MOD: A-Pillar RAM mount GPS/Phone holder

Did mine today, RAM makes a mountign cradle specific to my 7" screen Garmin GPS - that I use constantly for work...

One hiccough, I couldn't find a 50mm M6*1.0 bolt that would take an allen wrench. I used a regular hex head bolt, but my socket that fit the hex head of the bolt was too big to fit down into the ball to get to the bolt head. A little workshop time on that, it's surmountable.

Came out well, the wife said, "That's awesome, it looks like it was made to go there."

I'll test drive it tomorrow, but together with the "turn your rear view mirror upside down" mod I got my windshield view back.

2015 Access cab.

Thanks OP!

 

W.A.F. - Wife Acceptance Factor - is always nice but glad to hear that you like it too.

 

Sub'd

 

This is brilliant, just ordered the mounts and can't wait to install this. Thanks!

 

I like this a lot. I think I just found my next mod.

Thanks

Kirk

 

I use the Mountek mount. It goes right into that unused CD slot. Super stable, great location and only takes a few twists of a wing nut to install. I bought mine for $40 a couple years ago but it looks like their pricing has gone way done. http://www.mountek.com/shop/cell-ph...al-cd-slot-mount-cell-phones-and-gps-devices/

 

Can't believe I missed the "mirror upside down" bit when reading your reply. I don't know if he is still making them but hands down the absolute best mod I have ever done to my truck was the ImMrYo Mirror lift bracket.

 

++ on this. I did the upside down thing for awhile, then got the bracket.

 

Sweet I hate using suction cups for anything.

 

Thanks for the write up! I installed my Garmin GPS using these instructions the other day. My next project will be running the wiring under the A-pillar.

As you can see in my picture, this mounts my GPS uncomfortably close to the steering wheel with a straight arm mount. It's not as bad as the picture makes it out to be with the straight arm, but it ain't good either. I would actually have to roll my fist awkwardly forward to make contact with the GPS. I will be ordering the articulating Ram arm (RAP-B-200-2U) so that I can push it over the dash another inch.

This is the arm I will be ordering:

$27 RAM Mounts Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm RAP-B-200-2U Compatible with RAM B Size 1" Ball Components

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SX0J88/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A4IH2VBB85535

 

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That arm looks interesting and I look forward to hearing about your impression of it. I'm not with my truck right now so I can't check but if I recall I placed my arm so that I could angle it a bit towards the dash/windshield getting back a little bit of space as I was initially worried about busting knuckles on it. It must have worked as it's never been a problem. To do it I turned the arm to that the knob was facing down and that allowed me as much forward articulation as possible.

When I get back to the truck I'll make a point to take a similar perspective picture so we can compare the two setups and mounts. Your mount definitely appears to be much more robust which may be part of the reason it projects so much closer to your steering wheel.

 

Here is the new arm. I have it pushed back over the dash currently, but I am not sure if I am sold on that position yet. It is sufficiently far from the steering wheel as not to cause an obstruction now. My new concern is that it takes up a chunk of my view of the roadway on the left side of the windshield. This is further hampered by my foolishly dark window tint. I have to really pay attention when making left turns at night...

It appears that I can articulate the whole setup down near the A/C vent. If the current setup doesn't grow on me I'll give that a shot and report back.

RAM Mounts are very robust. They are used by the military, LE, motorcyclists, aviators, boaters, etc., to mount small to large electronics. I have been using them for a few years now in different configurations and I have never been disappointed. They even have a windshield suction cup that won't piss you off!

http://www.rammount.com/

 

Looks slick, thanks for sharing!

 

This is awesome, definitely on the top of my to do list now. How close is the mount/phone to the steering wheel? OP from your pictures it almost looks like I'd hit it with my hand when turning? I saw the shorter double socket arm but I fear it would obstruct my view (being a monstrously 5'8" tall).

 

interesting.

 

This is the 2nd best mod ever, after the ImMrYo mirror lift bracket. talk about a rock solid gps/phone holder!
Thanks Op for figuring out how to make it!

 

You'll need a cradle or X mount between the Nuvi and the 1" socket.

http://www.gpscity.com/questions?qid=46486

Google = Friend

 

subbed for sweetness

 

OP.....you sir are a genius!