I just purchased a new GS GPS. It has a 7 in screen so nice and easy to see. Of course the mount is a suction cup affair that seems to work better then most that I have had. The issue is, windshield obstruction. Almost every state has a law or maybe a dozen concerning windshield obstruction. Most have a Fix IT ticket but some go further. In order to use the features the GSP has to be in close reach and to see the screen without taking my eyes off the road it needs to be just forward of the steering wheel. I have used GPS's for years without a problem but pulling this fifth wheel trailer around the country (8000 mile 15 state trip) I am a little concerned. Has anyone had an issue with this? Or does anyone know of a different style mount that would sit just below the top of the dash?

If you mount it either high up in the windshield where it wouldn't obstruct your view of cross traffic or pedestrians, or low enough in your windshield that it only obstructs your view of your own hood you should be fine from the obstruction laws.Since you have a 5er you won't really be using your center mounted rear view mirror. I might suggest you remove the mirror for this trip and place it there, or else lower the mirror all the way and attempt to mount it above the mirror.My wife has a Garmin 5" GPS that has a ball mount system. It came with a suction cup mount. I was more concerned with theft from my vehicle by having the tell tale suction cup ring on my windshield. We found a weighted mount with the ball mount meant for the GPS and can either place it on the dashboard or the center console. I prefer that method when we use the GPS.

Bean bag mount works really wellJim

I also went with the bean bag concept

To me the bean bag mount blocks less windshield area, and yet is quick to see, if necessary. I try not to look at it in congested areas, and try to rely on the voice to keep me in the right lane.

You should have looked into the factory GPS radio. But if you mount it in the lower left corner of the windshield I would think you you would be okay. Mine only has a 5" screen so its not an issue but with a 7" screen you might get some looks. Don

windshield obstructions | Good Sam Community

mountainsam
Explorer
Dec 17, 2013
I think the problem is solved. I drilled three small holes thur the cup. The only thing ruined is the rubber which I left on for a gasket. I mounted it permanently on the dash and it sits just above the radio and doesn't block anything. It is in easy reach of DW and myself. Headed for LA for engine brake repair on the 7th so I will give it a good test run. Thanks for all the feed back. Lots of good ideas.
I would post a picture of it but can't figure out how to do it.:?
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Dec 17, 2013
Do you mean when you drive alone?

I drive and my wife watches the GPS. She gives me: the miles to the next turn, an additional warning a mile out and which way I am going to turn.

Of course, I can also hear the voice giving the instructions. It works well for us.
Itching2go
Explorer II
Dec 17, 2013
We used a beanbag mount for a lot of years, but when we moved to a larger 7 inch unit (Garmin, in my case), I found that the extra weight caused a lot of 'jiggling'. Ended up using a quick-release mount that attached adhesively to the dash. Garmin has them for their units, but not sure about the GS unit.

Sure do like the extra few inches of display provided with a 7-inch unit. Kind of like going to a 60 inch flat screen TV. Once you have one, everything else seems small...
Bombfixer
Explorer
Dec 17, 2013
In most states, you would never get pulled over because of an obstructed view. But, if you are pulled over for something else you could get a citation for obstructed view as an add-on the the main offense.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Dec 17, 2013
Lots of states have that law, but it is rarely enforced! Mine is mounted low on the windshield and the only view behind it is the hood. It's a law i wouldn't be concerned about!
cpaulsen
Explorer
Dec 17, 2013
And also remember......that in California it must be mounted in the lower corner/or upper corner of a windshield. That law went into affect.last year.
mtofell1
Explorer
Dec 17, 2013
Another vote for the beanbag mount. It gives you some flexibility to move side to side and to take it down easily if needed.

What I really like is only having to move my eyes down to a spot ABOVE the dash rather than below where the factory units are. There is a HUGE difference between glancing down to above the dash versus down below the dash.

I've used both extensively and would never go back. As for windshield mounts it seems most have far too short of "arms" and you can't reach them. I saw one in a passing car recently that was much longer so they are out there. That would seem to be the best solution so you have the ability to move it around so much. I'd guess the arm was 8" or more.
Bedlam
Moderator
Dec 17, 2013
Pioneer has the AVIC line of in dash GPS units. I bought my truck before they had an OEM GPS option and this was the only way if I wanted a big screen that was clear of my view. They are not RV or trucker oriented, but mine has served me well.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Dec 17, 2013
Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
You should have looked into the factory GPS radio. But if you mount it in the lower left corner of the windshield I would think you you would be okay. Mine only has a 5" screen so its not an issue but with a 7" screen you might get some looks.

Don

X2

This is where I like mine well with in view with eye on road, buit not a blocking device.
emonkemeier
Explorer
Dec 17, 2013
I mounted my 7" Magellan 9165 on this bracket from http://www.bayougoatmounts.com/
It bolts on top of the center console tray.
Ed

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