Mounting a GPS
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 224
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From: Trophy Club Texas
Mounting a GPS
I've 'almost' decided to get a GPS for my truck (2005 F250 Lariat). But...I don't want to stick it on the windshield or the dash. Has anyone mounted one so it can be hidden? GPS systems come in all sizes now, and some are pretty small, so I'm hoping to find one that will work.
As I see it, I have 3 possible places (at least the 3 most obvious to me).
1. Remove the cupholders and somehow rig it to slide in/out (probably not a big enough space)
2. Another slide in/out option is the 'cubbyhole' on the lower portion of dash, between instrument cluster and radio (again, doubt it is large enough).
3. In the flip out 'tray' below the cubbyhole. This seems like it would be the easiest place, as it's a bit larger than 1 or 2, but I'm not sure where to start.
Anybody done this? Got pictures? Suggestions?
Thanks
dp
As I see it, I have 3 possible places (at least the 3 most obvious to me).
1. Remove the cupholders and somehow rig it to slide in/out (probably not a big enough space)
2. Another slide in/out option is the 'cubbyhole' on the lower portion of dash, between instrument cluster and radio (again, doubt it is large enough).
3. In the flip out 'tray' below the cubbyhole. This seems like it would be the easiest place, as it's a bit larger than 1 or 2, but I'm not sure where to start.
Anybody done this? Got pictures? Suggestions?
Thanks
dp
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
IMHO.... the garmin 1250 came with all kinds of mount types...
for me, the bean bag mount worked best for a few reasons...
didn't want a perm mount where I couldn't move it from car to car...
I could place it right in front of the door pillar where my line of sight was blocked anyway, but yet this place was still where I wouldn't have to take my eyes off the road nearly as much or reach to far to get to it (never could find a good place to store the remote..(maybe hand it around my neck when driving ???!!!!
)
for me, the bean bag mount worked best for a few reasons...
didn't want a perm mount where I couldn't move it from car to car...
I could place it right in front of the door pillar where my line of sight was blocked anyway, but yet this place was still where I wouldn't have to take my eyes off the road nearly as much or reach to far to get to it (never could find a good place to store the remote..(maybe hand it around my neck when driving ???!!!!
)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
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From: Houston
I made a mount for mine. I had a small piece of (can't remember gauge) steel laying around. I cut it to the shape of the coin/ash tray between the cup holders and bolted it to the coin tray. Smoothed out the bolt head and nut with a grinder so that it fit flush and the cup holder would still close into its hole in the dash. I placed velcro on top of the steel plate and velcro'd my GPS mount to it. It is a good spot and can still be removed. This is for my little Garmin 76CSx handheld. I also left the coin tray about half open so that it could still be used. I don't have any pictures of it right now.
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
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Originally Posted by 89LX306
I made a mount for mine. I had a small piece of (can't remember gauge) steel laying around. I cut it to the shape of the coin/ash tray between the cup holders and bolted it to the coin tray. Smoothed out the bolt head and nut with a grinder so that it fit flush and the cup holder would still close into its hole in the dash. I placed velcro on top of the steel plate and velcro'd my GPS mount to it. It is a good spot and can still be removed. This is for my little Garmin 76CSx handheld. I also left the coin tray about half open so that it could still be used. I don't have any pictures of it right now.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Trophy Club Texas
Originally Posted by jim0517
Why not replace the stereo with a Stereo/GPS unit?
dp
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 83
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From: Birch Bay WA.
Try http://www.ram-mount.com
they have mounts for everything to anything.They are used in every kind of vehicle imaginable.
Ken
they have mounts for everything to anything.They are used in every kind of vehicle imaginable.
Ken
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: South Onondaga, NY
gps
Just a quick thought....if you are planning on mounting your GPS in a "hidden" area, just make sure it has an external antenna. If it doesn't have an external (roof mount) antenna, then you won't have any reception. Remember, you have to be able to "see" 3 satellites at a time to be able to pinpoint your location.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Trophy Club Texas
Good point. Hadn't thought about that.....
Maybe I can sell the wife on the in-dash unit after all. I can tell her that the antenna costs $1500.00 Wonder if she will believe me??
Maybe I can sell the wife on the in-dash unit after all. I can tell her that the antenna costs $1500.00 Wonder if she will believe me??
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 135
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From: Niagara Falls Ont. Canada
Ram mounts the way to go
I also have the GPSmap 76CSx and I bought the ram mounts... in the truck I use the window suction cup in the top left corner, the mount angles toward the A pillar, and it doesn't block my view of anything, but it's close at hand and easy to view and use. I use the car plug sold by Garmin, it sits over the driver's side visor, over the mirror and hangs down to plug into the power access point. The GPS unit comes out in a second, and the rest I just leave sitting there. I also bought the mount for my motorcycle, so all I have to do is un-do the mount (leaving the suction mount on the windshield) and take that to the bike and tighten it on. I bought the locking **** that holds the mount, so that if I pull the GPS some smart**s can't steal my mount... for me it all works like a charm... I'm working right now on how to mount my laptop, so I can plug the GPS into that and use it in the truck...(don't have the bucks for a Jottodesk)
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 32
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From: Austin, Texas
TomTom GPS integrated into the Edge A2 module. I installed the A2, Juice Module and backup camera in my 2006 F350 in about 4 hours and love it.
http://www.pmtchips.com/_e/loc/produ...n1999_2007.htm
http://www.pmtchips.com/_e/loc/produ...n1999_2007.htm
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
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Originally Posted by kphn
I have a Ram mount for my lap top works great.I used one of my cup holders to mount a ball to hold the lap top holder.
Ken
Ken
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Golden Shores, AZ
My last truck was an '02 F-250 PSD. I took out the 6-CD radio and replaced it with the Pioneer AVIC-N1 navigation, DVD, XM Radio, AM/FM. After I traded for my current '04 F-350, I put in the Pioneer AVIC. N3 (newer version). I disappears when you turn of the engine. It also has a removable front face for security. I got it at Fry's Electronics for around $1250 plus installation.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 122
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I just installed the pioneer AVIC-N3 flip out style head unit in my truck. I love it! I will get picks up tomorrow as soon as I can. I did some searching around before I went this model and I spent around $1600 and got new speakers, iPod interface and Sirus satellite radio. I have the GPS antena and the sirus coming out of my rear brake light on the roof. If you are looking for a weet sounding system that is concealed when it is not in use this is perfect. Hope this helps you out....you wont be disappointed with it.