RE: [A/S] gps in a suburban

["Joe Scudder" <perryjoe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Fritz,
I have the same computer hardware and software you described, and use it
on ALL TRIPS. I have a 2004 GMC Crew Cab Pickup that has a console with
some drink holders and a little tray compartment for pencils in the
center. I designed a little shelf out of a piece of 2X8 wood standing on
its end that I shaved down to set in the little pencil holder section of
the console. The top of the platform made of 1/4" plywood rests on a
little lip on the dash where two sections fit together. This little
resting point across the front edge makes the shelf steadier on rough
roads. I had the same type shelf in my 2000 GMC truck and hauled my
laptop during towing all over the US - including the Alaskan Highway. I
did not have the extra stability of the plywood resting on the dash. I
take the finished shelf to a local auto upholstery shop and have it
covered with the same material as the inside of the truck. I ended up
with $28 invested in my current unit that is stable as a rock and looks
like it came in the truck. I have found that the laptop will set on the
platform without being fastened down in any way. I have the top of the
plywood covered with about 1/4 inch of the very soft foamlike material
used on auto seat covers under the final cover. This small amount of
padding allows the small feet of the computer to sink in to prevent
sliding around, but not enough to prevent the cooling fan intake from
doing it's job. I designed the platform to place the top edge of the
open laptop just below the top of the dash, so it does not block any of
my view of the road ahead. The only negative I have found in the design
is it blocks the center A/C duct opening when the laptop is open. The
cool air still comes out, but just does not flow straight back through
the cab of the Crew Cab Truck.
The design and building took me about 2 hours, which included a couple
of cut and fit versions of the plywood top. I wanted the top to hold the
computer exactly where I wanted it, but not to take up any extra space
not needed by the computer. I even took the shelf on a short trip (Unit
Rally trip of about 200 miles) with the computer to be sure it filled
all criteria before having the unit upholstered.
I have the GPS and Computer Power wires routed around in the truck until
they are barely noticeable, and just leave them in place all the time. I
found a power plug for the cigarette lighter at Radio Shack that has a
small rocker switch on the end and the extension wire coming out the
side. It has a small green light in the switch to tell you when it is
on. I plugged this in and ran the extension plug end down along the
console, and made the computer connections under the seat where all the
transformers and plugs are out of sight.
The setup is very functional and does not detract from the original look
of the truck. I did not have to put one single hole in the truck
anywhere in order to install all the platform or wiring to support the
computer. My setup also includes a "All in the Microphone" CB Radio That
is mounted to the vertical post of the platform. The connections and
power are all hidden under the console also, and again no holes in the
truck for this either.

Joe Scudder
WBCCI 8624