Help with GPS mount ideas.

[firefighter3666]

Ok, so Santa was nice enough to leave me a Garmin Zumo 550 this year. It works great on the bike and in the Ridgeline. Now my only question is how to mount it in the truck.

My first choice was the ProClip mount on the right side of the stereo. (see photo #1). This looked great on paper, and was an easy install. One trip around the block and the vibration of the GPS unit told me that it was too heavy for the ProClip.

My next choice was to mount it to the blank switchplates on the lower dash (see photo #2). This made for a stable mount but put the GPS too far out of line of sight and has me concerned about safe use while driving.

I've heard the horror stories about the suction cup mounts melting to windshields, and would prefer to avoid the little rings on the windshield that tell a would be thief that I have expensive toys in the truck.

So.... any ideas or help here.

[ssg]

Awesome choice, someone really likes you!

I have a Zumo as well but have a RAM system for the bike and a second bike kit that I am currently adapting for use with the RAM system in the truck, so I have no cool photos as it is still a work in progress. However I didn't get the car kit with mine (it's the BMW branded 550) and haven't seen a car cradle in person, so verify before buying - but I think this will work well for you:

(this is the only place I have seen it that sells it still)
http://www.gpsdiscount.com/products/index.html?a=529

What the above is, is a dash mount for the C5xx series, which uses the same 17mm ball fixture that the auto mount for the Zumo has **I believe**. Now I realize, this has no photo, so check the link below.This lower link is actually for a Nuvi, but it will give you an idea (it includes the Nuvi mount on this model, but the C5xx kit above includes dashboard mounting disks, the slider, and a little 90 degree arm with ball on the end).

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1464

I have a C530 currently using the above setup that I can take a photo of the setup if it will help explain it better. I also have a ruler/calipers if you need some measurements to confirm it will fit the Zumo. Yes, it does leave a small disk on the dash, but if you black out the word GARMIN on it, or turn it around, it looks like some of the XM radio mounts I've seen. It is a bit of a tradeoff, but in the end I think it gives me the best "heads up display" of the GPS while still not making it a pain in the butt to put up and take down. I am also not a fan of rings on the windshield, yick! I have a small collection of Garmin units myself and they are some of the best units on the market today, congratulations.

[RedLdr1]

I have a big, heavy, 5 inch screen Lowrance GPS iWay 500c and I bought a RAM weighted base like the one in the link below to mount it.. The Seller listed in the ad is who I purchased mine from and they provided very fast shipping...

http://cgi.ebay.com/RAM-Heavy-Dash-C...QQcmdZViewItem

When I am not using the GPS the mount sits under the passenger seat and the GPS goes into a padded case off to the trunk.... When I need it the base snaps on and off I go...

[ssg]

I've actually bought from that seller before as well with good results as well, so that's two thumbs up.

As far as the RAM stuff goes...I have exactly the config that Rd is talking about for temp use in other vehicles and it does work pretty well but I don't like it's lack of fixature. If you end up stopping short or making any unscheduled maneuvers , make sure you have a cushy landing zone handy or your gps is going for a ride.

You could always go psycho and screw a RAM ball into your dash too, but uhh..not even I'd do that

[e_piph_a_ny]

I would suggest two options:

1. Switch your ipod from the center mount to the angle mount. Move the zumo from the angle mount to the center mount. The center mount has less vibrations due to two points of contact whereas the angle mount has only one.

2. Mount both devices to the center mount. Add a vertical extender to your center mount. Mount the zumo to the top and using velcro (velcro the ipod holder and velcro to the lower extender), attach your ipod to the lower part of the extender. The proclip ipod holder is not utilized here. For additional sturdiness, add a third point of contact to the back of the top part of the extender to the dashboard. In my case, I used the center stopper from my OEM bug shield. It really does the trick. I was using a heavy Magellan RM700 and the vibrations were making it impossible to view the gps screen. I shaved the flat mounting sides of the stopper for aesthetics.

[RedLdr1]

The same seller was offering either a 24 or 26 inch RAM flexible stalk that attaches to the passenger seat base bolts to mount a GPS. I was going to mount it to either the front or side of console if necessary to get the right view height. It turned out I couldn't use it as the Lowrance is way to heavy for it but a Zumo should be okay...

Or here is another possibility if the GPS is light enough...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KUDA-... 160111452116

The install instructions make it look easy to install... Plus you can screw your RAM Ball to this and not feel to guilty... I may use this for my i-Pod...

[ssg]

Originally Posted by RedLdr1

Or here is another possibility if the GPS is light enough...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KUDA-... 160111452116

The install instructions make it look easy to install... Plus you can screw your RAM Ball to this and not feel to guilty... I may use this for my i-Pod...

I have a Garmin 2720 (probably similar in weight to the 500 you use) and the flex mount's I had worked well for keeping it 'resting' somewhere, but not for direct/freestanding support so well .

As for the Kuda thing..one of the guys at another forum I'm on swears by his and loves it. Yes - it is just a friendly home for you to screw something into...but it's not dash trim

[firefighter3666]

e piph a ny - I set both up with the move clip system that ProClip offers. My first solution was to switch the iPod and Zumo. Unfortunately the Zumo with the car kit is too big, and interferes with the gear shifter in this location. I thought about the extension plate, but I don't think it's going to solve the shifter clearance problem.

[BillB]

I strongly recommend you do not use a weighted bottom dash mount technique as this ensures a flying object in a collision or panic maneuver situation. The passenger seat bolt mounting is cumbersome but probably the safest solution and second best would be to permanent install a mount that attaches to one of the radio bolts behind the trim.

[kwoodman]

Personally, I would mount it on the windshield. My Nuvi 680 is definitely smaller, but works great with the suction cup. I have the GPS hugging the rearview mirror.
I don't think the suction cup would melt to the windshield, unless left there when parked. I would remove it each time and use a 'wipe' to remove the suction cup print. Just my 2 cents.