★★★★★☆☆

Garmin Dezl OTR720 Truck GPS Navigator - 7” Touchscreen

Category: Truckers and Large Vehicles

Published: March 24, 2025

Key Features

7" High-Resolution Touchscreen
Custom Truck Routing for Height, Weight, and Hazardous Materials
Community-Driven Insights for Parking and Loading Docks
Real-Time Alerts for Sharp Curves, Steep Grades, Speed Changes
Built-in PrePass Notifications for Weigh Stations
Wind Speed Weather Alerts
Integrated Wi-Fi for Up-to-Date Maps and Software
Sandisk Micro SDHC Ultra 32GB Memory Card Included
Dezl App for Hands-Free Calling and Smart Notifications
Diginerds LCD Cleaning Kit Included

Overview and First Impressions

The Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator is a highly advanced commercial GPS system designed specifically for semi truck drivers. With its 7" high-resolution touchscreen, this navigator offers exceptional clarity and ease of use, making it an essential tool on the road. The custom truck routing feature accounts for vehicle size and load, providing tailored routes to avoid unsuitable roads and potential hazards.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator boasts a robust build quality with its durable design and water-resistant features. The 7" touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, even in direct sunlight or rain. However, the inclusion of a carrying case would enhance portability and protect it from accidental bumps and drops.

Setup and Ease of Use

The setup process for the Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator is relatively straightforward, especially considering its advanced features. The touchscreen interface is user-friendly, with clear on-screen instructions and a simple menu navigation system. However, some users may find it challenging to customize settings or access certain features due to the complexity of the interface.

Display and Visibility

The display quality of the Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator is excellent, with bright colors and clear text that remains visible even in direct sunlight. The 7" screen size provides ample real estate for routing information, weather updates, and other navigation-related data. However, the lack of an external mount may limit its visibility when not being used, especially in low-light conditions.

Navigation Performance

The Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator offers impressive navigation performance with accurate routing and real-time traffic updates. The custom truck routing feature significantly enhances the driving experience by providing safe and efficient routes for semi trucks. However, some users may encounter issues with signal strength in rural areas or during inclement weather conditions.

Maps and Updates

The Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator comes pre-loaded with detailed maps and route information. The built-in Wi-Fi ensures that maps and software are always up-to-date, allowing users to access the latest information without needing a computer. However, the reliance on internet connectivity for updates may pose a concern during areas with limited or no Wi-Fi availability.

Traffic and Alerts

The Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator provides valuable traffic and alert information, including real-time traffic updates, sharp curve alerts, steep grade notifications, and speed changes. The PrePass feature saves time by pre-arranging routes for upcoming weigh stations, while wind speed weather alerts keep drivers informed about hazardous conditions. However, the accuracy of traffic information may vary depending on local data availability.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator is impressive, lasting up to 16 hours of continuous use. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery ensures extended operation without frequent replacements, making it a budget-friendly option for truckers on long hauls. However, users with demanding navigation needs may experience faster battery drain due to the advanced features.

Features and Extras

The Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator includes several useful extras, such as community-driven insights for parking and loading docks, built-in weather alerts, and access to traveler ratings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The Diginerds LCD cleaning kit also adds convenience for maintaining the screen's clarity over time. However, the inclusion of a carrying case would enhance portability and protect it from accidental bumps and drops.

Performance in Use

In real-world usage, the Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator has proven to be an effective tool for truck drivers. The custom routing feature has significantly reduced travel time on long hauls, while the real-time traffic updates have helped avoid congestion and potential delays. The wind speed weather alerts have kept drivers informed about hazardous conditions, ensuring a safer driving experience.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Custom truck routing for height, weight, and hazardous materials
Community-driven insights for parking and loading docks
Real-time traffic updates and alerts for sharp curves, steep grades, and speed changes
Built-in PrePass notifications for weigh stations
Wind speed weather alerts for critical conditions
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for extended use
Access to traveler ratings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions

Cons:

Complex interface that may be challenging for beginners
Lack of external mount may limit visibility in low-light conditions
Reliance on internet connectivity for map updates
Potential faster battery drain with advanced features

Final Verdict and Recommendation.

The Garmin Dezl OTR720 GPS Truck Navigator is an excellent commercial GPS system designed specifically for semi truck drivers. Its custom routing feature, real-time traffic updates, and comprehensive navigation performance make it a valuable tool on the road. While some users may find the interface complex or the lack of external mount challenging, the battery life and advanced features far outweigh these drawbacks. For truckers and large vehicle operators looking for an efficient and reliable GPS system, we strongly recommend the Garmin Dezl OTR720.