Vent mounts for GPS

[WaZZZZman]

Have any of you had any experience good or bad with a vent mount for your GPS? :?

I have a Garmin 660 that is fantastic, and I would like to use it in all my vehicles. I have looked at the ProClip which is nice but I would have to buy one specifically for each car I have. It seems that all my vehicles have vents so that looks like a good match.

But I do not want it to brake my vent or cause any problems with the Zed. I was wondering also if there were problems with cold air coming out of the vent and hitting the GPS. Seems like having that much cold or heat in the Winter would cause problems.

Any experience you can share with me?

 

[takedown8]

I love my vent mounts. I bought one for each of my cars. I have a Magellan RoadMate though. My dad has a Garmin c330, and I bought him a vent mount, but it's not close to as good as mine. I think it has to do with the mount used for the Garmin, but the vent mount is big and bulky compared to the one I have for the Magellan.

Anyways, it works really well. Just make sure you get a vent mount that attaches on firmly. As you know, the Z4 suspension is quite stiff so the GPS will rattle quite a bit if your vent mount isn't stable enough (as those of you who use a windshield suction mount can attest to).

My vent mount is held on at the top by plastic clips and the bottom has a rubber-lined foot to stabilize it. I had to ask the seller to send me a couple of extra plastic clips so that the mount was more stable.

After the mount is attached, you won't really be able to control the direction of the vent anymore which is the only real sacrifice. I was never really worried about heat or cold hitting the GPS for two reasons: 1) The Z4 cabin heats up or cools down quite quickly, so the AC or heat is never on high for very long; 2) I usually use climate control which tends to send AC or heat through the windshield and footwells and not through the vents.

So if you can find a good, stable, lightweight vent mount, then I say you get one. If you're going to get more than one mount for multiple cars, then make sure you have two mounts for the GPS (i.e. the actual plastic part that attaches to the GPS). My vent mount did not come with that piece, so I had to purchase another one for my second car.

 

[Justinitus]

Just used the dashboard disk that came with my Garmin (a self-adhesive black plastic disc) and stuck it to the little panel below the aircon controls. You can rest your wrist on the transmission tunnel while pressing the screen too. Doesn't get too much sunlight glare there either.

Spare discs are available from Garmin dealers.

 

[Shipkiller]

Wazz,

I use the Proclip mount in the Zed. http://www.proclipusa.com

Some like it, some don't...

Though, I may switch the two unit locations before HC. Put the Nuvi on top and the Ipod over the console.

 

[Mattt]

What seats are they?

 

[Shipkiller]

I don't really like Leather...

So I found a set of WetOkole Neoprene custom fit seat covers...

Adds a little bit of red contrast to the cabin.

 

[2dogs]

My god it looks like a mobile memo board . wheres the coffee maker

 

[gannet]

I use a TomTom One with a vent mount and its great. Cant adjust the air direction but you get used to it.

Photo here:

 

[Shipkiller]

Wazz, In response to your email:

The Proclip does not mar the finish in any way. It clip under the metal trim and will not shake off... rock solid. Look real close and you will see.

For the Nuvi, you do not need the complete two piece assembly. Just get the mount and then take the ball mount off of your Nuvi suction mount and screw it to the Proclip.

I am not at home right now or I would go out and take a couple of close up shots to show you...

 

[Justinitus]

Wazz, I was in Maplin Electronics shop this morning and they had a small selection of sat-nav mounts inc a vent mount and one similar to the pro-clip.

 

[Shipkiller]

Wazz, here's a better pic.

 

[takedown8]

I still think the vent mount would be better 'cause it really puts the GPS just below eye level and right beside you. That Pro clip just looks way too low and far away to me.

 

[Aebous]

I still think the vent mount would be better 'cause it really puts the GPS just below eye level and right beside you. That Pro clip just looks way too low and far away to me.

It isn't. But then I rely on the voice directions more than the visual ones. It's only slightly past the gear shift. For me I have no problem to reach out and touch it.