GPS Suction Mounts

[homesick]

I've never trusted suction mounts for extended GPS mounting; but some of y'all probably have actual experience with them, so tell about them, please.

joe

 

[Doubeleive]

I've never trusted suction mounts for extended GPS mounting; but some of y'all probably have actual experience with them, so tell about them, please.

joe

I typically use a garmin gps for road trips, the oem suction cup has always worked well
long time ago I used to use a bean bag mount, those are still around
if you really need something sturdy mirror mounts exist as well

 

[Marky Dissod]

My GPS IS my phone; Waze never lets me down.

The cellphone mount I use is by Scosche, it's a pretty long articulating arm attached to the dashboard by a suction cup.
The suction cup failed me 2x, each at least a year apart, in extreme summer heat.
Learned my lesson: 1st day over 90F, I de-attach and reattach the suction cup; no more failures five years running.

 

[Fless]

I typically use a garmin gps for road trips, the oem suction cup has always worked well
long time ago I used to use a bean bag mount, those are still around
if you really need something sturdy mirror mounts exist as well

Same experience here with the OE Garmin windshield suction cup mount, except in very hot temps. They should make the suction cup piece a lighter color and it would stay cooler. I had the same experience with toll road transponder velcro -- the black gets too hot and releases from the glass.

Not sure what you mean by "extended mounting" but I remove the mount when I'm parked for a long time, like overnight. To leave it there is broadcasting that you have easy to grab electronics. Or do you mean that the mount has a long arm?

 

[homesick]

I have a beanbag, it's what I've always used. I've got one of those arms with balls at both ends, and the hardware to screw it to the dash/console. I'm just not sure I want to go that way; which is why I'm now asking about suction cups.

I don't think I'm interested in mirror mounts or air vent mounts. Mirror mounts I've seen look like they'd obstruct too much of my view; either of the mirror itself or of the windshield. The weight of a 6" Garmin sounds like more stress than I want those vent blades to have to withstand.

By "extended mounting", I mean mount it and leave it- permanently. And I don't understand how guys suction anything to the dash. AFAIK, all dash tops are pebbled to cut glare.

I don't know this, but darker suction cups may withstand UV rays better. It's why black zip ties last longer than white ones, outside.

I appreciate y'all. Tell me if I missed anything.

joe

 

[Venator]

A suction cup is a temporary solution, and it WILL detach at some point. For a permanent solution, I used a RAM mount with a RAM ball to Garmin ball adapter, attached to the A-pillar. Pics at

Road trip mods

I think this is the best sub-forum for this thread; mods please feel free to relocate it if not. I'm starting with a 2016 PPV 4wd. Leaving the mechanicals stock. Want to add a few functional electronic things to make road trips nicer. I permanently-mounted and hardwired my radar detector. I...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

You don't have to drill a hole for the cable; you can tuck it behind the A-pillar. I just used the existing hole because it was there.

@Marky Dissod For me, there isn't always cellular coverage where I drive, so I can't rely solely on online nav. Also my Garmin has an alternative map that I use for logging and mining roads.

 

[GMCChevy]

No matter if it's the original Garmin one or aftermarket I got tired of them falling off the window while driving and leave the GPS on the seat or in the cup holder and randomly look at it in my hand when I need to. Doesn't matter the brand of GPS they all fall off at some point usually at the worst time.

The newer style Garmin ones with the circle clip are hirrible having to mess around with your hand behind it to get it on and off the mount. The old style that wrapped around the top and bottom was a lot better.

 

[OBSandaNNBS]

I've never trusted suction mounts for extended GPS mounting; but some of y'all probably have actual experience with them, so tell about them, please.

joe

Check this out...I use a crappy suction cup mount when I want GPS, but rest the bottom on the dash. Keeps it supported, steady, and out of the line of sight.

 

[homesick]

A suction cup is a temporary solution, and it WILL detach at some point. For a permanent solution, I used a RAM mount with a RAM ball to Garmin ball adapter, attached to the A-pillar. Pics at

Road trip mods

I think this is the best sub-forum for this thread; mods please feel free to relocate it if not. I'm starting with a 2016 PPV 4wd. Leaving the mechanicals stock. Want to add a few functional electronic things to make road trips nicer. I permanently-mounted and hardwired my radar detector. I...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

You don't have to drill a hole for the cable; you can tuck it behind the A-pillar. I just used the existing hole because it was there.

@Marky Dissod For me, there isn't always cellular coverage where I drive, so I can't rely solely on online nav. Also my Garmin has an alternative map that I use for logging and mining roads.

This appeals to my prejudices the most. Ram's site is a pain to search, and it appears they don't even offer some seemingly basic, necessary pieces.

How long is the arm, from ball to ball, that you chose [med, 3"]? Is the overall assembly pretty sturdy and stable [mine is also a Drivesmart 66]? I wonder about using a 4-screw mount, rather than your 2-screw version.

joe

 

[homesick]

Check this out...I use a crappy suction cup mount when I want GPS, but rest the bottom on the dash. Keeps it supported, steady, and out of the line of sight.

I've given this some thought, and haven't ruled it out yet. I just hate fumbling around and smearing up my windshield.

joe

 

[OBSandaNNBS]

I've given this some thought, and haven't ruled it out yet. I just hate fumbling around and smearing up my windshield.

joe

Yeah it does take some tinkering

 

[Venator]

My RAM arm is a 3". It's totally stable. The 4-screw mount wouldn't work for me in that location due to the curvature of the A-pillar mounting surface. The 2-screw diamond keeps the screws inline on the same plane, and once tightened down there is no wobbling.

Yes, RAM's site is rather useless. You're better off using a retailer's site, like a GPS shop. My RAM parts are the aluminum versions, not the plastic versions.

If you're mounting to the A-pillar, in my 2016 the driver's side has a retention clip about halfway up that seems to function to pivot the A-pillar moulding towards the windshield when the airbag deploys, instead of slamming it into your face. I had to disconnect the clip to remove the moulding for drilling (didn't want to accidentally puncture the airbag), then reconnect it for the final reassembly.

 

[Venator]

Oh @Fless with my solution you can still easily remove the GPS and RAM arm, leaving just the RAM ball mount in place, just by loosening the thumbscrew.

 

[homesick]

My RAM arm is a 3". It's totally stable. The 4-screw mount wouldn't work for me in that location due to the curvature of the A-pillar mounting surface. The 2-screw diamond keeps the screws inline on the same plane, and once tightened down there is no wobbling.

Yes, RAM's site is rather useless. You're better off using a retailer's site, like a GPS shop. My RAM parts are the aluminum versions, not the plastic versions.

If you're mounting to the A-pillar, in my 2016 the driver's side has a retention clip about halfway up that seems to function to pivot the A-pillar moulding towards the windshield when the airbag deploys, instead of slamming it into your face. I had to disconnect the clip to remove the moulding for drilling (didn't want to accidentally puncture the airbag), then reconnect it for the final reassembly.

I have the diamond shaped one. I was thinking about the possibility, with the square screw pattern, of somehow shimming the other two screws for added stability and support, but ok.

My 'A' pillar is slightly different, but I've already found it on YT.

joe

 

[RST Dana]

You can plenty of mounts for “items” which are attached above with the mirror mount on Amazon

Amazon.com: for Garmin GPS Mount,Compatible with Garmin Nuvi, RV, Dezl, Drive, Drivesmart, Driveassist & More,Equipped with 17mm Spherical Aluminum Rearview Mirror GPS Holder : Electronics

Buy for Garmin GPS Mount,Compatible with Garmin Nuvi, RV, Dezl, Drive, Drivesmart, Driveassist & More,Equipped with 17mm Spherical Aluminum Rearview Mirror GPS Holder: Vehicle Mounts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

a.co

 

[homesick]

You can plenty of mounts for “items” which are attached above with the mirror mount on Amazon

Amazon.com: for Garmin GPS Mount,Compatible with Garmin Nuvi, RV, Dezl, Drive, Drivesmart, Driveassist & More,Equipped with 17mm Spherical Aluminum Rearview Mirror GPS Holder : Electronics

Buy for Garmin GPS Mount,Compatible with Garmin Nuvi, RV, Dezl, Drive, Drivesmart, Driveassist & More,Equipped with 17mm Spherical Aluminum Rearview Mirror GPS Holder: Vehicle Mounts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

a.co

Well, that's an interesting idea. Thanks.

joe

 

[genestoy]

I use the ones from Pro-Clip https://www.proclipusa.com/collections/dashboard-mounts-gmc-yukon-2025

 

[homesick]

I use the ones from Pro-Clip https://www.proclipusa.com/collections/dashboard-mounts-gmc-yukon-2025

Thank you.

joe

 

[Padraig]

Replace the suction cup with a rare earth magnet. Put a appropriate size piece of thin metal on the windshield, using good double sided tape. Easy Peasy.

Padraig

 

[homesick]

Replace the suction cup with a rare earth magnet. Put a appropriate size piece of thin metal on the windshield, using good double sided tape. Easy Peasy.

Padraig

I've thought about that. I was surprised not to see this option in my searching.

joe