The next time you pull in to refuel, have dinner, shower or do your laundry, build in a little extra time to check out merchandise from brands new to travel centers as well as new mobile tech items from some familiar names.
Uniden DFR1 radar detectorAmong brands new to travel centers are Nuu/Lycca, TomTom, MobileSpec 2.0, Skullcandy, Uniden and Tracfone. Rand McNally, already familiar to truckers, has a new combination navigation and communication device.
Nuu/Lycca provides an alternative to conventional cell phone services that lock you into burdensome service plans. Nuu works with Lycca Mobile to provide a selection of smartphones with no-contract service that is quick and easy to activate.
Tracfone pairs with Verizon for no-contract cellular service. It offers a 4G Android smartphone and an LG flip phone, as well as the option to use a phone you already own. No credit check or credit card required for these services.
TomTom makes a variety of products, and is especially well known for its various navigation devices and accessories. It’s Trucker 600 combines truck-specific routing with its TomTom Traffic to create routes that are optimized for your truck’s size, weight, cargo and speed.
Skullcandy audio productsMobileSpec 2.0, a member of the RoadPro family of brands, introduced its new line of mobile technology products at the Mid-America Trucking Show in March, and those items are now available in travel centers. Those products include a variety of audio, protection and charging accessories as well as mounting brackets and cases to keep electronics charged, safe and visible. Driver safety is the focus of the MobileSpec products, including a DC charger which also has a glass punch and seatbelt cutter.
Skullcandy is one of the leading makers of headphones, earbuds and Bluetooth speakers. Truckers will find both wireless headphones and earbuds and models with 3.5 mm plugs to fit most devices. Skullcandy also delivers a variety of specialized audio products for people with active lifestyles and gaming enthusiasts; there also is a line of products engineered specifically for women.
Uniden is a leading producer of tech products from CB radios emergency power packs to scanners and security cameras. But, it is especially well known among professional drivers for dash cams and radar detectors. It’s newest radar detector is the DFR1, which features an easy-to-read icon display.
Rand McNally has delivered the newest model of its OverDryve multi-purpose tablet device.
The OverDryve 8Pro uses an 8-inch high resolution screen to deliver GPS navigation, an electronic logging device, built-in dash cam and a variety of other tablet functions like entertainment, music, news and traffic. It also serves as a Sirius XM satellite radio receiver.
Bluetooth connectivity allows hands-free calling and texting, as well as voice assistance through Siri and Google Now.
