Installing GPS
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Installing GPS
Just purchased a new Magellan portable GPS. Was thinking of using the dash mount that comes with it but not too sure about doing any drilling on the dash. Has anyone else installed one, I was thinking a velcro glued somewheres on the dash instead of drilling holes??
HELP
PS - Reason for getting portable is I will be able to use it in both of our vehicles.
HELP
PS - Reason for getting portable is I will be able to use it in both of our vehicles.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Dash mount
Usually portable units come with a plastic disc (with either a double-sided tape or glue) to attach onto the dashboard. Once you're done, you can then use the suction cup to attach the unit to the disc on the dash.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Dash Mount
Yes this one does come with the windshield suction cup mount plus the dash mount . The dash mount allows you to simply slid the unit in & out of the mount. The mount is wired up to the cars wiring so it is a fast install.
I have used one in the vehicle with the windshield mount which worked great, just thought someone installed the dash mount & could share info.
Keep responding, THANKS
I have used one in the vehicle with the windshield mount which worked great, just thought someone installed the dash mount & could share info.
Keep responding, THANKS
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,560
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
Out of curosity ...
If you use the mounting hardware, as dash mounted, what do you do when you want to use it in the other vehicle. Do you buy two mounting kits?
I would have preferred a windshield mount system with no wires .. aka Garmin Nuvi or similar.
Salim
If you use the mounting hardware, as dash mounted, what do you do when you want to use it in the other vehicle. Do you buy two mounting kits?
I would have preferred a windshield mount system with no wires .. aka Garmin Nuvi or similar.
Salim
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 776
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
The Garmin StreetPilot 2xxx series comes with a big bean bag that has a rubber bottom, and it works great! No gluing, drilling, or suction cups on the window. It doesn't slide around.
Maybe there's something similar available for your unit.
Maybe there's something similar available for your unit.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 604
Likes: 1
From: PA
My only problem with that suggested mount is that it makes it easy for anyone who wants one via the "five finger discount" to break your window, ****** the GPS and be gone in seconds. I only the window suction piece and, even then, I periodically wipe the windshield down so that you can't see the ring from the outside.
Gary
Gary
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
I too used the windshield mount with our 04 RX, our 09 has NAV. The reason for the window mount was easy removal so the bad guys didn't see it when parked. We took it in with us when possible otherwise put it out of sight.
I mounted it right in the center area.
I mounted it right in the center area.
I'm using a beanbag mount for our Garmin 660 and it's been flawless in keeping the GPS in place, including panic stops and acceleration. We have the beanbag mount centered on the dash so that my wife can input if needed as we're driving. You might want to check the beanbag style mounts, inexpensive and allowes you easy movement to another vehicle.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 895
Likes: 406
From: Ontario
Just purchased a new Magellan portable GPS. Was thinking of using the dash mount that comes with it but not too sure about doing any drilling on the dash. Has anyone else installed one, I was thinking a velcro glued somewheres on the dash instead of drilling holes??
HELP
PS - Reason for getting portable is I will be able to use it in both of our vehicles.
HELP
PS - Reason for getting portable is I will be able to use it in both of our vehicles.
http://www.proclipusa.com
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
Pro.Fit has nice brackets with a choice of several for the RX330: http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/lexus with installation instruction links for each on http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/Compatibility2.cfm The "G3" bracket is specifically for the Garmin Nuvi.
I installed a Pro.Fit Legend bracket with a built-in swivel in my LS next to the radio to hold my now aging Magellan Roadmate GPS and bought an extra power cord that I hid behind the trim and hardwired to the car's accessory outlet wire. It's mounted at about the same level as the factory GPS would be and is easy for my wife to reach. She can't begin to reach a GPS on the windshield without removing her seat belt.
I've been too chicken to use a vent clip on a Lexus - the center vents on my LS are fragile and the vent assembly is over $350 for the part. I don't like the idea of blocking air flow but I haven't tried a vent clip -- maybe it's not that bad. I am liking the idea of getting a vent clip for use in rental cars. Regardless, I've found having the GPS mounted by the radio is far more convenient than having it anyplace on the windshield.
I almost never remove the GPS from its bracket unless it is extremely cold or hot - I just throw a hat or other article of clothing over it to hide it when parking out in public.
I installed a Pro.Fit Legend bracket with a built-in swivel in my LS next to the radio to hold my now aging Magellan Roadmate GPS and bought an extra power cord that I hid behind the trim and hardwired to the car's accessory outlet wire. It's mounted at about the same level as the factory GPS would be and is easy for my wife to reach. She can't begin to reach a GPS on the windshield without removing her seat belt.
I've been too chicken to use a vent clip on a Lexus - the center vents on my LS are fragile and the vent assembly is over $350 for the part. I don't like the idea of blocking air flow but I haven't tried a vent clip -- maybe it's not that bad. I am liking the idea of getting a vent clip for use in rental cars. Regardless, I've found having the GPS mounted by the radio is far more convenient than having it anyplace on the windshield.
I almost never remove the GPS from its bracket unless it is extremely cold or hot - I just throw a hat or other article of clothing over it to hide it when parking out in public.
Last edited by Kansas; Jan 10, 2009 at 02:17 PM.