gps unit

[boatdoctor32]

is there a gps unit that i can purchase that already has the trails for wisconsin and surounding states already loaded on it or do i have to purchase everything seperate? also whats a good gps for snowmobiling? thanks don

 

[mngolf4]

boatdoctor32 - I'm pretty sure you have to buy trail maps from one of the aftermarket suppliers. Just search "GPS" within this forum and you'll find plenty to ready about regarding the various units available and recommendations.

 

[eagle1]

Welcome aboard, here's a good thread to read to get you started.
http://www.johndee.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?47302-GPS-Units

 

[boatdoctor32]

thanks guys for the replies but after reading all the reviews on the gps's its a little confusing on which one to buy thats gonna be reliable. the search continues thanks don

 

[mgsimon]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 5 inch, with Red Pine Maps. Luv it. Do some searching on the internet for a cover and mount. I have mine mounted to the handle bar.

 

[mgsimon]

Here is the mount/Case I am using: Semsons.com ME-MM+WPCS-5D: i.Trek Universal Motorcycle Mirror Mount with Case for 5" Screen GPS Devices.

The case is great the mount is only so/so for rougher riding. I plan on making my own brackets but use the case.

 

[groomerdriver]

thanks guys for the replies but after reading all the reviews on the gps's its a little confusing on which one to buy thats gonna be reliable. the search continues thanks don

What is "reliable" to you? Having one for 5'ish years and trying to stay abreast of all the changes/improvements, IMO they are ALL reliable. Main differences seem to be:

Waterproof?
Screen size?
Shape?
Which model Garmin?
Color or b/w?
Using it for other activities?
Which map chip to buy?

For most it seems to boil down to price and availability. Having a friend that's using one and seeing it in action certainly helps the decision making process too.

 

[ruffner1]

I use my older (replaced by a newer model) Garmin NuVI 260W for my Motorcycle and Snowmobile. I use RAM mounts and 12v plugs on both. I use Red Pine Mapping chip but have been disappointed with it at times (depends on where I am at). The RAM mounts are great.

 

[dopp]

I use my older (replaced by a newer model) Garmin NuVI 260W for my Motorcycle and Snowmobile. I use RAM mounts and 12v plugs on both. I use Red Pine Mapping chip but have been disappointed with it at times (depends on where I am at). The RAM mounts are great.

i have the same setup but use VVMaping and it works great (vvmapsing) has great coustomer service)

 

[flaabr01]

Do you use GPS at all during the summer for lakes? I have a handheld I used with a lakemaster chip before I upgraded my depth finder on my boat. When I brought it with me to mark my deer stands, I noticed the lakemaster chip had all of the snowmobile trails on it as well. This is a chip for MN, I'm not sure if the WI lakemaster has them or not, but I would assume they would.

Just wanted to throw this thought out there in case it might save you some $$$.

Also ran across this page - http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/gps.html. I haven't downloaded it but it might be a easy way to get the trails on a garmin.

 

[Builder Bob]

I use my older (replaced by a newer model) Garmin NuVI 260W for my Motorcycle and Snowmobile. I use RAM mounts and 12v plugs on both. I use Red Pine Mapping chip but have been disappointed with it at times (depends on where I am at). The RAM mounts are great.

What are the disappointments?

It is not a waterproof screen, but you can waterproof it, check out Youtube