I've never before used a GPS mapping device in a vehicle, but was given a TomTom Start for Christmas. The device comes with instructions to attach it to the windshield with a mount. My tow is a 2500HD Chevy; if I mount it to the windshield at anything close to eye level it is so far away that operating the touchscreen would be quite a stretch. If I mount it to the dash instead, would it be able to get a signal from the satellites?

Never had a problem with getting a signal using a doughnut on the edge of the dash.FYI - a doughnut is a round plastic tray type thing fitted with a collar/ ring filled with sand (or something similar) to create weight around the ring and hold it in place. It has a smooth plastic inner surface to attach the GPS mount. - available at any big box store that carries GPS and almost all truck stops - Portable GPS Mounts at WallyWorldThere was a recent thread about using a GPS in a Class C and possible interference from the cab over - and the replies were - no problem.One world of advice on using a GPS - train your DW/Navigator to use the device and functions - doing it yourself while driving at highway speed is not really a good idea. Almost as distracting to your driving as sending text messages.

Best to just give it a try to find out if a signal will be received in any place you plan on mounting it. Simply Lay or hold it there and see how it does. Remember though it doesn't HAVE to be at eye level as you will only refer to it intermittently and almost always in metro areas, not on the highway. It's NEVER safe to try and do turn by turn with the device as that's how people drive into lakes and turn where there is no road :)

I use a tomtom all the time in more then one vehicle. My F350 I bought used had a disk installed to the right of the steering wheel, when I use it in that truck I use the short mount to keep the GPS low in my field of view. I also use the GPS in various tow trucks for a PT job I work as a driver. I have this mount and it works great. The tow truck can be a chevy, ford, hino, peterbuilt, I can always find the right way to mount it where its reachable. I prefer to keep it on the left corner at dash level and this arm adjusts perfectly.

when we used a laptop, I anchored a 3/4 pipe flange to the transmission hump, and with some pipe and elbows made a swivel-able mount. With the GPS and the sand bag, it now sets on a new platform attached to that flange accessible by both driver and passenger.

On far right side of dash so that passenger can see it. She always tells me where to go anyway, so I don't need a GPS to bug me also.

Where to mount GPS | Good Sam Community

JimBollman
Explorer
Dec 28, 2013
Not familiar with your dash or how fussy you are keeping everything as from factory. On my F250 I got tired of loose mounts and in the way locations so I found a place fairly high on the dash and mounted an Arkon mounting plate then bought the right adapter for my Garmin. The GPS pops off to hide but is rock solid when I have it installed. Arkon makes many adapters so I can mount any future GPS like device that I may buy and I plan to keep my F250 till it isn't worth much anyway and a few screw holes in the dash will not make a difference.

I have used TomTom and had several over the years but switched to a voice controlled Garmin a few years ago and it makes on the go changes a lot safer.
J-mans_Dad
Explorer
Dec 28, 2013
You didn't say what year truck you have but for my 2005 I cut a scrap piece of plexiglas into an "L" shape and wedged it into the center dash cubby. Have the mount for for the GPS on top and mount for my Backup camera below. Brake controller mounted bottom center of dash.

Everything is reachable from both driver and co-pilot position.
Mount can easily be removed while parked or not towing.
GoPackGo
Explorer
Dec 28, 2013
I've used and like the bean bags - if you have the room for one. Work surprisingly well and don't slide around. I moved to them because the OEM Garmin suction cup would periodically loosen up at some point and let loose.

I now use a RAM mount suction cup windshield mount for my 7" GPS. Infinitely adjustable and has been mounted to the windshield now for about 6 months without coming loose. Highly recommended.

Tim
WoodGlue
Explorer
Dec 28, 2013
I meant to say California and New Jersey. Michigan had a law but I think it went by the wayside.

WoodGlue
btd35
Explorer
Dec 28, 2013
So don't be punching any buttons when you're going. punch in you destination, and go. If it needs to be reset, get another person to do it. Lots of accidents from people fussing with GPS's while driving.
wcjeep
Explorer
Dec 28, 2013
Locky wrote:
WoodGlue wrote:
In California and Michigan, it's against the law to mount a GPS on the windshield. Just a heads up.

WoodGlue

This is false. It is legal in both California and Michigan.

Last time I rented a car in California they were very specific it was illegal to attach to the windshield. I avoid that state. Law could have changed?
Locky
Explorer
Dec 28, 2013
WoodGlue wrote:
In California and Michigan, it's against the law to mount a GPS on the windshield. Just a heads up.

WoodGlue

This is false. It is legal in both California and Michigan.
classicdude
Explorer
Dec 28, 2013
I attach mine to the drivers door window down low, leaving enough room to crack the window if I want to. It doesn't block any part of my view, and I can reference it easily. That location has a couple of drawbacks, but for me it's best mounting location.
john_bet
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2013
Mine is mounted in lower left corner of windshield with the suction cup bracket provided. I can reach it and it does not block my view.
wingsfan20
Explorer
Dec 27, 2013
RLS7201 wrote:
With a bean bag mount, you can easily move your GPS out of sight when stopped. The thieves don't need much encouragement to break a window.

Richard

X2 on beanbag and moving out of sight. Also makes using in second vehicle easy.

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