How do you mount a GPS unit?

[g_glip]

I've had my 2008 CR-V EX-L for about one month and I find it difficult to locate a suitable place to mount my Garmin 350 GPS unit. On my previous car (a Subaru Forester) I was able to use Velcro to locate it in an obscure place in the instrument display area; no such luck in the CR-V (especially since the designers, for some obscure reason, have elected to display the gear position ONLY in the instrument display!). I'm curious as to how some of you mount your GPS units.

Thank you

[aslguy]

I have my Garmin suctioned to the windshield to the left of the instrument panel, just above the defogger vent. I just got my Garmin, but I had my TomTom in the same location on my Civic. It works like a charm, and is more discreet than in the middle of the windshield. I will have it hard-wired on January 22nd (appointment at Best Buy).

[07CRVOWNR]

I purchased the dash mount for my Garmin Nuvi 660. I have this mount on the hard plastic above the two air conditioning vents in the middle console. I then wrap the chord around the back of the bottom of the mount and then down to the power port. With the excess wire tied together the wire stays close to the console and out of the way when I drive. I find this to be the easiest place for me to see and hear the directions without the gps unit being a distraction while driving.

[Badgerland]

07CRVOWNR (http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/member.php?u=1266) & aslguy (http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/member.php?u=3027) and others who may reply; a photo of your setup would be very helpful to new owners and others who may want to use the same setup as you are describing. Pictures are worth a thousand words...:D

[emmajoan]

I'd love to see pictures of others setups as well, as well as approximate costs for hardwiring.

[T Mac]

I mount mine with the suction cup to the windshield.

[aslguy]

I took mine down tonight because I parked in a garage at the university after dark, but when I need it again I'll take a picture and post it.

[PJRobinson]

I use the suction cup to mount mine to the lower left side of the windshield thats the only place I could get it out of my line of site.

[tuba576]

I just got the Garmin nuvi 260 and my 08 EX within the past 2 weeks. I bought the Garmin Friction Mount and placed it on top of the middle vents in the front. The thing just sits there and DOES NOT MOVE. I sit high enough in my CR-V that it doesn't block my sight at all. There is no adhesive or any possibility of it falling, no matter what the weather. It's $30 (I bought it at Staples... Best Buy wanted $44!) but it's worth it. I've been told the suction cup can fall off if it's too hot/cold (don't remember which.)

Amazon.com had a good price as well.

Good luck!

[Claude]

I did it like they do in there aftermarket unit
Bolted to the top plastic cover on dash and running wires in behind all the dash plastic parts to the 12 volt outlet

Works fine and easy to reach and use

TomTOm OneXL

[Craving This]

I use the suction cup to mount mine to the lower left side of the windshield thats the only place I could get it out of my line of site.

thats where i put mine too! i hate it when i drive and see other peoples GPS in the middle of the windshield i'm like HOW can you drive like that and it doesn't bother your line of sight?!?! i guess i just hate anything in the way...

[ecarfar]

I just got the Garmin nuvi 260 and my 08 EX within the past 2 weeks. I bought the Garmin Friction Mount and placed it on top of the middle vents in the front. The thing just sits there and DOES NOT MOVE. I sit high enough in my CR-V that it doesn't block my sight at all. There is no adhesive or any possibility of it falling, no matter what the weather. It's $30 (I bought it at Staples... Best Buy wanted $44!) but it's worth it. I've been told the suction cup can fall off if it's too hot/cold (don't remember which.)

Amazon.com had a good price as well.

Good luck!

I'm glad to hear that! I bought an '08 EXL on Saturday and just ordered the Garmin 260 with the friction mount from Amazon. I think the mount was $28. It's nice to know it works well in your car!

[stevemel]

I use a portable friction dash mount. My suction cup kept falling off. Placed on the center dash above air vents. This thing does not move. It's great!!!

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8100#

[SilverV]

I like the portable friction mount option from Garmin. :D

[Florida_Keith]

I have a Garmin friction mount with a Garmin 760. CBS had a story on the nightly news showing how thieves look for the telltale suction cup mark on the windshield and then break into vehicles looking for GPS units to steal. The Garmin 760 is nice, I have loaded mine with GPS files and you can connect to the AUX port and listen to MP3 files until you need to turn and then the unit pauses a song gives the directions and then restarts the song. Very nice! It would be nice if the top panel over the A/C vents had a power port and a AUX port though.

[randomtask77]

Ours is mounted on the friction mount but on the far left side of the dash.

[Black Pearl]

I have a Garmin Friction Mount for my 76S. It worked great in a multitude of rental vehicles and my last car. However I have been disappointed with it on the V. I set the GPS on top of the AC ducts in the center because Lady Black Pearl likes to see it also. The top of the duct is very smooth and somewhat rounded. I have dumped the GPS down on the shifter knob about 5 times now. It didn't break the GPS...yet.

I just got a Garmin Nuvi 5000, (great for people with old eyes--otherwise get a 700 series Nuvi) and I am fighting the suction cup circles--every time you remove the gps you have to clean the windshield. I would like to try an AC vent mount but with the rounded vents (top is inset further than the bottom) I am afraid that it won't work. The Nuvi unlike my 76S will not survive too many drops.

I am considering placing a strip of velcro on the dash, but one wonders if that is not a tip off to thieves as well. I never leave my GPS in the car, but that doesn't prevent anyone from breaking in to have look.

Does anyone have any experience with the vent mounts on generation 3 Vs?

[Florida_Keith]

Garmin GPS, XM, Sirius, Magellan GPS, Lowrance GPS, TomTom GPS, MIO GPS & RAM GPS Mount Authorized Dealer at MountGuys.com (http://www.mountguys.com/)

The clear disk on the dash would be a nice alternative. You could then use your suction cup mount on the dash and the clear disk should be unobtrusive.... I thought about doing this but am satisfied with my friction mount/GPS setup. I wish there was an AUX jack on top of of the dash though... I have a long cord snaking down the dash across the carpet and then up to the AUX jack. Also, I have the power cord running down to the 12V charger at the base of the center dash...

[Black Pearl]

I am afraid a clear disk would still be visible and an invitation to trouble. That is one plus of the built in unit, the lack of wires is another plus. But it is nice to move your GPS to another vehicle (ain't so nice when some one else does).

Reading what some of the members have been saying about Honda's navi, I am glad I didn't go for it. I detest leather seats so there wasn't much of a chance anyhow. $4,000 will buy a lot Garmins.

Your observation on the aux cable is right on. I tried it, but to be honest, the rare times I listen to music, I would rather use a mp3 disk in the CD player so I can use the steering wheel buttons rather than fiddling with the GPS. So I use the internal speaker for directions. I found the FM transmitter to be disappointing. No surprise with the antenna in the back.

[Rikki]

I mount my TomTom 720 via an aftermarket cupholder mount that I found on Ebay. I initially mounted mine using the disk and just taking it out. However, I just realized that even when you take out the GPS it still "invites" gawkers and potential thieves that you "might" have a GPS in your glove compartment because they can still see the mounting disk.

Even when you use the windshield suction cup, it still invites others to think you have it kept inside the car.

I've found with the cupholder mount, I can just store the entire thing in the glove compartment and no one even knows that I have a GPS inside the car.

;)

[Swiftone]

My RAM mounted Garmin 60Cx (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3084976&l=91e2c&id=861330510)

Its not a NUVI, but it gives a good idea of how I've got my 60Cx mounted.

I have zero problems with line of sight, and the nice part about the suction mount is that I can take it out and put it in my wife's car when we take it places.

The only concern I have about the whole deal is the power situation. The power outlet doesn't cater to the location of the GPS as you'll see.

DEFINITELY check out RAM mounts. RAM Mounting Systems, Inc. (http://www.ram-mount.com)

They are warrantied for life and are worth every single penny. I know also that they do make mounts for all Nuvi units.

Check this link for the NUVI specific mount. Note that the suction cups and arms are the same for all mounts, just the actual mounting bracket changes.

Garmin Nuvi RAM mount (http://products.ram-mount.com/rammount/productdetail.aspx?partnumber=RAM-B-166-GA21U)

[Black Pearl]

As far as the windshield suction cup goes, Garmin makes a very good suction cup mount that comes with the nuvi. It is not the mount itself that I want to replace but rather get away from the suction cup circles left on the windshield attracting thieves.

I thought about the drink cup mount, but I don't like looking down. I spend too much time looking at the damn thing as it is (something of a map nut). I want to keep my eyes on the same plane as the windshield.

But thank you both for your suggestions.

[Swiftone]

As far as the windshield suction cup goes, Garmin makes a very good suction cup mount that comes with the nuvi. It is not the mount itself that I want to replace but rather get away from the suction cup circles left on the windshield attracting thieves.


Hey BP! I know my post was "Suction-mount-centric" however, the one option that RAM provides is to hard-mount the arm that you see directly to the dash. basically, the arm that connects the holster to the suction cup has a flat plate with two screw holes that can be used to fasten the arm directly to any screwable surface.

It's a bit perverse to be screwing things down right to the dash, but I assure you, these things don't look cheap or cheesy.

I will be doing this soon once I am positive of the location for the mount. I will take some pics then if you are interested!

[Black Pearl]

Garmin makes a glue-on mount that I used in my previous car. It got traded in with the car. It wasn't going anywhere. Back then most thieves had no idea what a GPS was. But in the last couple of years car navigators have come a long way and people are breaking into cars to steal them. I have seen signs in hotels on my business trips stating to remove your GPS from the car.

So the problem is not mounting the GPS, it is mounting in such a way that when you have taken it down there is absolutely no evidence that you have a GPS in the car. And even the GPS is not the problem, I don't leave it in the car. The problem is the damage to car when they break in. This is why I think the air conditioning vent mount would be the best. But the gen 3 vents are highly curved (from a side view) so the top of the mount would have very little to grab while the bottom of the mount would be flush up against the face of the vent.

I appreciate your replies.

[andrew28]

I have a tomtom one and I ditched their original mount a while ago. At Target of all places I found a cell phone/pda mount that attaches to the a/c vents.

While I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new 08 CRV, I plan on installing it the same way on the vent that's located just above the radio to the left.

[Black Pearl]

What I am afraid on the AC vent mount is that on the gen 3 CR-V the mounts are highly curved (from a side view). The top leg will have to be longer than the bottom leg.

[csklGA]

I have 2008 LX. There is an empty slot right below the stock radio. I am thinking put some sort of sand bag there, modify the base of my GPS and stick the base there (hook the GPS to its base as normal).

Would that work? I haven't got around to it yet since I got my CRV over the weekend.

[X-Brawn]

How about like this...
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c144/My03Tundra/My%202008%20Honda%20CR-V/0808081643a.jpg

Yeah, I did a "permanent" dash mount for my Garmin Nuvi 760. I still have some bugs I need to work out, though such as some phantom rattles and neatening up the power cable connection.

[Black Pearl]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 5000, which is a big unit compared to the other models in the Nuvi family. I had been using the windshield suction cup mount, but the GPS fell off the windshield twice and I lost faith in the mount. So I tried the Garmin's Portable Friction Mount (bean bag mount). It works great! I have one for my Garmin 76S which did not work well, and I was afraid that this one would be similar. The 76 would vibrate to the edge of the dashboard due to the hard ride of the V and fall down on to the shifter.

The mounts are basically the same but the difference is that the 76S is a tall and thin unit and to clear the windshield the GPS was near the edge of the dashboard. The 5000 is wide and short, so it can sit further back. I can get one flap of the mount in the trough that is in between the defroster outlet and the rest of the dash board. The GPS stays put very nicely. I am impressed with the stability of this mount.

[ROMAN]

I have this picture on my previous postings. Just can't find
it in the forum.

Hope you don' mind me re-posting it again for others
to have ideas. Thanks.............:)

[late08]

Hi;

While browsing, I noticed someone had used this solution on his Accord. Not sure if it would work for the CRV or not. Give it a look.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858989001

Look at the Specs/Details. It appears it can be easily moved from car to car?

late08

[late08]

Here's the solution! :D:D:D

[kevdb]

I use a friction mount when using my Nuvi and have never had any problems with it sliding about on the dash board. Prior to my V I also used it in a BMW for over two years and again no problems

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8100

[kevdb]

Must have missed the posting at the top

[tkcr]

I used the vent mount. I also hardwired to the fuse. It fires up when the car is started.

[indigo]

I bought a air vent clip for my gps on ebay for less than 10$. its perfect.

[howdy]

I just recently got a Garmin Nuvi 255w and, like some others, use the friction mount and life is good.

I like the fact that there's a perfect, fairly flat area on my 'V to place it and that I can take it down quickly without any evidence that I have such a device from evil-doers. :)

[Serj22]

To bad you guys didn't get that really cool center pocket on the 1st gen, it's perfect for putting the navi in, and then you just flip the door closed and leave it there.

[GTCB-chris]

TKCR, whats the "little blue light" for, are you......on...of....them?!?!?!

[Serj22]

I have the exact same pedals TKCR has in my V, great minds, ya know? The blue light is to proclaim all glory to the Hypnotoad Chris...duh. She's not "one of them" .........yet.

[GTCB-chris]

one of my buddies has a blue light like that in his tahoe, its a conspiracy i tell you

[tkcr]

The "blue light" is the Viper security system. I have a remote start and security that was added when I bought the CRV back in Oct.

[GTCB-chris]

oohh...so no alien affiliation :rolleyes: sure, sure. ha just kidding, that's what i thought it was

[tkcr]

No, I just have "ghosts" affiliations. No aliens.:D

[zoneout]

I have a Brodit/Proclip custom mount for my crv. Although pricey at $80 it places the gps perfectly just to the left of the center console vents.

[mycle1000@yahoo.com]

for my garmin street pilot i purchased the 'bean bag' type mount that sets on the top of the dash in the center. they can be found at walmart. wires that run down to the power port can be paper-clipped to the vents and push the excess into one of the cubby holes down there.
please note that in some states (like minnesota) it is illegal to have any accessory mounted to the windshield.

[whoa]

I went with the bracketron (http://www.bracketron.com/instructions/_mvm/391.pdf). Just don't follow their instructions; you need to use the helms manual to disassemble some of the centre dash components otherwise you risk damaging them. I had a proclip for my van but they dropped the ball on the crv. The suggested locations of the proclip wasn't optimal imo. Anyway, here are the pics (ignore the dust):

[trinc]

does the proclip , seen here:

http://www.proclipusa.com/site/framework/scripts/popup.asp?path=/media/images/products/dashmounts/853058-4.jpg&width=480&height=480&pageid=8266

block access to the cubby ( opening the fold down door ) ?

tim

[barrys]

> Yeah, I did a "permanent" dash mount for my Garmin Nuvi 760. I still have some bugs I need to work out, though such as some phantom rattles and neatening up the power cable connection.

Can I ask if you have more info on how you installed that mount? Was it a modified stock mount or some third party mounting device?

[CRookinV]

Vent mount, got it at Target for $30.00 works perfectly with my Tom Tom

[barrys]

I was just looking at the ProClip VSM G3. Model: MV-50-02-G3
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31%2BENOi7XkL._SS400_.jpg

Don't know if that link will stay good. Here's a link to the amazon product web page:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019M4ANG

I like because it's really low profile add it's easy to mount as per the instructions. As for it's sturdiness, can't really tell. I'm sure the bracket itself is fine, but it mounts with two screws to the fram that surrounds the radio. Not sure how that will work out.

Also, for 50 clams, I think it's time for a fun night in the shop to make it myself.

[barrys]

> Vent mount, got it at Target for $30.00 works perfectly with my Tom Tom

That sounds like a great idea. If we end up using it a lot, then maybe I'd upgrade to something more permanent. Also easy to stash.

Do you remember the brand and model for the vent mount?

[westham]

Vent mount, got it at Target for $30.00 works perfectly with my Tom Tom
What make, model did you buy? What size Tom Tom I have the 4.3 screen and looking for a decent mount..........maybe this vent mount will work for me.

[tibimakai]

how do you hard wire a gps? I can't understand how it starts and stops the unit, since the unit has it's own battery?
my wife has a Streetpilot C550 and I'm interested in this subject also.
in my VW I've installed a Kenwood unit. I hate dealing with installing/removing all the time the portable one, not talking about running the cables for it. many times it felt down.
if you remove the unit from the ball mount to many times, it won't wear out prematurely?

[barrys]

Those are all good questions that I too would like answers to.

[tkcr]

You need to see if your GPS comes with a hard wire kit. Mine did, I had to order it because it was optional. It will have the plug end that goes in your GPS and the othe end will be 2 bare wires, 1 hot and 1 ground. In my 01 CRV, there's 3 accessory ports in the fuse box. I used the one that gets power when the key is in the 2nd position or started. I solderes the hot wire to a 1p coupler that goes to the fuse box and grounded the other wire to the frame of the inpanel.

Now since I used the vent mount, I ran my wire behind the vent to conceal it behind the inpanel. And then just went over to the fuse box from there. So everytime the car is started the GPS powers up. No more wires hanging down or having to plug it in the power outlet.

[tkcr]

Oh, I forgot here's a pic of what the vent mount looks like.

[barrys]

Thanks tckr.
Do I rememeber correctly that your GPS also has a temp sensor? That's handy.
What kind of GPS unit is that?

[tkcr]

No the temp sensor, along with a compass and altimeter, is the unit there by the left pillar in the photo above #56. It also is hardwired in.

My gps is a Garmin Nuvi 350.

If I had the money I would like to have this and not have all the different gadgets.

[barrys]

That Pioneer is sweet, but I'm afraid it's an invitation to knuckleheads walking around with big screwdrivers looking to tear up the inside of my little V.
Again, this is the wife mobile and she could care less. Here are her requirements on upgrades: :)
1. Does it cost more than one dollar?
2. Does it take more than one minunte to install?
3. Will it be at all distracting while driving?

So, there you have it...