Where da *blank* do I put it?!? External GPS problems.

One of the few "remnants" I have from my Tundra is my Garmin StreetPilot 2610 GPS system. Because of how I had it mounted (semi-permanent) in the Tundra I left behind one of my mounting brackets, power cable (with speaker) and external GPS antenna. The accessories left behind isn't what is bothering me, but where the *blank* am I going to mount my external GPS system?

I can't mount it on the floorboard where I had it on the Tundra, because the sliding part of the console would get in the way. I'm really running into a brick wall trying to find a suitable place. I don't want to mount off of a vent, or drill into anything like I did on my Tundra before trading it in. Any suggestions?

*EDIT: Pictures on LAST page of installation and installation location."

Have you tried mounting it on the a pillar beam (is that what you call it?) where most xtra gauge would go like a pod mount so its out of the way and un-intrusive to your view. The only problem to that is, that you're the only one who can input the destination, but its within your reach to input it when you're in traffic or pulled over.

Have you tried mounting it on the a pillar beam (is that what you call it?) where most xtra gauge would go like a pod mount so its out of the way and un-intrusive to your view. The only problem to that is, that you're the only one who can input the destination, but its within your reach to input it when you're in traffic or pulled over.

I had thought of mounting it like that in my Tundra at one point, but decided against it for the reasons you mentioned. Only I could input data, or see the screen. I'd like it to be in a centrally viewable place.

I have an old floorboard mount that MIGHT be able to bolt/screw onto the seat bolts. I'll have to look into that this weekend.

Does anybody have any suggestions? I don't want to mount it off of the window.

I used the long horizontal cubby hole (name please?), as shown here:
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13288&highlight=geotech+quest
I was easy with the bracket provided and right above the power source where the speaker for the Quest is. Pretty good coverage there too.

Thank you for the suggestions!

I'm going to try various areas and see what I can come up with. The reason for the the thread title the way it is, is because of the level of frustration I've encountered so far. My Garmin unit is pretty heavy (about 2-3 pounds) and doesn't like to play well with some mounting systems. I know from past experiences with a window mount in my Tundra. I ended up screwing that mount into a piece on my Tundra near the power sockets. It looked like a semi-professional installation by the time I was done routing the cables and external antenna.

Now, because of my available resources, I'd be looking at making my own mount instead of paying for an additional one and have it look like an OEM style installation. One I get it mounted, I'll get some pictures taken.

I just use the Garmin bean bag mount on the dash for my 2610, then I can put it out of sight easily when parked.

I figured out what I'm going to do. I'm going to get some copper tubing and make a custom mounting bracket. For the cables (that I left in the Tundra) I'm going to order a replacement one along with a new remote (forgot about it) for my GPS system. The benefit of copper tubing is it is strong, light weight, and malleable. I can move it around enough to get the GPS system out when I want too. Plus, it is pretty cheap.

Glad to hear it! Please post some pics when your installation is done. :)

Well, I got it mounted, but I didn't use any copper tubing like I planned. Amazing the StreetPilot 2XXX series slide into the cubby hole slots and although I have to reach over to use it, I can still reach it and input information. I plan on getting a replacement remote so I don't have to do that.

I'll get some photos and post them up online tomorrow.

Well, I got it mounted, but I didn't use any copper tubing like I planned. Amazing the StreetPilot 2XXX series slide into the cubby hole slots and although I have to reach over to use it, I can still reach it and input information. I plan on getting a replacement remote so I don't have to do that.

I'll get some photos and post them up online tomorrow.

Which cubby hole do you mean?

are you using suction cups to mount on the window? if you you want to use your front cup holders, cover the bottom of the cup holders with vynal tape so the suction cup will stay put. then just move the tray forward and both passenger and driver has access to input data.

Well, right here in this cubby hole!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c144/My03Tundra/My%202007%20Ridgeline/GPSMount11.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c144/My03Tundra/My%202007%20Ridgeline/GPSMount1.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c144/My03Tundra/My%202007%20Ridgeline/GPSMount12.jpg

After installing this, I wish Honda would've put in more cup holders and two more 12V outlets.

After installing this, I wish Honda would've put in more cup holders and two more 12V outlets.


At wally world you can purchase, for around $10, a switched 3 12v outlet made by Bell.... See the pics... I used some 3-m tape to mount it.

It fits perfectly and the cubby below is still accessible.

At wally world you can purchase, for around $10, a switched 3 12v outlet made by Bell.... See the pics... I used some 3-m tape to mount it.

Wow, THANKS! Is that in the automotive department, or electronics? I hate wandering around Hell-Mart (as I call it) unless I absolutely have too.

Wow, THANKS! Is that in the automotive department, or electronics? I hate wandering around Hell-Mart (as I call it) unless I absolutely have too.

Sorry, signed in under the wrong name. Anyhow, thank you for your help.

Automotive.... They usually reside on an "end cap" (end of an isle)... Other auto parts stores carry them, but I fond wally world to be the least expensive. It also comes in a silver color.... Might be a better match for the color of your interior...

Tip for mounting, use the gray 3-M double tape, (it comes with Velcro), and mount it so it is not sticking on the front cover...if it is ever removed you won't have to remove the outlets.... You'll see what I mean when you place your hand around the edge...

....Glad I could help.

"RAM" makes various mounts for vehicles and accesories. I mounted my GPS to the center front console just above the seat heater switches. Since it is a lease I bought a new console cover (for only $28) So when the lease is up, I change out the console cover and it is good as new. I use the 4" neck, since there are two ball & sockets I can aim it in any direction I want. When not in use it sits inside the center console out of sight.

Well, I liked the location in the cubby hole where I put my GPS system, but I had nasty glare issues. So, I then mounted it using velcro sitting on top of the Not An Ashtray pocket. It doesn't get good GPS reception there (internal antenna) and the installation looks tacked on. At night I also see a bit of the screen in the rear view mirror.

So, tomorrow before work (if I get a chance) I plan on putting it BACK in the cubby hole area and rigging up or finding some sort of glare resolution. If I can't find an OEM type sun/shade visor for my Garmin StreetPilot 2610 I'll resort to making one but I want it done before the Sedona Meet-and-Greet on April 14th. If anyone else has one of the plastic sun shades, or knows where to find one, for my GPS system PLEASE let me know.

Hi all;

Here's my solution to the poorman's GPS. This location is close enough to reach, but a little far from the driving line of sight. It is fine most of the time, but trying to navigate downtown LA freeways is tough. Having it on the dash somewhere would be nice. Since I ususally travel alone, using the cupholder isn't a problem. I get good reception in this location even with tinted windows. The power is plugged into the rear so the front is uncluttered. It was easy to build from aluminum. It bolts to mounting holes for the stock windshield mount, and I put some rubber material on the bottom to prevent twisting. A single thumbscrew mounts the bracket to the bottom of the cupholder. I use the same bracket in our Oddesey when we are traveling.


Eric

Hi all;

Here's my solution to the poorman's GPS. This location is close enough to reach, but a little far from the driving line of sight. It is fine most of the time, but trying to navigate downtown LA freeways is tough. Having it on the dash somewhere would be nice. Since I ususally travel alone, using the cupholder isn't a problem. I get good reception in this location even with tinted windows. The power is plugged into the rear so the front is uncluttered. It was easy to build from aluminum. It bolts to mounting holes for the stock windshield mount, and I put some rubber material on the bottom to prevent twisting. A single thumbscrew mounts the bracket to the bottom of the cupholder. I use the same bracket in our Oddesey when we are traveling.


Eric

It does look nice, I just hate the idea of losing one of the only two cup holders up front. Even though our Ridgeline's have a lot of storage options and spaces, when it comes to places to mount accessories we are somewhat limited.

Sorry for reviving a "dead" thread, but after doing some GPS CPR-style installation I might've come to a solution. I found out the bare dash mounting plate fits between my outlets and would cover up where the heated seat switches would go. I initially had it installed there with the original adhesive pad and some additional double sided tape and it came right off. Bummer.

I have found some SUPER strong plastic super glue that once dried it practically welds the two plastic pieces. What I'm considering doing is taking the flat dash plate, super gluing it ONLY to the two-to-three empty heated seat blanks between the accessory outlets and stabilizing the rest with some double-sided tape. I want an installation that with minimal work can be semi permanent and when it comes time for removal I can do so with MINIMAL damage. I tried to put the same plate in the far left cubby hole, but it was too big. Before I go that far, I need to do some weight tests of the suction cup. I don't want to have issues with it, as the arm the GPS goes into seems to act as a fulcrum with the weight of the GPS unit itself. In my Tundra, I had a similar mounting system I eventually SCREWED into a lower area.

I'm still working on a decent installation and where the GPS was with the most recent trial installation was the best place. I had it on an upward angle, easily reachable, within peripheral vision range and accessible to both the driver and passenger. It also still permitted access to the sliding storage bin WITH a 20 oz bottle in the cup holders. But, I'm considering the possible implications of gluing over the heated seat slugs (not going to use them) later down the line when I remove the GPS system. But, the Garmin 2610 I have now will likely stay with the Ridgeline by the time I get my next vehicle.

I mounted mine beside of the Radio in the little cubby but it kept falling off so it went to the window beside my radar detector


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/ocb_dave_ocb/071.jpg

I mounted mine beside of the Radio in the little cubby but it kept falling off so it went to the window beside my radar detector


That isn't a bad place, but for me it wouldn't have worked with my GPS system. Once I get the antenna wire routed and everything neat and tucked away I'll get some photos. It looks great and like it an extension of the dash. Plus, if there is a Pro.Legend adapter for your GPS system it would fit in my mounting bracket.

Well, I had not been using my GPS system for the longest time because of my mounting options. Or lack thereof. Well, I had come across a location that works surprising well, even if it is a semi-permanent to permanent location. Here is the mounting plate location:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c144/My03Tundra/My%202007%20Ridgeline/GPSMountingPlateSansGPS.jpg
The GPS system mounts VERY firmly thanks to some new plastic specific super glue. I pre-sanded the back of the mounting plate and the empty switch slugs. From there, I used super glue on both surfaces and used pressure for about five minutes. Today I even added the black paint to try to blend it in. It looks better in person.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c144/My03Tundra/My%202007%20Ridgeline/GPSMountingPlate.jpg
That is the arm for my StreetPilot 2610. It mounts using suction and holds pretty damn tight.

And here is the "hand" as I like to call it that actually holds the GPS system. Fresh with a distressed metalic finish:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c144/My03Tundra/My%202007%20Ridgeline/GPSMountingPlateCloseup.jpg

And even more pictures...

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c144/My03Tundra/My%202007%20Ridgeline/DistressedMetalGPSHolderAngle.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c144/My03Tundra/My%202007%20Ridgeline/DistressedMetalGPSHolder3.jpg

I went with a distressed look to have something a bit different. Also, to test it out so I can try it out on a custom 1:24 model I'm working on. Be honest and share your comments.

In the last post, you can see in the top right my glove box is down and open. That is because I just reinstalled my USA-SPEC iPod system after removing the main wire to put some electrical tape over an exposed wire.

IN the process of doing so I broke the head on the piston arm that allows the glove box to gently glide down. HOPEFULLY my super plastic super glue can fix it as it has everything else plastic it has touched. And even a few non-plastic items.

Note to self... make note of where I touch super glue and what not to touch afterwards.