Where to place the Navigation Unit

[slimjim]

I just ordered my navigation unit!

Magellan 4050+...WooHoo!

But where to install it? I'm not a big fan of sitting it in the middle of my windshield. It does make the sense there...but I think it looks much cooler on the left side of my windshield. Coolness points do matter.

Has anyone else set there navigation there? Does it work well there? Any suggestions or opinions? Feedback of any kind would be greatly appreciated.

I'll post some pics once I get it installed. Does anyone have pics they want to share?

 

[sharp4runr]

As far as I understand it, California made it illegal for people to stick things like that on your windshield. Here are some pics of where I put my Garmin Nuvi: http://toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15455&highlight=nuvi+350

 

[4RunnerV8]

I use mine mounted on the left side of the dash - easy access, easy to hide the power wire. I also don't like it in the middle of the dash - looks cleaner and easier to reach on the left. I'm just trying to figure out how to hard wire it into the fusebox. No problems at all with signal reception, etc. Easier to see as it's closer, too.

 

[dingo]

I too have a Garmin Nuvi 350. It was actually sharp4runr's forum review that got me onto the unit. I usually have it suction cup mounted right below the hazard light button. Works fine for me. Still gets great reception.

Sharp4runr is also correct on the windshield mounting for CA drivers. It's illegal. My wife works for the CA DMV/CHP and she's always quoting this stuff to me too.

 

[Uneek]

Sharp4runr is also correct on the windshield mounting for CA drivers. It's illegal. My wife works for the CA DMV/CHP and she's always quoting this stuff to me too.

It's true, and I brought this up to my friends cause they mount their navs to the windshield. I got the beanbag mount from Garmin for my other cars. One of them brought up an interested and valid point, the rear view mirror would be illegal too then.

 

[sharp4runr]

My wife works for the CA DMV/CHP and she's always quoting this stuff to me too.

Man that must get annoying? "You know, this is a work zone honey? Fines are higher here..."

 

[nated05]

I too have a Garmin Nuvi 350. It was actually sharp4runr's forum review that got me onto the unit. I usually have it suction cup mounted right below the hazard light button. Works fine for me. Still gets great reception.

Sharp4runr is also correct on the windshield mounting for CA drivers. It's illegal. My wife works for the CA DMV/CHP and she's always quoting this stuff to me too.

I also have a Nuvi 350 and mount it in the same place. It works great, I would never put it on the windshield I hate having anything blocking any part of my view.

It also illegal in MN to attach to windshield.

 

[dingo]

Man that must get annoying? "You know, this is a work zone honey? Fines are higher here..."

lol

You pretty much nailed it, sharp! She would be the side seat driver and quote all these regulations and rules. Not to me directly, but just to point out stuff like DOT regulations, CHP stuff, vehicle classifications, VIN numbers, etc, while I drive. I'm getting schooled as I try to concentrate and I throw it back at her - you're not supposed to distract the driver. She also is a license examiner and everytime she hits the curb (good lord) I yell "FAIL!". Then I hop outside and see how much she scrubbed my tires. The alignment shop loves her.

Anyhoo, I also find that mounting the suction cup to the center console bezel under the hazard light button a double edge sword. It is a good out of the way location from anything else, however, sometime I feel it is a tad too low since I have to glance down then up more than I want. I usually just listen to the voice prompts. Second, it occasionally falls off when the vacuum seal is broken or dries out. It comes crashing down into the cup holders or worst, the front passenger floor where I can't reach while moving. I've thought about a permanent mount but I don't like leaving evidence of stuff when I park. It's too inviting to thieves.

 

[sharp4runr]

She also is a license examiner and everytime she hits the curb (good lord) I yell "FAIL!". Then I hop outside and see how much she scrubbed my tires. The alignment shop loves her.

Bwahaahahaaaa, that's classic! FAIL!

Yeah you're right about it falling when it's dry. It freaks me out, since I paid good money for the Nuvi. Luckily it hasn't broken yet. I use the Nuvi on my motorcycle too so it's pretty durable. I too would like a better mount, that's not too visible to thiefs..