Snowmobiles are one of the most favored vehicles to ride short (or long) distances in the snow. Riding a snowmobile is itself a thrilling feeling and you can dominate any difficult terrains with the right sled and route. When you are going long distances a snowmobile GPS tracker is a critical piece of equipment to bring with you. Its value is worth it’s weight in gold if you ever find yourself in a snowstorm or find that you took a wrong turn on a trail.
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Factors to be considered when buying a GPS for Snowmobile
Every snowmobile rider needs to buy a good snowmobile GPS tracker as it can make a big difference in your sledding journey. But before investing in a snowmobile GPS there are a few things that should be considered in order to get the best unforgettable experience. Here is a list of a few important considerations you need to make when searching for one:
Good Battery Life
A battery-operated GPS offers you complete mobility while riding a snowmobile. It prevents you from getting stuck at a place where there is no facility of getting your GPS tracker recharged once its battery runs out. You only need to carry extra batteries with you which can be either lithium-ion rechargeable batteries or normal batteries. However, lithium-ion batteries are preferred as they possess higher energy density, lower self-discharge in the cold, no need for priming, and are low maintenance. They are usually expensive than normal alkaline batteries.
Small & Handy
A GPS tracker for a snowmobile should be small enough to carry and handle easily. If it can be mounted on the handlebar of your snowmobile then it is even more convenient to use.
Navigation
A good GPS offers calculated distance, time, direction, speed, engine temperature, altitude, maps, and position accurately. This allows you to ride with the comfort of knowing exactly where you are during your journey.
Withstand Harsh Weather Conditions
GPS should have the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. If it fails to function in snow, cold, hailstorm, rain, excessive dirt, damp and wet climates, then it is of no use. The GPS should be waterproof as well, as water after condensing from snow can hinder its proper functioning.
Budget
Budget is one important factor to consider while investing in a GPS. A good GPS for snowmobile can cost you from as low as $200 and can exceed even $1,000. A suitable GPS with all the necessary features that we recommend costs around $300-$500.
Data Logging
Data logging is an important feature in snowmobile GPS that automatically stops any trail logging when the engine stops. This removes random data points in your track when you have stopped moving.
Screen and Font size
When you are investing in a GPS you should keep in mind that its font should be comfortably readable to your eyes and the screen size must also fit your eyes, especially while you are riding.
GPS Mount
A GPS mount bracket allows you to place your GPS tracker on the snowmobile that keeps it stay put and stable while moving on uneven terrains. GPS mount should also be bought along with the GPS as it allows you to ride carefree.
Examples of Snowmobile GPS Trackers
It can be overwhelming to select a GPS when a lot of options are available. Here are a few examples of snowmobile GPS trackers that will help you to make a decision a little easier if you are planning to buy a good GPS for a snowmobile.
Trail Tech 912-502 Voyager
The Trail Tech 912-502 Voyager is one of the best choices among different snowmobile GPS trackers available as it is the only GPS that is specifically manufactured and designed for off-road vehicles. This GPS possesses an amazing resolution and contrast 240 x 400 WQVGA LCD display that allows it to be used in both the brightest and darkest areas. It consists of a proper mounting system that allows it to become an integral part of the snowmobile. It also has a data logging feature along with joystick navigation and, engine temperature that gets automatically saved and can be graphed for comparing with changes in altitudes. The compass, maps, temperature, engine performance and temperature, altitude, distance and, wheel sensors are all linked with GPS data. This crash resistant and waterproof GPS contains off-road design under the bar for safety and accepts AC/DC power from any vehicle. Trail Tech 912-502 Voyager is an ideal option when investing in a GPS for snowmobiles. Its disadvantages includes no Bluetooth connectivity and no camera.
Garmin Montana 680t
This Garmin Montana 680t is a leading GPS tracker not only for riding snowmobiles but for any sort of outdoor activities. This unit’s overall function is superior and it provides you accurate position by working with both GPS and GLONASS. In case you are in geocaching, this GPS already has 250,000 preloaded geocache locations that serve a perfect starting point. It allows you to create tracking logs as this GPS unit works excellently with waypoints and routes giving you information about where you have been and where you are headed. It consists of an 8-pixel camera that captures incredible pictures of your surrounding landscapes. This model also has preloaded TPOP US 100k maps for you to use them straight away. There is no need to remove gloves to operate it. The only disadvantage with this model is that there is no blue tooth support and the preloaded maps have less resolution than we would like to see.
Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld GPS Navigator
Garmin Etrex 30x Handheld GPS Navigator is a good choice for those who are purchasing a GPS on a budget. This GPS unit features an excellent display with a higher resolution allowing you to read perfectly even in bright light. It also offers 3.7GB internal memory that is sufficient for saving plenty of maps like TOPO 24k, BlueChart g2, BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (this requires subscription), HuntView and City Navigator NT. Additionally, it can be supported with extra memory using an microSD card if required. A base map from the start along with a shaded relief is also included which is a step forward as it gives you information about the region surrounding you. It is a handy device as it connects wirelessly with other Garmin devices and other sensors. It offers 25 hours of battery life as well. The only disadvantage of this unit is that you need to buy a microSD card if needed as it does not come in its package.
Anti-theft Snowmobile GPS Trackers
In addition to GPS navigators, riders may want to keep track of their sleds’ location. A snowmobile GPS tracker is designed for the same. It allows them to keep tabs on their sled by providing its location through a smartphone or tablet app. Here are a few snowmobile GPS trackers that enhance the security of sleds.
Trak-4 GPS Tracker for Tracking Assets, Equipment, and Vehicles
Trak-4 GPS Tracker is one of the well-recommended snowmobile GPS trackers. It is a simple and easy-to-use device that allows riders to start tracking their sleds in a few minutes. Users can access it from their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. They receive notifications via email and text. The device can ping the location of the snowmobile every minute, 10 minutes, or an hour as per the plan availed, Basic, Premium, and Elite, respectively. Its integrated battery can last for up to 18 months, depending on the selected ping rate, and can be charged via a USB cable or cell charger. Trak-4 GPS Tracker is one of the best snowmobile GPS trackers for riders due to its integrated battery. It supports Geofencing and is free from any contracts. A 12V wired variant of the device is also available.
Globalstar Spot Trace Satellite Tracking Device Theft-Alert
Globalstar Spot Trace Satellite Tracking Device is a compact product for buyers of snowmobile GPS trackers. Its small design allows it to be installed easily, while the waterproof construction makes it suitable for snowmobiles. It is reliant on satellite technology and is ideal for sled owners who reside in remote locations. Globalstar Spot Trace Satellite Tracking Device can be accessed through a smartphone app. There are multiple tracking intervals supported, including 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes. Users can avail of Extreme Tracking for getting an update every 2.5 minutes. Notifications are sent via SMS and email upon movement detection through its vibration sensor, making it a great snowmobile GPS tracker. It can be powered using 4 AAA lithium batteries or a 5V USB connection.
Optimus GB100M 4G LTE Snowmobile GPS Tracker
Optimus GB100M 4G LTE Snowmobile GPS Tracker is a hardwired option for sled owners. It can be attached directly to the snowmobile battery, provided its voltage is between 8V to 32V. The location of the vehicle can be tracked through a smartphone app available for iOS and Android devices. Notifications are sent through email and text messages for speeding, geofencing, and power disconnection. Optimus GB100M 4G LTE Snowmobile GPS Tracker saves 1-year historical data for future reference. The included SIM card is free from contracts and provides coverage in the USA and Canada.
Americaloc GL300 GPS Tracker MXW
Americaloc GL300 GPS Tracker MXW is a popular choice of snowmobile GPS tracker buyers. It is a compact and portable device for keeping tabs on the location of a sled or other vehicles. The integrated battery eliminates the need for wiring, making installation effortless. Tracking can be accomplished either through the app available for iOS and Android devices or via a web browser on a computer or laptop. Buyers can set the update interval to 60, 30, and 10 seconds without paying extra. Alerts are sent for movement, parking, speeding, geofencing, on/off, and low battery. Americaloc GL300 GPS Tracker MXW supports real-time tracking and maintains one year of history, making it a good snowmobile GPS tracker.
Spytec GPS GL300 GPS Tracker
Spytec GPS GL300 is a suitable snowmobile GPS tracker for buyers who need a small, portable choice. It is a simple and straightforward device for safeguarding vehicles. The tracker employs a wireless network and GPS for tracking. Notifications are sent via the app available for iOS and Android devices as well as desktops. Users can watch the location of the tracker on a map in real-time. It may be updated every 5, 30, or 60 seconds according to the plan availed. Text and email alerts are available for geofencing. Spytec GL300 snowmobile GPS tracker stores past data and provides information like the vehicle’s speed, distance, etc. It comes with an integrated battery that lasts for up to two weeks.
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