Shore1066 Posted March 12, 2017 Report Share Posted March 12, 2017 We have decided to put a GPS system on one of our sleds next year. Question is what garmin model will do the job. I've read the 500 or 550 model work well but I don't seem to be able to find much information on the models. Are there better models available. Also mounding to the sled is important. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markusvt Posted March 12, 2017 Report Share Posted March 12, 2017 Get a cradle model with the connections built into the cradle for sure. The models with USB like the 550 are not the best for sled applications. Don't go any less than then the Zumo. In general Zumo>Montana>276cx. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PINKM1 Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 (edited) I just returned from an 8 day Gaspe' trip and have a Garmin Nuvi 67LM mounted on my windshield bag. It's great to have the large 7" screen to to see upcoming turns in the trail at a glance. My Nuvi requires constant power so I just left it plugged into my powerport while riding. No issues with cold temps and the one day we ran in the freezing rain and just put the unit inside a clear plastic bag. It worked perfectly the entire trip and now I have the tracks from every mile of the trip and the data includes average speed, moving time, non moving time and elevations. The graphs on Basecamp are easy to read and understand. Unit and mount cost me less than $150. I will not ride without a GPS again, even on my local trails in Vermont, because I don't need to unfold the map at any intersections. Edited March 13, 2017 by PINKM1 SkippyDoo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PINKM1 Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 One of my travel partners had a Montana mounted to his w/s bag. It was easier to power up because it had a powered cradle but was way too small to use while riding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
182ray Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 (edited) I like my Montana 650T. Garmin makes the Tempe temperature sensor that pairs with the Montana. You can set it up to display the ambient temperature. The Zumo isn't compatible with the Tempe. Edited March 13, 2017 by 182ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doonali Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 Also really like my Montana 650T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markusvt Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 While the Nuvi line will work, most are very limited in use and will not be able to grow with you. Hooking and unhooking the USB gets old, as does the protection from the elements if you need too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gade_guy Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 I think the best of the best is either Garmin 590LM or the 276cx, a bit pricey but you won't out grow either of these for many years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smclelan Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 Montana 650 with a hard wired handle bar mount. Snaps in and out with ease. Florida Snowman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revct1 Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 I started with a Nuvi 550 many years ago. It has the wire for power and I did the handle bar mount. It worked good for many years. This year we bought a Zumo 660 LM (Lifetime Map updates thank you Ray) for Sandi's sled. She has a Renegade and we mounted it with a glove box extension like 182 Ray mounted his Montana. This mounts in a cradle so there are no wires to deal with once everything is set up. After using the Zumo center mounted, the Nuvi on the handle bars is old hat. If you have a Ski Doo, the glove box extension is nice. Other sleds you can probably mount centered in front of you too. This protects the GPS from the elements and branches. It also makes it very easy to view. We haven't tried any other models. Garmin is the way to go. Cradle mount definitely, centered in front of the driver if possible, large screen, motorcycle application will be vibration and moisture resistant. We purchased ours from gpscity.com Jack & Sandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLAYHARD Posted March 19, 2017 Report Share Posted March 19, 2017 Me too. I LOVE my Montana 650. A gift the Mrs., so I guess she really does want me to return home! Hard-wired w/Ram mount & annual Trakmaps updates. Takes a lickin... And without going down into the "size matters" gutter, this unit can be set to auto-zoom when tracking upcoming turns, so it's plenty visible. The only bummer is wiping snow off the touch-screen and changing the view while under way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GT Rider Posted March 19, 2017 Report Share Posted March 19, 2017 I have a 276c from 2007. It is no longer supported by trakmaps. I still like it a lot. I bought a Montana and was not happy with the touch screen. I then got the 276cx and a trakmaps card (fits in the Montana cradle). I keep one zoomed at 800ft and the other at 2mi. I noticed the 276cx going 2.5 MPH sitting on the desk in my hotel room. It showed more mileage at the end of the day all 11 days in use (moving while stopped). I guess a firm ware update is due. (2/26/17 off to a warm start.) PLAYHARD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.