Imagine this: you’re out on your snowmobile, the powdery white landscape stretching out before you, and the thrill of adventure is in the air. Suddenly, you realize you’re not quite sure which way to go. Does that sound a little too familiar? Navigating the vast, snowy wilderness can be breathtakingly beautiful, but it can also be a bit tricky without a reliable guide. That’s where a snowmobile GPS comes in.
Choosing the right snowmobile GPS can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. There are so many brands, so many features, and it’s tough to know what will actually help you on your snowy adventures. You want something easy to use, something that won’t let you down when you’re miles from anywhere, and something that fits your budget. It can be overwhelming, right?
But don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’re going to break down what makes a great snowmobile GPS. You’ll learn what features are important, how to compare different models, and what to look for so you can pick the perfect companion for your next ride. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to explore with peace of mind.
So, let’s dive in and discover how to make sure you always know where you’re going on your snowmobile adventures.
Our Top 5 Snowmobile Gps Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Snowmobile Gps Detailed Reviews
1. WonVon 5 Inch Motorcycle Carplay GPS Navigation System with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Portable Screen with Dual Bluetooth
Rating: 8.9/10
The WonVon 5 Inch Motorcycle Carplay GPS Navigation System is a portable screen designed to bring your smartphone’s features to your motorcycle. It works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, letting you use navigation, music, and calls safely while you ride.
What We Like:
- It offers a seamless wireless CarPlay and Android Auto experience for easy access to navigation, music, and calls.
- The 5-inch IPS display is bright and easy to read, even in sunlight, and you can use it with gloves on.
- It has dual Bluetooth for connecting to your headset and phone, delivering clear audio.
- The unit is waterproof and built tough to handle different weather conditions.
- It supports many languages and works with different motorcycle voltages (12-24V).
- Installation is simple with the included DIY kit and clear instructions.
- WonVon provides excellent customer support with a 12-month warranty and fast email responses.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions it’s not inchluded TPMS, meaning it doesn’t track tire pressure.
This navigation system is a solid choice for riders who want to stay connected and navigate easily. Its user-friendly design and robust build make it a great addition to any motorcycle.
2. Garmin Tread® 2
Rating: 9.4/10
Conquer any trail with the Garmin Tread® 2, a rugged powersport navigator built for adventure. Its bright 6-inch touchscreen is easy to use, even with gloves on, and it’s tough enough to handle extreme weather. This device comes loaded with maps and features to guide you on unpaved roads, snowmobile trails, and more, making your off-road journeys safer and more exciting.
What We Like:
- The 6-inch touchscreen is super bright and works well, even when you’re wearing gloves.
- It’s built tough for bad weather and extreme temperatures, with an IP67 water rating.
- You get lots of maps, like OpenStreetMap and U.S. Forest Service maps, for turn-by-turn navigation on trails.
- It shows detailed terrain maps, private and public land information, campgrounds, and snowmobile trails.
- You can download subscription-free satellite images for a bird’s-eye view of your route.
- Snowmobile trails for the U.S. and Canada are included, along with useful spots like fuel stops and warming shelters.
- It supports Outdoor Maps+ for extra premium maps like avalanche risk reports.
- The group ride feature lets you track your friends’ live locations using the Tread app.
- It comes with sturdy mounts for your powersport vehicle.
- Built-in sensors like an altimeter, barometer, and compass help you understand your surroundings.
- You can easily plan trips and share GPX files to explore new routes.
- Live weather radar is available through the Tread app.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Outdoor Maps+ feature requires a subscription, which adds extra cost.
- Tracking friends requires active cellular connections and Bluetooth on all phones, which might not always be available off-road.
The Garmin Tread® 2 is a powerful tool for any off-road enthusiast. It offers comprehensive navigation and safety features to help you explore with confidence.
3. SKI-DOO GPS Module with Group Ride
Rating: 8.9/10
Navigating the trails has never been easier with the SKI-DOO GPS Module with Group Ride. This handy gadget attaches right to your Ski-Doo snowmobile. It helps you find your way and stay connected with your riding buddies. You can see where everyone is on the map. This makes group rides safer and more fun. No more getting lost or separated!
What We Like:
- Easily track your location on the trail.
- See your friends’ locations in real-time.
- Helps you avoid getting lost.
- Makes group rides more organized.
- Simple to use interface.
What Could Be Improved:
- Battery life could be longer for extended trips.
- The screen can be hard to see in bright sunlight.
- More detailed trail maps would be helpful.
- The price point might be a bit high for some riders.
The SKI-DOO GPS Module with Group Ride is a valuable tool for any snowmobiler. It enhances safety and enjoyment on the snow. This module is a solid addition to your Ski-Doo experience.
4. Garmin Tread Powersport Off-Road Navigator
Rating: 8.9/10
The Garmin Tread Powersport Off-Road Navigator is your ultimate co-pilot for any off-road adventure. Its tough, waterproof design and bright, glove-friendly screen make it easy to use, even in tough conditions. You get detailed maps of North and Central America, including public and private land info, so you always know where you’re going and what land you’re on. This navigator is built to handle the roughest trails and keeps you connected and informed.
What We Like:
- It’s super rugged and waterproof, so it can handle mud, rain, and bumps.
- The 5.5-inch screen is bright and easy to see, even in direct sunlight, and you can use it with gloves on.
- It comes with tons of preloaded maps, including topographic maps and U.S. land boundaries, plus you can download more satellite images.
- The powered mount keeps it secure on your powersport vehicle.
- You can pair it with a compatible inReach device to stay in touch anywhere, even without cell service.
- The Tread app lets you sync your trips between devices and easily import or export routes.
- Built-in sensors like an altimeter and compass help you navigate tricky terrain.
- It includes campsite info from iOverlander and Ultimate Public Campgrounds, so you can find places to stay off the beaten path.
- You can connect it to other Garmin accessories like a digital switch box to control your vehicle’s lights and accessories, and a wireless camera to see what’s behind you.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some useful features, like the inReach communicator and dog trackers, are sold separately and require subscriptions.
- While it offers a lot of data, some advanced users might want even more detailed trail information for very specific areas.
This Garmin Tread navigator is a powerful tool for serious off-road enthusiasts. It offers unmatched mapping and connectivity for all your adventures.
5. Garmin zūmo® XT2 All-Terrain Motorcycle Navigator
Rating: 8.9/10
The Garmin zūmo® XT2 All-Terrain Motorcycle Navigator is built for adventure. It’s tough, easy to see, and helps you plan amazing rides.
What We Like:
- The 6-inch screen is big and bright. You can see it even in strong sunlight.
- It’s waterproof and tough. It can handle rain, dust, and bumpy roads.
- You can plan routes that are efficient or more exciting. The visual route planner makes it easy.
- You can see where your friends are on the map if you use the Tread app.
- It records your ride details like speed and how much you climbed.
- You can connect it to your helmet for calls and music.
- It works with other cool Garmin gear like backup cameras.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some features, like group rides and call features, need your phone and the Tread app.
- Using some advanced features, like satellite communication, requires extra subscriptions.
This navigator is a fantastic tool for any rider. It helps you explore new roads and stay connected on your journeys.
Your Guide to Snowmobile GPS: Finding the Perfect Trail Companion
Hitting the snowmobile trails is an adventure! A good GPS makes that adventure safer and more fun. It helps you know where you are, where you’re going, and how to get back. This guide will help you choose the best snowmobile GPS for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a snowmobile GPS, look for these important features.
- Screen Size and Brightness: You need a screen you can see clearly, even in bright sun or snowy conditions. Bigger screens are easier to read.
- Durability and Waterproofing: Snowmobiling can be rough. Your GPS should be tough and able to handle water, snow, and cold temperatures. Look for IP ratings that show it’s protected.
- Battery Life: A long-lasting battery is crucial. You don’t want your GPS to die when you’re far from home. Some GPS units have removable batteries you can swap out.
- Mapping Capabilities: Does it have detailed trail maps for your area? Can you download new maps? Offline maps are a big plus because you might not have cell service.
- Navigation Features: Look for features like route planning, breadcrumb trails (to retrace your steps), and points of interest (like gas stations or lodges).
- Ease of Use: The controls should be simple and easy to use, even with gloves on. A touchscreen is nice, but physical buttons can be better in the cold.
Important Materials
The materials used in a GPS affect how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Rugged Casing: Most good snowmobile GPS units have a strong plastic or rubber casing. This protects them from bumps and drops.
- Scratch-Resistant Screen: A screen with a special coating resists scratches from snow, ice, and debris.
- Waterproof Seals: Rubber seals and gaskets keep water and snow out.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a GPS better, while others can make it worse.
What Makes a GPS Better:
- High-Resolution Screen: Clearer maps and text make navigation easier.
- Fast Processor: A quick processor means faster map loading and smoother zooming.
- Accurate GPS Receiver: A good receiver locks onto satellites quickly and stays connected.
- Pre-loaded Trail Maps: Having maps ready to go saves you time.
- Long Battery Life: More time exploring means less worry about power.
What Can Make a GPS Worse:
- Flimsy Construction: A GPS that feels cheap might break easily.
- Poor Screen Visibility: If you can’t see the screen, it’s not useful.
- Short Battery Life: This is a major problem for long rides.
- Outdated or Missing Maps: You need good maps to find your way.
- Difficult Controls: Frustrating buttons make using the GPS a chore.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your snowmobile GPS matters.
For casual riders, a simple GPS with basic trail maps is often enough. They use it to stay on marked trails and find their way back to the truck. It gives them peace of mind.
More experienced riders might need advanced features. They might plan long trips, mark their own waypoints, or share routes with friends. Off-trail navigation is also a use case for some.
A good snowmobile GPS should be intuitive. You should be able to set a destination and start navigating quickly. It should be reliable in cold, snowy weather. The battery should last your whole day of riding.
Think about your typical rides. Are you sticking to groomed trails? Do you explore backcountry? Your answers will help you pick the right GPS.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snowmobile GPS
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a snowmobile GPS?
A: Key features include a bright, easy-to-read screen, a durable and waterproof design, long battery life, detailed mapping capabilities, and user-friendly navigation tools.
Q: Can I use my regular car GPS on a snowmobile?
A: While some car GPS units might work, they are usually not built for the harsh conditions of snowmobiling. Snowmobile-specific GPS units are tougher and have better mapping for trails.
Q: How important is waterproofing for a snowmobile GPS?
A: Very important! Snowmobiling involves snow, ice, and sometimes water. A waterproof GPS will protect your device from damage.
Q: Do I need a GPS that works without cell service?
A: Yes. Many snowmobile trails are in areas with no cell service. A GPS with offline maps allows you to navigate without a connection.
Q: How long should the battery life be on a snowmobile GPS?
A: Aim for a GPS that can last at least 8-12 hours on a single charge. This will cover most full days of riding.
Q: What are “points of interest” on a GPS?
A: Points of interest are important locations marked on the map. For snowmobiling, these could be gas stations, restaurants, lodges, or trailheads.
Q: Can I download new maps to a snowmobile GPS?
A: Yes, most modern snowmobile GPS units allow you to download and update maps. This is great for exploring new areas.
Q: Is a touchscreen better than physical buttons for a snowmobile GPS?
A: It depends. Touchscreens are easy to use when dry, but physical buttons can be more reliable and easier to operate when wearing thick gloves in cold weather.
Q: What does an IP rating mean for a GPS?
A: An IP rating (like IP67) tells you how well a device is protected against dust and water. Higher numbers mean better protection.
Q: How does a “breadcrumb trail” feature work?
A: A breadcrumb trail is a line on the map showing the path you’ve traveled. It helps you retrace your steps if you get lost.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.