FS: The Tacoma Tech Deck (new product)

I don't believe that the mark-up is a whole lot on the items to allow for a group buy.

 

This is what I was thinking. Plus a group buys just make a bunch of extra work for these guys. At 20% off it saves you $11.79. Doesn't get you savings on the ram mounts or balls.


Not trying to be a dick or offensive in anyway with the following. Just having some fun explaining why a group buy may not be worth the extra time and effort.


Hypothetically lets say they make 50% on these mounts after you factor product cost, labor, paypal fees, etc.

Full Price: $58.95
Mark up: 50%
Their est. Cost: $39.30
Profit: $19.65 = 50%

Group Buy 20% Off: $47.16
Group Buy Profit: $7.86 = 20% (30% less profit margin on a 20% sale)

Now lets do a hypothetical break even analysis:

Lets say they sell on average 20 a month profit would be $393

If they run a 20% off group buy for 1 month they would have to sell 50 just to make the same profit they would have made selling 20.

That is 30 extra boxes to pack, 30 extra invoices to process, 30 extra pieces to make and they haven't made an extra $1.


Conclusion:
Save up the extra $11.79 and buy it at full price.

 

^^^
Exactly this. I just didn't feel like doing the math. Thanks!

They are inexpensive as is. Why dick around for $10?

 

So... no group buy? lmao

 

Probably not.

I already bought one used for $30. I put another $4 in paint and hardware. Looks great!

Wait for it, if you are cheap like me.

 

I'll probably get it... once the group buy comes..

 

Can I install the extreme without epoxying the bar in? Would it be as strong as the general duty one?

 

I must say that you are persistent.

I used 3M tape for the backing plate on the extreme version. Worked perfect and very sturdy.

As for the regular version, it has been said here that it holds two phones and a tablet without concern, but I wouldn't go bouncing down a logging road with all those electronics mounted on it. For what it's worth for the extra peace of mind, get the extreme.

 

I installed mine today and did a video of the install. I need to chop it up and make it shorter, but I'll post it as soon as I finish it. It's really simple to do.

 

Cool. I will look forward to the video. I have my extreme duty on order. It should be here soon. Did you use epoxy? I am thinking I will try taczilla's method of 3M tape.

 

I like the thoughts of 3M tape more than epoxy

 

I bought mine used. The PO used 3M tape, which allowed him to remove it without destroying his radio bezel, so I went with that too. My Tech Deck was scuffed and scratched, so I painted it with VHT Wrinkle Plus, which hides the engraving and makes it look better IMHO. Besides, I wanted it to match my painted iggy 6 switch cubby panel when I get around to that LOL.

http://www.vhtpaint.com/high-heat/vht-wrinkle-plus-coatings

I removed the radio first. Then I reversed/flipped the backing plate on the lower outside of the bezel, marked drilled the two holes, then I put the 3M (actually Kent, stronger than 3M) on the plate and positioned the plate between the hazard/clock unit and radio bezel with needle nose pliers. I reinstalled the radio, screwed the Tech Deck tight up through the two bottom holes, marked and drilled the lowest outside bracket holes and screwed it in with small black shouldered trim screws. I did not use three screws on each side... unnecessary overkill.

https://www.kent-automotive.com/kent/Kwik-Stik-Double-Face-Adhesive-Molding-Tape/89174.ka

The tape I used is black with a green film. I get mine at a body shop supply. I've used it on body kits, so I know it works better than hardware store 3M.

 

At the end of the day all it is doing is holding the backing plate down so you can push the screws in without moving the plate. Either way would definitely work.

 

So I am still working on the video and review of this product. I wanted to make sure I log some time with it before I put my final thoughts on it.

I have tried two different mounts for my phone so far.

The first was the Ram x-grip which I am not a fan for everyday phone use. It holds the phone really well, but placing it and removing it one handed is difficult. I initially had it with the 6" Ram arm as you see in the picture, but that was too long for me on the drivers side. I switched to a 3" and that was a much more natural distance while driving. See below for option two which has been much more enjoyable.





My second option I am loving I used the Ram 2.5" Round Base with triple magnetic adapter. I put a metal plate in my case behind my phone and that works great.

Metal Plates: http://amzn.to/2aMvQKq

Ram Mount: http://amzn.to/2aMwwPZ


Love this setup so far.

 

don't remember if I ever posted my setup with the Tech Deck....

 

Those plates are $8 on Amabomb US and $25 on Amabomb CAD .... go freakin' figure.

 

Wow. There is a lot going on in that pic.

 

Installed the techdeck, that went great. I am super frustrated that no one makes a 17mm ball. I just need one exactly like the 25mm but 17mm. Virtually all of the Garmin gps cradles have a 17mm socket. There is a huge opportunity if someone would machine out some 17mm balls. I found an adapter but it adds a bunch of unnecessary size and clunky hardware. Anyone have a source?

 

I have one of these, I love it ,steady, nice reach.