You wouldn’t think it’s possible to introduce more models to the Nuvi line but Garmin continues to do that in 2015. The 2015 GPS line includes a series of GPS devices priced on the lower end called the Garmin Nuvi 57, 57LM, 57LMT, 58, 58LM, 58LMT, 67LM, 67LMT, 68LM, 68LMT. The difference between all these units is size, map updates and coverage. It looks like Garmin may have abandoned the 4.3 inch diagonal screens which makes sense as the price points between 4.3 and 5.0 inch screens are almost non-existent for new models. The 50-series have a 5.0″ diagonal screen. When you see the letters “LM” at the end – that stands for Lifetime Map updates. The “LMT” means you get lifetime maps and traffic. The 58 and 68 include maps for Canada and the US. The Garmin Nuvi 57 and 67 have just the lower 49 states of the US. Personally, I never had use for the lifetime map updates as I found that you will likely purchase a new GPS before it’s time to update the maps. GPS models are like any other technology.
In the box is a suction cup mount, adhesive disk and a charger. All of these units come with a cradle which snaps onto the back of the GPS for a tight hold. The cradle has a 17mm socket on the back and can be adapted to many alternative mounts by simply pulling the cradle off the suction cup mount that comes with your unit. The mounting kit in the box also includes an adhesive mounting disk. This is particularly useful for states like California and Minnesota where mounting to a windshield is not legal and you need to mount it elsewhere. We wrote a detailed article on these states and you can read it here.
The suction cup mount that comes with this series is very basic. There are many alternative mounts to the suction cup which we find to be very marginal in terms of reliability. We have used and can endorse the Arkon Suction Cup Mount for Garmin GPS Devices which is long enough for both the 5 and 6 inch models. The mount comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer as well as a replacement dash disk. Unlike the Arkon entry, the mount has an articulation point halfway down to permit greater freedom of adjustment versus the Garmin mount.
The most popular mount made for the Garmin Nuvi series is the Garmin Portable Friction Mount which has a 17mm ball which you can snap the cradle onto. That’s what is shown in the photo that accompanies this article. We wrote an in-depth review of this mount which you can read here.
I continue to be amazed at the number of cup holders that are present in my SUV. I cannot possibly drink that many bottles of water nor can the passengers that ride in my car. Why not use one of these spare cup holders to mount your Nuvi? We wrote a detailed article on cup holder mounts previously. The cup holder mount for the Nuvi is made by a company named Arkon and it features a base that expands to the contour of your car’s cup holder. These place your Nuvi at a good location for viewing. for GPS reception, we find these work best with a sunroof as depending upon the location of your cup holders, it may be challenged to see the satellites in the sky.
Vent mounts have been available for many years but Garmin completely missed the parade on these until 2013. Finally coming out with a vent mount of their own, Garmin’s vent mount is very well made. Unlike many of their competitors, Garmin saw the need for a vent mount with a clamp on the back if it. This means these mounts will fit horizontal and vertical vents. While it costs a bit more than the competitors, it’s worth the extra fora well made mount that you can easily install and remove.
On the motorcycle, an excellent manufacturer from our experience is RAM Mounts. The RAM Cradle for the Garmin Nuvi 52, 54, 55, 56, 57 & 58 Series is a custom fit this GPS. Combine these custom cradles with the RAM Handlebar Mount to create an extremely secure mount for your GPS to fit bars up to 1.25 inches diameter.
For the 67 and 68 series, consider the RAM Cradle for the Garmin Nuvi 65, 66, 67, 68. Combine this with the RAM Handlebar Mount we just mentioned and you have a complete mounting solution.