Thread: Looking for a GPS to use on a my Snowmobile.

Originally Posted by JOEY G

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.

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.

Joey G i have been using Nuvi's on my sleds for about 6 years now, my Fav model to date would be the Nuvi 2555 LM you can pick a unit up off Fleabay for $25 US, run a direct connection to your Battery, don,t run it off your Acc Plug, its Hard on the Stator, I run mine through a 3 terminal Lighted toggle switch, and only turn it off at the end of the day, or end of Ride. I have a few sled maps, depending on what part of the world you are in. Feel free to Msg me for more Info on setting up a Unit. Sorry don,t see how to rotate photo,,,