There are millions of Garmin Nuvi GPS devices out there. That implies there are millions of Garmin GPS Mounts.
Over the past few years, smartphones have become very proficient at doubling as a GPS. So much so that many GPS owners have abandoned their Garmin GPS for a smartphone running Waze or Google Maps. When that happens, yet another Garmin GPS mount is orphaned and in need of a device to hold.
Some Garmin mounts are fairly good and make nice GoPro camera mounts. No reason to buy an expensive customer mount when your old Garmin GPS mount has a lot of life left in it. That’s why we’re talking about how to attach a GoPro to a Garmin GPS mount.
The key to re-purposing a mount made for a Garmin Nuvi or Garmin Drive GPS is use of the 17mm ball at the tip. That’s the ball that would typically fit the back of the cradle that comes with a Garmin Nuvi or Garmin Drive GPS.
First, let’s discuss how to mount a GoPro camera. There are two ways to do this. You can either mount the GoPro camera within the weatherproof case or without the case. Most will (and should) use the weatherproof case. It adds protection for your camera. The case is weatherproof and it also will help protect the camera against drops and falls. I suggest using the case whenever feasible.
The bottom of the GoPro weatherproof case has a few grooves in it. In fact, that’s how GoPro ships their cameras. The camera is within the weatherproof case and is attached to the bottom of the box using a flat surface mount.
The Arkon 17mm Ball Mount Connection to GoPro HERO Lateral Prong Adapter is the key part for attaching a GoPro camera to a Garmin Nuvi or Garmin Drive GPS mount. This handy adapter has a 17mm socket on one end and a typical GoPro weatherproof case on the other.
Attach this adapter to the 17mm ball on your Garmin ball mount. The mount doesn’t have to be made by Garmin. As long as it’s one made to fit a Garmin Nuvi or Garmin Drive, and has that common 17mm ball, it will fit just fine.
Once attached to the Garmin mount, use the included thumbscrew to attach to the GoPro Hero weatherproof case. The thumbscrew fits through the grooves on the bottom of the weatherproof case.
Once you have attached the GoPro to a Garmin GPS mount, it’s simple to adjust the camera in any direction. Just loosen the tightening ring, adjust it, then tighten the screw.
You can also attach a GoPro to a Garmin GPS mount when not using the protective weatherproof case. Notice the screw hole on the bottom of the camera. That’s a common tripod screw.
The Arkon Tightening Ring and Camera Head Adapter Kit is the part needed to turn your Garmin Nuvi or Garmin Drive GPS mount into a camera mount that will fit a GoPro Hero without the protective case.
Like the prior mount, just loosen the tightening ring, attach it over the 17mm Garmin ball, attach the camera adapter then tighten. You can now attach your unprotected GoPro Hero onto the Garmin GPS mount by screwing it onto the tripod screw adapter.
Both of these adapters are easy to install and come with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.