windshield obstructions

[mountainsam]

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?

[mountainsam]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I mounted my 7" Magellan 9165 on this bracket from http://www.bayougoatmounts.com/
It bolts on top of the center console tray.
Ed

[mountainsam]

I actually did take a look at the GPS radio for an 05 Dodge but it was a couple years ago and pretty pricy. And the GPS wasn't RV specific. I once saw a mount that attached to the dash and could be flipped up if not using, it laid flat on the dash screen side down, and flipped down for use where the top on the screen was about even with the top of the dash. It took two screws to attach it but that's not an issue as my truck is an 05 and the resale wouldn't be hurt much. Trouble is that's the only one I have ever seen. We are getting ready for an 8000 mile 15 state trip in the spring. Lots of states I have never been in and don't know their enforcement policies.

[BB_TX]

I used a bean bag mount (before I got a truck with built in GPS) and set it on top of the dash just to the front/right of me. Easy to see and reach. And it only blocked a small part of my view of the lower right side of the hood, did not block my vision of the road at all.
Don't know where that falls in regard to windshield area mounted devices and the laws. But drove in many states with it and never stopped.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

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

[fj12ryder]

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.