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“Spend your time ripping through the woods, not waiting on your friends,” said Garmin, when they released the new Tread navigator which is specifically designed for powersports enthusiasts.
With a trip planned for September, I was already contemplating a new satnav and the most likely candidate was the Garmin Overlander. The only reason I hadn’t already taken the plunge was that I wasn’t entirely happy with the Overlander’s magnetic mount and it’s lack of water resistance. Even if I don’t belong to the powersports community, or own a side-by-side, I do like travelling in wet and windy leaf sprung Land Rovers, through inhospitable terrain, and with small groups of likeminded folk. So, why not give the Tread a shot?
Out of the box, the Tread impresses with an attractive appearance and even feels good. But beneath its refined exterior is a rugged, weather-resistant (IPX7-tested to withstand heavy rain, not just drizzle) and shockproof (MIL-STD-810) satnav.
SCREEN
The 5.5” touchscreen has bright colours, clear images, and selecting functions is accurate and easy, even if you’re wearing gloves.
Turn the screen though 90° and it will automatically switch between landscape and portrait mode, which is useful if your cockpit space is cramped.
MOUNTING
There are several alternatives included in the box for handlebars, roll cage tubes and, thanks to the 1” ball and adapter, the option to use a RAM suction cup (not included) on the windscreen.
I made use of my RAM suction cup and wired the Tread directly into the 12V onboard battery in the car using the positive and negative poles found in the Land Rover Series I and II dashboards. I strongly advise using the supplied 12V cable as the Tread draws more current than the USB cable will supply.
The connection between the Tread and its mounting is really powerful and showed no sign whatsoever of letting go even in rough terrain.
The supplied VHF aerial can either be attached to the mount (which I made use of) or can be fixed to the exterior of a vehicle using the supplied extension cable and hardware.
MAPS AND NAVIGATION
The Tread comes pre-installed with 14 maps covering different continents and additional topographic maps which improve planning and riding/driving in challenging terrain.
In addition to uploading your own routes, you can also use WiFi to download and install more maps and detailed BirdsEye views. Combine the different levels of view and you get really precise terrain information and first class navigation.
Routing instructions Whether on pavement or driving the trails, the audible instructions are clear (I used my bluetooth AirPods in the loud cockpit) and those on the screen are easy to follow. If you don’t have a headset and your are wearing a helmet, just follow the coloured line and on-screen instructions.
ROUTE PLANNING
On-screen, on your computer or on your mobile, using the Garmin Tread-App which features the same maps as those on the unit itself.
Adventurous Routing This is a great feature if you are looking for more than just the shortest/fastest routes. You can choose a route full of meandering curves (motorcyclists) or one that takes your through the most rural areas.
All you have to do is enter the start point and your destination, then use the slider to determine just how exciting the route shall be.
POIs Tracks4Africa and iOverlander points of interest are pre-installed so that you don’t need to use your phone when looking for remote and hard-to-find campsites.
GROUP RIDE
If you are travelling with friends, the Group Ride Tracker which is integrated into the mount, provides Real-Time tracking for up to 20 vehicles using a VHF frequency—a cellphone network is not necessary.
Once everyone has logged in, each driver/rider can see in real time where everyone else is located. The range varies depending on the terrain, from 3.2 to 13 km on clear and level terrain down to 0.8 to 3.2 km in forests.
You can also select from a small library of pre-set messages for basic communication between logged-in members using the VHF frequency.
LIVE WEATHER
Coupling with the Tread-App on your smartphone will also provide you with live weather forecasts and animated radar images.
SENSORS
Altimeter, barometer, and compass provide accurate data while travelling off-road and are supplemented with pitch and roll sensors.
CONNECTIVITY AND MUSIC
When your smartphone is connected to the Tread, it can stay out of harm’s way in your pocket. Messages appear on the screen with an audible signal, and calls can be managed in combination with a bluetooth headset.
You can even upload playlists of your favourite music and listen to it on your bluetooth headset.
ACCESSORIES
To maximise the Tread’s versatility, the list of accessories includes a wireless reversing camera, dog trackers, and the Garmin Power Switch.
The Power Switch allows you to control up to six accessories such as driving lamps, reversing lamps, or a fridge, straight from the Tread’s screen or even your phone.
Finally, the Tread is also inReach-compatible for maximised safety and satellite communication for those really wild adventures.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
- Garmin Tread
- VHF Aerial
- Aerial mount
- Roll cage mount
- Handlebar mount
- 12V cable
- USB cable
VERDICT
To say the Garmin Tread does what it says on the box is an understatement. When I recently used it to navigate to France, it performed well: instructions were clear, re-routing at road blocks was fast. But the Tread comes into its element in an off-road environment. Route planning and en-route navigation using topographical maps and BirdsEye satellite views means you have a phenomenal amount of information on demand.
For those who need it, Group Ride saves having to call your mates on the phone to find out where they are…especially if a cellphone signal is unavailable.
The Garmin Tread is highly capable and versatile if you make use of all of the in-built features and accessories. And for a harsh environment, whether on a motorcycle, in an SxS or a 4×4, the Tread will put up with all the knocks and bumps you can throw at it without even flinching, even if subjected to heavy rain.
The price is an accurate reflection of its performance.
€700 | garmin.com
