Garmin Tread and PowerSwitch Box Offroad Duo for Powersport

Garmin enters the powersport market for recreational off-roaders with new Garmin Tread Powersport Off-Road Navigator with Group Ride Radio, Group Tracking and Voice Communication; and Garmin PowerSwitch Digital Switch Box.

The weatherproof, ultra-bright and 5.5 inch large Tread supports drivers of off-roaders in demanding terrain. When driving in a group, the Treads’ Group Ride Tracker can help to keep an eye on the position data of all members – even without cell phone reception.

In conjunction with the Garmin PowerSwitch digital switch box, off-road drivers can control their vehicle’s 12-volt accessories via the Treads touch display, which can also be operated with gloves, and thus activate additional headlights, air compressors, differential locks, etc.

If you mount the wireless BC 40 camera on the tubular frame, a flat surface or the roll bar of your side-by-side or off-road vehicle, you can also couple this with the Garmin Tread and thus receive a clear picture of the surroundings on the display of the navigation system.

Stay connected

When off-road fans venture into unknown terrain together, the VHF module of the Treads (Group Ride Tracker) ensures that they do not lose sight of each other. Groups of up to 20 drivers can share their position data, keep an eye on their friends on the map display of the Treads and send predefined messages to one another.

The navigation system can also be paired with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled helmet or headset, which enables communication while driving. Also, the Tread is compatible with most inReach satellite communication devices from Garmin, which enables drivers to stay in contact worldwide via two-way communication, to call up weather data and to use the interactive SOS emergency call. With the new Tread Mobile App, users can also import or export GPX files, access live weather and smartphone notifications and synchronize tour data across all devices.

Explore the site

Thanks to pre-installed topographic maps of Europe, Africa – including Tracks4Africa – and the Middle East, off-roaders can explore their surroundings. Additional maps of the America, Australia, and New Zealand are available as a free download from Garmin Express. Besides, high-resolution BirdsEye satellite images can be loaded directly onto the off-road navigation system via WLAN.

Extra control and foresight

The new PowerSwitch switch box is recommended for more control and conveniencethat turns the Tread into the vehicle’s command center. The weather-resistant (IPX7) box with six connections for 12-volt accessories (up to 30 amps) is easy to install without interfering with the dashboard or vehicle electronics. It offers the option of individually assigning labels, symbols or channel groups to digital switchboards, as well as storing commands for dimming or lighting up warning messages on the display of the navigation device. In conjunction with a Tread Powersport navigation system, it is also possible to create smart circuits that depend on the vehicle speed and time. The new PowerSwitch switch box is also compatible with other Garmin navigation devices or smartphones.

Price and availability

• Garmin Tread Powersport Off-Road Navigator has been priced at $799.99 and it can be purchased through the Amazon.com website.

• Garmin PowerSwitch Digital Switch Box costs $499.99 on Amazon.com, Or you can also buy a Garmin Tread bundle with Digital Switch Box and Power Pack on Amazon.com, pricing starts from $804.99.

Recently, Garmin has also unveiled the new Enduro Multisport GPS smartwatch, the key feature of which is impressive battery life. Also, the Garmin Enduro in a rugged case with protection against water acquired a built-in GPS module, a decent set of sensors for monitoring the health of the owner, and priced at $799.