gps mount kit? not really a prius question per se

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bbcjay @ May 4 2006, 10:09 PM) [snapback]250011[/snapback]</div>

Try Ram Mount:
http://www.ram-mount.com/gps_mounts/model_...n_gps_mount.htm

 

I have the same setup you do. I used the 'dash mount disc' to attach the suction mount just to the left of my MFD. It blocks a few indicators such as cruise control, headlights and MAINT REQ'D but I can lean forward a little if I need to look at those. I have the power cord running straight down the surface of the dash and behind the plastic cover below the dash. I'll go see if I can take a picture of it...
EDIT: Here they are.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BobR @ May 4 2006, 11:26 PM) [snapback]250022[/snapback]</div>

I have to agree with the suggestion for RAM-Mount. I have come to a similar solution for my Prius, but I plan on a C320 because it has NO moving parts. The C330 has a hard disk. FOr the C320, I will use one of my 2gb SD cards I already own to hold the maps. 2GB is enough to hold the entire US and Canada Maps.

You will need both a Mount plus a GPS specific cradle.

FOr the C330 you will need this cradle:

http://65.102.174.119/rammount/productdeta...t%20c320&item=1

or

http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-garm.../ramholga19.htm

SInce the cradle has a 1" ball, you will need a mount that has a 1" ball.


The Mount you are interested in is the single leg Aluminum Flex ARm:

http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-ram-...ram316-1202.htm

This one ends in a 2.5" plate with an AMPS pattern (4 hole).

You will need a 1" ball that ends with a AMPS pattern adapter:

http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-roun...all/ramb202.htm

and you will need a 1.75" arm with double 1" sockets to connect the two.

http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-1.75...ts/ramb201a.htm

Put them all together and you have the mount you want and have described.


Now, I think this is OVERKILL.

A much easer solution is to make a cupholder mount and place it in the forward cup holder.

Here is what I made for a Garmin ique 3600. The same solution will work for a Treo with GPS or with Garmin. Just use the correct device cradle.

Use the Garmin Cradle Listed above:

http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-garm.../ramholga19.htm

Use the same double 1" socket arm:

http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-1.75...ts/ramb201a.htm

Then use a 1" ball to diamond plate:

http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-diam...all/ramb238.htm

And finally attach to the cupholder mount (YOu can use any plate, cupholder, or even a weighted bean bag instead)

http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-ram-...base/rap299.htm

I use an empty can I filled with dried beans and sealed the opening...

Notes:

GPS City has been a very good source for RAM Mounts and has been a reliable dealer for me.

http://www.gpscity.com

also, Garmin has a very nice weighted mount for the c330. It has the advantage of having a built in car power adapter...

http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10613%2D00

Good Luck

 

I chose the same left-of-MFD mounting spot for my Garmin Quest, which
is short enough that I can see right over it to the idiot lights.
Perfect visual fit for the space. You really want the unit visible
near your road sightline, not down near the stereo, so you can give
it a quick glace when needed but not lose sight of what's in front
of you. For mine I took apart the suction cup mount and drilled a
hole through it, and through the vent piece. There's just enough
room for a bolt head and washer under the vent piece to hold it on.
.
No presentable pix yet, but I can work up a couple if folks want.
.
_H*

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ May 5 2006, 08:28 PM) [snapback]250628[/snapback]</div>

I'd like to see a pic if you get a chance.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bbcjay @ May 5 2006, 08:13 PM) [snapback]250517[/snapback]</div>

Two other suggestions:

1) Ram Mount: I think a U Bolt mount (for a motorcycle handle bar) for a 1" tube will fit perfectly around the support bar of the rear view mirror. For a RAM Mount using the RAM cradle for the Garmin c3xx and a 2 to 3" arm would be a very clean location. It should be possible to have an audio installer to wire a 12 V power plug within the ceiling console and run a power cable forward to the mirror area.

Standard USB power is at 5 Volts.

The aftermarket retractable miniUSB power adapters for the Motorola Razr or the Blackberry 7100 have a very thin wire. It should be perfect for this use.

My c320 has not arrived so I can't test this yet.

(The Garmin Nuvi 350 is even smaller and lighter and would be even MORE perfect for this application, It just costs more than twice as much as the streetpilot c320)

2) A suction cup mounting solution would be possible by attaching the mount to the triangular small window on the DRIVERS side. All that would be needed is to run the power cable there so as to avoid the cable getting in the way.

If the dash is dissassebled for other work, then a power plug can be wired under the dash near the driver's door. The power plug attached to the base can be run up behind the dash so it is completly hidded. This should be very easy for an audio installer. If I did this, I might consider using RAM Mount parts, possibly with an adhesive attachment to the window.

(This location would work very well with the Garming StreetPilot i5 which is only about $325 now at amazon with their 5% off promotion)

I am personally thinking abou the Mirror mount option...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ May 5 2006, 10:28 PM) [snapback]250628[/snapback]</div>

Do you worry about getting it stolen in such a prominent place? I want to mount my xm inno there, but am concerned about being in such plain view. Not sure what other alternatives.

 

I ended up with a Garmin Nuvi 350. Very only about 5 oz. No moving parts like the StreetPilot c330's Hard Disk. It has a very sensitive receiver, touch screen interface, and it has a built in MP3 player.

I still like the StreetPilot c330, but I would choose a c320 and load all of the maps into a 1gb or 2gb SD card. In the Prius, it may have an easier mounting than the Nuvi. Mount the streetpilot c330/c320 on the front cup holder as I describe below. The power adapter will fit easier.

I attempted to upload pictures of how I mounted the Nuvi, but PriusChat "crashed" each time, so I will attempt to use verbal descriptions.

One problem with the Nuvi... Currently, you can not power and view the Maps/Navigate/use the MP3 player while powered through the miniUSB socket on the side of the Nuvi. You have to use the miniUSB socket on the cradle of the Suction Mount/Auto Friction Mount. This is removable so you can take it with you. I would have set up a RAM Mount system, but I have not figured out how to power the nuvi while using a RAM cradle. Again, this would not be a problem with the streetpilot c330. Right now, I would need to epoxy the powercradle to a mounting adapter to make use of a RAM Mount.

I first wanted to mount the Nuvi on the rearview mirror. My Toyota dealer thought that was a good idea, but cautioned me that 12V was not available in the ceiling console.

I then tried the suction cup mount on the left small triagle window by the stearing wheel. This would be perfect except mount's arm is too short. This would be a good location for a RAM Mount suction cup mount.

So I was left with the suction cup mount.

The suction cup mount would NOT attach to the areas next to the MFD.

The suction cup mount WILL attach to the shiny black plastic of the cup holder cover in the center arm rest console.

I attached the mount to the front cup holder cover while it was closed. I then opened the cup holder so the mount was in front of the cup holder with the arm up and positioned it so I could see the screen. There is just enough flat area by the finger notch for the suction cup to grab. If you wanted you could position it to the right or left of center for more room. I positioned it in the center and it looks as if the Nuvi was designed for that position.

The Garmin Power Cable is a minUSB connector. Thankfully it is a right angle type. Otherwise I could not position the Nuvi so I could see the screen. As it is, I wish there was about another 10 deg of play for a more vertical position of the screen.

Either way, attached to the front of the cup holder (not the inside of the cup holder) It is nearly perfect. The forward position allows the dash to shade the screen. The location allows the power cable to be run by the passenger seat on the floor and then into the arm rest near the hinge at the rear. NO holes need to be drilled. I ran a audio cable from the Aux IN to the Nuvi the same way. I wrapped the two cables with spiral pvc wrap and tucked the cables under the center console. It is very neat.

Now attached to the center console, I have a navigation system and mp3 player that can be managed by the driver or passenger. The music sounds great. (The Nuvi will interrupt the playing MP3 to announce driving instructions when in navigation mode then return to playing music). It will also power and power down when you turn the car on or off. Very easy and as easy as the built in at a much lower cost.

The antenna picks up the GPS signals very well. In my Garage, I had 5/5 bars.

 

This is how I have my Iway 350c. Since the mount that came with it is not long enough to put the suction cup from the windsheild, I put it on one of the cup holder. It is powered by the 12v inside the center armrest. Came out very neat.

Dennis