My GPS mount SUCKS! (Because it DOESN'T suck!)

[Martinjmpr]

....Or maybe it doesn't suck and therefore it sucks? :sombrero:

Okay, seriously, I asked this question last year but just wanted to check in again, hoping something had changed in the state of the art...

Here's my situation: I'm using an older, heavier Magellan Meridian GPS unit. I'm pretty happy with the GPS but may replace it within the next year.

HOWEVER, because I desire a GPS that will work on the truck, my motorcycle, or on foot, I'll be using a handheld-style rather than the newer "all screen" style of GPS.

The problem is weight. I've been using a suction cup mount for years but suction cup mounts aren't that good especially on heavy GPS units used on rough roads. I've lost count of the number of times the GPS unit has come off the windshield without notice and tumbled onto the floor or my lap.

I like RAM mounts because of the universal nature. I have a RAM ball bolted onto the handlebar of my motorcycle so I can easily switch the GPS from the truck to the bike. I also like the fact that if I get a new GPS all I have to do is buy a new "cradle" and I'm all set.

Honestly, now that I have an older vehicle, I'm not quite so obsessed with keeping the vehicle "pristine" on the inside, so I would actually be open to just screwing a RAM ball onto the dash. Problem is, I don't know if it would work. I know the dash is covered with soft, foamy material and my guess is that it wouldn't hold a screw very well.

If I want to screw the ball into the dash, how deep to I have to go to get it to engage in some thick enough plastic to hold the screws in place? Or is there a way I can drill through and put in a bolt and a nut with a washer? Has anyone done this?

Another alternative would be adhesive. Can anyone recommend a STRONG adhesive that will not work loose from extremes of heat and cold and/or bouncing around on the trails?

Looking for any advice I can find on mounting the GPS, this lack of suction is getting annoying. In fact, you could even say that...it sucks!

 

[el_jefe]

Buy a Nissan so you can get the Garmin dock for the dash? :ylsmoke:

But more seriously, I would try the RAM mount, if there is a concern about the plastic being stron enough, put a big, flat body panel washer on the backside, or if it's curved epoxy a piece of aluminum or sheet metal on the backside, then drill your holes for mounting.

 

[bmonday]

I've been toying with some mounts from these guys: http://www.proclipusa.com/

They make mounts that slide into various parts of your trim, and generally don't require any screwing in. I've been running one in my Jeep for some time now, and have no complaints.

Good luck
BMonday

 

[jim65wagon]

I've been toying with some mounts from these guys: http://www.proclipusa.com/

They make mounts that slide into various parts of your trim, and generally don't require any screwing in. I've been running one in my Jeep for some time now, and have no complaints.

Good luck
BMonday

I just got one of those for my ipod classic. Fits right into the trim around the radio, does not interfer with any of the dials. I 3M'd my ipods mount to the Proclip. You can even screw other mounts (like a RAM ball) to it. It seems sturdy enough, but I haven't been offroad with it yet either.

This is the 99 4Runner mount they offer. You should be able to bolt a RAM ball mount to that, don't you think?

 

[Northern Explorer]

I just used an L bracket that I cut to size. It works great. Check out post #17.

 

[kai38]

I've been toying with some mounts from these guys: http://www.proclipusa.com/

They make mounts that slide into various parts of your trim, and generally don't require any screwing in. I've been running one in my Jeep for some time now, and have no complaints.

Good luck
BMonday

I have one from them made for my FJ Cruiser, fits great has never come off. I just bought the clip part & used 3M double sided tape tp hold my XM to it, they make all types of mounts

 

[Rockcrawler]

I have the proclip mounts for my Garmin in both the Jetta and the Dodge. They work great.

 

[chasespeed]

I just screwed my GPS mount to the trim around the dash... not the prettiest, but, with my diesel, the shaking is so bad, it would come loose. Never a problem in my PowerStroke or my Caddy... just the cummins...

Not the prettiest, like I said, but it works... not going anywhere... blasting down fireroads, etc...


Chase

EDIT, sorry for the size... it didnt show up that big before....

 

[Rockcrawler]

I was thinking as I read this.... he must have a 12v... and then I saw it in your signature.

No vibration issues w/ the proclip mount with the CR version of the Cummins.

Kyle

 

[DaktariEd]

I don't know the exact configuration of your dash & windshield...but in my Sequoia I use the RAM suction mount on the windshield, placed low enough so the GPS is about 1/4" above the dash.
I tuck a small square of gray foam between the GPS and dash to apply a little pressure.
That keeps it from coming loose.
Seems to work just fine for me...

 

[targa88]

My solution was a little different - it is mounted on the post of the rear view mirror

 

[chasespeed]

I was thinking as I read this.... he must have a 12v... and then I saw it in your signature.

No vibration issues w/ the proclip mount with the CR version of the Cummins.

Kyle

hahah, yep, simple, powerful(has more than enough goodies, without sacrificing reliablilty), and stone reliable.

The 24v that came out... haha, 2 VP44s, and then the block cracked(noticed that as I was getting ready to intall the p-pump in the 24v)...

Chase

 

[Kilroy]

I use to have problems with the suction mounts too. I've found if I clean the window and the suction cup with glass cleaner just prior to mounting, they stay on well. Once I figured this out with the large RAM mount suction mount it has never come off without me taking it off. this includes off road travel. The Garmin mount is not as reliable, but will stay on for months at a time, even off road.