MOD: A-Pillar RAM mount GPS/Phone holder

There have been at least two threads on this here and at least one has dissolved over time with the photo's disappearing. The other thread involves drilling and tapping which I understand out of reach for some people with smaller tool sets or limited storage space for additional tools.

I went through the RAM Mounts catalog and came up with the following that will bolt right up.

PRODUCT NUMBER: RAM-B-367BU ball mount.

This is made for motorcycles and is intended to be mounted with 8mm hardware. The Tacoma A-Pillar hardware is the typical "just long enough" Toyota 6mm which will need to be replaced. I used a 50mm long stainless 6mm socket head screw to replace the factory bolt.



One thing you will notice is that the ball mount itself is quite small and the grab handle bolt cavity pretty much swallows it. To push it out a bit to allow accessories to mount to it add a pair of 6mm nuts and a 6mm split lock washer and you have everything you need to get the ball out far enough to be able to actually use it.



Assembly order:

1. Cap screw
2. Ball mount
3. 6mm nut
4. 6mm split washer
5. 6mm nut

Pop the small plastic cover off of the factory bolt, remove the bolt, and install your new mount.



From here I clamped on a
PRODUCT NUMBER: RAP-B-201U double socket arm and a...

PRODUCT NUMBER: RAM-HOL-UN7BU X-Grip phone holder.



Inserted my phone and here is the result.





As you can see the phone does not block my view out the windshield - camera was held slightly below my sightline - and it is within easy reach of my left hand for use. I have ordered and plan to add a 6ft charging cable to thread under the dash and A-pillar for my phone there as well and will update the thread with those details later.

RAM Mounts as well as others make many different types of device holders that would work in that location to allow you to have multiple device options mounted there.

EDIT: List of parts used.

1. M6 x 50mm socket head cap screw
2. RAM Mounts Ball mount
3. 6mm nut
4. 6mm split washer
5. 6mm nut
6. RAM Mounts double arm socket
7. RAM Mounts X-Grip phone holder

NOTE: This mod will work on both 1st and 2nd gen Tacomas. You may find that a different length cap screw may work better for the 1st gen trucks.

Some members are reporting that they are having greater success using a M6 X 55mm socket head cap screw. Your mileage may vary.

Use the RAM Mounts part numbers and check around at places like Amazon and the like, odds are you will find better pricing than if you went through RAM Mounts direct for their parts.

As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask and I will answer them as best i can.

Just noticed today that this thread is over two years old and people are still chiming in with their success stories and pictures. Keep them coming TacomaWorld, it's really cool to see everyones personal twist on this ridiculously simple and utilitarian mod.

EDIT: 07-17-2018
If your local hardware stores don't carry the hardware you need or are perpetually out of stock then a member here can help you as he's bought a large volume and is willing to ship you what you need out of that. Check out this thread for details.

 

That's a pretty slick setup. I love the Ram mounts. I've got my iPad mounted in my airplane with one.

 

Thanks.

 

Thanks, I have an iPad mini mounted on the right side of the center console using a different RAM Mount and we really like it too.

 

I didn't think of using the A pillar bolt. I have a windshield suction cup mount. I like how yours doesn't block any view. Nice work.

 

I think I will mount my Ultraguage there.

 

Pretty cool OP(Palehorse1)!Way to be creative!

 

That sounds good, drop a picture in this thread once you get it done.

 

That's a brilliant and simple mod. I used to have a GPS (before the age of smart phones) in about that position on my old '92. My mounting was a bit more hokey. This looks like a great, clean mounting point for the Tacoma. Will be doing this one for sure!

 

Austin, Tx!

 

Pretty easy to run power up through there too for a clean, charging install.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gps-install-hardwired-to-the-a-pillar.305904/

 

I agree, I already routed the wiring needed to power my dashcam up the passenger side a-pillar so getting up the driver side shouldn't be a problem. Since I use the phone as a music player from time to time I went ahead and ordered a 6' 3.5mm male to male audio cable to route along with the charging cable. My intention is to have the auxilarry input port put behind the lower switch panel that it normally sits in and just leave this cable plugged in permanently.

Like many others here I have lots of other plans in the works and a hectic travel schedule so I'm trying to pile up all of the projects that require removing the lower dash panels so I can do them all at the same time to save myself the grief of going back in and out of that space more than necessary.

 

Nice job OP

I used a similar method from @barlowrs to mount my handheld
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/garmin-60csx-install-in-05-tacoma.113271/

 

Subd

 

I did this mod with my ultraguage so hope you like it. I used the RAM MOUNT: RAM-B-347U
and a Scosche surface magic mount. I didn't read the directions very well and up using one 6mm nut with a plastic insert and a regular 6mm nut. Two 6mm nuts with an insert are too long and will not fit so learn from my mistake. I wanted to be able to detach my ultraguage and think the magic works perfectly with this. I did realize after the purchase that the RAM MOUNT: RAP-B-201U is actually plastic so will see how that holds up. Pretty easy mod and does not get in the way when I am driving.

 

Thanks OP I bought the bolt today!

 

Looks good. There is a metal version of that mount arm but the heavy duty poly mounts hold up very well and tends to be slightly less expensive.

I'll be updating the thread soon once I get this little guy in hand and some free time at home to be able to take the lower dash apart so I can wire it in and run the long phone charging cables I bought to the A-pillar mounts - one on each side - to keep the cab free of loose cables.

 

This is such a great idea. Thanks for posting. I set mine up today and I love it.

 

Looks great. What app is that running on your phone?

 

It's called OBD Fusion. It's streaming the info from the "Automatic Link" (Gen 2). I'm still not sure if I like the "Automatic Link". It doesn't read the fuel level on my Taco and so it doesn't report my mpg's correctly. That was one of the biggest features and it's really expensive for something that doesn't work right. Most of the stuff you can see live on OBD Fusion is stuff that you can already see on the dash anyways like speed, RPM's, Engine Temp etc.

It seemed like a good idea but after just taking a long road trip, it wasn't that helpful. Still love the placement of the phone though. It was perfect when I needed Nav.