Garmin Overlander

I'm not sure I can answer many questions, but I'll try. I bought an Overlander in 2021 hoping to use it on my bike. I returned it after just a week. It was expensive, heavy, (almost a pound) and the 7" screen was not bright enough to see in sunlight. IMO, it was designed more for automotive use, rather than for bikes or ATV's.

I exchanged it for a Montana 700i handheld. Slightly smaller screen but considerably brighter. It can also be powered via a USB port on my bike and takes up less space on the handlebars.

The Overlander was quickly replaced by the Tread series, which I might try when the prices come down a bit.

But there was some discussion awhile ago at GPSFileDepot, about whether they could be used with 3rd party maps. A user said they were able to sideload some Android apps but were having problems installing 3rd party Garmin maps.

https://forums.gpsfiledepot.com/index.php/topic,5221.0.html

Also a brief discussion here.

https://forums.gpsfiledepot.com/index.php/topic,4823.0.html

Actually, that is exactly what I needed to know. I, too, thought it was too expensive, thus avoiding consideration until now.

The weight factor I might be able to live with. I see that my Garmin Zumo XT comes in at 9.2 ounces and the Overlander is 15.4 ounces.

The brightness factor is the deal breaker for me. I bought a Garmin Nuvi 500 for my wife's vehicle years ago. It was also marketed as "...a unique, rugged, waterproof GPS designed for multi-mode adventures like driving, hiking, bicycling, and boating..." When we bought our first ATV years ago and I tried using the Nuvi 500, but it simply was not bright enough to see in the direct sunlight. That and other factors are why I bought my Garmin Zumo XT for ATVing. The Zumo is listed as 1000 NITS. It looks like the Overlander might be less than that.

AI overview says motorcycle Android Auto screens require a minimum of 800 to 1,000+ nits of brightness for clear daylight visibility. Because displays are fixed on the handlebars and directly exposed to the sun, screens under 700 nits wash out while wearing polarized sunglasses.

I, too, am considering the Garmin Tread series. The good thing is I am in no huge hurry. If I see a deal on a second hand device, I might buy one.

Thank you for the reply.