Sticky cup v. blend mount & power options

[mdlinkous]

Need some advice. Just purchased a new Nissan Murano Platinum that has power mirror and Homelink.

I have always preferred a hardwired detector. I run *some* thru VA and have always ran a direct wire from the fuse block up the A pillar and mounted the sticky cup below the sun visor in the top left corner of the windshield. I have done this to be less obstructive to the VA Leo's and it is in the band of tinting that runs along the top.... and I can pop it down really quick if I need to.

My question is now... I am considering a blendmount. Do you think that would be just as "stealth" and not too noticeable? Also, if I go this route, my installer is wanting to use a long direct wire cord to get power from the fuse block v. using blend mounts short cord to get power from the mirror. I would think the mirror would be easier, but there again, I am no installer. I think they are worried about the mirror being able to provide enough power for the detector.

Then, I'd hate to go thru that install only to have GPS issues... I have never had issues with it being mounted in the top corner so I would guess I would be OK under the mirror.

Ive got mixed opinions because I think BlendMount is a nice clean install, yet being in the top corner, I can release it alot easier if needed. With a blend mount, does the detector still pop/slide right off.


Opinions?....

[6thgear]

I’ve used a “Mirror Tap” in a few vehicles, with no issues, including the Redline EX and Max 360. The one benefit I can think of hardwiring with a smart cord, is that you have the ability to remotely mute the RD instead of reaching for the mute button.

I can not speak to the BendMount specific questions. With the 360 & EX I have not had GPS fix issues when mounted high behind the tint strip.

Also, you might want to look online for Spectra testing vs the Max 360. With its dual horn design, it can be detected by a LEO from the front/rear...

[SuperDave]

Nothing against putting under the mirror but I would think that's too noticeable if you're in VA. They might not notice from behind at speed but could from the side or if they were in front of you. Might notice if stopped at a light or something.

When I mount my IX under the mirror it doesn't have any problems with GPS. it doesn't auto dim real well I think that's because my car has a pretty large mirror stem (Mercedes)

I would keep it as high as you can that's usually the least noticeable.

Hope this helps.

[mdlinkous]

I’m kinda thinking that mounting high is the way to go for me.

[poolmon]

I run in VA frequently and mount high to the immediate right (passenger side) of rear view mirror. The bottom of the RD is just slightly above the center line of the RV mirror and is only about 1/16th inch from touching it.

The RD cannot be seen from front, as tint hides most of unit/mount (but not the laser). Also, if you stand at driver's door (as a LEO would if you got pulled over) and look in, you cannot see RD unless you stick your head through the window and look up and to left.

I can still easily reach it to power down in VA if I see a close-by LEO. The GPS works fine up there. I too have it hardwired from the fusebox. With this virtually undetectable (visually) mount I leave my RD up all the time. It also allows me full use of the driver's sun visor.

[kasher1979]

Agreed.... I would put it up high close to headliner.... However I would not put it behind the black dots or any tint if your WS has that.....

[er95]

I have Blendmounts in both of my vehicles and haven’t had any problems with the GPS. The detectors hanging below the mirror is very noticeable from the front and slightly visible from the sides. Hardly visible from the rear.

In one vehicle I have a mirror tap. Works great!

In the other vehicle I have a direct wire to the fuse box. As I was routing the wire down the A-pillar, it dawned on me that the airbag there could snag the wire and violently fling the detector during deployment. So I did my best to route the wire behind the airbag. If I had to do it again, and wanted to spend the money, I’d do the mirror tap. But I had the direct wire left over from a previous vehicle, for free, so that’s what I used.

[wolfgang]

Va has radar detector detectors so they will get you.

Originally Posted by mdlinkous

Need some advice. Just purchased a new Nissan Murano Platinum that has power mirror and Homelink.

I have always preferred a hardwired detector. I run *some* thru VA and have always ran a direct wire from the fuse block up the A pillar and mounted the sticky cup below the sun visor in the top left corner of the windshield. I have done this to be less obstructive to the VA Leo's and it is in the band of tinting that runs along the top.... and I can pop it down really quick if I need to.

My question is now... I am considering a blendmount. Do you think that would be just as "stealth" and not too noticeable? Also, if I go this route, my installer is wanting to use a long direct wire cord to get power from the fuse block v. using blend mounts short cord to get power from the mirror. I would think the mirror would be easier, but there again, I am no installer. I think they are worried about the mirror being able to provide enough power for the detector.

Then, I'd hate to go thru that install only to have GPS issues... I have never had issues with it being mounted in the top corner so I would guess I would be OK under the mirror.

Ive got mixed opinions because I think BlendMount is a nice clean install, yet being in the top corner, I can release it alot easier if needed. With a blend mount, does the detector still pop/slide right off.


Opinions?....

[jyanosh]

Originally Posted by wolfgang

Va has radar detector detectors so they will get you.

Yeah, Wolfgang is right! You can hide it all you want....but you can't hide the emissions the detector puts out. Of course, unless you have a Redline!

[GumbyDammit223]

I'm using a BlendMount with MirrorTap on my 360 and have no complaints GPS-wise or other. It locks on just as quick and seems to be fine.

The one issue I did have though is with the compass in my mirror. The 360 has a strong Nd magnet in it to help keep it in place when mounted. The magnet was in such close proximity to the compass that the reading was always skewed and would not calibrate out. Ended up popping the cover on the 360 and doing a magnet-ectomy. After the surgery, forced another compass recal to fix the messed up one and all has been fine ever since.