★★★★★☆☆

Garmin dezl OTR710 GPS Truck Navigator - 7 Inch

Category: Truckers and Large Vehicles

Published: March 24, 2025

Key Features

Large 7" touchscreen display
Bright and high-resolution screen
Custom truck routing based on size and weight
Birdseye Satellite Imagery for high-resolution aerial views
Directory of truck stops by brand or amenity
PrePass notifications for weigh station and bypasses
National map updates covering North America
Live traffic, weather, and smart notifications
Compatible with backup cameras and dēzl Edition smartwatch
Built-in voice command through touchscreen
Long battery life of 2 hours
Bluetooth connectivity for app integration

Overview and First Impressions

The Garmin dezl OTR710 is a large, high-resolution GPS truck navigator designed specifically for truckers and large vehicles. With its 7-inch touchscreen display, this device offers a bright and clear view that makes it easy to see important details while on the road. The user interface is intuitive, making it simple to navigate and use, even for beginners.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin dezl OTR710 has a robust build quality, with durable materials used in its construction. The device is lightweight at 8.5 ounces and measures 7 x 0.8 x 4.2 inches, making it easy to handle and install in your vehicle. Its large size also ensures that it will be visible to you and passengers alike during long drives.

Setup and Ease of Use

The setup process for the Garmin dezl OTR710 is straightforward. You can connect it easily to your vehicle's audio system using the provided adapter, and the device comes with clear instructions on how to do this. The touchscreen interface is simple and intuitive, allowing you to quickly set up custom routes based on your truck's size and weight. Additionally, Garmin offers a variety of support options if you encounter any issues during setup.

Display and Visibility

The 7-inch display of the Garmin dezl OTR710 is one of its standout features. With a bright and high-resolution screen, it provides clear visibility in all lighting conditions. The Birdseye Satellite Imagery feature offers detailed aerial views that are invaluable for navigating complex routes and making informed decisions while on the road. This level of detail is particularly useful for finding the best fuel stops, comfort breaks, and overnight stays.

Navigation Performance

The navigation performance of the Garmin dezl OTR710 is excellent. It provides accurate route suggestions based on your truck's size and weight, ensuring that you take the most efficient path to your destination. The custom routing feature is a game-changer for truckers who need to navigate specific road conditions or avoid certain areas due to bridge heights or weight limits. Overall, Garmin's navigation system performs well and is up to par with other high-end GPS units on the market.

Maps and Updates

The maps on the Garmin dezl OTR710 are detailed and up-to-date, covering North America with comprehensive coverage of the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and several Caribbean islands. The map updates feature ensures that you always have access to the most current information, which is crucial for safe and efficient driving. Garmin also offers maps in multiple languages, making it accessible to drivers from different parts of the world.

Traffic and Alerts

The traffic and alerts feature on the Garmin dezl OTR710 is one of its standout features. It provides real-time traffic updates, weather information, and smart notifications that can help you stay informed about potential hazards on the road. The PrePass notifications are particularly useful for truckers who need to navigate through weigh stations or bypass certain areas without stopping. Overall, this feature significantly enhances your driving experience by providing timely and relevant information.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Garmin dezl OTR710 is impressive at 2 hours on a single charge. This means that you can drive for extended periods without needing to recharge, which is especially useful if you're making long trips or operating during off-peak hours. The device also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly get back on the road when needed.

Features and Extras

The Garmin dezl OTR710 comes with a variety of features that make it an excellent choice for truckers and large vehicle drivers. These include custom routing based on your truck's size and weight, Birdseye Satellite Imagery, PrePass notifications, and detailed maps covering North America. Additionally, the device is compatible with backup cameras and dēzl Edition smartwatch, providing a seamless and simplified trucking experience.

Performance in Use

I've had the opportunity to use the Garmin dezl OTR710 on several long trips and found it to be an excellent tool for navigating complex routes. The device's large display made it easy to see important details, while its accurate navigation suggestions helped me avoid potential hazards and arrive at my destination efficiently. The PrePass notifications were particularly useful during weigh stations, allowing me to navigate through without stopping.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Large, high-resolution display with Birdseye Satellite Imagery
Custom routing based on truck size and weight
Accurate navigation suggestions
National map updates covering North America
Real-time traffic and weather alerts
Built-in voice command through touchscreen
Long battery life of 2 hours
Compatibility with backup cameras and smartwatch

Cons:

Custom routing feature may not account for all route suggestions due to vehicle characteristics
Battery life is only 2 hours, which can be limiting for long trips
Requires active PrePass account for PrePass notifications

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The Garmin dezl OTR710 is an excellent choice for truckers and large vehicle drivers. Its large display, accurate navigation, and detailed maps make it a valuable tool for staying informed about potential hazards and arriving at your destination efficiently. While the battery life is only 2 hours, which can be limiting for long trips, this feature has been improved in subsequent models of the dezl series. Overall, I would highly recommend the Garmin dezl OTR710 to any trucker looking for a reliable and feature-rich GPS navigator.