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Mounting Garmin GPS on sled..

welterracer

TY 4 Stroke God
Joined
May 14, 2003
Messages
5,382
Location
Kieler wis.
O.K. so i went and purchased a Garmin ETREX GPS and want to mount it to my sled..

What would be my best option??
 

Unlimited options from Ram mounts. http://www.ram-mount.com/ramgps.htm. My Ram mount was atttached to the accessory panel near the dc outlet. I am moving my gauge back to the dashboard but higher and mounting my GPS right next to it. I have seen guys attach their ram mounts to everything from the bars to the riser to the gas cap.
 
That's what I used for my GPS. It is awesome. It doesn't come with the bar mount, it is seperate but only $14.00. I have the other mount on my boat so I can simply turn the knob and move the unit between the two. Very sturdy. I was on the lake over the Holiday and the water was a bit choppy at 50mph and the thing never moved. It should survive on a sled. Here's some pics of how I mounted mine. I have after market risers, so It was easy for me to hide the mount as you can see. I may end up moving it from where it is now. I wouldn't mount that to the body at all. I would be to afraid that something would give.

Also, if you plan to hard wire it, make sure it is 12v. Mine is only 3v to operate, The lighter plug acts like a transducer, you should read your manual if this is what you planned to do. I was going to do that, but have since changed ,my mind.

-Vince
 

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2400 trouble free miles. handlebarpad has a hole in it so the power cord comes up the middle. Had the wife sew it square for me. Soldered to the sig lighter plug and put in a switch and went straight to the battery. Works great for me.
 

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A few years back I had a sled mounted gps.Wherever it was realy cold I could not keep the display going,how do you guys keep your gps' readable in the cold? Thanks alot, Jay
 
xc8j said:
A few years back I had a sled mounted gps.Wherever it was realy cold I could not keep the display going,how do you guys keep your gps' readable in the cold? Thanks alot, Jay

Did you use batteries only? I don't have a problem using the 12v adapter/cigerette cord. Unless-when its super cold and you turn the sled off, the GPS might turn off if the batteries aren't new. I ran different GPS units on My Attak and Mtn. Lite last year and had no problems. good luck. ;)!
 
I've never had a problem with my GPS in the cold. Last year in Quebec I rode until 1am at -40C from Alma to Pont Rouge. I keep fresh batteries in it and power it primarily from the accessory outlet.
 
The LCD display will be slow and hard to read in deep cold.

Here's what should work, has for me.

  • -Keep unit warm, jack/indoors, when not in use.

    -Keep plugged into A/C, you know what cold does to batteries.

    -On garmins, there is a setting to keep the display backlight on when connected to A/C. Use it.

    -The lamp makes it more readable, and most importantly, is close to the screen providing enough warmth, to keep the LCD working fine.
 
Mikecam said:
2400 trouble free miles. handlebarpad has a hole in it so the power cord comes up the middle. Had the wife sew it square for me. Soldered to the sig lighter plug and put in a switch and went straight to the battery. Works great for me.

What RAM mount components did you use ??
 
The ball and a 5 inch I believe. I put in 3 bolts thru the riser to the inside. Never moves. I found my cig lighter would lose the connection on bumbs for a split second and it was enough to have the light turn off. Wired it direct to the battery but make sure to solder to the sig lighter plug in as it drops the 12volts from the battery down to 3 volts for the GPS. The sig lighter has a red on light and it drains the battery so I also put in a switch.

http://www.prairie.mb.ca/mounts/3/index.php
 

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To keep the screen warm, I use an aftermarket foil handwarmer element between the GPS unit and the mount. The GPS is powered by the sled battery with the backlight on. Below 15 degrees, turn on the handwarmer circuit. Tested to -40. :brrr:
 
1CrazySledder
I have the same Lowrance GPS and mounted in the same spot. Very nice GPS with a great display.
 
msatow said:
1CrazySledder
I have the same Lowrance GPS and mounted in the same spot. Very nice GPS with a great display.

Yes, I agree. I haven't used it on the sled yet. I have used it out on the boat a few times. One of these days, I'll read the manual. lol
Can't wait to make all the waypoints for boondocking spots. I had fun last year off trail, but can't remember quite where they are at. This should sovle that issue.
So far, I am very happy with my purchase. ;)!

-1CS
 


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