Garmin Offers Audio System For Powersport Vehicles & Garmin Tread GPS Users

One thing you notice when you get into powersports and start riding an ATV or in my case a Side by Side; the accessories are expensive. Garmin adds an audio system with LED lights as an add-on to their Tread line of GPS devices focused on this area.

Today, Garmin formally announced the Garmin Audio System for the Tread series. I actually was aware of this almost a month prior as I noticed the option to add the add-on via their Tread smartphone app. I figured it would be soon until it is released.

What Is Garmin Audio System

First of all, this is a ~1200$ USD accessory (converting from 1559.99 CAD). You have a choice of three trims based on your budget and needs: 1. Audio system (!1200$ USD), 2. Audio Box Only (~620$ USD) or 3. Speakers Only (~620$ USD). Looks like you can add a subwoofer to the mix.

Lets go with the base system which is an audio box, remote and speakers. The audio box here is the key component as this is what you’ll need to wire to your Side by Side or ATV. The audio box will pair via bluetooth to either the Tread smartphone app or the Tread GPS device.

The audio box can also have AM/FM radio and AUX inputs. It has the following specs:

  • Weight: 997g
  • Dimensions: 210 mm x 130 mm x 55 mm (8.27″ x 5.12″ x 2.165″)
  • IP67
  • Bluetooth, ANT+ radios
  • 200 watts per channel

The speakers have LED lights integrated so that you can control it via the Tread smartphone app with the following specs:

  • Weight: 2.2kg (~5lbs)
  • dimensions: 177 mm x 233 mm (6.97″ x 8.78″)
  • IP67
  • 200W output
  • RGB LED lights

The Garmin Audio User Manual is pretty light on the web version, but probably you will have additional documents on how to wire and install these items. the speakers will include generic mounts that will allow you to attach around a circular tub up to 2 inches in diameter.

Should You Purchase The Garmin Audio System?

Having music while out riding the trail, I get it. I went for a 7.5 hour trek the other week and was crossing the most boring woodlots you can imagine. I had a solar bluetooth speaker paired to my Tread Base edition and it was ”fine”. Since I don’t have a cab, I would need more powah baby! This kit would be a good option as my Can-Am Defender is a bit picky as this looks to be designed more for the sport type side by sides.

However, the price point is pretty steep. It will be placed at the bottom of my “accessory to get” list – a snow plow kit is more important that this sound system. But this would be a nice addition if you have spent the time and investment getting a Tread Base edition, Tread Overland or Tread XL to begin with.


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