Mounting a portable GPS - Where?

[BurghRunner]

I'm looking for ideas for mounting a portable GPS unit. I don't care for windshield mounts with wires running all over. I'm thinking of something in place of the 4th gen dash compartment just above the center cup holders/below the radio. I could take the door off and mount it there. I've used the portable units and found myself just listening and not really looking at it that much, so something other than the windshield mount sounds interesting.

I'm still deciding between a new head unit with GPS or going with the portable and making a unique/clean mounting.

Thanks.

 

[BurghRunner]

Additional follow up question:

Do you think I will get reception if I mount if near the cup holders?

I guess what I really want to do is "hard wire" in a power cord by adding direct power somewhere under the dash using another cig light or direct into a fuse link - then be able to take the GPS out.

Looking at a Garmin 275T (at $175 it's the cheapest with Europe maps - I travel there frequently).

 

[MikesToy]

I have Garmin 270 and i mounted mine just underneath the emergency button and i get the same reception as if it were on my dash. Instead of licking or putting a dab of water behind the suction cup area, i use body lotion so it won't fall down and won't leave a circle on the surface.

 

[ric]

heres my set up:

 

[dcon]

I'm looking for ideas for mounting a portable GPS unit. I don't care for windshield mounts with wires running all over. I'm thinking of something in place of the 4th gen dash compartment just above the center cup holders/below the radio. I could take the door off and mount it there. I've used the portable units and found myself just listening and not really looking at it that much, so something other than the windshield mount sounds interesting.

I'm still deciding between a new head unit with GPS or going with the portable and making a unique/clean mounting.

Thanks.

Here's a thread of my GPS install.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=49471

 

[BurghRunner]

Thanks Dcon! That's exactly what I was thinking of doing. I have to say that the other option with the suction below the emergency flash switch is not bad either.

Dcon, do you have any problems with blown fuses? Did you wire in an additional cig socket or just wire the unit in directly?

Thanks to both of you.

 

[BurghRunner]

Dcon - I reread your thread and see the additional socket.

Was that door/compartment had to remove? Did it break?

 

[dcon]

Dcon - I reread your thread and see the additional socket.

Was that door/compartment had to remove? Did it break?

The door pulls right out with little force of its hinges.