Mounting dilemma... new car

 

The old honda accord had a nice dedicated shelf where I should stick the gps mount.

http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/97113859.jpg

Picked up a kia stinger recently. Not too many places to mount the garmin (ds65).

https://blogmedia.dealerfire.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10...

Was hoping there'd be enough flat space to the L/R of the screen but that isn't the case. Sure the new car has gps and android auto, but I will still continue to use mapsource for my custom routes.

Suggestions?

We use a...

beanbag mount for our devices. Easy to move between our vehicles. Not sure if one is available for your model. Amazon is your friend for shopping in this case smile

Just an idea!

Amazon

I am sure you can find something that will work.

The dash layout in this car

The dash layout in this car is goofy with respect to mounting anything near the middle. Some folks have mounted stuff lower, but I prefer to have it at eye level. Also I don't want anything that will mar up the dash.

I looked at it again earlier this evening. I think I'll just revert to using my driveluxe 50. I can mount that in portrait mode on the lower left corner of the windshield. This was the arrangement I had in my g37.

The car's built in nav is suitable for local point to point guidance. The need for custom routing is only used on roadtrips.

Some more pics.

https://www.kia.com/us/content/dam/kia/us/en/vehicles/stinge...

https://www.kia.com/us/content/dam/kia/us/en/vehicles/stinge...

https://www.kia.com/us/content/dam/kia/us/en/vehicles/stinge...

https://www.kia.com/us/en/stinger/gallery.interior

Check this site

https://www.themountdepot.com/category_s/1245.htm. Might be something worth trying at the link.

I’ve had two cars over the years that had a coating on the interior of the windshield that could get marred by the standard suction cup mount. In one I used a vent mount and in the other I used a mount that attached to the rear view mirror.

--
John from PA

It's hard to tell from the

It's hard to tell from the picture but is there any way to use a vent mount? If not, I would second the bean bag mount.

I, also, would go

With a bean bag mount. I have used one on my last three units. They work well and don’t move around on the dashboard. Also, if the Stinger is a newer model, you may be able to receive map updates twice a year at no charge. I know Hyundai is doing that and I would think that Kia would do the same since Kia is owned by Hyundai.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

I ordered an arkon rv180

I ordered an arkon rv180 from amz today - https://www.arkon.com/product/RV180-iphone-car-mount-windshi...

This was recommended by one of their sales folk when I asked about a longer shaft for the version I currently have (https://www.arkon.com/product/MG279-iphone-car-mount-holder....).

Looks like they stole ram-mount's design (or licensed it). Either way, she said it was about 5" vs 3" for the current one. That should give enough length. This articulates better too, so more adjustability.

No go on vent mounts. Don't like those. Lots of plastic in this car, wouldn't want to damage it. Bean bag is an idea but i'm concerned about visibility. The windshield is quite sloped and not too tall. I like my general viewing area to be as unobstructed as possible.

It was $40 on amz and great if it works. If not, it goes back.

I'm not sure how often kia does their map updates. The process seems to involve installing a program on the computer.

https://update.kia.com/US/EN/updateNoticeList

Looks like 202104 is the latest update. Car has a build date of 6/21 so should be up to date. Will take a screen shot of software versions tomorrow.

I'm logged in as a guest into the app, downloading update now.

https://i.imgur.com/ZKAp8rj.png

I thought garmin's updates were huge... 22GB!?@# Folder contents looks like a bunch of tar files so far. Some forum reports have indicated some features were removed in newer updates (10.25" screen could be set up for 3 different panels, now only 2). Mine never allowed for the 3 which is why I think it already has the latest update.

Either way, I will wait a while before updating. Need to learn how to use it first and get a good baseline. If it's not broke i won't fix.

It is a big file

The updates include roads, POI’s, system updates, and sometimes new features that they have included. It is not hard to do the updates. Go to mapnsoft, download the map updater program, download the new update to your computer, upon that completing, use a USB drive to copy the data onto, once that’s completed, follow the directions to install in your car. Downloading to your computer may take an hour or so and to the USB another 20 minutes or so. Installing in your car can take up to an hour, but the last update that I did only took about 25 minutes. Just about every update will include new features, especially on the 20 and 21 models. I know a couple of updates ago they included ambient music; this included sounds of nature, etc. You probably have that on your car already. Two years ago, I don’t think that was available. So, doing updates for these vehicles is a good idea. (And, it’s free.)

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

^^Until it bricks I want to

^^Until it bricks smile

I want to get a good baseline of the system as it is now before I consider updating. I'd be less hesitant if there was an easy rollback option if I didn't like the update or there were issues.

There is the ambient sound built in. Not sure why it's needed. Just some mp3 files likely in the firmware. I should look through the downloaded update more carefully, can probably extract them.

Which kia do you have?

I have the Hyundai Azera

I don’t know if you are aware of this or not but Hyundai bought out Kia several years ago. Kia’s quality and vehicles have really improved since the buy-out. As far as rolling back the update after it has been loaded to the car is not possible; at least as far as I know. Even if you keep an earlier version, I don’t think that the system will rollback. That’s one drawback of the system.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

bought a ProClip mount

After reading this thread I bought a ProClip mount for my phone. Most of their mounts come in two parts - the dashboard mount and the device mount, which are joined together with small screws. They have Garmin device mounts also, customized for different Garmin or other brand GPSs:

https://www.proclipusa.com/device/gps-holders/garmin-nuvi-al...

dobs108 smile

@maddog67 Very aware... Kia

@maddog67

Very aware... Kia and hyundai is like chevrolet and pontiac more or less..... except... pontiac is no longer smile

With any embedded system firmware, I always prefer to wait. Odd unforeseen things can and do happen. I believe the UI is linux/android based based on the filename inside the update archive. There is one useful feature in the update, swapping the knob functions. Right knob is zoom in/out right now. Left knob is much closer to driver.

As for quality, I got burned with a 2011 optima sx. Stayed away from the brand (K & H) for a decade. Lets hope they did improve.

Well, decided to do the

Well, decided to do the update. Appears my firmware is 12/2020 build. Vehicle model year is 2022, with a build date of 6/21.

Instructions say to keep the car running (can probably get away with a battery tender/trickle charger). Going on a small roadtrip to break the thing in so good opportunity to flash it.

Amazon didn't deliver my mount, so no garmin tomorrow. That's ok, I know the route quite well.

Got the mount tonight

Got the mount tonight (7pm... amz deliveries keep getting later and later).

I did a dry run/fit to see if it's long enough and articulation sufficient.

Here's some pics of the contraption with the ds65 attached. The suction disk is not the sticky type like they promised. I suppose it doesn't really matter for glass attachment. For dash, the sticky does help.

I was able to find a position that put the gps immediately to the left of the tach/speed, so it's at the right level and not obstructing the glass. A bit of the lower right portion of the screen is cut off. I'll drive tomorrow to test out.

location: https://i.imgur.com/P7YKpDs.png

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XHKpqYitctDmDjPq7

Speaking of proclip, found this https://www.proclipusa.com/product/standard-duty-6-inch-pede... , seems to the akron one except pricier because the device mount is not included.

After some evaluation,

After some evaluation, having a 7" gps in the corner is just not ideal. It's too big and part of it is blocked. Not to mention blocking some of the visibility through the lower left corner of the windshield.

Decided to go back to my driveluxe 50 I used in the G. That has the added benefit of doing portrait mode. This works even better for gps than landscape mode. Was able to reuse my old mg279 mount.

driver view - https://i.imgur.com/y7jSnjR.jpg
front view - https://i.imgur.com/3IrrRVT.jpg?1
side view - https://i.imgur.com/BltuErN.jpg?1

The pics make it look like the bottom right corner is blocked. From the driver's perspective it's not. Garmin is really only needed on long trips. Most times I'll have nothing there or the phone mount (still need to figure out android auto).

Bean Bag Mount

I use a bean bag mount and just toss it in the lower left corner of the windshield on the dash. Out of the way and very easy to read.

--
Dudlee

Not a lot of area on the

Not a lot of area on the dash in the lower left and it's uneven. Can you share a pic of your beanbag set up?

I use..

When travelling, I take this Garmin friction mount with me for use in rental cars. It has a silicone base which clings to the dash surface without marring it. It also can be shaped to fit the contour of an irregularly shaped dash. The unit works well for GPSr's 7" and smaller.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Portable-Friction-Dashboard-Mo...

I have yet to find a rental car with a dash that this base won't work on.

To keep the silicone surface of the mount free of lint and debris when not in use, cover it with a piece of Saran wrap or reuse the plastic film that shipped with the unit.

My permanent solution

I made a permanent solution, if/when I sell the car it comes with an old GPS. I sculpted a hockey puck to suit the shape of the dash and glued it to the dash where I wanted it. Then taking an old suction mount glued it to the flat part of my hockey puck. Has worked perfectly, its where I can easily reach it, view while driving and does not obstruct anything. I was concerned it might not fit when I moved up to DS65.. but it's still good.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UArV2icT-aWZv7khv2ZbRoW1tQK...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GG7XOxmJJbh56cYgTO1dunrpVJC...

--
Lives in Edmonton AB A volunteer driver for Drive Happiness.ca and now (since June 20 2021) uses a DS65 to find his clients.

^^Is this a car or

^^Is this a car or truck/suv/minivan?

I got another road trip into the country this weekend. We'll see how well the driveluxe 50 arrangement works.

I really don't want a permanent solution.

Shoulda added 2011 Toyota Highlander

Sorry, should have added this is on a 2011 (base) Highlander. Because I am forever typing in an address I needed something that did not require reaching too far and is reasonably solid. It is permanent though and that won't work for everyone.

--
Lives in Edmonton AB A volunteer driver for Drive Happiness.ca and now (since June 20 2021) uses a DS65 to find his clients.

Got about 250 miles in

Got about 250 miles in yesterday. The location worked well. Just need to update the theme so the purple line is thicker/more visible. I think I will try that ds61/65 theme floating around in here.

I did have to tilt the thing just slightly towards the door window to see more of the screen.

Beanbag Mount

zx1100e1 wrote:

The dash layout in this car is goofy with respect to mounting anything near the middle. Some folks have mounted stuff lower, but I prefer to have it at eye level. Also I don't want anything that will mar up the dash.

I looked at it again earlier this evening. I think I'll just revert to using my driveluxe 50. I can mount that in portrait mode on the lower left corner of the windshield. This was the arrangement I had in my g37.

The car's built in nav is suitable for local point to point guidance. The need for custom routing is only used on roadtrips.

Some more pics.

https://www.kia.com/us/content/dam/kia/us/en/vehicles/stinge...

https://www.kia.com/us/content/dam/kia/us/en/vehicles/stinge...

https://www.kia.com/us/content/dam/kia/us/en/vehicles/stinge...

https://www.kia.com/us/en/stinger/gallery.interior

I have two Chev Trax and I find that my beanbag mount works great. The dash is textured, so the suction cup mount will not work. I find that my beanbag mount works great, and will not scratch the dash.

I set it in the left corner of the dash and it's at a great level to see it, and doesn't interfere with visibility. My beanbag had a fairly deep recess, where the suction mount was supposed to attach, so I glued a hockey puck into the recess and used the self adhesive disk, that came with my GPS to ensure that I had a suction friendly surface.

It has the added advantage of making it quick & easy to hide the whole GPS assembly under the seat, when we stop at a rest area or restaurant.

--
DriveSmart 65, NUVI2555LMT, (NUVI350 is Now Retired)

ProClip

For mounting in your vehicle, I HIGHLY recommend ProClip USA:
https://www.proclipusa.com/

You buy the piece for your car, which is customized for where you'd place it in your particular make/model/year of your car.

Then you buy the piece for your device.

When you get them you mount the two together and end up with a really nice, form fitting mount for your device to your vehicle.

It's going to run you $70 or so for both.

The thing is: You won't be buying a new mount/suction cup in 6 months or a year. You'll basically stick with this until you sell your car.

It's all I've been using since I discovered them up. Unfortunately, my Subaru Outback has fewer choices so I have a great mount from them for my phone down near the shift but the GPS doesn't have a good mounting point so, in this case, I've ordered a few pieces from RAM Mount:
https://www.rammount.com/

Specifically, the 5" Tough Track, which will have ball-mounts slide into them:
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-TRACK-EXA-5BU

I'm going to find a metal fabricator somewhere near me who'll cut an aluminum base (top - above dash and bottom below dash) and powder-coat the top piece, so that I can sandwich it all together on the dash and end up with a nice mounting point for my GPS, or other devices.

ProClip

For mounting in your vehicle, I HIGHLY recommend ProClip USA:
https://www.proclipusa.com/

You buy the piece for your car, which is customized for where you'd place it in your particular make/model/year of your car.

Then you buy the piece for your device.

When you get them you mount the two together and end up with a really nice, form fitting mount for your device to your vehicle.

It's going to run you $70 or so for both.

The thing is: You won't be buying a new mount/suction cup in 6 months or a year. You'll basically stick with this until you sell your car.

It's all I've been using since I discovered them up. Unfortunately, my Subaru Outback has fewer choices so I have a great mount from them for my phone down near the shift but the GPS doesn't have a good mounting point so, in this case, I've ordered a few pieces from RAM Mount:
https://www.rammount.com/

Specifically, the 5" Tough Track, which will have ball-mounts slide into them:
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-TRACK-EXA-5BU

I'm going to find a metal fabricator somewhere near me who'll cut an aluminum base (top - above dash and bottom below dash) and powder-coat the top piece, so that I can sandwich it all together on the dash and end up with a nice mounting point for my GPS, or other devices.

Re: Mounting Dilemma

Mind you that I am not familiar with the Stinger, but I like dash clips. Depending on what GPS you have, you might be able to put it on one of your side vents.

@Brad, proclip has no

@Brad, proclip has no applications for any year stinger. I've seen them used in other cars, but considering the mounting option to be too low below eye level.

@Beagle I'm not a fan of vent mounting. Most of my devices are heavier. Damaging the vent or having device fall out is not something I want to happen.

For now the driveluxe50 has worked well for several trips in portrait mode. If/when it dies I may get something larger to handle the DS61/65.

I second the beanbag mount

I second the beanbag mount idea. Easy to move between cars, and even some basic tape will prevent sliding with heavy braking (day to day use doesn't create a lot of sliding at baseline)

Agreed

WuLabsWuTecH wrote:

I second the beanbag mount idea. Easy to move between cars, and even some basic tape will prevent sliding with heavy braking (day to day use doesn't create a lot of sliding at baseline)

The beanbag is undoubtedly the most flexible mounting method.

I use these damage free adhesive picture hangers to hold the bag in place on sloped dashboards:

https://www.amazon.com/Command-Damage-Free-Small-without-Pac...

They easily remove leaving no trace.

Thanks

bdhsfz6 wrote:
WuLabsWuTecH wrote:

I second the beanbag mount idea. Easy to move between cars, and even some basic tape will prevent sliding with heavy braking (day to day use doesn't create a lot of sliding at baseline)

The beanbag is undoubtedly the most flexible mounting method.

I use these damage free adhesive picture hangers to hold the bag in place on sloped dashboards:

https://www.amazon.com/Command-Damage-Free-Small-without-Pac...

They easily remove leaving no trace.

I was not aware of those damage-free adhesives. Everything that I had looked at left a residue and damage which I am not willing to accept. You have made me aware of a solution that I was not aware existed.

- Tom -

--
XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

Thanks

bdhsfz6 wrote:
WuLabsWuTecH wrote:

I second the beanbag mount idea. Easy to move between cars, and even some basic tape will prevent sliding with heavy braking (day to day use doesn't create a lot of sliding at baseline)

The beanbag is undoubtedly the most flexible mounting method.

I use these damage free adhesive picture hangers to hold the bag in place on sloped dashboards:

https://www.amazon.com/Command-Damage-Free-Small-without-Pac...

They easily remove leaving no trace.

I was not aware of those damage-free adhesives. Everything that I had looked at left a residue and damage which I am not willing to accept. You have made me aware of a solution that I was not aware existed.

- Tom -

--
XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

I should Mention..

-et- wrote:
bdhsfz6 wrote:
WuLabsWuTecH wrote:

I second the beanbag mount idea. Easy to move between cars, and even some basic tape will prevent sliding with heavy braking (day to day use doesn't create a lot of sliding at baseline)

The beanbag is undoubtedly the most flexible mounting method.

I use these damage free adhesive picture hangers to hold the bag in place on sloped dashboards:

https://www.amazon.com/Command-Damage-Free-Small-without-Pac...

They easily remove leaving no trace.

I was not aware of those damage-free adhesives. Everything that I had looked at left a residue and damage which I am not willing to accept. You have made me aware of a solution that I was not aware existed.

- Tom -

My experience with these adhesive hooks is limited to rental cars. I don't know the long term effect the weather will have with these on a dashboard.

I used them 2 years ago on a rental in Arizona. After 3 weeks in the hot southwest sun, there was no dashboard damage. Beyond that, I can't say how long they will work. It might be a good idea to remove and replace them every so often.

Thanks again

bdhsfz6 wrote:
-et- wrote:
bdhsfz6 wrote:
WuLabsWuTecH wrote:

I second the beanbag mount idea. Easy to move between cars, and even some basic tape will prevent sliding with heavy braking (day to day use doesn't create a lot of sliding at baseline)

The beanbag is undoubtedly the most flexible mounting method.

I use these damage free adhesive picture hangers to hold the bag in place on sloped dashboards:

https://www.amazon.com/Command-Damage-Free-Small-without-Pac...

They easily remove leaving no trace.

I was not aware of those damage-free adhesives. Everything that I had looked at left a residue and damage which I am not willing to accept. You have made me aware of a solution that I was not aware existed.

- Tom -

My experience with these adhesive hooks is limited to rental cars. I don't know the long term effect the weather will have with these on a dashboard.

I used them 2 years ago on a rental in Arizona. After 3 weeks in the hot southwest sun, there was no dashboard damage. Beyond that, I can't say how long they will work. It might be a good idea to remove and replace them every so often.

Thanks for the caveat. Without that additional information I would have assumed that there was zero concern. This warns me to be more cautious.

- Tom -

--
XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

What about.....

a suction-cup windshield mount?

--
RKF (Brookeville, MD) Garmin Nuvi 660, 360 & Street Pilot

Goo Gone

-et- wrote:

I was not aware of those damage-free adhesives. Everything that I had looked at left a residue and damage which I am not willing to accept. You have made me aware of a solution that I was not aware existed.

- Tom -

Just a thought to throw your way, I use a product called Goo Gone Original to remove any left over adhesive residue, works really good. I've only used it on metal and glass though. They do make several varieties for use on different things.

The original can be used on:
Carpet
Finished Wood
Sealed Stone
Painted Surfaces
Glass
Fabric
Metals
Plastics
Ceramic / Porcelain

https://googone.com/

--
. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

Another vote for beanbag

WuLabsWuTecH wrote:

I second the beanbag mount idea. Easy to move between cars, and even some basic tape will prevent sliding with heavy braking (day to day use doesn't create a lot of sliding at baseline)

For lack of other alternatives, I think the beanbag approach is a good one.

I think the bean bag

I think the bean bag suggestion has been beaten to death now... I'm still passing on it.