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.