Which Lowrance GPS to get?

So far, the closest I've got to installing, was my ride to and from work...75 hours is good for the wallet, not for mods. I actually have been driving the last week with the speaker plate unbolted and the cig un plugged. This forum has been my best connection with a raptor for a few days....don't ask about my love life.

Done! Pics and review to follow...

LGE CTS gps mount and Lowrance Elite 7HDI

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..

Looks good. I have to install mine this week

I prefer to call it a "Tuna Finder". Mine has had very good luck finding tuna.


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What maps do you guys have on your GPS and who'd you have down load them for ya

I have none loaded. Probably won't use it unless I'm on the raptor expedition runs. Those guys pre run and mark the trails then upload them before the runs.

So, do u need to download something like the topo from lowrance in addition to having what the raptor run people put together? Or can you just put the sd card from the raptor run people and be good for their track?

Setup looks pretty damn slick Joe!

raptor-the-kid said:

So, do u need to download something like the topo from lowrance in addition to having what the raptor run people put together? Or can you just put the sd card from the raptor run people and be good for their track?

Click to expand...

No, you don't need to download any other maps for Raptor Expeditions runs. It is helpful to have the offroad maps if you're scouting new areas. If you're running a pre ran/verified route, there's no need. Plus the back country maps run north $100.

When prerunning, I also carry an atlas in case we need to do a re-route.

Bigg50 said:

Setup looks pretty damn slick Joe! No, you don't need to download any other maps for Raptor Expeditions runs. It is helpful to have the offroad maps if you're scouting new areas. If you're running a pre ran/verified route, there's no need. Plus the back country maps run north $100. When prerunning, I also carry an atlas in case we need to do a re-route.

Click to expand...

Ok, that's kinda the way I understood, but I wanted to make sure. Thanks man