Magellan RoadMate 1700 7 Inch Widescreen Trucking GPS Navigator Review

Magellan’s RoadMate 1700 trucking GPS navigator has been designed for large vehicles such as RVs, Trucks, SUVs and minivans Magellan. Headline features making this a GPS navigator for trucking are; the extra large 7-inch WVGA full-color display, ALK CoPilot GPS navigation software, Highway Lane Assist and a special extension mount for larger vehicles.

Magellan RoadMate Trucking GPS

The CoPilot software, extension mount and reversing (video) camera jack are optional purchases but, provide significant benefits if the RoadMate 1700 is being purchased for trucking or other large vehicle navigation. Time and fuel are important factors in determining trucking profitability and the Magellan RoadMate 1700 comes with multi-destination routing with route optimization to minimize both.

The optional CoPilot Truck Software from ALK Industries provides truck specific GPS navigation for drivers of all types and sizes of commercial and recreational vehicles throughout the United States and Canada. Read our detailed review of ALK’s CoPilot Trucking Software.

The heavy duty Extension Mount brings the GPS navigator closer in a large cabin. It has three points of articulation for positioning flexibility and 12 inches of extension. The specialized multi-surface mounting pad will stick directly to vinyl dashboards safely securing the device and avoiding the long reach to the windshield. Magellan’s Highway Lane Assist feature positions the driver in the proper lane for upcoming lane changes and exits – critical advance notice for larger vehicles. The extra large 7 inch display provides enhanced readability and greater safety by allowing the driver to spend less time with their eyes off the road. The spoken street names capability also provides the same safety benefit.

Magellan’s One Touch user interface allows the user to access all their most commonly used searches (eg. find the nearest franchise of my favourite coffee) from the top level of the navigation interface. One Touch could be considered analogous to the favourites toolbar of a Web browser except it’s a real world search. Once set up by the user, One Touch significantly reduces the time a driver spends stepping through menus.

The integrated AAA Tourbook Guide is in addition to the standard 6 million entry POI database and provides navigation information such as:

Diamond ratings for accommodation and restaurants
Tourist Attractions
AAA Roadside assistance information (AAA members)
AAA Member Discounts (AAA members)
AAA Approved Auto Repairers (AAA members)

Other Notable Features of the Magellan RoadMate 1700

Highway Exit POI helps the driver find gas stations, restaurants and hotels near upcoming exits

Video-In jack can be used to connect a back-up camera or other video source to watch live video on the large 7 inch display

QuickSpell with New SmartCity Search intelligently narrows searches and checks spelling while entering addresses

Branded POIs to display favorite coffee shops, restaurants and more by logo

SmartDetour for navigating around accidents or traffic jams

Customizable route method for selecting a preference for route calculation based on ; shortest distance, fastest time, most use of freeways, or least use of freeways

Bird’s eye 3D view shows surroundings in 2D or 3D

Auto re-route ensures that you will never miss a turn and quickly gets your back on track whenever you take a detour.

Auto night view which automatically adjusts color and contrast for lower ambient light conditions.

Mini USB 2.0 port

Micro SD slot

Standard Inclusions with Magellan RoadMate 1700

Magellan RoadMate 1700
Pre-loaded maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico
Vehicle power adapter
Adhesive disc (for dash mounting)
Windshield mount
Quick Reference manual

Review Summary Magellan RoadMate 1700

Magellan’s RoadMate 1700 vehicle GPS navigator with the optional CoPilot software provides safety and economic benefits for the drivers of large vehicles which are worth serious consideration. Mandatory truck specific GPS navigators are already being considered by legislators and regulators based on the proven benefits. Headline features making this the Magellan RoadMate 1700 GPS navigator for trucking also include the extra large 7-inch WVGA full-color display, Highway Lane Assist, multi-destination routing and route optimization and optional heavy duty Extension Mount.