignored by giants like Google Maps and Waze.
Garmin OTR navigators are designed specifically for truckers, offering them customized routes based on vehicle size, load type and size, and dedicated points of interest.
The dēzl OTR family just got a refresh with new models and features.
Photo: Garmin
Garmin has announced five new truck navigators called the dezl OTR 620, 720, 725, 820, and 1020. The main difference is the screen size, so the feature set is about the same across the lineup. The OTR 620 sports a 6-inch display, while the 1020 is the top-of-the-line configuration and offers a 10-inch screen. It’s also the most expensive at $899.99.
One of the most notable features is support for precise truck destinations, including loading docks and security gates. While truck navigation is already available on other products, Garmin wants to direct drivers specifically where they need to go, and you can imagine how important it is to get to the right loading dock or entrance. A large vehicle with a gigantic load can’t afford to head to the wrong security gate, and Garmin says that information from the dezl community will help drivers find the right destination.
All models feature an improved custom routing engine that takes your vehicle profile into account when searching for routes. Garmin GPS navigators search for the appropriate route based on the size and weight of your vehicle. It also offers warnings for upcoming bridge heights, sharp turns and other potential hazards, so you can continue your journey with confidence. It also includes wind speed warnings with a new map overlay.
Photo: Garmin
Garmin seems to be relying more on its user community, so the new range of devices includes support for popular routes, allowing drivers to see the best routes used by other truckers to common destinations. You can imagine how important this can be for an inexperienced driver, as you can find your way in unfamiliar territory by checking out where other professional truckers go.
The device update includes new hardware gadgets that drivers will definitely find useful. For example, the OTR725 includes a dash cam, so if you install it in the right place, it can record what is happening on the road in front of you. This is the main difference from the OTR720, as the latter is the model without a dash cam.
Photo: Garmin
The dash cam is only available on the 7-inch navigator.
Like the model it replaces (Garmin uses a numbered naming system for its GPS navigation, so older models end with a “10,” while new models use the “20” suffix to denote the new generation), the updated lineup is compatible with the company’s accessories to enhance navigation. You can plug in headphones if you want to hear directions, and you get a built-in flashlight, backup cameras for real-time video feeds when you’re backing up right on your GPS, and ELD.
The maps are top notch and you get must-have features like voice guidance and voice assistant. This means you can interact with the navigation without looking at it, so you can focus on the road while being able to set a new destination. Support for truck services is also a key feature, as drivers can even see real-time shower availability and restaurant options for POIs as they drive to their destinations.
Photo: Garmin
As I mentioned earlier, these devices come in a variety of screen sizes, and the flagship model isn’t necessarily the most affordable. However, it does offer one of the best feature packages in the space, with capabilities you won’t find elsewhere. It features a 10.1-inch LCD panel with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels, and it also packs a lithium-ion battery that should be able to power the device for up to two hours without a permanent power connection. However, you should keep the GPS navigator plugged in at all times.
Each GPS navigator has 32 GB of internal storage, but also offers support for microSD cards. Map updates and satellite imagery are free, and you can install them wirelessly, so you don't have to disconnect your device and connect it to your computer. Be sure to install the Garmin dezl mobile app on your Android device or iPhone for the full experience.