The gps unit can run entirely from the 12v outlet on the atv. You should not notice any decreased battery life beyond that which you would have seen without plugging it in. In other words, if your batteries work for 3 hours, they will still work for 3 hours when you unplug it from the atv.

 

I have a Garmin GPS II Plus. I got a bicycle/motorcycle handlebar mount made for that unit. It does vibrate, but I take most of my readings during our frequent stops. When we plan a trip to unfmailiar trails, I will quite often mark the trails using ExpertGPS then upload the waypoints to the Garmin. There have been a few times that we would never have found the trail without the use of the GPS.

The 12 volt power port on my 2003 Rancher is on only when the ignition is on, so the GPS must use its own batteries when the bike is off. I am thinking of rewiring the 12 volt port so it comes directly off the battery. This will probably work fine until I run my ATV battery down because I left something on overnight, then I will rewire back to the way it is supposed to be!

-Frank

 

Jokerguy, I love the pictures, nice trails and bikes. Were those taken in Viginia?

 

Thanks - yea - taken about 45 miles from me at some OHV trails in the national forest.

 

I have a magellen 315 and I plug it in to the outlet on my foreman all the time. just like a cigarette lighter in the car. dont worry about it. Just be sure your gps is secure and cant fall off on the trail some where. I usually keep mine in my coat pocket and take it out to check it when I am stopped some where. You can mount it on the handle bars or be creative.

Happy Trails.

 

No if you are running on external power the batteries are not in use. If the plug looses connection a message will flash saying "external power lost" then you are working on batteries. Carry spare batteries just in case. It is cheap insurance. also carry a compass and use both. It saves a lot of guess work.

 

With the magellan the power outlet does not recharge the batteries.

 

Thanks for the info guys, yeah sparky, i always take a compass anyway...in all my years of hunting and fishing i trust nothing more than my good old Silva Ranger....thanks for all the information guys....all my questions and concerns have been answered.