Cup Holder Mount for Nuvi 350

[nole1972]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 350 and was looking for an alternative to mounting it on the windshield, dashboard or vent. I was somewhat skeptical that it would work, but I found a cup holder mount and decided to give it a try. Out of the box it fits in the cup holder loosely. It has a thumb wheel that allows the mount to be adjusted for different size cup holders, but even after adjusting it to the maximum diameter it was still loose fitting. I came up with the idea of using a plastic cup with a 3 ½” diameter mouth and installing the cup holder mount in the cup. The cup fits perfectly in the cup holder and adds more stability to the mount. The Nuvi gets good reception and is readily accessible while resting my arm on the center console. The main disadvantage to this set up is that I have to look down at the Nuvi. However, the Nuvi provides voice directions which include the street or highway name, so I will have to train myself to listen to the directions instead of always looking at the display. Overall I like the mount but admit that it may not be for everyone.

[gadgetz]

Nole1972-

I sent you a PM regarding this Nuvi mounting bracket.

[geotech]

The cup holder idea sounds good, but I do know about not being able to see it easily.
Because the Garmin Quest has a mounting bracket/charger for voice navigation, it was designed to mount on with a suction cup on a smooth surface. I found the horizontal cubby hole perfect for inserting the mount. My sunglasses make a good filler for the rest of the slot.

[nole1972]

Geotech, I tried something similar by mounting the dashboard disk with velcro on the open cubby/cd holder door and using the Nuvi suction bracket, but it was a little unstable. How did you attach the Quest mounting bracket to cubby door?

[geotech]

Originally Posted by nole1972

Geotech, I tried something similar by mounting the dashboard disk with velcro on the open cubby/cd holder door and using the Nuvi suction bracket, but it was a little unstable. How did you attach the Quest mounting bracket to cubby door?

Hopefully this pic will show how the bracket is angled so that the weight of the Quest holds it fairly firmly in place. I just push it straight in. The length of the bracket is just right when angled like this. Still need something to the right to keep if from sliding (pivoting) in that direction. Hence the glass case. I also use the Quest in my Accord so I needed to do something that was semi-portable. Sorry for the flash pic.

[nole1972]

Geotech, thanks for the photo - as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a 1000 words.

[X-Brawn]

Indeed...

I have a Garmin StreetPilot 2610 GPS system that I used in my Tundra. Very handy system, but not the most accurate overall. I'd like to mount it in my Ridgeline somewhere, but that somewhere is still being worked out. I do not want to use one of the two few cup holders I have up front, or obstruct the radio.

The pictures shared here have given me some ideas, now it is time to find my hardware and tools and see how those ideas are going to work.

[nole1972]

Originally Posted by X-Brawn

The pictures shared here have given me some ideas, now it is time to find my hardware and tools and see how those ideas are going to work.

X-Brawn, it has almost been one month since I began using the cup holder mount, and so far, it has worked out pretty well. Other than taking up one of the cup holders, I am pleased.

I am constantly trying to come up with new ideas. If you come up with anything please post photos.

[AZDirtDog]

I have a unit from Caliber w/ a mount similar to what geotech showed, and I came up with the same idea. It holds it pretty securely. The GPS is just below the stereo and just next to the shifter, so I don't have to look away from the road very far (still not the best idea). The only problem is that, although it is very snug, sometimes something rattles. I'm going to try some velcro on the suction cup attached to velcro on the covers where the heated seat controls would be. Hopefully that will keep the antenna under the windshield enough so I don't have to detach it and use the cable.

[e_piph_a_ny]

Originally Posted by nole1972

I am constantly trying to come up with new ideas. If you come up with anything please post photos.

Here is how I mounted my RM 700. It's close to line of sight for driving but does not intrude the sight lines.
Most important: it does not interfere with the radio controls, minimal visual blight with wires or open compartments.

It's a nice day in paradise (see the puffy clouds )