GPS--which one? Mounting ideas?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

SR.GRINGO

SR.GRINGO

Joined
Jun 18, 2004
Threads
258
Messages
1,503
Location
Pacific Northwest
I have been searching about GPS options and have not found too much. Slee has a writeup for a garmin gps3---what are some other options? Garmin has a ton of both fixed and handheld---the fixed mount is sort of neat becuase it comes with a external antenna. I would consider magellan as well. My cruiser is a 94 so I know the dash is a bit different then the newer versions..... I don't have a lap top so that route won't work.....

Here is a link to a Garmin that may be good:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...25800-5335228?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

It is on sale for $145
 
My buddy Lance got the windshield suction cup mount from Garmin for his GPS V, I believe it is, same case as the GPS III+ like mine. He likes it and it stays put. If I had an 80 again, that's what I'd go with. Simple and *removable*.

Jody.
 
Dude!! You DO NOT want that one!! Get a GPS III+ or GPS V. They are compact, rotatable screens, adequate memory and most of all...

They are MAPPING GPS. Trust me, you will want the mapping. It's just better and may help you out of a tight spot sometime.

The only GPS we had with us on a trip in Arkansas showed us that a fire road was just over the mountain to our right when we saw that we either had to turn around 15 rigs at an impassable point on the trail. There was a little used track up over the mountain that one of the real capable rigs went up and found the road for us all to get out. Bret's GPS saved the day. I went out and bought my Garmin GPS III+ very soon after that.

Check out eBay and other online shops for good deals on GPS III+ and V models. I got mine a few years back for $130. Good luck!!

Used Garmin GPS III+ on eBay
Used Garmin GPS III+ on eBay
Used Garmin GPS III+ on eBay
New Garmin GPS III+ on eBay

Jody.
 
Last edited:
www.gpsnow.com has a garmin gps V for $279 -- which I think is a pretty fair price for what you get. which ever model you get -- if you want mapping ability that it works as you expect it to. What I mean is that the GPS V will display turn-by-turn directions and when mapping, it will plot out the route you need to take on the map. The two lower priced Magellan units would display a map, but would not plot out routes on the map -- these units only display a "as the crow flies" directional line indicating the direction you need to go, but you have to sorta guess at the best route. There's a newer (much more expensive Magellan unit) that plots the route on the maps.

If you're going to use this unit in conjuntion with a laptop, the display is not as important.

As for mounting options, there's a thread somewhere in the archives where a GPS V was mounted in the larger air vent in the dash -- the one next to the clock. Except for losing a nice vent, it's a very clean mount.

My GPS V is attached to the windshield with a large RAM suction cup mount -- much beefier than the garmin windshield mount. Although I've had this stuck to the windsheild for a couple years now...I'm still trying to decide on a more permanent location. Remember that if you mount it somewhere where it doesn't have "line of sight" access to the sky, you might need an external antenna.
 
Thanks for the advise and links. :)

One problem I have is I'm not in the North America base map---Mazatlan is due East of Los Cabos(located on the end of baja California). Looks like I'm going to have to do some studying.....

I realize the lap top route is much more detailed but I can't imagine having one in my car....
 
For mounting, I made an "L" bracket that mounts to the usds A pillar using the same screws which hold the grab handle.

I use a trusty Magellan 4000XL which came out about 1997. Still out performs quite a few of the new models. Not mapping, but I usually carry detailed maps with me, and only need location information.

-H-
 
I have been using a Garmin ColorMap Streetpilot for several years now. It allows you to download routes and maps that you have planned out on your computer to the memory card. You can get them on ebay now fairly cheap. The newer one talks... which is a plus if you are driving in heavy traffic.

If you can afford a color screen get one, it makes ALOT of difference.

For a mount I use a TuraTech metal mount connected to a Ram arm suction cup mount. It is very stable and if you can rest the arm on the dash it won't vibrate at all. Plus you can take it in and out in about a minute.
 
Sr: IMHO it depends how you intend to use the GPS. Many of the GPSs noted above are designed more for street/providing directions, which is great if you are looking for something to use on-road.

If you intend to use it off-road, then the routing stuff is less useful to you. If this is closer to your need, then I would explore GPS that can load topo maps or (better soln) a cheap GPS or Antenna/GPS unit with no display where it uses maps loaded onto a laptop or PDA to track where you are on the trail (e.g., using OxiExplorer, Fugawi, etc).

For your use, it sounds like the routing GPSs are of less use (unless you drive to the states a lot) - do you really need voice prompting to figure out how to drive to Los Cabos or to find your way around :-)

Cheers, Hugh
 
Yeah, what Hugh said. I've got a Garmin ique and it's awesome for street travel, giving voice directions.. since I travel a lot for work it's become indispensible. But it's useless off road... you just drive into this sea of brown, NFW does it know or care what dirt road you're on. (still works for location & elevation, though). I'd vote for the handheld GPS that'll intetrate with your lap top, a much better solution for off-road.

And since this is the 80's section, someone posted up a pic of a trick install using the center vent in the dash.. my apologies for not remembering who you were but I think that was last summer? But it looked sweet, only downside is you lose the center vent.. I'm sure you'll find the old post if you search but the picture was probably lost with the forum switch, which was the best part.
 
I'd recommend something with a large screen unit, like this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32825&item=5726371970&rd=1

Prices for thse tings have plummeted in the recent years. It has no voice prompter or address finder which may or may not be important to you (unimportant to me). However, the large screen size is very nice on the eyes in the day time and safe to operate while driving (in short usage). I have a GPS 3+ but it's a bitch to operate unless it's close to my face. Plus, it's hard to see when it's bright outside. Still, I like having it then go without.

As someone else said, skip the wrist mounted units. They're meant for hikers and bikers...and looks quite dorky I might add!! Just my thoughts.
 
I use a Garmin E-Map which does have mapping and tracking and such. Super simple unit to use and I'm getting a good mount to mount the thing; I've been using the super duper dash cup holder since I got the GPS but soon I'm gonna go with this thing:
emapmount.webp
 
yes e-map, unfortunately they stopped production on the easy to use one and have put out a new more complicated one. i really like having a zoomable topo map in my hand. but i still really enjoy orienteering and for using with a map and compass i really like the gecko, all i wanted is to have lat. and lon. and a breadcrumb trail, the gecko does that well.
 
I use the GARMIN V in my rig and have been fairly pleased with its performance. As far as a mounting :idea: here is how it is done in my truck and the antenna for the module is wired up and mounted to the top of the snorkel. :D
IMGP0390.webp
 
Turbo,

Where do you get one of those windshield mount? I need one for my cell!
 
My $.02 worth GET A GARMIN, what ever model. Garmin is awesome to work with. I have broken mine twice, my fault no brainer bike and climbing falls. I broke the screen on my GPS and Garmin fixes them redoes everything in about 1 week. Their customer service is second to none. I use a Garmin suction mount so I can move the GPS from truct to car to boat to bike to friends truck etc. It has never come off even when it is 20 degrees F in the morning and 6o an sunny in the afternoon, the truck was 90ish inside. I have bounced, thrashed and what not it always held for me. GO GARMIN.
 
Thanks for all of the great responses. I think for now I'm going to get a dirt cheap garmin and get something with a plotter down the road. I'm not sure if there is any detailed maping software for my area of the world--there is for the water geared towards boats.....
 
The Garmin legend is a great GPS. It is fairly inexpensive (Now) and has great features.
 
hey Reffug,

When you mount your GPS up there did you have to remove the headliner to get the wires to it?


Tim
 
Garmin Legend is what I have.. bought for Geocaching. After adding topo maps to it, it's very useful when roaming forestry roads.

Color makes a huge diff if you're using the maps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom