Where do you mount your External GPS Unit?

Try suction mount on the triangle window between the windshield and driver side windows.
Just make sure you clean the round mark on the glass after remove. Otherwise thief will know you have a portable gps.

 

I suggest that you not use any permanently visible mounts (e.g. round plastic adhesive disc) due to GPS unit theft. Having something out permanently might attract thieves. GPS units are stolen all the time out of cars.

Examples:
Police Blotter: 11 Car Prowls Reported Wednesday - Redmond, WA Patch
Weekend Police Blotter: June 3-5 - Redmond, WA Patch
Protect your car from GPS theft | Seattle News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | KOMO News | Consumer News

If you have a compatible Garmin unit, you might be best off with Garmin Portable GPS Friction Mount $15.50 - Amazon.com Deals, Coupons and Promos. I have this one or one similar to it for my other car, which has no GPS.

 

I recently picked up the Garmin friction mount based on recommendations from other PC members and it's been great. The only time it's moved is when I hit some particularly nasty washboards on a dirt road, but other than that it's stayed put. Mounting the unit to the windshield with the suction cup mount does take away a lot of visibility, IMO, so having it down a bit further (i.e. resting on the dashboard via the friction mount) has made using the unit a lot nicer.

 

I have nav in my Prius, but I think if I were to mount an external GPS, I would fabricate my own mount and poke it in the CD slot.

 

I mount my TomTom on top of the flip-up drink holder on the bridge. When not using the TomTom, I store it in the sliding console, and flip up the beverage lid so no one can see the non-slip, round GPS holder that's sticky glued to the top. This is the holder that comes with the TomTom and fits perfectly atop the the flip up lid. I always keep my TomTom plugged into the console's outlet.

 

I also have a garmin and use a garmin mount. Mine looks like 3 little sandbags attached to a triangular base, and I just flop it on the dash close to the little window on the drivers side. I don't know if this is the "friction mount" or not but it is available at the garmin website. works like a champ, but will move around in brisk driving.

 

Everytime someone starts a new thread asking this question I post this picture. I think this is about the 20th thread this year.

 

^^^
I wouldn't want my GPS unit down there while driving. I'd prefer it to be higher up.

BTW, to the OP, the Amazon friction mount deal sounds like a good price to me. IIRC, it's usually $25+ and I think I paid at least that much for mine.

 

Just use a bean bag mount. works like a charm!

 

Buy a suction cup mount (if not included in the package of your GPS).The suction mount fits nicely on the left side small triangle window at the A column. The power cable passes through the handles of a tiny metal clip/binder for papers. The binder is secured on one of the left side grills. Then the cable is hidden in the gap between the steer column and the dash. The other end is connected via the adapter to the lighter under the console. That's it!

If your GPS has socket for earphones you can use a cable and connect it to the plug under the central console. You shall be able to listen the instructions of the GPS through the radio

 

+1

 

I have a Magellan unit and attach it to the triangular window with an adjustible bracket that is long enough to bring the GPS out to a convenient position to see, just to the left of the steering wheel. I had to order the bracket from Magellan, since the mounting seems to be different between brands. I previously used the beanbag type, first one from Garmin, which wore out prematurely, followed by a generic one from RadioShack which I still have. The nice thing about the beanbag type is that it is easy to hide under the seat.

 

i made a dashboard unit out of a piece of 3/4 ply and a 4" round blank white electrical cover. i put stick on rubber feet on the bottom of the ply and the suction cup of the gps sticks to the electric cover. sits perfectly on my dash and i slide it under my seat when not in use. cost $3.00.

 

I created a sheet metal and thin foam rubber mount that firmly holds the Garmin and then slips into the space between the steering column and the dash. the Garmin is easily viewed through the openings in the steering wheel - looks like part of the dash, easily removable for secure storage, and the mount stores in the upper glove box.:mod:

 

that sounds interesting, i'll have to see if mine fits there.

 

Do you have any pictures of how you wired everything and how your GPS looks in your Prius. I think Im going to get one this weekend.

Thanks Rick

 

I don't mount it. I keep it in the cup holder. I rarely look at it, just guided by the voice.

 

+1, best place does not get into you line of vision.

with respect to thieves I leave the beatup 5yo unit in clear view, noone wants it anyways. Thieves are knowledgeable people they will not bother with something you cannot sell.

 

In continuation to my last one..

I attached some photos showing:
1/ position of the GPS with its socket mount (part of the package).
2/ power supply connected to the lighter under the dash board (part of the package).
3/ AUX cable with volume button in the middle, connected to a dual plug under the central console.
The 2nd connection of the dual plug is used by the AUX cable for my mini mp3 player, which is also connected with the USB under the central console.

The voice instructions of the GPS can be heard through the radio speakers, ONLY if the selection is DISC/AUX, but without any CD in the slot.

I hope that I helped..

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I will take a couple of photos tomorrow and I will post them (at least I will try to do so and hope that I will manage)