Aftermarket / Portable GPS in Non-Nav Prius

[telefrog]

I thought I would share my "install" of a Garmin Nuvi 265WT in my 2010 Model III.

Overall I am fairly happy with the results. It is obviously not nicely integrated like the factory version, but the location keeps it from being too obtrusive.



I ran the power cable (and integrated FM traffic antenna) through the dash by pulling off the left vent and feeding the cable up. There is enough space near the tiny triangle-shaped window to feed the cable through without destroying or significantly bending the trim. The cable plugs into the cigarette outlet under the buttress... but eventually I'd like to hard wire it somewhere to free up the outlet.

As a side note, I decided on the 265 WT because of the free lifetime traffic. I have several routes to and from work, and like to pick the fastest based on current traffic conditions.

[DeanFL]

Originally Posted by telefrog

I thought I would share my "install" of a Garmin Nuvi 265WT in my 2010 Model III.

Overall I am fairly happy with the results. It is obviously not nicely integrated like the factory version, but the location keeps it from being too obtrusive.



I ran the power cable (and integrated FM traffic antenna) through the dash by pulling off the left vent and feeding the cable up. There is enough space near the tiny triangle-shaped window to feed the cable through without destroying or significantly bending the trim. The cable plugs into the cigarette outlet under the buttress... but eventually I'd like to hard wire it somewhere to free up the outlet.

As a side note, I decided on the 265 WT because of the free lifetime traffic. I have several routes to and from work, and like to pick the fastest based on current traffic conditions.

Great install job!
I assume you remove it when not needed / parked. How much was the unit? 4.3" screen?


I'm going to install a backup camera system with a 3.5" monitor. Plan to put the monitor in the lower console - angled up a bit just under where the seat heater switches are on the V. Decent view for the occasional backup. Like your location for a new GPS. Thanks!

Oh - do you have misty gray interior? Seems as if your top dash panel is lighter than the dark gray of my bisque.

[telefrog]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

Great install job!
I assume you remove it when not needed / parked. How much was the unit? 4.3" screen?


I'm going to install a backup camera system with a 3.5" monitor. Plan to put the monitor in the lower console - angled up a bit just under where the seat heater switches are on the V. Decent view for the occasional backup. Like your location for a new GPS. Thanks!

Oh - do you have misty gray interior? Seems as if your top dash panel is lighter than the dark gray of my bisque.

I found it for $200 at Circuit City... and it looks like Amazon has it for around $220. Yes, it is the 4.3" widescreen, but I have to admit I miss the center screen I had in my Gen II. I just couldn't bear shelling out a couple thousand more for the nav.

So far, I've kept it in the car at all times... garaged at home, and in a secure area at work. It is easy enough to remove, just unplug and unsnap from the window mount. Next time I am in a "rough" neighborhood it's probably a good idea to remove it.

I have blizzard pearl paint... and I am pretty sure I have the dark grey trim with that. Maybe it's the garage lighting?

[Tech_Guy]

Originally Posted by telefrog

I thought I would share my "install" of a Garmin Nuvi 265WT in my 2010 Model III.

Overall I am fairly happy with the results. It is obviously not nicely integrated like the factory version, but the location keeps it from being too obtrusive.

I ran the power cable (and integrated FM traffic antenna) through the dash by pulling off the left vent and feeding the cable up. There is enough space near the tiny triangle-shaped window to feed the cable through without destroying or significantly bending the trim. The cable plugs into the cigarette outlet under the buttress... but eventually I'd like to hard wire it somewhere to free up the outlet.

As a side note, I decided on the 265 WT because of the free lifetime traffic. I have several routes to and from work, and like to pick the fastest based on current traffic conditions.

Nice installation. How well does it work in that location? Did you need to install an external antenna? Looks like that location blocks the internal antenna from having a clear view of the sky.

Keith

[telefrog]

Originally Posted by Tech_Guy

Nice installation. How well does it work in that location? Did you need to install an external antenna? Looks like that location blocks the internal antenna from having a clear view of the sky.

Keith

It seems to work fine. No external antenna needed. Most of the time it is synched as soon as I turn the car on. Occasionally it takes longer when I leave the garage (10-20 seconds), but when parked outside it always instantly connects. Accuracy seems to be right on par with my old Gen II factory nav.

[ceric]

Garmin 265WT is available for $180 on Amazon/EBay with free shipping.
Watch dealsea.com regularly. Sometimes, 265WT can go as low as $130.
http://www.dealsea.com/exec/search/?q=265wt&x=0&y=0 (from Dell)

The real-time traffic (used to own a Navigon with it) has at least 15-20 minutes delay.
The delay could get you trapped (too late) or give you false alarms (accident cleared already, for example).

Besides, as expected, it only shows traffic on highways and expressways.
I personally don't find it so useful. A simpler 205WT/225WT w/o real-time traffic for $130 or less would be my choice if I am getting one today.

Your mounting location is interesting to me.
According to CA vehicle codes, one can mount stuff at the lower two corners (within 7") area of a windshield. Where you mount the Garmin is not the windshield, but a side window (or part of it). CA codes do not allow anything attached to side windows (w/ some exceptions).
You may want to check OH vehicle codes.

[RickFlashman]

I have my TomTom One (3rd Gen) installed in the same place! Works awsome and is hidden enough I never take it down. Really nice installation point.

[SoTex]

Originally Posted by ceric

Your mounting location is interesting to me.
According to CA vehicle codes, one can mount stuff at the lower two corners (within 7") area of a windshield. Where you mount the Garmin is not the windshield, but a side window (or part of it). CA codes do not allow anything attached to side windows (w/ some exceptions).
You may want to check OH vehicle codes.

Actually, per most states' department of transportation, any glass in front of the side view mirrors is considered windshield even if separated by a sail panel. Here in TX, you aren't suppose to get that glass tinted as it is considered part of the windshield. Weird, but true.

[SoTex]

I mounted mine using a Garmin dash mount kit and adhered it to the dash just above the left vent. Similar in location to this one but a little closer to the driver.

[jm1515]

Excellent job, TFrog...........
That's exactly where my Zumo is going..........