In early June, Garmin unveiled their new line of Dezl series navigation GPS systems. The new Dezl OTR610, 710, 810 & 1010 models are Garmin’s follow up to the robust Dezl OTR 700 series released in 2020. The 700 series had a massive overhaul with tons of improvements over the 2017 editions of Garmin dezl 580, Garmin dezl 780 and Garmin dezl 780 lmts.
With a few generations of smart GPS navigators under their belt, Garmin truly is defining “Trucking Simplified”. These new navigators are packed with features to meet truckers needs. With new technology always on the horizon, you can see a clear timeline of Garmin’s commitment to producing products that excel at their functions while being easy to operate and providing us the latest in technology. Let’s dig in.
Options
Garmin’s new Dezl GPS series presents a sophisticated feature set that includes Arrival Planning with automatic Birdseye Satellite Imagery to see high resolution aerial views during truck entrances, security gates, and loading dock destinations. The new Dezl series feature bigger touchscreens with display size options of 6, 7, 8, and 10 inches. Additionally, with the 8” and 10” models, there is a split image display option which allows you to preview your remaining route and looming weather conditions. You will also be able to mount the Dezl OTR 810 (8”) and Dezl OTR 1010 (10”) in your choice of portrait or landscape which allows more details and information within your line of view.
Custom Truck Routing
With this amazing new feature, you can enter your trucks profile, including size and weight, and your Dezl GPS will provide you alerts for upcoming bridge heights, weight limits, sharp turns, railroad crossings, speed changes and steep grades which will increase your level of awareness and overall safety of your driving. Of course, you will also be provided with suggestions of the best truck preferred routes that fit your rigs profile. This function works really well when using alongside other Arrival Planning features that will help maximize your efficiency completing your routes and stops.
-Tip- Enter your rigs current weight and height profile vs max load capacity for more accurate guidance and restrictions. Setting your profile with max weight capacity may cause the GPS to warn you of restrictions that do not apply at your current rigs actual weight.
-Note- There is also a profile for “Car” if you want to use it for regular driving without all the trucking suggestions and restrictions.
Plan Arrival Feature
This amazing new feature allows you pick the location you plan to arrive at your stop or destination. The Birdseye Satellite Imagery delivers crystal clear high-resolution aerial views of loading docks, entrances, truck parking locations, and security gates. Your Dezl will provide multiple options for you to choose your arrival point, or you can customize the location and name yourself. It is pretty amazing seeing this in action, the zoom points and clarity on the aerial view which let me choose an arrival spot makes this really easy, especially when backing into loading docks.
It is worth noting that you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi or matched with the Dezl App for the Birdseye Satellite Imagery to function and will download automatically as long as your connected.
Navigation Features
With a new series of GPS navigators comes new features as well as the ones we are accustomed to. Garmin did a great job streamlining what is most important while boosting efficiencies through better user accessibility, integration from feature to feature, and power.
Navigation is especially needed in unfamiliar territory. You will now be able to view other truckers’ routes for better planning before heading out and higher awareness while on the road. Trucks and Trailer Services offers a filter enabled directory, and Truck Plaza Loyalty Programs can be synced right to your Dezl for participating partners, like Love’s Travel Stops and Pilot Travel Centers. PrePass is now built in with on-screen notifications of upcoming weigh stations and bypass decisions, helping save time.
In your Route Overview, you will see all the best choices for fuel stops, rest breaks, and overnight stops. Furthermore, the Dezl App will give you access to live traffic and even connect to photoLive traffic cameras where available. Being connected to the Dezl App will also give you real-time weather and incoming weather conditions. For the Dezl 810 and 1010 you no longer need to leave your active map navigation screen to view these navigation features as those models have larger screens with split screen abilities.
Time Management
Truck drivers know, finding the right balance between arriving at your destination on time and maintaining your physical health while keeping compliant with driving and rest time regulations is not always easy. Especially when you have built momentum and are making great progress in your route, stopping is the last thing you think about. Easy Break Planning will alert you when it’s time to break or go keeping you rested, aware, and compliant so you can maximize each one of your stops.
Device and Compatibility
The Dezl 610, 710, 810, and 1010 come with a new USB-C port, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi allowing for hands free calling and Garmin Voice Assistant. These features will allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, even if you need to ask it for directions. There are updated maps for North America with coverage of the U.S. Mexico, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas.
With the Dezl App, you will get smart notifications of text messages and other notifications right on your screen. The Dezl GPS navigators are offer ELD compliance with the Garmin eLog-compliant ELD and provides subscription-free Hours of Service recording.
Garmin’s new line of navigators are compatible with Garmin’s new Dezl 100 and Dezl 200 wireless trucking headphones. The 100 is a 1 earcup headset while the 200 model offers 2 earcups but with a quick release option making them a 1 earcup headset as well. These new Garmin headsets feature a battery life up to 50 hours and an easy switch audio to talk system making them completely hands free while on the road. They even come with a convenient storage hook which helps keep them handy in your truck. The Dezl GPS are also compatible with Garmin’s BC-50 backup camera, as well as several dashboard cameras and Garmin’s Instinct 2 Dezl smart watch.
Is it worth buying or upgrading?
Yes. Garmin trucker GPS navigators are amazing and work perfectly. If you don’t own one, I strongly recommend jumping right to the Dezl OTR 810 or the Dezl OTR 1010 so you can appreciate its full power and features. It has tremendous visibility and once you use see the split screen in action, you can’t go back. If you need something smaller, the Dezl OTR 610 is also a choice. Being a leader in innovation, Garmin’s latest models should last you at least a few generations of navigators before you would consider replacing it. If you own a semi-old model like the Garmin OTR 700, you may not need to update right away, but if you see a deal or want to enjoy the better high-resolution display, split screen and satellite features, I recommend upgrading. The features are definitely worthy and come with much greater benefits. If you are still using a much older model like the Garmin Dezl 770, set it aside or give it away, it’s time for a new one.
When it comes to GPS navigation systems, there is a reason why truckers, motorists, cyclists, and travelers of all type know to look to Garmin. Garmin’s motto is “engineered on the inside for life on the outside”, and if you have ever owned or used a Garmin product, you would agree that those words couldn’t be more true. In fact, these devices are so popular that if you mention “Garmin for truckers” a trucker will know you’re talking about navigation systems. For years, Garmin has provided us with reliable user-friendly navigation systems that are dependable, and with the new Dezl series, they continue to do so.
Both the Garmin 770 and 780 GPS navigators for trucks, RVs and other large vehicles feature the company’s trademark Active Lane Guidance. Unlike other cheap GPS devices where you have to pay a certain price if you want to get map updates, you only have to pay for the GPS device and with Garmin you have access to unlimited map and traffic updates.