I have a Garmin Etrex Vista which I take out riding on my Raptor so I can map the trails. The problem is that although there is a handelbar mount for the ETrex from Garmin it didn't even last one ride [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

The mount is very weak and not at all suited to ATVing. Preferable what I am looking for is somthing to mount on my gas tank that holds the GPS in position so i can still see it while riding. It needs to be padded and offer some sort of protection - Does anyone have any bright ideas.... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Sorry to here the handlebar mount broke so easily for you. I just installed one and was very please with it. How did it break. Did your shoulder slam into it or something. I have posted a photo of the swivel mount holder that garmin makes. This one has the swivel portion removed. It is mounted on my SP500 and has been in service about 4500 miles. It is for the GPS 12 model but I assume they also come for the ETrex. I bought this one at Sports Authority.
gps mount

 

Why don't you try some heavy duty velcro? I would put a large piece on the back of the gps and on the gas tank. You would want to put the hook side of the velcro on the gps so when you remove it you will have the softer piece on the tank and it won't catch as much.

 

I too have an eTrex handle mount mounted on my handle bar. I've been very please with it so far. The only complain I have is the unit shuts itself off when there is too much vibration. I also thought about the velcro on the tank approach, just haven't had time to do something about it...

 

Velcro might just not work due to the vibration..........

It is still cheap and worth a try.

 

http://www.citivu.com/usa/idc/index.html

Off-Road GPS Mounts

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

RaptorFMF, I can't recommend a good mount but I can say that Garmin has excellent customer service. They will likely replace it even though that's not really what you're looking for.

 

I have a RAM Mount for my Garmin. Rated to about 5G's. Pretty indestructable. I have not had ANY problems with it. Spent about $30.... got it in 2 or 3 days. Check them out at: http://www.freshtracksmaps.com/ram-mounts.htm


I strongly recomend these mounts. They have all types of mounting applications, and they are interchangeable. They are made for each specific GPS model.

 

I second what Quadnut says, I recently purchased the Garmin Etrex Vista with the RAM mount from Freshtracksmaps.com and I am more than satisfied. I originally purchased the Garmin mount but immediately returned it when I noticed how flimsy it appeared. The Garmin mount is virtually bulletproof and can be postitioned to fit any need. I also reccomend the Mapsource data cd's for Vista owners. The detail that was gained by uploading the Mapsource data was unbelieveable. Only drawback is the price, about $90 to 120, depending on where and which CD you buy. I definitely recommend Freshtracksmaps.com, prices are pretty much unbeatable and the service is quick.

 

The RAM mount looks pretty good. I think I will be changing over to it. You can get a better look at it on the site below, but the price is better at freshtracksmaps.
RAM GPS Mount