Garmin Nuvi GPS mounted

Here's an option for those looking to mount their GPS units. I secured a RAM mount with double-sided tape to the cubby in front of the shifter. Then on the other side of the RAM I secured a strong magnet (from Menards). On the back of the Nuvi I double-sided taped some metal strips that I cut. The metal strips are positioned on the Nuvi that way so it will still accept the windshield bracket for use in my other cars.



I also direct wired the Garmin to the fuse box, while the red wire first stops at this switch. This way the Garmin doesn't run every time I turn the key to on. I can switch it off if I want. Bought the switch at Radio Shack and mounted it to one of the unused blanks. The cable then runs up under the 2 cupholders (which can be removed for easy wire hiding).



The RAM can be positioned perfectly because of the ball joints, then tightened. The magnet holds the Garmin REALLY tight to the RAM.

I never used that cubby area, and the cup holders can still be used. Final result:

 

I'm old-fashioned...

I want to quickly glance at the GPS while driving and keep the road in my field of vision. I keep using teh windshield mount and keep the GPS close (low) to the dash. Glare is not a problem and reception is always full bars.

I respect the creative mounting ideas but just not for me.

 

Yeah it's a little low for glancing but if I need directions I turn the voice on too so there's less looking down. I'm tall with the seat back a ways so it's in view while driving for me. Just got tired of suction cup circles on the windshield.

 

Nice work!....I got a GPS for Christmas and saw one mounted that way on here not long ago.I looked and couldn't find it so thanks for posting yours.You mentioned your other cars and that is something I wondered about because I would like to be able to use this in our van if need be.What did you use to wire this to the fuse box because I assume you kept the cable intact to plug into a lighter?

 

I keep mine on the windshield also right underneath my rearview mirror. Its always a quick easy glance and I can bump my speedometer against the GPS on a regular basis. I tried mounting it low like that but its just wasn't as user friendly to me. I believe in some states you have no other choice though as its against the law to have things mounted on your windshield. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on this. Looks good though.

 

I found a direct wire online so no tampering with the cig lighter cable.

 

Thanks JTD.

 

How does it being down there affect the signal strength?

 

No problem with signal. The thing even works in my house if I'm near a window.

 

Nice setup! I mounted my GPS there also. I like that its all kind of hidden down low and might not catch an eye from parking lot shoppers.
I want to power mine away from the cig lighter too. I think I am going to cut the cord off one of my old razr cell phone chargers (mini USB) and use that for my power line from fuse box. Hopefully it works. I like the switch idea too. Thanks! Dave

 

Looks good but if you're going to go that low it easier to buy a cupholder mount,IMO.

 

Cupholder would be easier (not that this was tough) but too ghetto for me. Plus it uses up a cupholder.

 

Nice write up man, I really need to do something with my GPS I got for X-mas/birthday.

 

Nice write up! Is that a 5" or 6" Garmin?

 

Necro thread from 2009. Original poster hasn't been around since 2012. Looks like a 5 inch.

 

Nice mod but I wouldn't like taking my eyes that far off the road. I installed a Tech Deck, puts my GPS just under the dash line, out of the sun glare, doesn't interfere with anything, easier to glance at, hear, operate if I need to. I have a 7" GPS, don't like it on the windshield for many reasons, also installed a mirror riser, opened up the view considerably. It's possible get a ticket for obstructed view if you have too much chit on the dash.
Installed an always on cig lighter in the front right cup holder, takes zero space out of the cup holder and keeps the gps on when I'm in and out of the truck a lot, or charging something.

 

I did this with my now-retired Tundra and plan to do the same with the Taco. I removed the radio and hard-wired a GPS power cable off a hot wire then fished the USB end of the cable forward and out through the defroster vents. Then I just connected it to the back of the GPS hanging on the windshield mount.