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Portable GPS

1797 Views 16 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  Rickcin
Does anyone have any suggestions on the best mounting bracket for a portable GPS, like a Tom Tom or Garmin ?

The windshield is a mile away from the steering wheel and the power jack is adjacent to the passenger seat. Any suggestions or inovations would be greatly appreciated!
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I bought a 3 lobe beanbag from Big-Lots, and stuck the TomTom suction cup to that. I can place it anywhere on the dash, though the best spot seems to be as close to the right side of the steering wheel as is stable. That is close enough to access the GPS, and just below my line of sight out the windshield.

When parking, I can take the whole off the dash and place it on the floor, relatively out of sight.
I guess just using the suction cup will not hold the GPS device to the dashboard ?

Thanks for your input!
Beanbag mount here. I didn't want anything on my dash to indicate that there was a GPS inside when it was parked.
I tried the suction cup on the smooth dash above the radio. While it stuck initially, it came loose quickly. My TomTom came with an adhesive disk that apparently is smooth enough to work with suction cup. But once used, I don't think it can be moved.

If the beanbag does not work on rougher roads, I may use the disk.


I have one of THESE in the wife's E. It is AWESOME!!!

It is a two part system...you buy the mount for the vehicle and then the holder for the GPS you have and put the two together.


this was one of my problems aswell...I went to amazon and typed in gps vent holder. I bought one for 3.50 and it works fantastic...also bought one for my blackberry and works just aswell.
I used the Panavise bracket system for mine. You can see my setup in this thread.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53169
My Nuvi came with an adhesive plastic disk that ended up stuck on top of the console, directly below the rear view mirror. When the Nuvi isn't in use and when I'm feeling like it, there's a hula doll swaying on top of it instead. The thing has become a universal mounting spot.
I placed my disk on the drivers side of the AC outlet "hump" it's in perfect view as I drive, my next big goal is to get a mount for my fuzz buster next to the rearview mirror.
I have a Garmin Quest. I used the motorcycle bracket (haven't been riding much lately....no "real" traveling to need the GPS) and screwed it down to the trim around the radio. Not especially 'elegant," but simple and effective. It is hard wired (on/off w/ ignition key) so I still have to power outlet in the dash for the phone.

Pics later.
I put the plastic sticky disc thing from my garmin on the door of my overhead compartment. Works great. I really don't need to see the thing most of the time anyway. Just hearing is more than enough for me.
I bought a 3 lobe beanbag from Big-Lots, and stuck the TomTom suction cup to that. I can place it anywhere on the dash, though the best spot seems to be as close to the right side of the steering wheel as is stable. That is close enough to access the GPS, and just below my line of sight out the windshield.

When parking, I can take the whole off the dash and place it on the floor, relatively out of sight.
In the short time I've had a Nuvi this is what I've done.
I have an aftermarket single DIN radio with 'coin box' underneath, like the one shown in the ProClip instructions. Yesterday I realized that I could stick my suction cup mount to the inside of that box. I got the best angle by sticking it (upside down) to the top surface of the box (just above the AC controls). It puts the GPS a bit closer to me, though further away from my line of sight. A plus is that I don't feel as much need to remove the GPS every time I leave the car (though I'd still remove it for longer times).

For some reason the suction cup stays in place during a drive around town, but falls off over night (probably a slight leak around the edge). So if I seriously want to use this lower position, I'll have to stick the adhesive disk to the box surface.

edit:
I've cut some stiff compressible foam to fill the box and wedge the GPS holder in place (without suction). Hopefully that will be sturdy enough, without having to do anything more permanent.
How about this in my E for a Garmin handheld mount?
E BikeR

Very cool!
GPS / Cell Phone Mount

I have just received and installed the Bracketron Air Vent swivel mount device holder. I already had the cell phone/GPS holder for the cup mount setup, just purchased the air vent base bracket and it works like a champ.

The bracket mounted securly to the vent closest to the drivers side and the adjustable device arms turn and swivel to hold my iPhone vertically or an horizon device like a GPS.

Just wanted to share.
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