05+ Taco GPS mounting solutions?

[gearbox]

I've been considering several different ways of mounting my Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx to be usable in the standard driving position, and the options are bleak.

A Ram Mount ultimately based to the gearshift/cupholder cover and reinforced on the inside with an aluminum plate seems to be the most practical to me. It would probably require a longer main arm.

I don't figure I can put it on the left, and I don't want it in the windshield or obstructing the controls (lights, signals, blades, radio, vents, gearshift, hand brake, AC, etc..) It's bad enough that there will be an antenna and power cables, and it'll be more cluttered with a CB.

Does anyone have another suggestion?

 

[Ryanmb21]

Here is what I did:
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2013&highlight=mount+garmin

It's super easy to take the dash apart, the whole thing was very painless and it works perfect! The screen is very visible while driving and the best part is that when driving you sit your left wrist on your knee and you can operate the thumb on your left hand.

Sorry for the crappy pics:

If you have any questions I'm glad to answer.

 

[gearbox]

How are you managing to power your GPS? You aren't wired for an antenna are you?

Can you link to the dash removal instructions? I've spent far too long breaking open the stereo areas on my truck and most recently on my girlfriend's Hyundai. I need a break!

I'll need to open up the dash anyway to thread the Gilsson antenna through the firewall.
Thanks!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Here's my setup...

I am also considering a Magellan Crossover sometime this spring...

 

[heeltoe989]

thats one thing I really like about the little gps's you can mount them just about anywhere. I just picked up a Lowrance Globalmap Baja 540c. I have a RAM mount for it but I'm still figuring out where I should mount it.

 

[Ryanmb21]

How are you managing to power your GPS? You aren't wired for an antenna are you?

Can you link to the dash removal instructions? I've spent far too long breaking open the stereo areas on my truck and most recently on my girlfriend's Hyundai. I need a break!

I'll need to open up the dash anyway to thread the Gilsson antenna through the firewall.
Thanks!

I power my GPS through the fuse box using an "add-a-circuit" I bought at Pep Boys for $7 connected to this https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=519.

My GPS get great reception with no outside antenna.

To remove the dash there are two screws at the base on the plastic below the steering wheel, one on each side. Then you remove the ring around the ignition, then there are pins at the top on each side. The next piece (around the gages) is all pins, you just pull it out. Sorry I don't have better instructions.

 

[Clark White]

I just use a suction mount to the bottom left corner of the windshield. low enough that it doesn't block my view any, and its right there where you can see it and use it while driving with out taking your eyes off the road. One of the best solutions I've seen! Other major pluses is that you can move it, put it in a different vehicle, etc. when you are traveling in another vehicle.

 

[Clark White]

My GPS mounted...

The mount it's self.

Drivers eye view.

I routed the power cable through the dash, so it is out of the way and hardly visible. The mount is adjustable, so if you want to move it up or down, etc. you can do that.

 

[Schattenjager]

I used the black plastic piece at the front of the window. I snapped it off - bolted the RAM Mount base to it, added some silicon to the snaps and the top edge and replaced it. After it setup over night, I added the 60 CSx with the rest of the RAM system, routed the power under the weather stripping, and presto! I like the angle of view and the ability to move it around a lot to compensate for daylight, access buttons, etc.

This is uber easy to hide when parking too - before I open the door I just loosen the RAM mount, move the GPS out of sight and re-tighten. Nothing to display what is in the console! :sombrero:

This has been setup for about 25K miles so far without issue.

 

[Michael]

Just joined tonight -- there are some great ideas in these forums!

I tried several different mounts for my GPS and settled on this method for my 2006 Tacoma ...

I used a RAM mount with a handle bar ball mount clamped to the driver's side handgrip. Line of sight is good, very little vibration, it doesn't block my view, and the GPS pops out easily when I want to do some geocaching at a stop. The entire assembly can be removed from the top ball mount in about 8 seconds and stored out of sight. The ball isn't in the way when I don't have the GPS mounted. The power lead is tied into a 12VDC distribution bus from the aux battery mounted in the center console under the 2X cup holder. I did have to modify the 'socket' for the upper ball slightly with a round file to increase the range of motion. The CSx model has no problem catching satellites without an antenna in that location -- I don't think earlier models will either.

The RAM part number for the entire assembly for the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx is RAM-B-149Z-GA12U.

Although the photo almost looks B&W, I just took it late tonight -- and it is cold in San Diego for a change!

 

[xcmountain80]

I might be picking up a 06 double cab and need to mount my 276C the spot in front of the shifter looks perfect ish (I have a ram mount if all else fails but like to keep my devices invisible to would be thieves). I guess I could use the ram mount with 1 swivel arm and a screw base that anchors into the from little compartment on the console tunnel.

A

 

[keezer36]

This has worked out well for me. It's not in the way of anything. Of course I had to bring all my carpentry skills to bear to create the flat surface.

 

[daverami]

Here's what I did. Used a RAM mount.

 

[freeze]

I've got a RAM mount suction to the window. Now with the HP mini laptop i have a RAM mount stand for the laptop and the 76 goes in the console. I have an antenna that magnets to the roof for the GPS.

 

[hillbillyjake]

i have an 08. the over head console has 2 compartments in it. i used the front one (closest to the wind shield) by taking the fold down piece that would hold the garage door opener off and using screwa to mount the ram mount base to the console. it posed a little problem with the rear view mirror but i never really minded.

the unit is a garmin summit.