GPS mounting locations???

[Nooch13]

I just picked up a Garmin E-trex legend GPS unit. There is a mounting kit available, but it looks like it would take up too much room in a Jeep. I was thinking of mouting it to mu overhead console with velcro. Any other ideas?

 

[Sparky-Watts]

I wouldn't suggest mounting it up there. It needs a fairly clear view of the sky to funtion. I bought the windshield suction mount for my Legend, mounted it right in the lower center of the windshield on my YJ. Works perfectly there, and doesn't block any vision. You can find cheaper suction mounts at GPSGeeks.com, or a variety of "stick on" mounts. One word of caution when mounting your GPS: Never mount it, or any other object near your airbags (if so equipped), as the activation of the airbag will turn the object into a projectile travelling a couple hundred miles an hour. Very bad thing.

 

[southtj]

I went to radio shack and bought a generic cell phone holder that clips to an a/c vent. Looks kinda like this:

It works great for my Garmin and I put it on the left vent by the drivers door. And it gets a good view of the sky in that position. I don't think though that you have to have a direct line of sight to the sky because unlike most cars, we have no metal roof to block the signal. It worked great with my hard top on and just holding it in my hand in the center of the Jeep. Just my observations though.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

It really does depend on the vehicle. Some people I know can't get a reading inside their vehicle at all because of specially designed windshields that have some kind of metal in them. Generally, though, your best reception is going to be with a clear view of the sky. Soft tops will cause a very slight reception problem, but probably not noticeable. On the downside of those air-vent holders, they will tend to break the vents after a while, and during winter months, you don't want hot air blowing directly on any electronic item. Heat and electronics don't mix well.

 

[southtj]

and during winter months, you don't want hot air blowing directly on any electronic item. Heat and electronics don't mix well.

But, the heat will be coming out of the bottom near your feet, not the vents. Or you can set it that way at least.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

fan clutch moves

and during winter months, you don't want hot air blowing directly on any electronic item. Heat and electronics don't mix well.

But, the heat will be coming out of the bottom near your feet, not the vents. Or you can set it that way at least.

Well, that, too, depends on the vehicle. Both my old Toyota PU and my Camry had heat come out of the side vents no matter what setting the heater was on. Now, you can avoid that by putting it in the center vents. Thanks for pointing that out, south442. :wink: