Anyone using the ProClip Center Mount?

[Green Hokie]

Hello folks. Just got a Garmin GPS (Nuvi 255W). I don't like the windshield suction and friction mounts that came with my Garmin. Therefore, I'm considering the ProClip Center Mount sold here on PriusShop. From that YouTube video, this ProClip Center Mount for the Prius looks like a nice, simple & clean mounting option for your GPS, Ipod, etc...

Just wondering if anyone has tried this product on their Prius (the center mount one) and what your impressions are.
1) Does it stay in place as securely as claimed?
2) Does the mount cause any scratching/scuffing of the surface where it snaps into place (the dashboard seam and the top of the center vent)?
3) Does it cause any permanent separation of the dashboard seam?
4) How does it hold up to weather extremes (especially during the summer when the dashboard can get very hot)?

I wish this product was carried by a local retailer, so that I could at least try it first. From my understanding, you cannot return anything bought at PriusShop, unless the item is defective or perhaps if it's unopened.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

[dkit]

I am using it. It's a fine product with a few issues.
It won't scratch or scuff if you follow the installation instructions. No separation of the dashboard seem.

I had to replace sticky tape they include with the mount after about a year with a heavy duty 3m mounting tape in order for the mount to stay put.
Also DO NOT loos any parts (ie washer that goes into the tilt swivel mount). Also do not over-tighten the tilt-swivel screw.

Other then that all is fine. Works beautifully.

[patsparks]

I love mine.
I have a ProClip on the drivers side of the MFD which has a plate allowing my TomTom GPS and my phone hands free cradle to mount to it. I have everything at my fingertips and easily seen.
The mount is a piece of cake to fit, but it does use double sided tape, not just clips. You need a bit of muscle to stretch it over the silver vent surround. I suspect with just a GPS or phone mounted to it the double sided tape wouldn't be needed, you can leave the backing paper on it.

Where I live the summer (now) temperatures go well over 100f without a problem.
I ran my power wires etc for the GPS and phone cradles along side the top of the mount into the dash and it looks great.

You can buy it with confidence, it is all ProClip make and they do it well.
I might note mine has Click-On branding on it but it came from Pro-Clip.

I think I got mine before they were available through PriusChat, I can't remember, I have quite a few accessories on my 04 Prius.

This was before I mounted the phone cradle. Please reverse the image for left hand drive.

By patsparks at 2008-04-09

[Green Hokie]

dkit and patsparks, Thanks for the great feedback and suggestions.
I'll be ordering one of these today, thanks to you.

I was also a bit concerned that once installed, my GPS unit might block or even interfere with those two control buttons along side the MFD (Climate & Audio, on my Prius). However, from the photo you provided, patsparks, it doesn't appear that your TomTom interferes in anyway with those buttons. And, while those two buttons are blocked from view, it appears you can still easily reach around your TomTom unit to press either button if needed.
By the way, patsparks, I like that little white mouse on your dashboard. Hope it's not a live pet.

[David218]

I am using 2, 1 for an iphone and another for a escort radar detector. I didn't expose the tape when installed. The first time it took a while to install. The second took less than a minute. They seem secure, with a good build and look good. I would recommend one.

[Green Hokie]

Thanks, David. I ordered mine yesterday (center mount + adapter for the Nuvi 255W). Just under $70 delivered. A bit expensive for a GPS mount, but I'm sure it'll be worth it. Nothing but the best for my Prius!

[lenjack]

Another option is the Garmin beanbag mount. It is terrific. Allows you to place your gps on any resonably horizontal surface. It is rock steady and will not move. About $25 from Amazon. you won't regret it.

[Green Hokie]

Thanks for the feedback, lenjack. I actually do have the Garmin beanbag mount (it was included as part of the Nuvi 255W bundle package I bought). I was describing it as a "friction mount" in my first post. You are correct, the beanbag mount is very steady and can be placed on various locations/surfaces. Also makes it very easy to move your GPS unit from one vehicle to the next. However, it's a bit bulky and not "clean & custom" looking enough for my taste.

[Neicy]

I have the Proclip attached to the vent on the left of the MFD. I love it - but have one issue that bugged me for a long time until I figured it out. I usually mount the suction disc to the disc on the Proclip when I want to use it, leaving the small ball inside the socket on the back of the Garmin all the time. Every so often, usually on lengthy trips, the unit would lose suction and fall off while driving. So she would be talking to me from the floor until I could stop and put it back :LOL:. Well, one day light dawned on marble head and I realized that it was cold when I hooked it up, and the heat from the vent would blow on it for a while, expanding the air in the vacuum until it lost suction and fell off. SO, now I turn off that vent when I am using the Garmin and so far it had not happened again. But I love the placement since it allows full range of vision because it is just about level with the dash, and is within reach in case I want to check whether my next turn is a right or left before it is visible on the map or close enough to be announced. I won't mention how many four-letter words I used while installing it though. The first time I had to walk away from it before I did something I might regret. The second time it took every bit of strength I had to get it into the correct space. In the end it is worth every bit of effort it took though. You will like it.

[Green Hokie]

Appreciate for the feedback, Neicy. Yeah, that's where I'll be mounting my ProClip as well. Hopefully, mine won't take as long to install the first time.

I was also thinking about simply attaching the supplied Garmin suction disc to the ProClip base (instead of spending another $30 on the ProClip adapter for the Nuvi 255W). However, I was a little concerned with how well the suction disc would work with the ProClip base, and I also wanted more of "custom" fit/look. Therefore, I decided to spend the extra money and get the ProClip adapter.

Glad you figured out why you were loosing suction on your mount. Makes sense to me.