Looking for a GPS to use on a my Snowmobile.

[JOEY G]

Hi, I am looking for a cheap and easy set up for my snowmobile, I would like something in the 4.3 Size. Most of the people I know and the posts I have read they are using regular GPS units and they are sealing them up for water purpose.
Some of the Models I am looking at are
Nuvi
265w
40LM
2495LMT
3490LM
1390
200 or 205
I would like to be able to add 3rd party trail maps and any mount info would be great also.
I am not looking to spend a lot yet I want to see if this is something I will even use and how itll work. Thank you for your time.

[Butters]

If you can find a decent one 2nd hand I'd recommend a nuvi 500 series (they've been long-discontinued and surprisingly not a lot were sold new). Water protected and multi-purpose. Automotive, off-road and even marine mode. Shows topos better than most nuvi devices. No problem using 3rd party maps such as snowtrails either.

Please Login or Register to see the links

[SCDI]

Joey G if you want to try a snowmobile map here is a free map for the all province of Quebec
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[Giomen]

I'd recommend a nuvi 500 series

Do not recommend this device, it is buggy and slow. There is only one plus it is support for JNX maps and maps with embedded raster but the small low-resolution screen and low speed of scrolling multiply this advantage on zero. I did not mention a BlueChart because it is not requested in the post.

Nuvi 250 (big 200) and nuvi 660 are really good for any maps but you need try.

JNX maps and maps with embedded raster are supported by new Drive series but I think these devices are still expensive even on the second-hand market.

2x5 series and Nuvi 40, 50 has lacked a route.

Nuvi 1300 and 1400 has non-adequate scrolling even in home use.

Nuvi 3790 and 3490 are absolutely not friendly with the freeze. And no clips for mounting because they do not have frames!!!

2495LMT is good but the accu is not sufficient good on the used devices.

Only waste price may be the reason for your step. Or Android device will suits fine!?

[JOEY G]

Giomen I You lost me a bit 2496 you said is good but what does accu mean? So the 200 or 250 are the ones you would recommend?

The 500 is expensive even used.

This is only something I would use when I go to a new place so Only once or twice a year otherwise I pretty much know where I am going.

[Butters]

The 500 is expensive even used.

Yes, expensive they are ... unless you are lucky. I own two of them, both bought 2nd hand for less than US$40 however it not unusual to see lightly-used ones for over US$200 on ebay. The fact they are so expensive indicates they are sought-after by ppl looking for a weather-proofed multi-mode device. Name any other Garmin GPS handheld that commands up to two-thirds of it's original full RRP ten years after it was released? These things were only $300 new and could be bought for even less at discount outlets. The fact ppl are prepared to pay such high prices for a 10 year old device is confirmation of their desirability. Despite the comments (mostly true) about the screen and slow scrolling they are a very handy piece of kit for any off-road use. They're not particularly buggy in my experience, certainly no more that other older devices with slow processors and limited RAM anyway. They have a removable battery so you can carry a spare which can be bought from $10 plus for after-market and ~$20 for a genuine Garmin. Could be a lifesaver if you have a breakdown and need to walk back. Small 3.4in screen is not such a disadvantage on a MC or snowmobile where your face is close to the screen and it's the same sized screen as 200/205 which you mentioned. They have Driving, Walking, Cycling and Scootering (MC) modes and if you add a marine map that mode is also available. These things are the swiss-army knife of GPSs. I know a guy who owns a 40ft yacht fitted with $6000 chartplotter and he's got a nuvi 500 onboard as a backup in case his 16" GPSMAP breaks down.

[JOEY G]

Yes But I wanted to go on the cheaper side to try this to see if it is even something I would use. I have rode for 20 years and never used one before, I have always just used the trail maps. If it turns out to be something that I will use I will go overboard like usual and buy the best.

I ended up picking up a used Nuvi 205W. Now I need to mount it and find out which trail maps to use. and how to set it up.

[asprin624]

Here is the manual to the 205

Spoiler: 205

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

And free Topo maps of the USA

Spoiler: Topo Maps

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[Giomen]

I ended up picking up a used Nuvi 205W. Now I need to mount it and find out which trail maps to use. and how to set it up.

Good luck! Since I was involved to process I make my small gift to Christmas:

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

It are several big vehicle icons for the map. Because the best view of the map for a snowmobile is "course up" the default icons are too small for the clear definition of moving direction and even location. Unpack this file to folder "Garmin/Vehicle" on device and then choose a one of its in menu "Setting-Map-Vehicle icon".

I know a guy who owns a 40ft yacht fitted with $6000 chartplotter and he's got a nuvi 500 onboard as a backup in case his 16" GPSMAP breaks down.

Thus this guy is the direct victim of the direct Garmin marketing! Garmin had exactly positioned this combined device as navigation for trailer and boat. And it is gooddone! The device is simly usabal as Nuvi but read a Bluechart without ommisions. But for offroad on moto it is suitable only due to construction features. Any button or field on screen is screaming - MAKE ME BIGGER!!! There are no problem with conversion to Zumo but snowmobile is a main fisherman transport in our region and lack of BlueChart is inadmissible...

P.S. I suppose only the one device is really good for snowmobile. GPSMAP 620 (640) is worth his money.

[asprin624]

GPSMAP 620 and the Zumo are very good.

They are rugged and can hold up to a lot of bumps and they are waterproof from rain and snow.

I would not take a 205 out on a snow or rain day.