MOD: A-Pillar RAM mount GPS/Phone holder

That looks pretty interesting. Might be exactly what I needed as long as the backing plate isnt too thick

 

Honestly, I've never used one, they always looked bulky and strange to me. The other guy said they don't work one handed so sounds like there's some disagreement on that. Also, they aren't cheap and I'd need to buy a separate one for each car. I really prefer the simple magnet mounts just seems they may not be up to snuff for rough roads.

 

Wish we were closer as I’d let you fiddle with the mounts that I have to see what you think. I don’t move it around while driving and while I have limited use of my left arm I don’t have issue with the X grip.

 

I've had the magnet mount at the A pillar for a couple years. My phone has never fallen off or even budged over sudden drops, jolts, speedbumps, etc. I just hold it near the magnet and it sucks itself on there with a thump. It's very satisfying.
I didn't have luck with the wireless charger/magnet mount tho, and I tried a couple of them. My phone case was too thick for it to work correctly. The phone charged, but the magnet didn't hold well enough for me. The thin steel plate is stuck to the outside of my phone case now. I suppose you could get a stronger magnet for the wireless charge/magnet option, but I didn't care.
I installed a USB port in one of the factory switch holes near the A pillar, and use a 12" USB cord to charge. Still one handed, but one extra step to plug in/unplug.

 

That's good to hear others have had luck this way. I've got mine setup similarly as well but just need a permanent mount rather than the vent clip magnet mount I'm using now. It works fine but with the HVAC set on anything but cold the phone can get a bit warm since it's on the vent. I just need to get some motivation to mock something up.

 

Idk if this will be helpful to you, but if not it might help someone else.
I ended up with this magnet mount:

$10 Scosche MPVA MagicMount Pro Vent Magnetic Phone Holder for Vehicles, Removable Phone Mount For Car, Cradle-free Design, Kickstand for Table Top Use, Silver/Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGOETKS/
I removed the vent clip and 3M taped the magnet to this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004O8LF26/
Bought these to attach to A pillar:

$14 RAM Mounts RAM-B-367U Motorcycle Handlebar Clamp Base with M8 Bolts with B Size 1" Ball

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J43I56/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074WMQLS/

 

Ooh, that second link may be a good option for me that would allow me to not have to fab anything. I already have a spare magnet set aside in the garage that'd I'd planned to use for this.

 

I suppose I didn't make my post clear, or you didn't look at the one I referred to (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...gps-phone-holder.372250/page-55#post-24825879). Anyway, if you can't manage to dock/undock your phone from a similar cradle one-handed, I think there might be a bit of an issue. Regardless you're right. They are a bit bulky, but I think they work very well to hold things in place, and the wireless charger is nice, but I think you may have found what you're looking for based on other suggestions. I'd like to see what configuration you end up putting together!

 

Oh, sorry, I read "first on this page" and thought "first in this thread". I see what you're talking about now. Those big ones with clamps or any moving parts just don't float my boat so I try to avoid them. I had a few a long time ago and never liked any of them and all the ones I used were tough to do one handed. I just ordered some parts and will put something together soon. I'd wanted to build something simple to save a few bucks but I'll just pony up a little $ in hopes that I can just install it quickly and move on to other projects I need to finish prior to our trip to Mojave National Preserve in a couple of weeks.

 

Yeah, I had the same thought when I read that.

I ordered the Quad Lock yesterday. We'll see how it looks when I get it. Not a huge fan of having the adapter on the back of my phone case full time, but it looks like a really solid mounting option as far as keeping the phone secure and in place

 

If I wanted something low profile attached to the phone, but rock solid, I'd cut a disc out of a 4" box cover and glue that to my case. I think I'd break the truck before that fell off my magnet. More realistically, something half that thick or two/three of the regular adhesive phone discs would probably be plenty.
Seriously, for about the same price as a vent clip mount, this'll work for phone/tablet/whatever--you only have to add the steel to your device.

 

That looks slick.

 

Finally got around to doing this mod. It works great! I went with the 55mm bolt and the Ram Quick Grip instead of the X-Grip. The phone is an LG V60, it's a large phone and can be run with a dual screen. Had to go with the XL size Quick Grip.

 

The solution I've loved is a QuadLock system. I've since switched to the BirdDawg Industries HD Tech Deck for my second gen, but still have the A-pillar ram ball in place for certain situations (IMO, you can never have enough mounting options).

PROS:
- Super fast
- By far the most secure mounting system of any I've come across
- Very easy to operate one handed
- System works great with other activities like motorcycle riding, road cycling, mountain biking (and yes, I mean real root-bashing, rock garden charging mountain biking. As long as you don't ram your phone or the mount against a tree or rock, it'll hold up), etc.

CONS:
- Requires a QuadLock phone case, or a QuadLock receiver unit adhered to the back of your phone/case (note, if you're using an off-brand case, they have specifications for the best materials, as the 3M adhesive they send on the receiver sticker mates best with certain polys.)
- For use off of the A-pillar, you need at least a medium length RAM arm. The short arm doesn't allow much room for the rotation required to get the phone on/off the QuadLock. The medium length arm looks a little weird in this location, and can interfere with steering wheel clearance, and/or visibility.
- The system prevents you from using wireless charging. This didn't impact my decision since I'm still rocking an iPhone with a home button, but I realize many people would hate to lose this feature.

I still keep the X-grip mounted to the Tech Deck for either back up navigation or for my co-pilot to use. Still works great, but the bulk and operation keep it out of my daily-driver category.

 

I was looking into the TechDeck I definitely like the options but ended up going with the single mount near the HVAC controls. It's super solid and I like having my phone in that area. If anyone is interested I have one mount I'd be willing to let go.




I got my UHF dash plug in the mail yesterday and my A-pillar mount stuff is out for delivery FINALLY. Then I can get my Mic Mount moved from that window control blank. I'll update once I get everything installed.



Also my local ACE Hardware had a big stash of the 6x50mm bolts if anyone is having a hard time sourcing I don’t mind helping out.

 

How much? I normally wouldn't want to drill holes in my trim pieces but the piece I have already has holes from the previous owner. Not entirely sure I want to mount anything there since it seems like it'd be in the way of the radio and HVAC but it definitely is a slick attachment point.

 

haha ya I feel ya I was a little concerned about drilling holes too but just went for it. I’ll shoot you a pm and see if you’re interested.


On a side note I’ve the parts in for the mic mount! Not sure I’ll get to install it tonight but tomorrow for sure.

 

Got the parts installed, I put in a UHF plug in the dash the APillar mount but I’m trying to figure out if I like the top or bottom better.

 

Great choice. Went with that setup myself.

 

Ya I think it’ll work well I’m trying to decide if I want it at the bottom or too bolt.

bottom seems a bit close to my hand and the top seems a little too close to my head. I might switch to one of those double swivel arms to see if I can move it a little further out of the way.

Did you also get one of the UHF plugs? The one I got seems to be slightly broken and I don’t want to deal with a return over seas so I hope it holds up.