GPS setups on newer apex's

[mr. shide]

what are you guys using for GPS displays/mounts on the newer apexes? i am thinking of putting a setup on my 2011 SE. probably would go with VV mapping since i ride mainly in MI.

 

[actionjack]

As for mounting, there is always a way to use RAM mount products somehow. Use the RAM website or GPScity.com then compare prices through Amazon. I use RAM stuff all over including for my GOPRO stuff.

 

[mr. shide]

Cool. Looks like i can get a refurbised nuvi 550 for about $220.

 

[THKSNOW]

Cool. Looks like i can get a refurbised nuvi 550 for about $220.

Sound like way too much $ to me, I say keep looking.

GPS prices are all over the place. I had no idea which one would work for snowmobiling so I called Jeramey Valley at VVmapping.com to see what he would recommend. I ended up buying a brand new Nuvi 50 (5" touch screen) on ebay for $78 (shipped) from toys r us this past April. It doesn't have the lifetime maps but I don't need them. It works awesome in the car, even keeps track of max speed. I bought a ram mount for the sled and I'm going to order the VV mapping on their micro sd card this fall.

 

[mr. shide]

So he recommended a 1490? I assume then that they are waterproof and good to sub zero temps. Ill check them out. Thanks.

Doesnt sound like they are outdoor or marine friendly but i really dont know.

 

[THKSNOW]

Not waterproof, but I did a lot of reading about guys using these (non-waterproof) without problems. If I have really wet snow (or rain) I can cover it with a ziplock or put it in my pocket.

 

[THKSNOW]

You'll spend $100's for weatherproof models.

 

[mr. shide]

Ok thanks for info.

 

[Master of Faster]

RAM mount and a Nuvi 40. I've riddin with it for about 1500 miles. Only had one ride in real wet snow where the screen discolored a bit, but it has since dried out and been fine. I'd do it again considering the savings over a waterproof unit. I'm using VVMapping and it has been great.

 

[mr. shide]

Thats a great lookin setup. You drill all the way through rhe riser or self tapper screws or did you drill and tap? Also do you guys unplug from your cig plug on the sled when you take a short break or do you leave the unitsmplugged in and on all day? I didnt know if you were to turn off the gps if it takes a while to reload and acquire a sat signal? Do the 40 and 1490 accept vv's sd card?

 

[Master of Faster]

I drilled and tapped the riser, it is thick enough to get a few good threads. I ordered an accessory power cable that allows you to hardwire to any 12v source. That way the wire runs under the dash and you don't have to use the big cig lighter type adapter. Looks cleaner. I have it wired to power the GPS with key on, but it stays on using the internal battery after you shut the sled off. You do have to hit a button for it to stay on, and for that reason I am considering re-wiring to provide constant power to the GPS regardless of key position. Only time I pull it off the sled is when I go into a bar or am done for the day, but it finds the sattelite quickly if you do shut it off or remove it. The 40 does have a microSD slot.

 

[actionjack]

Guys that are running the Nuvis - Can you mark and store Points of interest and track logs?

You can get a 1490T factory refurbished from Best Buy for $120. 1490 takes a microSD.

I have been wanting to update my GPSmap60C for a while but I like to keep my track logs and mark points along the way (such as buddies Skidoo blew up here).

I also hardwired a Garmin power adapter to my accessory circuit, that is a must.

I ride QC and there is a cheap app for their trails that I used last year a lot on my iPhone. I am considering using an external antenna and a GPS app, but I use my phone for music while riding and of course I take it inside when we stop. The GPS app is good with logs and waypoints.

 

[Master of Faster]

You can mark waypoints on the Nuvi40, but I don't believe you can store track logs. At least I haven't seen a way to do it.

 

[Redbeard]

I read this post this morning, then came across an ad for this company in American snowmobiler.
http://trailsystems.com/

 

[Him]

This is my solution on my Apex XTX. Riser from Lakeeffect that has RAM-ball as standard, then a short RAM-arm and mounts for the GPS, Garmin Montana 650.