Suction Cup Mount

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/12690
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/5543

I bought the Garmin bean bag and am very happy with it. https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=63953

Cheers

I agree, i would forego the suction mount for the beanbag mount. I purchased the Garmin bean bag mount so after purchasing my Garmin and it has been much more user friendly than the windshield mount. It also allows you to quickly move the entire device under the seat when exiting the vehicle to prevent temptation from would be thiefs stealing it.

If you're still interested in trying to get your suction cup mount to work I would suggest rubbing alcohol to clean a spot on the windshield.

Both my Garmin units fall off the windsheild and set off the alarms in the middle of the night.
I have to keep cleaning the windsheild and the suction cup.
David

I use this one with good results http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Garmin+-+Portable+Auto+Friction+... mounts&cp=1&lp=4 .Got it a lot cheaper on Blck Friday sale.Should be able to find on line at a good price.Easy to store and the arm swings down when not in use.

If the suction cup is wet, it sticks. If you use saliva, you leave a ring on the glass that tells thieves "GPS inside". Even if you take the GPS with you, you risk a broken window.

I carry Windex wipes to keep the windshield clean.

Bean bag mount is not my choice, as when I turn, it slides all the way across the dash and to the floor. Too much damage risk for me.

Since specifically you asked about a suction cup mount, I won't bore you with other types of mounts.

No don't mess up your suction cup with Vaseline, It's just the opposite. You want to remove oil,nicotine and any other oily or dirt substance from both the cup and window, that's what keeps it from creating and holding suction. Petroleum based any thing will start to break down the rubber of the cup.

Clean both the window and cup with alcohol or ammonia based window cleaner very well.

When finished cleaning both Glass and cup:
Wet the windshield with water in the area you just cleaned, then push the cup until you get suction and water is pushed out.

I use a weighted dashboard mount for my Zumo 550 (whenever it's not snowing and I can't ride the bike). But the mount comes disconnected with lots of sun, or cold. I take it for granted that I need to clean and remount the thing every morning.

Glad the 550 is rugidized with the amount of times it's come loose and bounced aroung my SUV and even fell out the door twice!

I have installed the circular plastic disk for my suction cup at the front of my dash. This is a sure contact for my suction cup to secure my GPS. It’s been over a year and still intact.

Cheers

I too like ease of use with a beanbag and how easy it is to hide. If you look for a beanbag - be sure to check compatibility. According to your profile, your SP2730 isn't compatible with the beanbag mentioned above. Shop on Garmin to find right one but you can probably get it cheaper on Amazon.

I was in a head-on collision and the bean bag moved only one inch. (Granted, I wasn't moving and the other vehicle slid into me at about 5 mph.) I was impressed!

Regarding the cleaning of the windshield, I've used the Armor All glass cleaning wipes. They are pretty convenient and seem to do a good job.

bean bag is the only way to go

I haven't tried this because I don't use the suction cup mount any more, but one of the forums said to use vegetable oil instead of water, especially in hot weather. Another thing I did when I was using the suction cup mount with my Street Pilot was to let the weight of the unit rest on the dash and all the suction cup did was to prevent it from moving. If you're using a Nuvi I realize it's a lot lighter unit then the street pilot but this might still help to keep the mount in place.

I bought a $5 air vent mount that works great. Suction cup came off all the time plus it was an invitation for someone to smash my window.

It tried this mount but it block the air.

At first I had some reserves toward bean bag, but after trying it I wouldn't switch back.

I used to use the windshield suction cup mount, but after having Lola fall off and hit the floor a couple of times, I switched to the bean bag mount. If you want to get the windshield really clean, use Windex and some double 00 steel wool. That will get all of the inpurities off of the glass and it will stick properly. You will probably have to do this at least once a month. However, you should also look into the bean bag mount. I have used one for the past three years and it doesn't move at all. I transfer it between my car and truck and all it takes is a quick adjustment due to the different slopes of the dash. Works like a charm. Check on Amazon. They have better prices than Garmin and it will be the same product.

With suction cups it's always about getting the cup wet before putting it on the surface and pressing it hard so you can see the suction work. I use the rubber circle with the suction cup on the dash now so no dirty spots on the windshield and it works perfectly but I never had any problems with the suction cup falling off the windshield as long as it was put on right. Good luck!

I used the suction mount until it started to fall off the windshield at unexpted times. I was afraid it would damage my GPS and got a bean bag. I am very happy with it and I put it under my seat when I leave the car. No telltale suction marks.

I suggest doing three things so the suction cup will stick for a very long time (many months):

(1) Clean the windshield using only water and a cotton cloth, not a cleaner because cleaners (e.g. Windex) leave chemical residue behind that causes the windshield to trap microscopic dirt and show haze and smears.
(2) Clean the suction cup with water and a soft cloth to remove any cleaning chemicals, saliva, etc.
(3) Put a tiny (thin) amount of water on the suction cup before applying it to the windshield.

Bean Bag mount is the best, in my opinion.

Just clean the windshield and rubber sunction.

Even if you get it mounted for a while, it'll eventually fall off. Bean Bag is your best bet for safe GPS usage.

Sounds like you are just leaving the GPS on the windshield. I sure hope that the car in in a garage at night, and not where that GPS will attract window smashers. Still, the suction cup isn't intended as a one time permanent mount. With a clean window and a moist cup I can get mine to stay in place all day, but would never leave it on the window when I'm not there. I have had mine fall off when I get sloppy and neglect to clean the window and/or put the mount up dry. One additional piece of advice that I can give: I mount my suction cup high on the window, just to the left of my rear view mirror. This keeps it from blocking any part of the road view, and puts the mount in the tinted section of the window, so it or its suction cup rings are not very visible. I run the power cord up to the right side of the mirror (so it is not in the way for shifting or reaching for the hand break) then cut across the back of the mirror, wrapping it 360 around the mirror mount before plugging into the GPS. That way, if the suction cup does release from the window the GPS will dangle from the mirror on its power cord, reducing the chance of damage to the GPS.

Forget the window mount. Go with the beanbag.
GPS's are easier to replace than a window that is smashed by a smash and grabber who sees any tell tale sign of a GPS, such a a ring mark on a window or dash. The beanbag lets you store your gps, power cord, and mount in your trunk when you don't need it and easily mount it when you need it.

Get the Gilsson Universal Beanbag Mount (Gilsson Part # UBM. I didn't want to pay the $30 for the same thing from Garmin. This one is about $10 and works like a charm for my Nuvi 765T. You can just lift it off the dash when you don't want to use it and put it in the glove compartment.

If you can settle for a permanent mount then use some clear silicone on the cup. It will stick and you will not be able to get it off. I used it to mount a rear view mirror years ago and it wasn't removed until I needed to replace the window. You can take the GPS off the mount to keep it safe. This only works if you aren't concerned that leaving the mount on the window will not attract thieves.

Bob

I have been using a RAM Suction Cup mount with my Samsung Q1 UMPC & it holds like a rock. Can be obtained at most RAM dealers I got mine at GPSCity.com.

I vote for the Garmin Beanbag mount. It works pretty well for me.

This vent mount is the best - though it may not fit on all cars. $4.50 plus shipping. A03 - with springs.

http://www.amazon.com/IG-A03-i-Trek-Mount-Garmin-265WT/dp/B0...

I rarely leave the suction cup on the windshield. But one night last winter I was late for a meeting and forgot about it.

I had dropped my wife at the door so she wasn't late, and as we were walking back, she asked how far away the car was parked. I said, It's just past that car with the 4-way flashers on. It was the car with the flashers on. Suburus have a big honkin' button to turn on the flashers. My Nuvi had fallen off the windshield, and hit the switch on the way by.

I'll go with bean bags. Picked up one for myself for $15 at bestbuy.

Same here. My vote for the vent mount.

You hit the nail right on the head! I have the original suction cup mount that came with my unit and I've NEVER had a problem with it once I did it your way.

You're correct when saying "push" the cup first.. then activate the arm. THAT'S what makes it stay on. Most people just place the cup against the window/dash and then flip the arm.

Not knowing any better, that's what I did the first couple of times.. and because of it mine fell off too.

Nuvi1300WTGPS

Bought the bean bag and never looked back.

was using my nuvi 650 when it fell off my windshield. first thought was there goes 320.00 . luckily it didnt break , but i didnt use it again until i had purchased a bean bag , and as another member said " never looked back " . so when i bought my 255w , i purchased another bean bag at the same time. bad thing about the windshield thing is that it can hang there ok for days and then all of a sudden decide to drop.
mike

My vote is for the vent mount. Lighter than the beanbag, it is flexible enough to use in many different (rental) cars without problem. It also disassembles to a small package to take with you when you travel.

I attach my suction cup to the tint across the visor section of the windshield to the left of the rear view mirror. I initially had a problem with it sticking, but that was because the suction cup was not completely on the tint. So, the suction was broken. It has not fallen off since I realized and fixed this.

Cheers

I have had a bean bag mount for over 4 years very happy with it!

I clean the glass surface with window cleaner and every now & again use alittle silicone spray on the cup. seems to work well.

I have a suction cup mount on my Garmin Nuvi 860, and it works just fine I had it on the windshield from AZ to Fla. and back no problems. Took it off every night and remounted it every day. Although I would suggest using the bean bag as well.

I have to agree with using a bean bag. They are a lot more stable than you would expect. I haven't had one move from its position since I started using it. Also I can easily disconnect the GPS and put the bean bag under my seat to hide that I use one. I use a vent mount for my cell phone, its fairly stable, but I wouldn't put a heavier GPS on it. Although maybe I just bought a cheaper model mount.

Any one know where i can get a longer one of these, i can't use my original with my bean bag, it's too short.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1368

Thanks

The bean bag mount was what worked the best for me. Besides....the radar detector already got prime territory on the windshield.

Bean bag is the only way to go.

make sure you are using the little pull out support piece, and not just the clips that actually engage the vent fins.

the support leg is hinged, and pulls out to brace against the downward weight of the GPS.

hope that is clear...and maybe not all of the vent mounts include the support leg.

Jim1348, did you get an answer to your question from all the post. Looks like there were only a few actual respones that told you how to keep your suction cup on the winshield.

Ditto...
or
spit on the suction cup

I use the adhesive disc. Since I know I will always be using a GPS in my car, I don't mind a little round disk mounted on my dashboard.

It is small and works 100% It has never failed me.

I find the very best solution for me is a beanbag