Update:
We're headed out to New Orleans in less than 3 weeks, this will be the first trip in the 4Runner. I've decided to take the advice of several on here and get a couple of trips under our belts before we do make any real changes.
I've added a couple of new things in the past week, RAM Mount for my phone and Escort Radar detector with remote mute.
I'll talk about the RAM Mount first.
I purchased the RAM Suction Cup Mount with the X-Grip Large mount. The link to what I got is here.
Amazon.com: RAM Mounts (RAM-B-166-UN10U) Twist Lock Suction Cup Mount with Universal X-Grip Iv Large Phone/Phablet Holder: Cell Phones & Accessories
I also ordered a RAM Double Socket Swivel Arm for 1 Inch Bases -
Amazon.com: Ram Mount Double Socket Swivel Arm for 1-Inch Ball Bases: Automotive
This is my first purchase from RAM and I am very impressed with their products. In the past, I've always bought Bracketron phone mounts and while they function, I haven't ever really liked them. To me, the Bracketron's are "flimsy" feeling. But the thing I really didn't like, was that the mount partially obscured my view out the lower left of the window. It wasn't so bad as to be dangerous, but it was annoying.
My goal with the RAM was to position my phone so that it aligned with the pillar and didn't obstruct my view. This is why I purchased the Double socket Arm.
I cleaned off the top left corner of the window with 99% rubbing alcohol, warmed up the glass with the defroster and stuck the suction cup as high and tight into the corner as I could. The twist lock mechanism is very solid and the suction cup stuck to the window like a breastfeeding newborn.
I then mounted the X-Grip holder into the Double Socket Arm and loosened all of the adjustments until they moved freely. I attached it to the ball joint of the suction mount and tightened it enough to not fall off but still be moveable.
I tried out a lot of different positions until I found the one I liked the best. I was able to accomplish my goal of putting the phone in line with the pillar from a viewpoint perspective. With the suction cup at the top corner of the window, the arm does not interfere with the view of the driver.
Once I got everything placed and tightened down I was really impressed with how solid the whole thing felt. There is no flimsiness to this phone mount.
The XGrip holder works great, it holds the phone tightly with no chance of it coming loose. The charging port and Ear Bud connection are both exposed and easy to access.
We'll see how it does on the upcoming trip, but so far I really like it.
What it looks like from the passenger seat
Close up from the passenger view
View from slightly behind the driver position, the mount lines up with the pillar when viewed from the driver seat
From the left side
From outside - strange dash color in the light from the flash
I also got my Escort Radar Detector mounted with the Remote Cord placed on the dash down by my right knee.
I've been using Escort Radar Detectors for over 20 years and I love them. They have saved me from 1000's of dollars worth of tickets and kept my insurance rates low. The model I have in both our vehicles is
http://www.amazon.com/Escort-Passport-8500X50-Detector-Display/dp/B005IQGNCU/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1458365363&sr=1-6&keywords=escort+radar+detector
I mounted the detector in the upper center of the windshield behind the rear view mirror. The display is just slightly below the bottom of the mirror so I can see it. I believe this is the optimum mounting point for two reasons:
1) It is not obvious when looking at the windshield. With the remote cord which goes up and into the headliner, there are no visible wires to draw the eye.
2) You get better reception with it higher on the vehicle.
I used the following remote cord from Escort.
http://www.amazon.com/Escort-Direct-Wire-SmartCord-Light/dp/B0003NN83K/ref=pd_sim_107_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41LHvDzNG-L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0FWE5RBFYVY8RHG86PQK
I had the button placed by my right knee where the vertical part of the center console intersects the lower dashboard.
By placing it here it is not visible when standing outside the vehicle, and it's easy to reach down and hit the button without any other motion than a slight arm movement.
The detector mounted behind the mirror.
The remote mute button mounted on the lower dash
I have a GoPro Hero 4 Silver on order that will be in early next week. The plan is to mount it as a dash cam for our trip to New Orleans. I am going to experiment with it mounted both inside and outside the vehicle. I'll make an update post when I install it.
I'm really happy with the 4Runner so far, can't wait to try it out on a road trip.
