Help with GPS mount ideas.

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.

Awesome choice, someone really likes you! :cool:

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.:)

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-Car-Mount-for-GARMIN-NUVI-680-670-660_W0QQitemZ360011692806QQihZ023QQcategoryZ58046Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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...

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 :D

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.

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-CELL-PHONE-PDA-IPOD-GPS-MOUNT-HONDA-RIDGELINE-06_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33695QQihZ006QQitemZ 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...

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

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KUDA-CELL-PHONE-PDA-IPOD-GPS-MOUNT-HONDA-RIDGELINE-06_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33695QQihZ006QQitemZ 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 :D.

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 ;)

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.

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.

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.

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.

I used a Proclip to mount my Zumo to the center mount (where your iPod is mounted), and also got the Proclip vehicle mount adapter for the Zumo, which has a ball adapter to connect to the back of the unit, so it swivels out of the way of the shifter. I thought I would be annoyed by having to swivel it out of the way when shifting, but while driving and using the GPS, how often do I use the shifter... not much. And vibration hasn't been a problem.

The zumo series is made for motorcycles and is vibration-tested. I would stick with the ProClip mount; they are strong and durable.

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.
That is exactly why I attached the extender plate. To move the gps out of the shifter's arc. Look at the photo and you can see how much higher the gps device is.

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.

I couldn't agree more. I have a Mio C310x that I mount to the winshield right above the left tweeter. I wanted to try and mount it elsewhere, but it cluttered the styling of the Ridgeline and it it is quite visible and functional in my location.

I have a Garmin 530 and originally mounted it by using the adhesive disk stuck to the "not a switch" covers in the lower center of the dash. It was not too far out of sight line as I don't stare at it for long periods. Unfortunately in hot weather it won't stck. The glue gets hot and the unit falls on the floor. I have remounted the disk to the passenger side to the left of the glove compartment and so far it seems to stick there but we'll see next summer.

Try the 3M Snap Lock. It's like the plastic side of velcro but heavier and holds real tight. I use it for my Garmin gps (76csx) and ham radios and more. The stuff holds fine in the new england summers.

Well, I decided to keep the GPS low on the center console while I waited for the replacement switch covers to come in. The dealer had to special order them, and I didn't want to stare at holes in the dash while I waited for the parts to arrive. So, it turns out that the center console mount is growing on me. With the text to speech capability of the Zumo, I don't really need to look at it when it's navigating. I also seem to spend less time playing with the GPS and more time watching the road.

I live in California. May I mount my GPS on the windshield if I put it in the far left bottom corner (on the driver's side)?

Here is my Garmin nuvi350 with a beanbag mount.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q178/keith_757/2006%20Honda%20Ridgeline%20RTS/Garmin%20nuvi350/P2109173.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q178/keith_757/2006%20Honda%20Ridgeline%20RTS/Garmin%20nuvi350/P2109171.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q178/keith_757/2006%20Honda%20Ridgeline%20RTS/Garmin%20nuvi350/P2109176.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q178/keith_757/2006%20Honda%20Ridgeline%20RTS/Garmin%20nuvi350/P2109175.jpg

Here is my Garmin nuvi350 with a beanbag mount.

Which mount is it? How large is the disk that receives the suction cup? How much does it weigh? I have a TomTom 720 and I want to use a beanbag due to its ease of concealment without leaving trace evidence for crooks. :cool:

Thanks for any info that you might provide. :)

I have a Garmin too (GPSmap 76CSx) and use the velcro mount. But instead of velcro, I use the 3M SnapLock whcih is like the plastic ends of velcro. But it's real heavy duty and stays put even under very liberal driving. So I know that driving with my windows open and taking a corner a little more quickly sometimes, the GPS won't go flying out the window!

Also, for the cord, I snaked mine down the right side and again used the snaplock to fit it into the shelf to keep the cord away from the radio and other controls. From there it gets fed down to a West Mountain Radio Rig Runner. The Rig Runner is where a 12 volt feed goes to connected with power poles and is always on. I have my GPS and other electronics connected to it. Plus I have a cig plug that is always on, so I can charge my phone or other when the car is off. It all works GREAT.

I have a TomTom 720 and I want to use a beanbag due to its ease of concealment without leaving trace evidence for crooks. :cool:Exactly the reason I went with this mount. I want the inside of my cabin to look stock, which means boring to crooks, which means a waste of time to break into. (i hope) :)
Which mount is it? How large is the disk that receives the suction cup? How much does it weigh? It does not take the suction cup mount that comes with the unit at purchase. Of course, this is a Garmin version, but I assume that TomTom has a similar product. The base is a standard base for all Garmin products, the key is you have to get the middle piece (mount) that fits your GPS, which is an additional purchase. The weight? don't know exactly, but it has flexible metal legs inside the bag, to mold to the bends of your dash, with metal weights (beans) and a non-skid surface bottom.

I used this in my previous '07 Civic and took on-ramps at much faster speeds than I ever can with the Ridge, no movement. For this to move around, you have to be doing some highly dangerous cornering and you had to put it on a dirty dash (less non-skid contact). How about this, if you see this move, take that as a sign to slow down.

I have the phone proclip and I added a aluminum bar to hold my bluetooth GPS unit that connects to the navigation in my phone. You could probably do something similar with an entire GPS unit.

I have a Magellan Maestro, I have it mounted in the left hand corner of the window along with my Cobra Radar.. I have all of the wiring ran behind the dash..

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

I have a Magellan Maestro, I have it mounted in the left hand corner of the window along with my Cobra Radar.. I have all of the wiring ran behind the dash..


I use this same mounting position in my Nissan Quest. Some rocket scientist thought that it would be a great idea to mount the gauges in the middle of the dash like the Mini Cooper. Gauges in the middle of the dash look cool until you have to use them in a minivan. Trust me, they aren't.

I ended up liking this mounting position a lot. It worked out way better than I thought it would. :)

I really like Keith's bean bag mount. Only problem is I didn't find any for my Magellan Maestro. I don't like the idea of sticking big round plastic discs to my dash and the windshield suction cup was too far away to use the touch screen comfortably. So, I decided to go custom.
I don't have anything in the cubby under my radio so I figured this would be a good place for a mount. At work I fabricated a wedge from a piece of 2 x 6 to fit quite snug in the cubby. It has a slot in it to accept the mount that came with my unit. If I like this prototype, I will probably round off the square corners to allow the arm to swing more. I planed to paint it black to match the plastic arm then a co-worker suggested maybe getting some grey leather and covering it with that. Not sure about that.
As it is, it’s easy to pull out and it fits in the center console to be out of sight from prying eyes.
Here are some pics.

Jet Pack....I like that. I had thought about making one like that for my Garmin but never got past the "thought" stage. Thanks for the pictures. you have given me inspiration.

Jim

Jet Pack, that is a great idea.

I've currently got the plastic disc on top of my dash to mount my Garmin Nuvi360 using the suction cup mount but will shortly use your concept.

Thanks for sharing....

By the way, anyone have a good method for removing the disc from the dash?

Jet Pack, that is a great idea.

I've currently got the plastic disc on top of my dash to mount my Garmin Nuvi360 using the suction cup mount but will shortly use your concept.

Thanks for sharing....

By the way, anyone have a good method for removing the disc from the dash?

Jet Pack....I like that. I had thought about making one like that for my Garmin but never got past the "thought" stage. Thanks for the pictures. you have given me inspiration.

Jim

Thanks guys,
Let us know how yours turn out. Maybe suggest some improvements.
It was much simpler to make than I thought. About an hours work, (of course I have access to a milling machine at work) including making the template for the correct angle.
After a couple days of use I know I will trim the corners off. Probably make them round. And of course I also need to paint it black. I will try to post pics of the finished product.
Not sure if I want to try to make one out of a chunk of plastic. Maybe I'll go this route if this one ever breaks or cracks.

Can you give us the angle? It would save a bunch of trial and error. I don't have a saw that will cut the angle it so I'll have to use a belt sander. It looks like the bottom is 90 degrees to the front edge and the top is angled. Is that correct?

Can you give us the angle? It would save a bunch of trial and error. I don't have a saw that will cut the angle it so I'll have to use a belt sander. It looks like the bottom is 90 degrees to the front edge and the top is angled. Is that correct?

Yes, the bottom is at 90 degrees to the front. The top is flat for about an inch back and then angles down. The one inch flat on the top is for the knob to tighten the arm. Sorry, I have nothing here at home to mesure the angle.
What I did was make a template out of a thin piece of plastic, something easy to cut. Keep trying it in the cubby till you get the correct angle. (I made mine so it does NOT hit the bottom of the cubby. It fits snug with just the angle of the mount in the cubby.)
Then I traced the outline from the template to my workpiece and cut up to the lines.
Hope this helps.

That should do it. Thanks for the help.

So I finally got around to painting my GPS mount that I made awhile back.
Here are the pics of the final product.

Looks good. Nice job!

After tax season I hope to make one for myself.

Jim

Is it just me or am I the only person who is having problems with the suction mount on my Garmin? Everytime the temperature in my vehicle changes 20 degrees the flippin' thing pops off. This is getting old..... :mad:

Is it just me or am I the only person who is having problems with the suction mount on my Garmin? Everytime the temperature in my vehicle changes 20 degrees the flippin' thing pops off. This is getting old..... :mad:

Before I made my dash mount I tried half a dozen times to get the suction cup to stick to the windshield with no luck. The longest it lasted was about 90 seconds, that was just sitting in the driveway.
Sorry, this doesn’t really help your situation.

Is it just me or am I the only person who is having problems with the suction mount on my Garmin? Everytime the temperature in my vehicle changes 20 degrees the flippin' thing pops off. This is getting old..... :mad:
this is why i went with the bean bag mount everytime it would get sunny my mount would fall off

this is why i went with the bean bag mount everytime it would get sunny my mount would fall off+1. Plus when you don't need the GPS, you can easily "hide" traces of the unit's presence in the truck.

+1. Plus when you don't need the GPS, you can easily "hide" traces of the unit's presence in the truck.

I have only had the Garmin for a week now...It stuck on the windshield for the 2 1/2 hrs I needed it to...is this suction problem universal or a spot issue?

Nice Garmin. Just stick it on top of the dash either center place or to your left in the corner.

A baseball hat or two covers a gps very nicely.

I recently got the Nuvi 760 (which my wife has now claimed as her own ;) ) and I use it with the portable dash "bean bag" mount. It works perfectly! It never moves and is easy to hide if I'm uncomfortable about leaving it out where I'm parking. I really don't see how you can beat this option.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41v3OIGQ0GL.jpg

So I finally got around to painting my GPS mount that I made awhile back.
Here are the pics of the final product.
Jet Pack, How about a slightly modified version of your mount. You can slide it all the way to the left and still utilize much of the storage, if need be. Something like this (sorry for the crappy 30 second photoshop lol)

http://www.oasoldier.com/media/pics/brace.jpg

DANG IT!, GeNeRal... you beat me to it!! :D

I'm working on an idea w/the same modification you made. My plan is to have a GPS mount on one side (like what you've done) and then have room for a slide out iPod Nano (old design) holder on the right side.

I'll let you all know if I actually get a functional design. :)

Sounds awesome. can't wait to see the pics :)

I have only had the Garmin for a week now...It stuck on the windshield for the 2 1/2 hrs I needed it to...is this suction problem universal or a spot issue?

Not in the beginning for me. I started to have massive problems after about a year of use. The damn thing will fall off at the worst possible times. I have mine mounted to the left of the steering wheel on my Quest minivan. It fell off when I was making a left hand turn. The Garmin with mount included got stuck between the steering wheel and the door sill on top of the left steering wheel stalk. I had to make a split decision when this happened because I couldn't turn tight enough because of the Garmin blocked my ability to turn the vehicle. It was either hit the car that was in the next turn lane next to me or knock the Garmin out of the way. Let's just say that the Garmin took it on the chin. I used my left hand to swat it across the dashboard. I almost broke off the steering wheel stalk because the suction cup was stuck behind it. The Garmin's plastic case didn't fare so well. I literally cracked it in half. I super glued it back together though. It seems to still work fairly well.

I now go thru a little pre flight every time I get in the van or my truck when I have it installed. I make sure that it is firmly mounted.

DANG IT!, GeNeRal... you beat me to it!! :D

I'm working on an idea w/the same modification you made. My plan is to have a GPS mount on one side (like what you've done) and then have room for a slide out iPod Nano (old design) holder on the right side.

I'll let you all know if I actually get a functional design. :)

Whatever suits your needs guys. This looks like a functional idea. I don’t like carrying a lot of “stuff” with me all the time, so the storage space was not an issue.
Let us know how it works out for you.

wb1dby - you are right about the baseball hat trick. i cover the car mount with one before I leave the truck.

I’m not sure if this is just a “problem” with my make/model of GPS. I have a Magellan Maestro 3225 (the one from Costco) and I’ve made a custom mount (post 26 & 33 in this thread) for it. It seems that in this position it (GPS)doesn’t like having the CD player on. The player interferes with the satellite reception. Turn on the radio and it picks up a signal in a few seconds, turn the CD on and within 30 seconds the GPS has “lost its way”. If I move the GPS away from the CD player, say the other side of the steering wheel its’ OK. I just don’t like it there. I haven’t tried too many other places on the R/L dash but it seems that if it’s within a foot & ½ of the CD while it’s playing it picks up interference.
Anybody else have this happen? Any thoughts, other than moving my mount (which I may end up doing).
Thanks for any & all help.

Is it just me or am I the only person who is having problems with the suction mount on my Garmin? Everytime the temperature in my vehicle changes 20 degrees the flippin' thing pops off. This is getting old..... :mad:

Me, too. Just plain sunshine does it for me...

Jet Pack's wooden mount looks great. I don't have the wood shop skills so I bought the Garmin bean bag mount and stick it in the same cubby hole. It's pretty stable and within easy reach. It blocks the radio controls a bit but I just use the steering wheel mounted controls.

here's my set up. Scan guage - left Nuvi - center XM radio - right
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/attachments/accessories/30253d1209597351-question-about-scanguage-100_0735.jpg

I really like Keith's bean bag mount. Only problem is I didn't find any for my Magellan Maestro. I don't like the idea of sticking big round plastic discs to my dash and the windshield suction cup was too far away to use the touch screen comfortably. So, I decided to go custom.
I don't have anything in the cubby under my radio so I figured this would be a good place for a mount. At work I fabricated a wedge from a piece of 2 x 6 to fit quite snug in the cubby. It has a slot in it to accept the mount that came with my unit. If I like this prototype, I will probably round off the square corners to allow the arm to swing more. I planed to paint it black to match the plastic arm then a co-worker suggested maybe getting some grey leather and covering it with that. Not sure about that.
As it is, it’s easy to pull out and it fits in the center console to be out of sight from prying eyes.
Here are some pics.

So I finally got around to painting my GPS mount that I made awhile back.
Here are the pics of the final product.

Jet pack

Great job on your GPS mount. Great line of sight!:cool:

Jet pack-
Wood? Come on. I have one very similar in mine now. Took about 20 minutes and is not quite as crafty as yours but I love it. Thanks for the idea.

Followed Jet packs idea, but I have a Nuvi by Garmin, so I had to do mine a little different,
spray painted with a texture paint to give it a stone look. I also cut smaller so to keep some storage in the Bin. I like the line of sight better. I didn't like it on the dash.:)

I have a Garmin 265T and tried it all over the truck and finally decided to use the suction cup mount as high as it will go, center over the steering wheel. It does not block my view and requires the least amount of taking my eyes off the road.

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/Tim1954Tinman/12-31-08_0917.jpg

Here is my TomTom.I mounted it to a empty plate switch between the seat warmers.

Jet Pack's wooden mount looks great. I don't have the wood shop skills so I bought the Garmin bean bag mount and stick it in the same cubby hole. It's pretty stable and within easy reach. It blocks the radio controls a bit but I just use the steering wheel mounted controls.

Exactly the same as I do! I guess great minds think alike:rolleyes:

I had the same idea as many of you for my GPS mount. I didn't want the suction cup system because of 1) security (suction cup marks tell thieves to look in here!) and 2) reports of the suction cups tearing, and 3) obstruction of view. Additionally, I use my GPS receiver for geocaching (http://geocaching.com) more than traffic.

I bought a RAM mount cradle that fits my unit for $7.50 and made the rest out of a piece of scrap 2x4 and junk metal I had laying around. 36814

I used some of that non-skid rubber product, adhered to the wood with 2 sided tape.
36815

It is perfectly snug and holds it's place quite well, even over rugged roads. I tried it on some frozen snow & ice covered roads and railroad tracks today and it didn't move.
36816

And here it is!
36817

I used ultra-flat krylon paint to give it a nice flat, non distracting finish. The white colored non-skid stuff is the only part I don't like, nicer if it was black. But, for super cheap, I've got a solid GPS mount. plus, the tapered design allows you to tilt it either to the right or the left if you want the unit to face the driver or the passenger riding shotgun. Perfect for having convenient mapping and audio alerts while looking for geocaches in the best truck on the planet! :)

This socket mount works just fine with my nuvi 750. There is another at the same dealer which fits in the cup holder.

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/iTrek-12-volt-Socket-Mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi/3493906/product.html

I have a Tom Tom One and it was loose in the cab. Kind of a pain.

Then I looked at the recessed instrument panel. I took a small piece of non-slip tool box material to put it on the lower part of the instrument recess. The type of mesh material you put at the bottom of a drawer. At first I had it in front of the gas gauge then I moved it over to in front of the tac which I don't normally look at.

Fit OK and it even picked up the signal without a problem!

I know it also covers some of the idiot lights, but I do not use this very often.

We've been trying different places as well..
My hubby figured this out. It's a thin piece of stainless steel and part of a spare mount we had. I used small Velcro pieces because my son wants to use the Tom Tom from time to time (he's 17 and doesn't want to get lost :) ). we can remove the unit and wiring in a flash. works great over bumps and is in an easy place to read.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z59/JACsigns/mount3.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z59/JACsigns/mount1.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z59/JACsigns/mount2.jpg

Just thought I would share.

Also wanted to share my gps installation. I wanted something that resembled OEM as much as possible and hide the ugly AC adapter. It does not interfere with the gear shift or obstruct the radio controls.
More details at http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26255