Truck Sat Nav vs Google Maps: Which Is Better for HGV Drivers?

Choosing the right navigation system matters when you drive an HGV. Unlike a car driver, an HGV driver needs to consider much more than journey time. Vehicle height, width, length and weight can all affect whether a particular road is suitable.

Google Maps is a great navigation tool. It offers live traffic, road closure updates, and Street View. However, it is primarily designed for general road users rather than HGV-specific route planning.

A dedicated truck sat nav, such as a Snooper Truckmate, keeps larger vehicles in mind in its design. So, what are the differences, and which should HGV drivers use?

Can You Use Google Maps for an HGV?

Google Maps can be a useful tool for HGV drivers, particularly when planning a journey.

One of its biggest advantages is live traffic information. Drivers can see congestion, incidents and road closures and get an estimated arrival time based on current conditions.

Street View is also useful for professional drivers. Before travelling to an unfamiliar delivery or collection point, for example, a driver can use Street View to get a better idea of the entrance, surrounding roads and general location.

However, Google Maps does not provide dedicated HGV routing based on the dimensions and weight of your vehicle.

This is an important distinction. A route that is perfectly suitable for a car may include a low bridge, weight restriction or narrow road that makes it unsuitable for an HGV.

Google Maps can therefore be a useful additional journey-planning tool, but professional drivers should not assume that every suggested route is suitable for their vehicle.

What Makes a Truck Sat Nav Different?

A dedicated truck sat nav is designed to take the requirements of larger vehicles into account. It will have more specific features that Google Maps may not, such as.

*Google Maps offers useful general navigation features, while Snooper Truckmate provides features designed around HGV and professional drivers.

Why Vehicle Dimensions Matter for HGV Navigation

Vehicle dimensions can completely change which route is appropriate.

Imagine a route that takes you underneath a bridge. A car driver may be able to follow that route without giving the bridge height a second thought. An HGV driver needs to know whether there is enough clearance for their vehicle.

The same applies to other restrictions.

A narrow road may be straightforward in a car but unsuitable for a wide HGV. A road could also have a weight restriction that prevents a heavier vehicle from using it.

Vehicle length can matter too, particularly when navigating tighter roads, junctions and areas that are difficult for larger vehicles.

This is why entering accurate vehicle information into a compatible truck sat nav is important. The navigation system can use those details when calculating the route rather than treating the vehicle like an ordinary car.

Drivers should always make sure the dimensions entered into their sat nav match the vehicle they are currently driving and continue to follow road signs and restrictions.

What About Live Traffic and Road Closures?

Live traffic is one of Google Maps' strongest features.

It can provide drivers with an overview of congestion, incidents and road closures and may suggest alternative routes when conditions change.

For HGV drivers, however, the quickest alternative route isn't necessarily the most appropriate one.

For example, avoiding motorway congestion might save time for a car driver, but an alternative route through smaller local roads could introduce restrictions that affect an HGV.

Compatible Snooper devices can provide traffic information while also offering truck-specific navigation. Available traffic features and services vary between models, so drivers should check the specification of their particular device.

This allows drivers to benefit from traffic information without losing sight of an equally important question: is the route suitable for the vehicle?

Can You Use Google Maps and a Truck Sat Nav Together?

It doesn't necessarily have to be a choice between one or the other.

Google Maps can complement a dedicated truck sat nav when used as an additional planning tool.

For example, before starting a journey, a driver might use Google Maps to:

• Check current traffic conditions.
• Look at a destination using Street View.
• Familiarise themselves with the surrounding area.
• Get an initial indication of journey time.

The driver can then use their dedicated truck sat nav for the main route, with the correct vehicle dimensions and weight entered into the device.

Using the two tools for their respective strengths can provide professional drivers with more information when planning unfamiliar journeys.

Which Navigation System Is Right for You?

The right choice depends largely on the vehicle you drive and the journeys you make.

Car drivers: Google Maps may provide everything needed for everyday navigation, particularly when used through a smartphone or compatible infotainment system.

Van drivers: The right option depends on the size and weight of the van and the type of routes being driven. Larger commercial vehicles may benefit from navigation designed with vehicle restrictions in mind.

HGV drivers: A dedicated truck sat nav is the more appropriate choice for primary navigation because vehicle dimensions, weight and road restrictions can affect route suitability.

Professional drivers: Drivers regularly travelling to unfamiliar destinations may benefit from a dedicated navigation device, while still using services such as Google Maps for additional traffic information, destination research and Street View.

Why Choose Snooper Truckmate?

Snooper Truckmate sat navs are designed specifically with professional and commercial drivers in mind.

Compatible models allow drivers to enter vehicle characteristics so the device can calculate routes appropriate for the vehicle profile.

Depending on the Truckmate model, drivers can also benefit from features such as larger dedicated displays, traffic information and driver alerts.

Having a dedicated sat nav also keeps navigation separate from your smartphone. Instead of relying on the same device for calls, messages, apps and directions, drivers have a screen with a clear purpose: navigation.

Features differ across the Truckmate range, so always check the individual product specification when choosing a device.

Explore the Snooper Truckmate sat nav range to find the right navigation system for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Google Maps have an HGV mode?

Google Maps is designed primarily for general navigation and does not offer dedicated HGV route planning based on a truck profile containing dimensions such as vehicle height, width, length and weight.

Can Google Maps warn me about low bridges?

HGV drivers should not rely on Google Maps to calculate routes based on their vehicle's height. A dedicated truck navigation system can use vehicle information when calculating an appropriate route on compatible models.

Why does an HGV sat nav need my vehicle height and weight?

These details help compatible truck sat navs determine whether restrictions on a potential route could affect your vehicle. For example, vehicle height is relevant to low bridges, while vehicle weight can be relevant to roads with weight restrictions.

Is Google Maps still useful for truck drivers?

Yes. Google Maps can be useful for checking live traffic, looking at destinations using Street View and researching an unfamiliar area before travelling. It can work well as an additional planning tool alongside dedicated HGV navigation.

Should I use Google Maps or a truck sat nav for HGV driving?

For primary HGV navigation, a dedicated truck sat nav is more appropriate because it is designed to account for the requirements of larger vehicles. Google Maps can still be useful as a secondary journey-planning tool.

Do Snooper Truckmate sat navs have live traffic?

Traffic functionality is available on compatible Snooper devices, but features and services vary by model. Check the specification of the individual Truckmate device before purchasing.

Google Maps or a Dedicated Truck Sat Nav?

Google Maps and dedicated truck sat navs have different strengths.

Google Maps provides excellent general navigation features, particularly live traffic and Street View. These can be valuable to HGV drivers when researching destinations and planning journeys.

A dedicated truck sat nav goes further by providing navigation designed around the requirements of larger vehicles. For HGV drivers who need to consider vehicle dimensions, weight and road restrictions, that makes it more suitable for primary navigation.

Rather than completely replacing Google Maps, professional drivers can use it alongside a dedicated truck navigation system and take advantage of the strengths of both.

Explore Snooper Truckmate sat navs and compare navigation options designed for professional drivers.