If you’ve been following 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 an important name in this space, targeting a group that has until now been ignored by giants like Google Maps and Waze.
Garmin’s dezl OTR navigators are specifically aimed at truck drivers, providing them with custom routing based on vehicle dimensions, cargo type and size, and dedicated points of interest.
The dezl OTR family has just been refreshed with new models and capabilities.
Garmin announced five new trucking navigators called dezl OTR 620, 720, 725, 820, and 1020. The main difference is the screen size, so the feature lineup is almost the same for the entire lineup. The OTR 620 sports a 6-inch display, while the 1020 is the top-of-the-range 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 accurate truck destinations, including loading docks and security gates. While truck navigation is already available on other products, Garmin wants to direct drivers specifically to where they must go, and you can imagine how important it is to arrive at the correct loading dock or entrance. A large vehicle with gigantic cargo can’t afford to head to the wrong security gate, and Garmin says the dezl community insights will help drivers find the correct destination.
All models feature an improved custom routing engine that considers your vehicle profile when searching for routes. Garmin’s GPS navigators look for the appropriate route by checking the size and weight of the rig. It also offers alerts for upcoming bridge heights, sharp curves, and other potential hazards so that you can continue your journey safely. It also includes wind speed alerts with a new map overlay.
Photo: Garmin
Garmin seems to rely more on its user community, so the new device lineup includes support for popular routes, allowing drivers to view the best routes used by other truck drivers 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 where other professional truckers go.
The device refresh includes new hardware goodies that drivers will certainly find useful. For example, the OTR725 includes a dash cam, so if you install it in the right place, it can record what happens on the road ahead. This is the main difference versus OTR720, as the latter is the model not fitted with a dash cam.
Photo: Garmin
The dash cam is only available on the 7-inch navigator.
Like the model they replace (Garmin uses a numbering naming system for its GPS navigator system, so the previous models end in “10,” whereas the new models use the “20” ending to highlight the new generation), the updated lineup is compatible with the company’s accessories to enhance navigation. You can connect headsets if you want to listen to directions and get a built-in flashlight, backup cameras to see real-time images when you go in reverse directly on the GPS navigator, and ELDs.
The maps are top-notch, and you get must-have capabilities, such as voice guidance and voice assistant. This means you can interact with the navigator without looking at it, so you can focus on the road while being able to set a new destination. The 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 said earlier, these devices come with different screen sizes, and the top model isn’t necessarily affordable. However, it provides one of the best feature packages in this space, sporting capabilities you won’t find elsewhere. It’s fitted with a 10.1-inch LCD panel with a 1280×800 pixels resolution and 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 all the time.
Each GPS navigator sports 32 GB of internal storage space, but they also offer support for microSD cards. The map updates and the satellite imagery are free, and you will be able to install them wirelessly, so you won’t have to disconnect the device and connect it to your computer. Make sure you install the Garmin dezl mobile app on your Android device or your iPhone for the complete experience.