MountGuys Blog

January 27, 2012

Mounts for Vertical Vents

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories, Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , — mountguys @ 4:34 pm

We must get a few questions weekly asking about mounts that will fit on vertical vents.  Most cars have vent slots that go across versus up and down and 99% of all vent mounts are made primarily for horizontal vents.

Finally, a solution is available for vertical vents from a company called Tetrax.  Based in Italy, they have developed a mount that combines a very small vice with a magnetic attachment for your smartphone, GPS or anything that weighs less than 300 grams (10.5 ounces).  For information on these unique magnetic mounts, see our blog post written in late 2011.

So Tetrax has two kinds of mounts.  Some attach to your dash, others attach to the vent.  Since this post is titled “Mounts for Vertical Vents”, we’re going to take a bit more about the vent mounts.  These mounts are attached to your vent using a small vice with rubber grips.  They tighten and loosen using a small dial built into the mount.  Extremely easy to attach and detach.  We have found that the profile is so small that they aren’t even noticed when you remove your device, so we leave ours in the car after we remove our device.  But the neat part is that if you travel, it’s very easy to take with you.  Just don’t leave it in the rental!

The Tetrax XWAY and GEO lines are the vent mounts.  The XWAY is a heavier duty mount and recommended for GPS units and SmartPhones.  The GEO is best for SmartPhones and devices weighing 150 grams (5.25 ounces) or less.  The GEO works great with our iPhone 4 in a Tetrax XCASE.  We offer some picture below.

Tetrax Geo - See the Vice?

Tetrax Geo - See the Vice?

Tetrax XWAY with a TomTom

Tetrax XWAY with a TomTom

Tetrax XWAY

Tetrax XWAY

Tetrax Geo with an iPhone in an XCASE

Tetrax Geo with an iPhone in a case

Tetrax Geo

Tetrax Geo

December 29, 2011

Mounting Options for the Garmin eTrex 10 20 30 GPS

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories — Tags: , , , , — mountguys @ 2:42 pm

During the second half of 2011, Garmin released a new generation of their 10-year old eTrex GPS line.  Options range form a basic black and white display on the eTrex 10 all the way to a color screen with nice additions like a compass and built-in barometric altimeter with wireless route sharing on the eTrex 30.  These units are very competitively prices and are marketed to hikers, bikers and geocachers for handheld use.  We all know that people will use these for more than simply handheld use, so without further ado, we present some innovative solutions.

Motorcycle ATV Mount for Garmin eTrex 10 20 30

Motorcycle ATV Mount for Garmin eTrex 10 20 30

Garmin eTrex Marine Mount

Garmin eTrex Marine Mount

Suction Cup Mount for Garmin eTrex 10 20 30

Suction Cup Mount for Garmin eTrex 10 20 30

Kayak Mount for Garmin eTrex 10 20 30

Kayak Mount for Garmin eTrex 10 20 30

Handlebar Mount for Garmin eTrex 10 20 30

Handlebar Mount for Garmin eTrex 10 20 30

November 23, 2011

Making your Garmin Montana GPS Mobile

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories — Tags: , , — mountguys @ 5:47 pm

Garmin recently released their long awaited refresh to their handheld GPS line.  The Garmin Montana offers three different models and is a truly diverse line.  Depending upon model, the functionality ranges from using it to find a geocache all the way to use on the water or in your car.  New models introduce a 5 megapixel camera, customizable homepage and a waterproof casing.  Add in old time favorites like an electronic compass, ability to create waypoints, and satellite imagery and you will see that Garmin has introduced a major overhaul that might prove worthy of parting with some of your hard earned money.

Once you get the GPS, you might wish to truly make it portable with mounts, cabling and cases.  We’re here for you!

Garmin Montana Marine Mount

Garmin Montana Marine Mount

Garmin Montana Dash Mount

Garmin Montana Dash Mount

Garmin Car Charger for the Montana

Garmin Car Charger for the Montana

Garmin Carry Case for the Montana

Garmin Carry Case for the Montana

Handlebar Mount for Garmin Montana

Handlebar Mount for Garmin Montana

 

November 12, 2011

Tetrax Mounts: A Little Magnet Goes a Long Way

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories, Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , , , , — mountguys @ 1:14 am

Tetrax introduces a new concept in car mounts.  Pairing strong small magnets with corresponding adhesive chips, these mounts provide a strong grasp of your device and the magnets are completely shielded by the metal chips.  We were impressed with the holding capability of the XWAY mount as it held our TomTom XXL in place with no problem.  The mounting kits include the mount and adhesive chip for the back of your device.  We like the simple approach to attaching the device then removing it.  Much less effort than practically anything else on the market.  Manufactured in Italy, these are nice quality mounts.

There are a few different lines from Tetrax:

  • XWAY – for heavier items such as GPS devices up 300 grams (10.5 ounces).  This would include most units that have a 3.5, 4.3 and 5 inch screen size.  These also make excellent smartphone mounts.  This fits on your car air vent
  • FIXWAY – also for heavier devices up to 300 grams.  These use 3M adhesive disks for your car dash.
  • FIX – a lighter weight version for devices up to 150 grams (5.25 ounces).  These are for smartphones, iPhones, iPod, Nano, etc.  This is the dash version.
  • EGO – also for lighter devices.  This is the vent version of the FIX.
  • XCASE – a nice idea.  Incorporates the metal chip into a custom case.  These are available for the iPhone only.
Tetrax FIX Dash Mount

Tetrax FIX Dash Mount

Tetrax XWAY Dash Mount

Tetrax XWAY Dash Mount

Tetrax Fixway Dash Mount

Tetrax Fixway Dash Mount

October 10, 2011

ATV Mounts

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories — Tags: , , , — mountguys @ 6:26 pm

A lot of people mistakenly think any motorcycle mount can be applied to an ATV or UTV.  Typically an ATV is ridden off-road and requires a rugged mount that includes a cradle to grip and hold your device securely.  Most ATVs do not have standard handlebars (if any).  The mounts are often wrapping around thicker diameter roll bars.  Some are attached to a fork stem or brake reservoir.

The better mounts are going to take some effort (and tools) to attach securely.  The ideal mount provides a means to remove your device easily.  We highly recommend avoiding suction and sticky mounts on ATVs and UTVs.  Bolts good, sticky bad.  A GPS comes in mighty handy when riding out in the dessert, but using the suction mount that came in the box might not be the best idea.

Note the use of a custom cradle on this ATV GPS mount

Note the use of a custom cradle on this ATV GPS mount

Weatherproof Case with a metal ATV Mount to protect your GPS from the elements

Weatherproof Case with a metal ATV Mount to protect your GPS from the elements

Camera Mount that also fits diameters to 3.15"

Camera Mount that also fits diameters to 3.15"

iPhone 4 / 4S on an ATV mount that fits up to 3.15"

iPhone 4 / 4S on an ATV mount that fits up to 3.15"

 

 

September 12, 2011

Lots of New TomTom GPS Models, Not a Lot of Mounting Options

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories — Tags: , , , , , , — mountguys @ 2:57 pm

Where do we start?  TomTom has introduced so many new GPS units over the past six months.  We have difficulty keeping up with customer inquiries on new models.  As usual, TomTom makes a nice GPS. Roughly 10 models of the TomTom Via series, another ten for the TomTom GO.  And to add some additional confusion, the model numbers seem to overlap the TomTom XXL series (prompting a few customers to buy the wrong model accessories)

TomTom continues to be a prominent player in the GPS market.  Features are market leading and keep track fairly well with Garmin (the other market leader).

First let’s discuss the TomTom GO series.  New models introduced over the past year include:  Go 950, Go 940, Go 750, Go 740, Go 550, Go 540.  Wait we’re not done.  There is also the 2405, 2435 2505, 2535, and 1005.  By the way there are traffic and lifetime map versions of many of these.  What do they all have in common.  They use a powered cradle that can be removed from the mount.  The cradle can be inserted into many other mounts.  Some will use the vacated socket on the back of the cradle.  Some provide a bracket with a recess for the TomTom cradle.

Cup Holder Bendy Mount fits many TomTom GO models

Cup Holder Bendy Mount fits many TomTom GO models

Motorcycle Mount for many TomTom GO models

Motorcycle Mount for many TomTom GO models

TomTom car suction mount

TomTom car suction mount

Vent Mount for the TomTom GO Series

Vent Mount for the TomTom GO Series

Motorcycle Mount for TomTom GO 1005 2505 2535 Series

Motorcycle Mount for TomTom GO 1005 2505 2535 Series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next let’s discuss the TomTom VIA series.  The big difference between the VIA and GO series – no cradle.  There is a socket on the upper portion of the GPS and the mount provided fits in there.  We have some personal experience with the VIA and the mount.  You need to have hands the size of 6-year old to use it effectively so considering a different mount might be a good exercise.  By the way, the VIA units use a micro-USB charger versus the typical mini-USB.  The VIA models include:  1535, 1535T, 1535M, 1535TM, 1505, 1505T, 1505M, 1505TM, 1435, 1435T, 1435M, 1435TM, 1405, 1405T, 1405M, 1405TM, 220, 180, 160, 125, 120, 110.  The T indicates a traffic enabled model and M means lifetime maps.  TM means you get both features.

Car Visor Mount for TomTom VIA GPS

Car Visor Mount for TomTom VIA GPS

Seat Bolt Floor Mount for TomTom VIA GPS

Seat Bolt Floor Mount for TomTom VIA GPS

Dash and Suction Combo Mount for TomTom VIA GPS

Dash and Suction Combo Mount for TomTom VIA GPS

Powered Lighter Mount for TomTom VIA GPS

Powered Lighter Mount for TomTom VIA GPS

The back of the TomTom Via

The back of the TomTom Via

July 22, 2011

Spot Connect Communicator Mount Discussion

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories — Tags: , — mountguys @ 3:04 pm

The third generation of the personal communicator adds a smartphone interface and is packaged with some third party GPS units.  The smartphone app allows you to greatly expand the functionality of the Spot in the way of custom messages and social networking.  While we understand the social networking part still needs some work, it’s still a nice feature in our opinion.

So this comes with a belt clip.  Nothing else in terms of mounting options.

We present some ideas below.

Marine Mount for Spot Connect

Marine Mount for Spot Connect

Bike Mount for Spot Connect

Bike Mount for Spot Connect

Suction Mount for Spot Connect

Suction Mount for Spot Connect

Motorcycle Mount for Spot Connect

Motorcycle Mount for Spot Connect

July 13, 2011

Time for a Motorcycle GPS Upgrade?

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories — Tags: , , , , — mountguys @ 12:33 pm

There are automotive GPS devices and motorcycle GPS devices.  Ever wonder what the difference is?  GPS devices made specifically for motorcycles are normally waterproof and somewhat more shock resistant than the car versions.  The screens can normally be used with gloves.  Motorcycle GPS devices also typically have bluetooth integrated within.

Back a few years ago there were two primary players in the motorcycle GPS market and they were Garmin and TomTom.  Most popular were the TomTom Riders.  They made two versions but have not come out with a new motorcycle device in several years.  Garmin has updated their Zumo line with recent additions of the Zumo 220, Zumo 660, Zumo 665.  The big difference between the three is primarily screen size as well as headphone jack and customization options and for the price, we like the Zumo 220 best.

So if you have, let’s say, an old TomTom Rider, is it worth the price to upgrade?  If you are having any difficulties with your current Rider, we suggest considering an upgrade versus trying to find parts which are difficult to come by and quite expensive.  The newest Garmin Zumo devices will provide updated maps and features that were not available five years ago when you purchased the Rider.  For less than $400, this is half the price of what you may have paid for that Rider five years ago.

We present some mounting options for the newest Garmin Zumo.

Garmin Zumo 220 Car Mount

Garmin Zumo 220 Car Mount

 

Garmin Zumo 660 665 Motorcycle Mount Kit

Garmin Zumo 660 665 Motorcycle Mount Kit

Garmin Zumo 220 Motorcycle Mount Kit

Garmin Zumo 220 Motorcycle Mount Kit

June 16, 2011

Gooch’s Garlic Run 2011

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories, Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: — mountguys @ 12:09 am

We thought it would be a nice change of pace to blog about something different today.  Each year, around 2,000 motorcycle enthusiasts gather at the big mall here in northwest New Jersey for a ride called Gooch’s Garlic Run.  It’s sponsored by the Blue Knights and benefits kids with heft medical bills.  This is the 24th year of the run, and for the first time, we were able to attend it live.

Walking down the lineup of motorcycles is impressive.  The most popular brand, you guessed it, Harley Davidson.  We did see quite a few Honda Goldwings and the occasional Triumph and BMW.  Being in the business of motorcycle mounts, we did notice quite a few GPS and satellite radios in use.  The most popular mount was the RAM Mount.

Here are a few good pictures:

 

We took the opportunity to take a video with our iPhone.  Quality is so-so, but it gives you an idea of the enormity of the event.

June 14, 2011

My Suction Cup Doesn’t Stick Anymore! Help!

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories, Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , — mountguys @ 3:13 pm

Yes, we sell mounts for a living.  However, sometimes, you don’t need to buy a new mount.  Following our simple tips might save you a little bit of money.

  1. The most common problem we find is a dirty windshield.  This is probably the number one tip.  Clean your windshield thoroughly with Windex or any good cleaner that contains alcohol (no not beer, that is not a cleaner).  While you’re at it, also clean the bottom of the suction cup.
  2. Apply a little water to the bottom of the suction cup.  We find, on some mounts that helps the adhesion enormously.
  3. Make sure you are pressing the suction lever in the right direction.  Usually the direction is down, but we see a few deviants that require it to be pushed up.  Most suction mounts have a vacuum base and it is operating by a lever.

That’s it.

If you have tried all of this and it’s still not working, we’re here for you.

A Naked Garmin Nuvi Mount in Need of a GPS

A Naked Garmin Nuvi Mount in Need of a GPS

 

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