Radar detector mount options?

[StuartV]

I just ordered a Valentine 1 Gen 2 for my '25 1500 Limited. Now I'm trying to figure out how I will mount it.

It seems like there are 3 basic options:

Top of Windshield
Under rear view mirror
On top of dash

Top of Windshield:

I could use the suction cup mount that comes with it to put it there. Presumably sort of just to the left of the RVM, as high as it will go. I can pull power for it from the RMV/DASM somewhere. I already ordered a wiring harness from Gen5DIY for this purpose (even though I've now realized I might go for some kind of dash mount and end up not needing/using the Gen5DIY harness).

I like the idea of the mount at the top of the windshield, but I'm concerned that the suction cup mount will allow it to fall down. I would like a mount where I can just put the RD in it and leave it. I don't want to have to take it out of the mount and unplug it every time I'm parking the truck.

Is the suction cup mount reliable where it will just stay, basically forever, even through South Carolina summer heat?

Under RVM:

The BlendMount mount looks really nice for hanging a RD right under the RVM. But, I think that is the last place (of the 3) that I want to put a RD. That puts it exactly where it will block a good chunk of my view of the road. The other two placement options would not block my view of anything important. Being on the expensive side does not help to persuade me to buy one of these.

On top of dash:

This is tied with "top of windshield" in my book, for where I would like it to live. But, it offers the bonus of not having to worry about the RD falling down if I leave it mounted when my truck is parked.

Also, with the power port right there in that little cubby on top of the dash, I might not even need to buy any special cables or wiring harness.

I saw some old posts for a Bayou Goat tray kind of thing that fits into the cubby just above/behind the Uconnect display. That looks cool. But, Bayou Goat appears to be out of business.

I also saw a beanbag thing, but, one, I'd prefer something that cannot move even during emergency evasive maneuvers. And two, I'd prefer something that doesn't look so "universal fit". I.e. something that looks a bit more like a factory mount.

Suggestions? I would really like something that mounts solidly, looks somewhat factory, and doesn't require any drilling or cutting.

 

[vincentw56]

I just ordered a Valentine 1 Gen 2 for my '25 1500 Limited. Now I'm trying to figure out how I will mount it.

It seems like there are 3 basic options:

Top of Windshield
Under rear view mirror
On top of dash

Top of Windshield:

I could use the suction cup mount that comes with it to put it there. Presumably sort of just to the left of the RVM, as high as it will go. I can pull power for it from the RMV/DASM somewhere. I already ordered a wiring harness from Gen5DIY for this purpose (even though I've now realized I might go for some kind of dash mount and end up not needing/using the Gen5DIY harness).

I like the idea of the mount at the top of the windshield, but I'm concerned that the suction cup mount will allow it to fall down. I would like a mount where I can just put the RD in it and leave it. I don't want to have to take it out of the mount and unplug it every time I'm parking the truck.

Is the suction cup mount reliable where it will just stay, basically forever, even through South Carolina summer heat?

Under RVM:

The BlendMount mount looks really nice for hanging a RD right under the RVM. But, I think that is the last place (of the 3) that I want to put a RD. That puts it exactly where it will block a good chunk of my view of the road. The other two placement options would not block my view of anything important. Being on the expensive side does not help to persuade me to buy one of these.

On top of dash:

This is tied with "top of windshield" in my book, for where I would like it to live. But, it offers the bonus of not having to worry about the RD falling down if I leave it mounted when my truck is parked.

Also, with the power port right there in that little cubby on top of the dash, I might not even need to buy any special cables or wiring harness.

I saw some old posts for a Bayou Goat tray kind of thing that fits into the cubby just above/behind the Uconnect display. That looks cool. But, Bayou Goat appears to be out of business.

I also saw a beanbag thing, but, one, I'd prefer something that cannot move even during emergency evasive maneuvers. And two, I'd prefer something that doesn't look so "universal fit". I.e. something that looks a bit more like a factory mount.

Suggestions? I would really like something that mounts solidly, looks somewhat factory, and doesn't require any drilling or cutting.

My radar sits on my dash using velcro. The power wire runs down behind the screen. You can only see a little bit of it. It's been that way for 4 years and has worked perfectly.

 

[StuartV]

Thanks to @Marine6212 for posting me this link in another thread.

I'm going to try and make this thread be a place for future people in my position to find all the options in one place.

Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions for Jeep, RAM, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Toyota

Rock Solid & Reliable Phone Mount Dash Solutions for Jeep Wrangler JK JKU JL JLU and JT Gladiator, RAM Truck 1500, 2500, 3500, Ford F150, Ford Super Duty, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado, GMC Canyon, Chevy Colorado.

www.bulletpointmountingsolutions.com

 

[StuartV]

My radar sits on my dash using velcro. The power wire runs down behind the screen. You can only see a little bit of it. It's been that way for 4 years and has worked perfectly.

That would definitely not work for my OCD.

I don't want to stick velcro to my dash. I don't want adhesive residue left behind whenever I eventually take the RD out and/or trade in the truck. Also, while the difference is probably miniscule, I'll feel better to have the RD positioned just a little bit higher up than that, for better reception - especially when thinking about detecting signals from the rear.

 

[vincentw56]

That would definitely not work for my OCD.

I don't want to stick velcro to my dash. I don't want adhesive residue left behind whenever I eventually take the RD out and/or trade in the truck. Also, while the difference is probably miniscule, I'll feel better to have the RD positioned just a little bit higher up than that, for better reception - especially when thinking about detecting signals from the rear.

Never been an issue. It detects all around just fine. It's plenty high enough since the truck already sits higher than most police vehicles. And you can remove adhesive residue without issue. But I get it. I'm working on a 3d printed mount to make it look a little better, but it's not a priority since it is just fine right now.

 

[Marine6212]

This is the bulletpoint mount in my white 2023 Ram 1500 tradesman

Thanks to @Marine6212 for posting me this link in another thread.

I'm going to try and make this thread be a place for future people in my position to find all the options in one place.

Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions for Jeep, RAM, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Toyota

Rock Solid & Reliable Phone Mount Dash Solutions for Jeep Wrangler JK JKU JL JLU and JT Gladiator, RAM Truck 1500, 2500, 3500, Ford F150, Ford Super Duty, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado, GMC Canyon, Chevy Colorado.

www.bulletpointmountingsolutions.com

 

[StuartV]

This is the bulletpoint mount in my white 2023 Ram 1500 tradesman

I just had a good look at the Bulletpoint stuff and didn't see anything I like.

I do not want balls or ball clamps. I just want a platform to mount the V1 on top of.

I am thinking I would like to put a RAM Power Plate III magnetic mount on top of whatever platform I can find. Then, the V1 would just have RAM's thin steel plate stuck on the bottom with 3M double-sided tape. It would snap right in place on top of the Power Plate and not move.

And I could then also put the same kind of Power Plate on my motorcycle to easily move the V1 to that when I go riding.

Bulletpoint has a basic platform that a RAM PP might attach to, but it doesn't look tall enough. I think the V1 on top of the PP on top of the Bulletpoint would not be high enough to clear the top of the Uconnect in my truck (which is the 14.5" (or whatever it is) screen).

 

[kapinallinen2]

IMO.
#1 interferes with the visors.
#3 too low for maximum reception.
#2 for me.
YMMW.

 

[StuartV]

IMO.
#1 interferes with the visors.
#3 too low for maximum reception.
#2 for me.
YMMW.

I do wonder about the reception issue with it mounted right on the dash.

For example, if I'm cresting a hill with radar pointing at me from over the top on the other side, is the nose of my truck going to block reception of the radar signal, since it would be coming from a low angle.

Same idea as how you can't see an oncoming car's headlights at night when you are cresting a hill until well after the oncoming car has seen you.

I'm not really sure how much difference that makes. If it is significant, then that's really an argument to have the RD all the way up at the top of the windshield and close to the glass, not hanging down under the RVM.

 

[StuartV]

Nobody has any input on whether the suction cup mount that it comes with is reliable to mount the RD to the windshield and just leave it there? Will it stay indefinitely, or is it just a matter of time until it comes loose and falls down?

 

[vincentw56]

I do wonder about the reception issue with it mounted right on the dash.

For example, if I'm cresting a hill with radar pointing at me from over the top on the other side, is the nose of my truck going to block reception of the radar signal, since it would be coming from a low angle.

Same idea as how you can't see an oncoming car's headlights at night when you are cresting a hill until well after the oncoming car has seen you.

Absolutely not an issue. I've had mine there for 4 years. And it's done it's job flawlessly. And yes, this is the same in hilly areas and mountains. It's detected radar everytime there has been any and in plenty of time.

 

[kapinallinen2]

I do wonder about the reception issue with it mounted right on the dash.

For example, if I'm cresting a hill with radar pointing at me from over the top on the other side, is the nose of my truck going to block reception of the radar signal, since it would be coming from a low angle.

Same idea as how you can't see an oncoming car's headlights at night when you are cresting a hill until well after the oncoming car has seen you.

I'm not really sure how much difference that makes. If it is significant, then that's really an argument to have the RD all the way up at the top of the windshield and close to the glass, not hanging down under the RVM.

Vortex/Radar wrote up an pros and cons article a while back.
Where and How to Mount Your Radar Detector for the Best Performance

 

[StuartV]

Vortex/Radar wrote up an pros and cons article a while back.
Where and How to Mount Your Radar Detector for the Best Performance

Yep. I had already read that. But, it's pretty general and doesn't really say anything except "higher is better for radar detection". But does that mean mounting low versus high costs you 1% of performance or 50%?

My gut says that a lot of people are making a big deal out of differences in where the RD is mounted that, in the real world, just don't make a practical difference (e.g. the difference between hanging under a RVM versus sitting on top of the dash).

I am tall and it already annoys me occasionally at how much of my view off to the 1 - 2 o'clock area is blocked by the RVM and DASM. I really do not want to block more of my view in that direction by hanging a RD right under the RVM. Thus, it is my last choice of the 3 possibilities I already mentioned.

Some kind of platform in the cubby in the top center of the dash that lets me put the RD right there, a bit above the dash - really, as high as it can go where it is still only blocking my view of the dash or hood - seems pretty ideal. Especially given that I can power it from right there and have no power cables dangling or making things look cluttered.

The more I think about it, the more resigned I am to the possibility of a Bulletpoint tray in the cubby, with a ball mount and then a super short ball arm laying down horizontally, and a ball on the end of the ball arm with the RAM Power Plate III on that. Then the RD will just be attached by a magnet and a steel plate stuck to the bottom of the RD itself - which will make it very easy to pop off and drop right onto another Power Plate mounted on my motorcycle.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Yep. I had already read that. But, it's pretty general and doesn't really say anything except "higher is better for radar detection". But does that mean mounting low versus high costs you 1% of performance or 50%?

My gut says that a lot of people are making a big deal out of differences in where the RD is mounted that, in the real world, just don't make a practical difference (e.g. the difference between hanging under a RVM versus sitting on top of the dash).

I am tall and it already annoys me occasionally at how much of my view off to the 1 - 2 o'clock area is blocked by the RVM and DASM. I really do not want to block more of my view in that direction by hanging a RD right under the RVM. Thus, it is my last choice of the 3 possibilities I already mentioned.

Some kind of platform in the cubby in the top center of the dash that lets me put the RD right there, a bit above the dash - really, as high as it can go where it is still only blocking my view of the dash or hood - seems pretty ideal. Especially given that I can power it from right there and have no power cables dangling or making things look cluttered.

The more I think about it, the more resigned I am to the possibility of a Bulletpoint tray in the cubby, with a ball mount and then a super short ball arm laying down horizontally, and a ball on the end of the ball arm with the RAM Power Plate III on that. Then the RD will just be attached by a magnet and a steel plate stuck to the bottom of the RD itself - which will make it very easy to pop off and drop right onto another Power Plate mounted on my motorcycle.

Might make a 10% difference.
Here is a handy dandy little calculator you can plug your numbers in.
Radar Horizon Calculator

 

[vincentw56]

Definitely way over thinking it. I throughly believe the reason for these recommendations are from the old days of radar detectors. Mine in the 80s was definitely better mounted higher for longer detection. But the newer ones are just better. In the end, mount it where it works for you. I've traveled from Indiana to Florida and back again and it's done it's job for sure. I doubt mounting it higher is going to make a bit of difference. Specially with a vehicle that's already higher than most police vehicles. On the ka band, it is like at least a mile or more out that it picks them up.

 

[kapinallinen2]

And an other. Playing with these can be entertaining.Radar Horizon and Target Visibility Calculator • Electrical, RF and Electronics Calculators • Online Unit Converters

 

[StuartV]

Definitely way over thinking it. I throughly believe the reason for these recommendations are from the old days of radar detectors. Mine in the 80s was definitely better mounted higher for longer detection. But the newer ones are just better. In the end, mount it where it works for you. I've traveled from Indiana to Florida and back again and it's done it's job for sure. I doubt mounting it higher is going to make a bit of difference. Specially with a vehicle that's already higher than most police vehicles. On the ka band, it is like at least a mile or more out that it picks them up.

You've mentioned a couple of times "especially with a vehicle that is taller than most police vehicles."

Can you explain that?

It seems to me that being tall and having the RD mounted very low is a detriment when the radar source is lower than the truck, not a positive.

If the truck were tall enough and the police radar low enough, the detector would have to detect the signal coming through the hood of the truck.

 

[vincentw56]

You've mentioned a couple of times "especially with a vehicle that is taller than most police vehicles."

Can you explain that?

It seems to me that being tall and having the RD mounted very low is a detriment when the radar source is lower than the truck, not a positive.

If the truck were tall enough and the police radar low enough, the detector would have to detect the signal coming through the hood of the truck.

Most stationary radar is mounted high on a police vehicle. So, in a normal car, you want to match the location. A truck is already taller, so in theory, you want it mounted lower to match the mounting on the police car. That's what all these recommended mounting locations go by. And most are geared to cars not trucks.

 

[kapinallinen2]

you want it mounted lower to match the mounting on the police car

I must respectfully disagree with that.
Yes for laser, no for RF.
The illumination pattern for k or ka band police radar microwaves at a separation of few miles is pretty big so no need to match the height of the source.

 

[vincentw56]

I must respectfully disagree with that.
Yes for laser, no for RF.
The illumination pattern for k or ka band police radar microwaves at a separation of few miles is pretty big so no need to match the height of the source.

That's what I'm saying. I was paraphrasing the theory that most people go by. If you read my post, you would see that I've already proven real world versus theory.