Cheap RAM mount

I just got my Tacoma and started poking around seeing what vendors are selling for these trucks. The aftermarket really does support these trucks well! But, I was amazed at some of the ridiculous prices and uselessly over engineered products too.

I'm a big fan of RAM mounts to put your phone up high enough that you're not dropping your eyes down to see what notification popped up on your screen... And for Google maps, bc Toyota's navigation software isn't very good!

So after seeing some absurdly priced RAM mounts for our dashes, here's my $8 answer. In my case it was free, since I had one laying around.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EET8X8Y/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_UAnVEb1RMYPM8

This mount had a 2.5" aluminum base. I trimmed and repainted it to match the curve of the dash. It has a couple different hole patterns predrilled into it. After cutting, I was still able to use 5 holes.

For mounting, I just used some self tapping screws I had in the garage. Some nicer screws would dress it up a little better, but after some black paint, I won't give them another glance.

The finished mount is much more rigid than the smaller RAM 2-hole mount I used in my previous vehicle and it's drilled into an easily replaced trim piece, should I ever want to put it back to original.

 

Seems like screws or pressure of use would crack the bezel. Very nice and clean.

 

$9 Trianium Magnetic Dash Car Mount Phone Holder Desk Stand Compatible with iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, LG, Moto Smartphone, Stick-on Dashboard 3M-Adhesive Bendable Base and Metal Plate Included

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07BS4S89H/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A3FZ4CWF6UZ2CV&psc=1

Mine. $6 I like to keep things as simple as possible. Wouldn’t mind a RAM for a tablet or something.

 

https://expeditionessentials.com/products/tacoma-track-mountI had many different mounts this is most sturdy , yes cheap way is fine at first but once things loosen up and u hit bumps watch out .

 

This is the same one installed in my truck. I’ve use this since October and the aluminum brackets that use the head unit bolts are a must for any truck that will be off-road. The bezel around the head unit is not designed to support any lateral weight. This kit addresses that.

Additionally having a RAM Tough-Track allows for quick repositioning of the ball mount(s). Here’s a setup I often run... CarPlay Maps on the head unit, ham radio head unit on the left, scanner on the right.

 

They are pretty heavy duty magnets for the price. I have done rock crawling/desert runs/pesky mall speed bumps and never had my phone fall of my $6 mount. Are the RAM mounts probably a little sturdier? yea if you plan on hitting your phone with your hand. Can't beat if for the price. I am thinking about getting the EXE little powered mount from their site. Kind of cool

 

Damn, nice head unit! I really need to upgrade my shitty one. Nice set up all together.

 

Also, for those looking for something cheaper to mount a single device, ProClip has some great options.

https://www.proclipusa.com/product/855191-proclip-center-mount

(Sorry for nerding out on this... I help lots of people install all sorts of goofy electronics in trucks)

 

im going to try this one in the same spot with a steel or aluminum backer plate. Anyone else do the same? Any issues or noise?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KO5XVU?ie=UTF8&smid=A12YZTIFC29MMB&th=1

 

@s.wilson Please link up all of the parts you used to hold your phone.