Phone Solutions

[Moe_Fugga]

Three weeks now and I still can't find the ideal iPhone mount. I popped my center console off though, and I found a 10mm bolt under there. Then I found this radio microphone mount that uses that bolt to hang over the trim near the tuner knob.

https://www.cooltechllc.com/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl/104-jl-mic-mount.html

That would be a good place for a phone bracket too. It wouldn't ruin the grab bar aesthetics or block the passenger airbag.

Yes, I know the RAM ball mount can replace a grab bar bolt but that's more suitable for the passenger, not the driver.

You can see my RAM ball mount on the grab handle above. It actually sits right in line with my hand if I rest my right arm on the center console. ApplePlay does a decent job, but if I want to switch song playlists or something the phone is readily accessible to swipe through. Additionally, it is not in the way of your line of sight mounted up on the dash. It’s low enough to stay out of the way if the airbag deploys I think. I highly recommend it.

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[Scenario]

Yeah I like the CMM ball mount but (no offense) I find the RAM mounts really ugly/over-branded.

 

[velogeek]

Got my Ram Mounts JL/JT dash Tough Track:
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-DT-204-TRACK-A12U

I also purchased two t slot ball mounts and their spring mounted phone holder. I’ve been using the suction cup mount and an X-Grip for my phone.

Installation is super easy. You mount the track to the plate and the plate to the dash after you remove the tray liner

its very low profile:

And with some stuff mounted up:

I already had the arms. The plate is $40 on its own. So far I really like it. Time will tell. I’m sure this won’t fall down like my suction cup mount!

How has this one been working out for you? Is it completely stable? I've spent the last day waffling back and forth between this RAM mount and the Vector 3/4 bar because I'm not sure how secure the RAM rail will be for something like a tablet off road.

 

[scotticus]

How has this one been working out for you? Is it completely stable? I've spent the last day waffling back and forth between this RAM mount and the Vector 3/4 bar because I'm not sure how secure the RAM rail will be for something like a tablet off road.

So far i'm very happy. I have three arms on it now and its very stable on that end. My claw mount tends to tilt a bit, but i have it mounted upside down because i like pushing down on the clamp to put my phone in it instead of going up. The radio face mount i have is solid. I recently added a garmin GPS mount (the clip kind). The whole mount on the dash is really solid and doesn't move at all.

I prefer RAM mounts because I use them on my motorcycle and kayak, so i've got lots of components. The Vector bar system pricing is much higher and some of that stuff isn't going to be as portable. The RAM Tough Track is definitely much lower profile.

Pricing comparison:
Vector Gladiator Curve w/1 phone holder: $216
Ram Mount Tough Track with Phone XGrip, arm, track mount: $91
Ram Mount Tough Track with Phone XGrip, arm, track mount and iPad mini XGrip, long arm, track mount: $167

 

[velogeek]

So far i'm very happy. I have three arms on it now and its very stable on that end. My claw mount tends to tilt a bit, but i have it mounted upside down because i like pushing down on the clamp to put my phone in it instead of going up. The radio face mount i have is solid. I recently added a garmin GPS mount (the clip kind). The whole mount on the dash is really solid and doesn't move at all.

I prefer RAM mounts because I use them on my motorcycle and kayak, so i've got lots of components. The Vector bar system pricing is much higher and some of that stuff isn't going to be as portable. The RAM Tough Track is definitely much lower profile.

Pricing comparison:
Vector Gladiator Curve w/1 phone holder: $216
Ram Mount Tough Track with Phone XGrip, arm, track mount: $91
Ram Mount Tough Track with Phone XGrip, arm, track mount and iPad mini XGrip, long arm, track mount: $167

Yeah that's what I've been seeing on price and I appreciate the feedback... I too have a bunch of RAM stuff from my Tacoma that also had a dash-top rail mount. The problem with that was that the iPad wasn't stable even reinforced heavily in the plastics so I'm a bit worried about how this one fares with only two mounting points.

I think I might just give the Vector setup a shot first and worst case, I can resell it. I like the idea of my phone being above the wheel in my line of sight on top of the dash and I really like that I'll have more bar to the left so I can mount things in the A-pillar corner.

 

[scotticus]

Yeah that's what I've been seeing on price and I appreciate the feedback... I too have a bunch of RAM stuff from my Tacoma that also had a dash-top rail mount. The problem with that was that the iPad wasn't stable even reinforced heavily in the plastics so I'm a bit worried about how this one fares with only two mounting points.

I think I might just give the Vector setup a shot first and worst case, I can resell it. I like the idea of my phone being above the wheel in my line of sight on top of the dash and I really like that I'll have more bar to the left so I can mount things in the A-pillar corner.

Yeah man give it a shot, to each their own! I totally understand the weight thing, i've not done an iPad on there, i'm concerned about that at some point. I also have a seat bolt mount from LidoMounts from my old car that i could also use. Good luck!

 

[Blade1668]

I used the Carolina Master's Ram Ball mounts like Moe_Fugga. "Thanks for the link Jake"
Since I have a few RAM mounts already, GPS in XJ, 4Wheeler, boats, and was what my cellphone was mounted with in my MJ so I have some arms around. Kydex and press made phone holder myself, plan on one for tablet too. I might order a second one from them for other side of dash bar. "RAM" stuff is over played but it works in harsh conditions. 27 Mar. Add photos phone mount and tablet mount.

 

[velogeek]

Just to throw in feedback on the Vector Curve... go full length if you want to hang anything heavy off it because the thing bounces more than I like with my iPad attached. I can't say that the full-width would be better but definitely don't do the 3/4 width unless you are just hanging lighter stuff like phones and radio head units or mics.

Going to give the Ram rail a shot next to see how it works out but it seems the virus has delayed further shipments of those. Worst case I might need to 2-point mount my iPad and get the grab bar mount with a long arm to position it away from the passenger airbag.

 

[Bennett]

I installed the Bulletproof Mounting Solutions mount that I picked up on Amazon for $60 and I am pretty happy with it. I went with the clamp version over the magnet and it is very secure. No real complaints so far. Unrelated to BMS (I assume) but Amazon lost my first one and the second took a while to show up, so if you order it from them, just a heads up.

 

[catronro]

I know this is about phones but here is my entire dash setup:

List of parts:

iPhone Setup: While this holder isn't the most rugged it is the only one I could find where while inserting your iPhone the cord engages. This ensures when I put it in the holder I am immediately charging and plugged into carplay (in one step). Note: The short cord iPhone plug is also a little longer so that it clears my otterbox case (holder's included cord was not)
- iPhone Holder: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MLZZ7KA
- Short Cord: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QF1GPM7

Garmin Overlander Setup: This is done using 67 design hardware. It is setup so that the screen is below the dash line, leaving the windshield view completely unobstructed. Charging cord enables it to be ran to center console usb with enough slack to route and hide.
- 1 Passenger Mount Base: https://www.67d.com/collections/jl-...mount-single-ball-base?variant=19567957311591
- 1 Small Arm: https://www.67d.com/collections/jl-...arbon-fiber-arms-matte?variant=19505414078567
- 1 Nano Arm: https://www.67d.com/collections/jl-...arbon-fiber-arms-matte?variant=29216681328743
- 1 Elbow Ball: https://www.67d.com/collections/jl-bases-and-options/products/elbow-connector-for-carbon-fiber-arms
- 1 17mm to 20mm adapter: https://www.67d.com/collections/gar.../17mm-to-20mm-connector-for-carbon-fiber-arms
- 6.6ft USB Charging Cord: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0788PGDR8

Radio Setup: The exact JeepUniq Mount will depend on your radio setup
- 1 CMM Grab Handle Ball Mount w 20mm ball: https://www.carolinametalmasters.co...jt-grab-bar-ball-mount?variant=31277653786685
- 1 67d Mini Arm: https://www.67d.com/collections/jl-...arbon-fiber-arms-matte?variant=19505414045799
- JeepUniq Mount: https://jeepuniq.com/collections/67...b-mic-and-baofeng-bff8hp-radio-holder-67dball

 

[jonc]

A Ram Mount on the grab handle works as well. Just make sure it's secure on the phone if you have the door off or windows down.

View attachment 69757

 

[Blade1668]

A Ram Mount on the grab handle works as well. Just make sure it's secure on the phone if you have the door off or windows down.

View attachment 69757

If you have doors off you can mount a mirror on it.

 

[jonc]

If you have doors off you can mount a mirror on it.

You don't need to spend extra money on a mirror....just turn on the phone camera...or, double duty if you have a phone like the Samsung Note 10+ with the aura silver back....turn it around for a side dash/trail cam forward, mirror using the back of the phone. Of course, when it falls out, you'll wish you bought the mirror.

 

[Haden]

This option is not off-road friendly, but pretty cool for on road charging if you have cordless charging.

https://www.leatherseats.com/shop/i...g-consoles/jt-gladiator-charging-console.html

 

[Alabama Mud Machine]

67 Designs carbon fiber phone holder... Kind of pricey, but it’s super-strong and rigid, and it’s real metal ball mounts, and the arm is real carbon fiber. Very well made. Highly recommend!

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