Is anyone using a seat / floor mount for their phone ?

While I do have Apple CarPlay, I have been looking for an interesting way to secure my phone while driving. I would like to avoid having the phone mount block any view out of the dashboard, block or restrict any of the air vents or have something that suction cups or sticks to the truck. And, to be perfectly honest, I am just not comfortable drilling into the dashboard to secure those cool mounting brackets. Yes, I know. That makes me low skilled. I can live with that.

Lots of great forums here on all kinds of options but I have not seen anyone running this kind of mount -- of course, I may have missed it is someone did post.

In any case, I would be really curious if anyone here has experience with this kind of mount. I may or may not get this one but I wanted to see if anyone using this seat / floor mount for their phone has any insight, good or bad.



Link:
https://www.tackform.com/products/i...-floor-mount-phone-holder-for-cars-and-trucks

 

Have you considered using ram mounts on the lower a pillar grab handle bolt? Just replace one bolt with a longer one and it doesn't really block anything. I just did this and its pretty convenient, I can keep the arm and holder in the console 95% of the time, and when I need it, it clamps on in a couple seconds.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mod-a-pillar-ram-mount-gps-phone-holder.372250/

 

I like the expedition essentials tpam mount. Nothing is blocking my view or vents. Caliraised just came out with their own as well.

 

I really like that solution -- very creative! I will put that on the list. My only concern, and this may make no sense, but I tend / prefer to want to look right rather than left at my phone. Also, having the phone to the right lets my wife operate it as I don't like to do that while I am driving. Which is why I thought this phone on a pole looked pretty interesting.

But thank you for the idea. I think I am going to make a mock up of your solution and kind of tape it there to see how comfortable it is ... much appreciated.

 

That is kinda where I started. I am not confident of my drilling into the dashboard, though. I may have to go down that route. I was hoping to hear if anyone was using this pole kind of mount ... I found it googling and wondered if anyone here had pros and cons compared to those other solutions.

How hard was the install ?

 

I had one of these and it worked great until the metal in the gooseneck broke of from flexing. Maybe lasted 6 months. If you don't move it much it may last longer but it wasn't worth it to me.

 

Personally, the a-pillar mount was what was best for me. Like you a windshield suction cup, something that blocks vents, and drilling into the dash were all deal breakers. The a-pillar solution still disrupts view a tiny, tiny, tiny amount but it's an area where you really don't need to see anyway - at least with my seating position and how I setup my mount.

The problem I see with a mount like you're talking that is to your right is that it will create the need to turn your head more to see it. And, it will likely be closer to your eyes as well. Having your eyes adjust to something close then back to far ahead on the road can be an issue. I notice this if I have phone in my hand but don't notice it at all with the phone by the a-pillar. I know this is only about a 1' difference but it does make a difference.

 

If you don't mind me asking, did you have this one or one like it? I saw a few of these available and some are cheap and others are more beefy ... I probably won't move it much so this could be a reasonable option, unless I get up the courage to drill into the dashboard, that is.

 

I felt the same way, but it wasnt bad. I just took my time. The directions are great too. They are printed AND you can watch a video. Although the printed instructions help much more imo.

The drilling really isn't a big deal. And then having the extra usb ports is great. I now have a call phone and tablet mount on it. I also have my cb and mich mounted on it too. It really was worth getting.

 

Thats exactly what i thought about, turning too much to look for it.

 

It might be the best option ... I will watch the videos again and see if I can get up the nerve.

 

I installed this last night. And I must say, it was a breeze. I wasn't nervous about drilling the bezel as I have done many modifications with drilling and cutting on other vehicles in the past. Here to try to build confidence in doing this and you'll be very glad you did.

 

I use a RamMount Gooseneck for my VHF. It works great and is rock solid, I ended up trimming it down to have the radio where I wanted it.
I wouldn't use it for a phone though, too much looking down..

 

I had one like it - mounted from the right side driver seat front bolt and come up between the seat and the center console. When using it while driving I would move it forward it to improve the visibility. As others have mentioned, another drawback is that you end up looking down at the phone vs. something mounted at dash height.

 

Great video. The mount has been updated since then, that part nearest the windshield ia just built in now. But along with expedition essentials own video, this one was helpful.

https://youtu.be/7K9QLLANsBY

 

Right. Agree. The one I was looking at is much taller so you don't have to look down as much. Still not at eye level though, of course. But then again, if I need to use my phone for something, I ask my wife to do it or I pull over. No way am I doing that while I am driving in this crazy mad world we live in.

Do you still use it?

 

Being perfectly honest. I can't do that install. I just know something will go wrong. The Cali Raised one is interesting though. It doesn't impact the electronics (it has a channel for the cords) so it may be a safer option for me.

 

I think mine was 18" or 24" and didn't come up much more past the gear shift. It broke off at the bottom within 6 months or so and I threw the POS away.

 

Side note. I just watched the install video on the Cali Raised bar. I feel like I could actually do that install. Might be my best option for that kind of solution.. What do you think? Looks a lot easier than the Expedition Essentials one (which I really like but feels beyond my skill set):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1peo-l2OKs

 

Ive seen this, i do like it. I think they make good stuff in general. I have a few of their products.