Car mount for your smartphones..What brand and location?

[d0nkeyxpunch]

What car mounts are you guys using for your smartphones? I just got my Note 3 and looking to get a car mount. I want to see the location as well.

I'm hesitant to buy certain designs/brands because I don't want it to move when I go off roading. Looking for something that is adjustable but very solid.

 

[TRD 4RNR]

Check out: iBolt

https://ibolt.co/car-docks/smartphone-mounts/note-3.html

 

[jgue467]

Well since i have an S3 then ebay item# 400497419408 $3.49 incl shipping. Here in Austin, Tx starting Jan 1 no more holding a phone while driving; must be mounted/hands free use. This is inexpensive, flexible and works great. :banana:

 

[papapoopski]

I put this dash mount in recently and have been VERY impressed with how sturdy it is. I am certain that if I rolled the runner multiple times that my phone would stay put.

I drilled a hole and bolted the 1" ball mount right through my dash. I used 2 metal washers and 2 rubber washers to dampen vibration. When pressing the screen there is no movement of the phone at all. It's as sturdy as if it were laying flat on a desk.

There are lots of configurations and arm lengths to choose from.

RAM Cell Phone Mount l Smartphone Mount l iPhone Mount

Dash mount for 1" ball -
RAM 1" Ball Connected to a 3/8"-16 Threaded Post

Short arm for 1" ball attach -
RAM Short Double Socket Arm for 1" Ball Bases (Overall Length: 2.38")

Xgrip for cell phone holder -
RAM Universal X-Grip® Cell/iPhone Holder with 1" Ball

 

[d0nkeyxpunch]

^^^ How much did all that cost you? Looks like it would be close to $100?

 

[papapoopski]

About $50 with shipping for all the parts?, maybe a couple bucks more.

I've been through 2 or 3 $15 mounts that sucked - plastics that became brittle in the cold & broke, suction cups fall off the mount with deep cold or bigger temp changes, unstable to use while driving ie the phone bounces while in the holder so that I have to "aim" my fingers at the screen, phone falls out of holder in rough terrain, etc

I expect his mount will last me as long as I have my truck.

 

[Cree]

I put this dash mount in recently and have been VERY impressed with how sturdy it is. I am certain that if I rolled the runner multiple times that my phone would stay put.

I drilled a hole and bolted the 1" ball mount right through my dash. I used 2 metal washers and 2 rubber washers to dampen vibration. When pressing the screen there is no movement of the phone at all. It's as sturdy as if it were laying flat on a desk.

There are lots of configurations and arm lengths to choose from.

RAM Cell Phone Mount l Smartphone Mount l iPhone Mount

Dash mount for 1" ball -
RAM 1" Ball Connected to a 3/8"-16 Threaded Post

Short arm for 1" ball attach -
RAM Short Double Socket Arm for 1" Ball Bases (Overall Length: 2.38")

Xgrip for cell phone holder -
RAM Universal X-Grip® Cell/iPhone Holder with 1" Ball

You have any pics without the phone in the way? Curious as to the location on the dash you drilled.

 

[carbon60]

RAM is the way to go! Flexibility of the system makes it the best value over time.

 

[papapoopski]

You have any pics without the phone in the way? Curious as to the location on the dash you drilled.

Let me start by saying that I don't like the big metal washer on my dash. I am looking for a slightly smaller washer and a black or gray boot of some sort that would slip over the top of the washer and around the stem of the uniball to clean up the look.

For now it is very functional, my install just doesn't look good...yet.

I drilled through the thicker gray part of the dash because I thought it would give better support. The black dash can be more easily replaced but it is thinner plastic. If I ever changed my mind I can just add a flat gray "plug" to cover the hole.

with the stem loosened and moved out of the way so you can see how it attaches. I could also add a double ended stem to the ball mount and have 2 phones or a phone and tablet on the same mount. There are a TON of options for these mounts. The bigger ball mounts will hold like 50# or so. Check out the website.

I notched the black center dash for the head units rear USB cable and bluetooth microphone wires to come through. I wanted minimal wiring to be seen. I left slack behind the dash that can be pulled through in case my dogs snag a wire horsing around inside.

 

[ajonesnv]

Panavise brackets are the best on the market, but it is just the bracket. You still have to install the phone holder.

The panavise mount slides between the bezel and the dash and bolts to the radio mount. Super clean look that can hold a phone dock or if GPS...really whatever.

Seen here with my iPhone 4 CarComm docking station:


https://www.panavise.com/index.html

https://www.panavise.com/pdf_indash/75137-397.pdf

 

[papapoopski]

I like the panavise but I wanted something higher up on the dash that keeps my eyes and head forward when using a device.

 

[Freak]

If you have the stock double din head unit, I suggest the Mountek nGroove. It mounts to the CD player (who uses them anymore?) which is perfect. I've moved on to a removable single-din aftermarket head unit, which I wouldn't want anything to dangle off out of fear that it might fall down and take the faceplate with it.

I stole the following pic off google and it isn't a 4Runner, but it should give you an idea of how it looks like mounted:

 

[Cree]

Let me start by saying that I don't like the big metal washer on my dash. I am looking for a slightly smaller washer and a black or gray boot of some sort that would slip over the top of the washer and around the stem of the uniball to clean up the look.

For now it is very functional, my install just doesn't look good...yet.

I drilled through the thicker gray part of the dash because I thought it would give better support. The black dash can be more easily replaced but it is thinner plastic. If I ever changed my mind I can just add a flat gray "plug" to cover the hole.

with the stem loosened and moved out of the way so you can see how it attaches. I could also add a double ended stem to the ball mount and have 2 phones or a phone and tablet on the same mount. There are a TON of options for these mounts. The bigger ball mounts will hold like 50# or so. Check out the website.

I notched the black center dash for the head units rear USB cable and bluetooth microphone wires to come through. I wanted minimal wiring to be seen. I left slack behind the dash that can be pulled through in case my dogs snag a wire horsing around inside.

I'm really a function over form guy most of the time. It's a bonus when you can put the two together, so I'm not going to say anything about the install. I mean, it looks good enough for me, and it has to be functional. I was just curious where you drilled. Just pop the radio surround to put the nut in?

 

[halo32c]

What car mounts are you guys using for your smartphones? I just got my Note 3 and looking to get a car mount. I want to see the location as well.

I'm hesitant to buy certain designs/brands because I don't want it to move when I go off roading. Looking for something that is adjustable but very solid.

Amazon.com: iOttie HLCRIO104 Easy Flex 2 Windshield Dashboard Car/Desk Mount Holder for iPhone 6 (4.7) /5s/5c/4s, Galaxy S4/S3, HTC One - Retail Packaging - Black: Cell Phones & Accessories

This one works pretty well.

 

[d0nkeyxpunch]

Thanks for the suggestions. One thing I don't like about Ram X, ProClip USA, and few other ones is that it blocks the vents. I was looking at going with something that attaches to dashboard, but not sure what the durability is on it as weather changes.

Anyone that uses dashboard mounts have any feedback? I wonder what the durability is on the suction to the dashboard.

 

[MR.H]

Sits nicely in my left pocket.

Im too distracted on all the other distracted drivers worrying about whats going on, on their phone.

 

[MattAK]

I use The Air Dock from theairdock.com for my Nexus 5. It's a sweet dock, albeit a little pricey. I stuck mine to the top of the dashboard and it held like glue while bouncing down the trail (though I had to move it since it's illegal in Utah to leave it there).
It uses wireless charging to charge your phone, which is why I got it. You'd need to get the official Samsung wireless charging back cover for your Note 3 if you want to use it for charging though. The FAQ on their website has more info on the Note 3.

 

[Mgyver1]

I also run a Panavise bracket with a Smoothtalker cradle for my iPhone with a Wilson cellular antenna on the roof. Lightning connector is fed from my stereo. Only problem is you have to take the phone out of the case every time you dock it, but my Magpul case is super easy to pop on and off.

 

[dgoll75]

I made this. I've been using it for two years and still works awesome.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/110490-cheap-version-pro-clip-smartphone-holder.html

 

[jasonoflivingston]

I will be copying this setup soon.

RAM Mounts' X-Grip ~ Living Overland

I will post pics and thoughts once I am done the install (I am waiting on one last part to come in on Tuesday).