MOD: Tablet mount above the center console.

It does.

 

Took it out on a long run through western oregon logging roads. Very bumpy. Jiggled a bit, but didnt sway side to side or anything. Was still easy to follow maps with the eye. Solid setup so far.
Samsung galaxy tab a 8".

 

Shoutout OP for the post. I bookmarked it awhile ago and finally got around to ordering the stuff on Amazon. I cheaped out and went with some off brand ball joint and tablet mount because the RAM mounts are pretty pricey. I added an extra 3 way ball joint and socket arm so that I could mount a second device behind the tablet to leverage the headunits android auto via USB (while using the tablet for Gaia GPS and other non-carplay compatible apps).

Didn't realize until it got here that you bend the metal arm for the mount yourself, it's not some flexy thing like I had assumed. Easy to bend though and this probably works out better re: stiffness. As the other poster stated routing the pole so that it's tucked between the passenger seat and the center console seems like it would help with stability, but it doesn't seem like it's going to be swinging around a ton. (edit: took it out on some forrest roads, movement is nothing to be worried about IMO)

I went with 10" Galaxy Tab A7 (because it had GPS+LTE, careful of "wifi only" tablets), and put a data-only SIM from my cell provider (google fi) into it. So far seems like everything is working.

Prices paid 7/13/21 and amazon titles cut and pasted.

[ARM + TABLET MOUNT]
$38.49 RAM Pod I Locking Vehicle Mount with 18" Rod and Socket Arm
$19.95 Lycan Series Universal Tablet / Smartphone holder with 1" rubber coating ball for iPad Pro Air Mini iPhone 11 Pro XR XS MAX X 8 Galaxy Tab S10 (Compatible with Ram & Arkon Robust 1inch socket system)

[OPTIONAL]
$9.49 RAM MOUNTS Composite Double Socket Arm
$15.95 iBOLT Triple 25mm / 1 inch to 25mm / 1 inch - Three Metal Ball Joint Extension Adapter for Industry Standard Dual Ball Socket mounting arms

[TABLET + CASE]
$25.99 CLARKCAS Galaxy Tab A7 Case 10.4 Inch 2020 SM-T500/T505/T507 with Screen Protector/Pencil Holder/Kickstand/Hand Strap Kids Shockproof Heavy Duty Silicone Rugged Cover Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, Orange
$249.49 Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4" (2020, WiFi + Cellular) 32GB 4G LTE Tablet & Phone (Makes Calls) GSM Unlocked, International Model w/US Charging Cube - SM-T505 (WiFi + Cellular, Dark Gray)

*minor note: the tablet mount just barely reaches around the 10" tablet + its case (it's advertised to fit up to 11"). Seems like it will be fine but I'd wager the RAM X-Grip or whatever is a much nicer fit (at a +$80 cost)

 

Looks great, thanks for the details on the alternative parts.

 

What size screws to mount the ball to the perfect squeeze?

 

Did this today for the iPad mini I just got. I skipped the extensions and opted for the 1” ball attachment and a cheaper spring loaded RAM mount. It’s in 5th gear in the photo so enough clearance to shift. I also used 3m zip tie retainers to try and keep it from bouncing around. Seems solid