Where do you mount your driving electronics on an E/J ?

someguy · August 26, 2020, 12:08:12 AM

When I travel, I like having a nav system going. And a CB radio. I'd like to use a 10 inch tablet for the nav system.

Where and how does one put a CB radio and tablet in an E/J driver station ? Prevosts conversions have a lot more space open on the right side of the dash.

BTW, how is the comfort for tall people ? I'm 6'1". Does the seat go far enough back ? Does the steering wheel have enough travel ?

someguy · August 26, 2020, 12:13:32 AM

The 2018 dash isn't much better. They relocated a lot of switches to the arm rest, but still not a lot of room to add electronics.

someguy · August 26, 2020, 12:14:46 AM

Here is a stock 2006 Prevost H3 45 driver station. I guess it isn't much larger than the E/J station. The converters add a side piece to the dash to accommodate driving electronics.

someguy · August 26, 2020, 01:36:35 AM

Another one.

richard5933 · August 26, 2020, 04:21:44 AM

You do realize that the vast majority of us are driving coaches where the 'computer' system is still a bank of relays and the nav system is stuck to the glass with suction cup, right?

someguy · August 26, 2020, 07:31:04 AM

Quote from: richard5933 on August 26, 2020, 04:21:44 AM
You do realize that the vast majority of us are driving coaches where the 'computer' system is still a bank of relays and the nav system is stuck to the glass with suction cup, right?

I didn't know this board was limited to pre 1990 buses. I thought it was open to discuss any year/model of bus.

richard5933 · August 26, 2020, 09:36:24 AM

Quote from: someguy on August 26, 2020, 07:31:04 AM
I didn't know this board was limited to pre 1990 buses. I thought it was open to discuss any year/model of bus.

That wasn't my point at all. Everyone is of course welcome.

I was trying to point out that you're posting photos of some really great looking new(er) coaches asking where to mount driving electronics to a group largely made up of people with much older coaches. The question is certainly welcome - my post was to give a point of reference regarding where many people are that will be seeing your question.

All that said, there are some great custom dash installs going into older buses. There are absolutely no limitations on where to mount things other than your creativity and budget.

usbusin · August 26, 2020, 09:59:43 AM

Quote from: richard5933 on August 26, 2020, 09:36:24 AM
That wasn't my point at all. Everyone is of course welcome.

I was trying to point out that you're posting photos of some really great looking new(er) coaches asking where to mount driving electronics to a group largely made up of people with much older coaches. The question is certainly welcome - my post was to give a point of reference regarding where many people are that will be seeing your question.

Well said, and true.

someguy · August 26, 2020, 10:55:45 AM

The dash in a 102E is pretty much the same as a modern J.

Where are people mounting their electronics in their older coaches ?

What ideas do people with older coaches have for working with the E4500 dash ?

My best ideas right now is to strip out the audio head units in the right dash space, move the switch panel down to where the head units were and put the tablet where the upper switch panel was. Either that or mount it standing up on top of the right side of the dash. Hopefully it won't interfere with driving visibility.

The issue of where to mount electronics is kinda non essential right now to buying my bus, but yet I'd like something figured out for the long drive home if I buy the one I think I might.

ktmossman · August 26, 2020, 12:08:55 PM

I've been noodling (off and on) on the same question for my J.

I'm contemplating a couple of options:

1. A mount that brings a device (or devices) down in front of the switches on the right side, but that swings up out of the way when I need to access those switches. This would probably include relocating some switches to eliminate the need to do that while driving.
2. A mount that puts a device (or devices) to the right of the dash (basically extending the line of the dash further around), but that swings out of the way for people getting on/off and getting into/out of the driver's seat.

Those two options would be for anything large (tablet, etc.)

For smaller things (TPMS, Leveler controls, etc.) my goal is to re-use dash space for things I don't have anymore (OTR climate control, etc.). I will also have to re-align some switches for this as well.

My approach is: What switches can be eliminated? How can the remaining switches be reorganized for space saving and efficient access? What space does that leave? What all needs to be on the dash itself (i.e. line of sight) vs what can be off to the left? After all that is settled, what do I need to add?

However, I'm not spending a ton of time on it just yet. When I put the camera system in, I will do something temporary. Other than that, I have much bigger critters to skin first...

luvrbus · August 26, 2020, 12:22:57 PM

I know we are talking about buses here but look at a Newell dash,lol it is a poor lowly RV but has a beautiful dash

richard5933 · August 26, 2020, 12:27:42 PM

Check out this guy's YouTube channel. He's been putting a lot of work into modernizing the gauges and other electronics on his GM 4106. Last I looked his unit was on a swivel so that both he and his co-pilot could view.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0WtcGAtbh6DgBAW5ckFtgQ

One thought that I have is to remember your co-pilot needs to have access to the nav system while underway. I've got a Garmin dezl 785 which is mounted on the windshield. The new Garmin mount is magnetic, and having the ability to easily pull it from its mount and hand the unit to my co-pilot is a must for any GPS going forward. So much easier (and safer) to have the co-pilot make route revisions while underway. I'd suggest your co-pilot have access to the sound system as well.

If you're going to use a built-in mount for the nav system, keep in mind that it should be replaceable as technology and software change. No point making something permanent which will be outdated in just a few years.

If you're going to use the tablet for gauges, be sure to keep a few traditional gauges in place. You want to have your oil pressure, air pressure, and engine temp functional at all times. Having to wait for your tablet to re-boot when there is an issue (and there will be) can create all kinds of problems since this always happens at the worst possible time.

chessie4905 · August 26, 2020, 12:53:28 PM

I use Ram mounts for electronics. You have this rubber coated knob that attaches to dash. Some of the mounts attach to windshield.They sell different length arms that attach and allow full swivel and angle with thumb knobs to tighten settings when you put it at the position that suits. They also make cell, tablet, gps mounts that then attach to the arms. They don't vibrate out of position either. Great items. Been using them for several years. Suction mounts suck! Sooner or later they allow your electronics to drop to the floor.

https://www.rammount.com

richard5933 · August 26, 2020, 01:42:31 PM

Quote from: chessie4905 on August 26, 2020, 12:53:28 PM
I use Ram mounts for electronics. ...Suction mounts suck! Sooner or later they allow your electronics to drop to the floor.

https://www.rammount.com

I've been using their X-Grip mount which suction cups to the windshield to hold my large smartphone. It holds steady and doesn't move, even with the cab of the truck bouncing all over the place. First suction cup mount I've seen that stayed put.

Van · August 26, 2020, 01:45:07 PM

When driving the newer coaches J's H's Xl's I mount my 7" GPS low on the windshield directly in front of me so my eyes are always focused forward. I use the Maxx mount.
https://maxxmount.com/shop/automobile-mount-mini-tablet