Which Lowrance GPS to get?

[WilsonRaptor]

Installed it the other day, hardwiring it tomorrow

 

[Bilwil]

Just plasti-dipped my cover so it will be less noticable. I felt like the bright white cover would attract the attention of thieves. Lowrance is a 7m touch. Have had it in for about a week and love it so far. I ordered the topo maps from Lowrance and will go out this weekend looking for good runs around Vegas.

 

[ezavala02]

Joe, how did you like the Elite 7 and how did the mount do in regards to vibration during the Carson run? I had the exact same set up in mind and was just about to pull the trigger on both when I saw your post which helped a bunch. Now Im wondering since the Elite 7 HD doesn't allow the mount to fold down, do you think the Outlaw mount would make more sense in retrospect? Not even sure if it will fit actually since it's not listed on their website either. I've thought about the HDS 7 Touch but certainly like the price of the Elite 7 much better. Thanks man!

I wanted to try out the folding mount for my Lowrance install. I thought the mount was a little sleeker and obviously had a functionality perk of being able to lay flat when not in use.
the customer service at LGE CTS was great. Aside from a little delay between emails between myself and Dale, the attitude was and insight was perfect. Everything I'd expect a seller to be. The only reason I felt there was a delay because of the work load both Dale and I were under, that week (and for the fact that I'm a picky bastard and want to know details). We both communicated well through the week.

You might ask, "why all the back and forth, just buy it and install?" Well, there was no template for my Lowrance model on their faceplate. It would have to be either custom cut or Dale or I could attempt to modify one to fit. I emailed Dale my template of the GPS and it seemed to just clear in the few places it had to. Being the pickey bastard I am, I purchased the 7" mount and once it arrived, I cut, drilled and dremeled until I had the fit I needed. Wasn't too hard and I'm happy with the fit and finish.

Installation was simple, the hardest part was removing the wires from behind the dash on the factory charging port. Once it was wired and mounted, I took it for a ride to test the GPS. There is really no obstruction of view with the unit folded up in use, so I can see not really needing to flip it up or down. Probably the best point on that feature would be that from outside prying eyes, a unit folded down is more discrete than the bold white "Lowrance" lettering...but hey, it's in a Raptor...good luck with discretion.

Fit and finish are great! The mount has very, very little vibration while on road. I wouldn't expect less due to how this and Outlaw's mount on the dash. Now I even am thinking of making a mount for my gopro off this bracet to use while off roading. Highly satisfied, good vendor to work with and a nice unit.

CONS-
in no way does LGE CTS bare any fault in this (this was not advertised to work with my unit anyways, remember the custom cutting and drilling?).
The GPS unit, while wired up (quick connection on back of unit) will not fold down. The plug and wiring coming from the rear of the unit stick out too far to allow the mount to fold while the GPS is still wired. So if I really have to fold it down, I would have to remove the connection on the rear to then have the clearance to fold the unit over. This is probably due to the different locations Lowrance uses for their plugs.

Well, not worrying about discretion here...my wife is short, I drive a Raptor, yes, that's a fish finder on my dash..

 

[slowjoe]

Let me make it straight....
it WILL fold down, I just have to disconnect the plug on the rear and if I have to fold it down, I won't be using it. So kind of seems null. I think most any of the lowrances should fit a 7" mount, some (like mine) may need modifying to do so.
The unit never really vibrated any more than what was expected. I had no troubles with it, but then again, I was barely looking. My rider was more than happy to use it and had no issues. If you tell me exactly which model you're looking to get, I can see if it will fit between the lateral supports and allow for folding. The rest is solved with a drill and a cutoff wheel/die grinder.

 

[ezavala02]

Let me make it straight....
it WILL fold down, I just have to disconnect the plug on the rear and if I have to fold it down, I won't be using it. So kind of seems null. I think most any of the lowrances should fit a 7" mount, some (like mine) may need modifying to do so.
The unit never really vibrated any more than what was expected. I had no troubles with it, but then again, I was barely looking. My rider was more than happy to use it and had no issues. If you tell me exactly which model you're looking to get, I can see if it will fit between the lateral supports and allow for folding. The rest is solved with a drill and a cutoff wheel/die grinder.

That makes sense about unplugging and folding when not in use. I am most likely getting the Elite 7 HD Baja from PCI Race Radios unless I find it cheaper elsewhere. I will get the fold down mount from LGE-CTS as well. Good stuff Joe, thanks!

 

[slowjoe]

Also, forgot to point out that I hard wired it to the power outlet behind the dash. Release the glove box side latches, and just feel around back there and unplug it. That should give enough clearance to work in the glove box void. I driiled a small hole in the depression, under the dash pad by the center speaker. Ran the wires down from there. I'll get some pictures up later when my wife gets her truck back to me...lol.

 

[BABaracus]

That makes sense about unplugging and folding when not in use. I am most likely getting the Elite 7 HD Baja from PCI Race Radios unless I find it cheaper elsewhere. I will get the fold down mount from LGE-CTS as well. Good stuff Joe, thanks!

I purchased this one recently and just received it.

Lowrance HDS-7M Gen2 Touch GPS Chartplotter The GPS Store

It has a $200 mail in rebate as well as once I placed it in my checkout box online it actually was $859 so in the end it was actually $659 after rebate.

Search for the elite 7 maybe its a good price as well.

 

[ezavala02]

I purchased this one recently and just received it.

Lowrance HDS-7M Gen2 Touch GPS Chartplotter The GPS Store

It has a $200 mail in rebate as well as once I placed it in my checkout box online it actually was $859 so in the end it was actually $659 after rebate.

Search for the elite 7 maybe its a good price as well.

Thanks for the heads up on that store! Great prices and they offer rebates for all Lowrance units until June 15th. Good looking out.

 

[Motz]

If your looking for the LGE-CTS mount for the HDS-7M Dale over there at Custom Truck Shop has some fresh cut mounting plates. That way you wont have to worry about cutting anything to get it to fit and the powder coating doesn't get messed up either.

 

[ezavala02]

If your looking for the LGE-CTS mount for the HDS-7M Dale over there at Custom Truck Shop has some fresh cut mounting plates. That way you wont have to worry about cutting anything to get it to fit and the powder coating doesn't get messed up either.

I like how you mounted your radio on top of the GPS. Does it obstruct your view a bit though?