I got a question for you guys... I'm looking into a portable navi for the xb and was wondering...

how do you guys power it? do you just plug it into the power outlet or did you hardwire the power to the car?

just asking because i'd like a clean looking install with as little cable being wrapped around and all. any pics of installs would be great.

thanks..

 

I mounted mine on the passenger side shelf pointed at me, and plug it directly into the power outlet. It works out well since the GPS is just to the right of the stereo and within easy reach. I do like this method since I can remove everything within seconds

 

Sounds interesting. Got a pic?
Seems like you would have antenna satellite view issues...

 

Mines velcroed right behind the steering wheel where normal gauges would be. Everyone who has seen it loves it!

 

Pictures Please........

 

Sorry, thought I had this topic watched for replies but I didn't

No problems with getting satellite signals, I'll try to get a pic for you in the next day or two

 

Here's a poor quality pic with my phone but it gives you an idea of where I mounted it. I just put the base plate for the suction cup on that little shelf on the passenger side and as you can see:



I like where it is because its within reach but not distracting in my view

 

That looks pretty good RoundBox.
If I used mine more I might give that a try. I only use mine when I go out of town. I don't really need it much in a town of about 70,000.

When I do use it, I actually prefer the spot straight in front of the steering wheel kinda like XD40tC described. I find when I am traveling and using it a lot, I like having it where I can just glance at it without taking my eyes too far from the road.

I have thought about a built in unit, but the low use combined with the fact I toss my Nuvi in the backpack when I travel for work and use it in rental cars makes built-in pretty much impractical.

 

I bought some industrial strength velcro at home depot and mounted mine right in front of the steering wheel ... best place for it imho. I'll get pics when it stops raining.

 

behind teh steering wheel is exactly where I think would be a great place. I just got my Xb last week and told my Wife I want one for Xmas. And I was going to Velcro as well. How do you route the wire to "hide" them? Behind the steering wheel, gives a "factory" installed feel & look.

Also, can you leave the car adapter for it plugged in or do you you have to unplug each time so it doesn't drain the battery?

 

i plan on putting mine behind the steering wheel as well, i just need the right mount.

 

I leave mine plugged in, the 12V socket turns off when the car isn't on or in ACC mode. My cable isn't long enough to hide it, so i just hangs there lol.

 

My wire is routed through the steering wheel and behind the panels and comes out below the 12v socket where it plugs in.

 

I have a mio c520 gps (which I love.) I bought an extra mounting bracket that has a a powered speaker and power connector 90 degrees out the rear. The wiring is behind the steering wheel and can be hard wired or connected to the power outlet. The bracket is connected with velcro to the dash and works great. The steering wheel housing supports the bracket too. I can easily remove the gps from the bracket to use in another vehicle or throw it in the glove box in high crime areas. The whole bracket is removable if need be. The only issue is when using the touch screen while making turns!

 

heres mine. magellan 4040. i used a dash mount i got off ebay. works good for me.

 

I love our xB's for the layout of the gauges. Itd be badbutt if Scion integrated or if we could find a way to integrate this into the dash behind the steering wheel. My velcro method isnt best but its holding. I just hate having it be crooked sometimes lol.