MOD: A-Pillar RAM mount GPS/Phone holder

I have a note 4,
Feel ya on size and weight, I went back to keeping my GoPro on the pillar ball mount and my phone on my TechDeck just because it's low and out if sight but I can aim the screen relatively towards me and yet it doesn't reflect the back window or much else for that matter.

I have thought about getting the articulating arm for the GoPro as it may help the placement for my needs but honestly I think it's the "Widescreen" format of the GoPro, I need to look into another with a "Normal" FOV to aim out the front windshield. Or seek a good dedicated dash cam.

 

I'm using a BlackVue dash cam that tucks up neatly in front of the rear view mirror housing and it's very discreet.

 

So a quick Amazon search found it but why it?

Seems to be a nice unit but is it worth the price?

I'm not concerned with vandalism and such but just a dedicated dash cam that's always in when I'm driving would be great, not sure if MicroSD vs BT connectivity to my phone is the best option. Part of me wants it to loop through a 32GB MicroSD and if I need footage I can find it.

However I don't want to spend money then find the filing system is ridiculous and antiquated as all get out. Lol...

I do wish I knew how to do a better job of trimming the plug. For real I managed to really muck it up, lol... Tried to bore a hole in it and just couldn't get it right.

I can't find the thread with the original trimming of the plug.

 

There are plenty of quality dash cams out there for everyone's budget. I chose the BlackVue because I wanted it to record while I'm away from the truck too.

I remember the pictures of the drilled cap but I don't recall him posting a "how to."

 

Did you get your install completed?

Pics?

I've dinked with 2-3 Scanguage locations and while they work, haven't really been that happy with any of them.

 

I won't buy a dedicated dash cam because I have the fon and a go pro. After this with the fon I doubt I would use the articulating arm for video because it probably would do the shake thing too. I do have the dedicated tomtom cradle and will use the articulating with that because I don't like the suction cup print left after using that and am not changing out HU to have NAV on there. The GPS moving a bit isn't annoying like shiny fon screen is either. I think you should be able to pick 960 resolution to get off widescreen setting on gopro. It is still hd but is square pic instead of wide. I have just the GP Hero 1. Not sure what newer ones have for resolution choices.

 

I have found the same thing on the tech deck. I have 2 articulating one's (double socket swivel arm) and replaced one today and ordered the parts to replace the other Saturday when the parts get here. And I'll complete this mod then too.

Using
Ram Mount Double 1-Inch Ball Adapter

and combinations of the 2" and 3" short arms can do anything the swivel arm can if not more, without the vibrations.

 

https://youtu.be/o0x6HgnR9UE

Here's a quick video I took with my iPhone 6 Plus (big one) on a 1" arm. Didn't want to adjust my position I like, but you can get an idea of the stability.

 

Pulled the trigger on the RAM mount, Double socket, Swivel Arm, and X-Grip. Now I just need to find a bolt and nylon spacer by Saturday

 

http://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-B-200-12U

Anybody try this arm? I want this concept, just wondering if it's as sturdy as the regular arms.

 

hmmm, just swivel, that could be useful. Doubting there'd be the same issues as the articulating one has. Might have to add this one to the collection.

Did....$13.50 shipped

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-Mount-D...ash=item43edf0ae29:g:B9wAAOSw9ZdXKNTp&vxp=mtr

 

Finally got around to doing the ram mount pillar mod today. I've wanted to do this ever since I got the Ultragauge. Got tired of it sitting in the cup holder. 3M tape doesn't hold up well in the humid Central Texas summer heat.

Used the Ram Mount Motorcycle Handlebar ball with the M6 bolt. Standard procedure. Went with the basic double socket Ram Mount.

However, I wanted to use the mount that came with the Ultragauge but the swivel ball is a smaller diameter than the standard Ram Mount. Fix...I used some silicone

$13 Rescue Tape, Self-Fusing Silicone Tape, Emergency Plumbing Pipe & Radiator Hose Repair, Electrical Insulation, Military Std, 1" x 12', White

Rescue Tape I had in the shop. (mine was red )
This stuff worked great to build the swivel up to match the Ram Mount size.


Trimmed it up and ran wires behind A-Pillar, down the door behind weather strip, and zip-tied excess wire underneath dash.





Clean.

Thanks for everyone's posts on this. Nice mod indeed. Probably end up doing one on the passenger side as well!

 

Went with the 60mm and the nylon bushing, the 50mm was just a bit short for my needs. Garmin Alpha GPS dog tracker. Hope I never have to use it but if I do it is available. The rubber 13" whip is good for about a mile range and the mag mount roof top antenna takes it to 6 miles. Works well and totally out of the way, great mount. I'll only use it if needed and take the Alpha out of the Wings Works holster if I do while I track the dog down.



Just wasn't room on the Tech Deck Extreme, and with the roof mag mount antenna the A pillar is a much better location.

 

@SpruceTaco

 

Got the swivel arm in the mail today. So far I like it better, wish it was a hair shorter but now I can put my iPhone 6 Plus upright in a position I like. Yay!

 

Very cool, this mod will be added to my list.

 

Thanks for pic. Waiting on the swivel arm. Looks like just the right length with the x-grip for my purpose.

 

Did you find a bolt? I was able to get one locally at Lowes.

 

Oh, I'm doing this. That's all there is to it. Can't wait to get the UG suction cup off the windshield.

 

Got the swivel arm and it's just right for my setup. Just enough twist to put it how I want and stable.