GPS mounting in an XJ.....

[John90XJ]

I picked up a Lowrance/Eagle GPS and I'm looking for places to mount it in my '90 XJ.

The CB radio is on the PS tranny hump, the shifter bezel has ARB switches and I'm thinking that I could mount it to the dash over the air vent below the radio and HVAC controls.

Any other ideas? Anybody done this with a Baja 540, 480 or 320?

 

[Clark White]

I don't know exactly what is available for that model GPS, but I have mine mounted down in the left corner of my windshield using a suction mount sold by Garmin. It works great, it's in a very convenient place to use and see while driving, it doesn't block my view any, and it was cheep and easy to set up. You can also take it off and put it on rentals/friends vehicles, etc. Again, I don't know what available for your GPS, but if you can get one of those, they are awesome.

 

[bucyouup68]

Get a Ram Mount, they are perfect for mounting a GPS. http://asp.ram-mount.com/rammount/productdetail.aspx?partnumber=RAM-101U

 

[John90XJ]

I've been looking at those tonight.

How well do they wear? Anyone with experience with both the aluminum and plastic units?

 

[bucyouup68]

I have not had mine long enogh to tell, but it with stood a pounding in DV the last time i was there. It did not move at all. Great Unit. Here is a pic of mine.

 

[John90XJ]

That's what I needed to hear.

Is yours aluminum? Based on the part number I think it is.....

Did you look at the plastic one? I haven't seen either yet and with my rig I'm concerned about strength since it sees some fairly serious offroad use.

Overall max height is? I'm trying to figure out if the 6.25" x 2" measurement is the plate attachment to the GPS or something else I'm missing.

Thanks for the help!

 

[bucyouup68]

I can only go by what I bought, and It is rugged, I took it into some places that most of the Group just Turned around LOL. So I think It will hold up fine. I bought mine at West Marine, they usually have them in stock there. You will be happy with it, I think I paid 50.00 for it.

 

[John90XJ]

Is your unit mounted to a metal base like the trans tunnel or to some plastic trim work? I basically have the same weight load that you do so I'm curious how stout the mount to the floor or console must be, from the standpoint of backside bracing, etc.

 

[bucyouup68]

I just screwed it in to the Plastic Cover that covers the Center Console. Works Great, None of the Screws ever came close to loosing up on the whole trip.

 

[John90XJ]

Perfect. Thank you very much. I now have something to do tomorrow on my lunch hour.

I'll post up photos when I get it installed.

As for the antenna, I see you "mounted" it on your dash. I assume you're going to do something more permanent? I've been told it will work well on the hood at the bottom of the windshield. I'm in a lot of trees on the trail and would prefer to avoid the roof and having to drill holes that could leak. The cowl over the wiper linkage looks like a decent compromise.

 

[bucyouup68]

That was just the Temp Spot, I mounted it on My Cowl right below the windshield. People always ask if i left a Donut up there.LOL

 

[John90XJ]

Good to know it works there. The XJ cowl is a lot bigger and will give me a perfect spot to have it and keep it out of harm's way.

No interference from the engine or the wipers or anything?

 

[bucyouup68]

Nope, all Is Good, and Picks up the Sats Fast. Good Luck with the install, it is really sratight forward, I will be looking for the pics.

 

[John90XJ]

Thanks again for the help....I know what I'm doing this week....

 

[bucyouup68]

Any time:safari-rig: