Best spot to hardwire a radar detector

[mustbemike123]

Ok, I just recently got a V1 radar detector and need somewhere to mount it. I was thinking bottom left corner of windshield so it's not really visible. I know it isn't illegal to own one in California but according to my dad, I can't have one so it needs to be somewhat hidden. Where could I easily mount it that gets reception yet stays hidden? Thanks

 

[mysticz]

Had my passport hard wired in behind mirror but moved it to center windshield dash area which seems to be much more sturdy mount.

 

[mustbemike123]

Ya, behind the mirror wouldn't work for the Valentine since it has rear detection as well. I'm currently just mounting it center windshield with the cigarette lighter outlet but it looks messy and I have to take it down every time I get home.

 

[Kirby]

I put mine in upper top left corner of windshield. I removed the suction cups and have it latched right to head liner.

Then removed my o shit bar pulled pillar cover off ran wires down to fuse box put all back together and done.

 

[trickynick]

I have my RX65 mounted just to the left of my rear view mirror. It still recieves signals from behind me from this position.

 

[mustbemike123]

Looking at my car I think the best thing would be to the left of the rearview mirror and just hooking into the maplights for power.

 

[irwinSR5]

I have my valentine 1 mounted to the upper right of my rearview mirror (was upper left, now upper right)

 

[RevoRunner]

I have an RX65 that is mounted on my visor using a clip. I ran the cable through the headliner down the pillar and straight into the fusebox. My insertion point was where the visor is hinged to the roof. Very clean and I can still move my visor up and down. I think the optimal location is middle of windshield but with that setup I feel like I always have to take it down when I go anywhere. Plus I couldn't find a clean way to hardwire from that location. With it on the visor, I leave it and don't worry about it much because it's a little more out of sight. As for detection is seems to work well in that location... no tickets yet <<knock knock>>

 

[dollaz]

hi mustbemike, did you ever install the radar detector? if so where and can you share pictures? I am also looking into a place to put one.

 

[mustbemike123]

Ya, I ended up installing it right above the rearview mirror. It fits pretty well and when I get home I can just unplug the cable and store the detector. As for where to connect the hardwiring, I couldn't figure out how to tap into the maplights so I ended up guiding the wire at the very edge of the windshield and then over the curtain airbag and then down the side of the door. All of it is concealed by panelling as well. Then for plugging it in, I tapped into some LED lights I had installed previously. I don't know my way around a fusebox so I didn't mess with that and my initial LED install used a wire going directly through the firewall to the battery. Perhaps someone else in the forums knows how to hardwire using the fusebox but I don't really know how. And I don't have any pictures because I ended up selling my radar detector to my friend because I noticed it made me speed too much almost to the point of recklessness.

 

[kinchy]

Here you...moved it a few more inches to the right since the photo

 

[LSUMBA]

I know it isn't illegal to own one in California but according to my dad, I can't have one so it needs to be somewhat hidden.

While it may not be illegal, it will guarantee that you get a ticket. I have several friends who are cops & every one of them has told me that the second they know that you have a radar detector, they are going to hit you with the full penalty & then take a look over your vehicle for any other infractions they can stick on you.

I have had radar detectors by three different major brands. They all worked fine, but I still got pulled over with all of them. With the instant on laser technology they have now, you cannot know ahead of time if someone is gunning you, and by the time your detector goes off, it is too late.

I have completely gotten rid of my detectors & I just make myself more aware of my driving. Try to keep your speed within 10 MPH of the posted limits & you should be fine.

 

[racefan_67]

Re: Re: Best spot to hardwire a radar detector

While it may not be illegal, it will guarantee that you get a ticket. I have several friends who are cops & every one of them has told me that the second they know that you have a radar detector, they are going to hit you with the full penalty & then take a look over your vehicle for any other infractions they can stick on you.

I have had radar detectors by three different major brands. They all worked fine, but I still got pulled over with all of them. With the instant on laser technology they have now, you cannot know ahead of time if someone is gunning you, and by the time your detector goes off, it is too late.

I have completely gotten rid of my detectors & I just make myself more aware of my driving. Try to keep your speed within 10 MPH of the posted limits & you should be fine.

....great reply LSUMBA....with age comes wisdom......I got rid of mine many years ago and never bothered with them again....common sense driving will always keep you one step ahead of the law...

 

[nserpa9248]

i have a friend with a 03' audi a4 with an escort 8500 x50 cop gunned him immediatley doing 101mph

Its a must appear in court, and its a 600 dollar fine..

Truth be told, even if you drive by a cop, and his radar isnt on, cops and staties are trained to estimate your speed within 10mph if i remember correctly....

Best thing, dont speed so much..

 

[Uneek]

i have a friend with a 03' audi a4 with an escort 8500 x50 cop gunned him immediatley doing 101mph

Its a must appear in court, and its a 600 dollar fine..

Truth be told, even if you drive by a cop, and his radar isnt on, cops and staties are trained to estimate your speed within 10mph if i remember correctly....

Best thing, dont speed so much..

In CA they use laser, it's too late already by the time the radar detector goes off. They already nailed you.

I drive about 5mph over the limit now. I've become a lazy driver and move with the flow in the second or third lane. This way I don't have to constantly scan my surroundings and just enjoy the time I'm in the 4Runner.