RAM phone mount setup - driver A pillar

[dasx86]

Debated whether or not this was worth starting a thread over, but it'll be useful to someone.

Goal of this thread:
1) Document that I ordered the correct parts
2) Provide initial impressions
3) After a few weeks or months, document my long term satisfaction with the setup

I've ordered parts to copy the phone mount setup (member [MENTION=112898]mavrick1903[/MENTION]) that can be seen here: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2646631-post9.html

Parts list:
Screw mount - RAM-B-272U - RAM(R) 9mm Angled Bolt Head Adapter Ball Base
Extension arm - RAP-B-201U - RAM(R) Composite Double Socket Arm
Phone mount - RAM-HOL-UN10BU - RAM(R) X-Grip(R) Large Phone Holder with Ball

Is this setup too expensive? Sure. $64.97 MSRP from the manufacturer, $67.97 before tax and shipping from Amazon as of today. Merry Christmas to me.

Parts should be arriving on Thursday, will update later this week.

 

[riverwolf]

FWIW, I too love that location and the flexibility of the RAM mounts, but couldn't make myself like the X-grip...requires 2 handed operation to place/remove your phone. Switched to an Arkon Megagrip holder using Arkon's 25mm ball-to-dual tab adapter with the RAM arms.

 

[dasx86]

Interesting! Documenting those parts here for future reference:

Arkon Mounts APRM2T 25mm Ball to Dual T Adapter
Arkon Mounts SM040-2 Smartphone Holder for iPhone 11 Pro Max XS XR X Galaxy Note 10 9

I liked the one-arm operation of the iOttie mount, but never installed one in my 4Runner. Had one in my last sedan. Here's the latest version of that product: Amazon.com: iOttie Easy One Touch 5

EDIT: Based on the information found HERE the iOttie is a 17mm ball. So, a 25mm to 17mm ball adapter like THIS should adapt the iOttie to this setup as well.

Glad to know that if the two-handed operation of the X mount gets annoying, it'll be easy to adapt...

 

[riverwolf]

There is one potential downside to the Arkon/iOttie type holders...forgetting to tighten the "clamps" after dropping your phone in the holder. DAMHIK.

:dammit: The reaction when your phone suddenly swan dives to the floor after forgetting to squeeze the holder closed...again.

 

[dasx86]

All mounted up. First impressions later, but here's the install process in pictures. Pop the bolt cover off the grab handle with a flathead. Bolt underneath is 10mm and quite long.

Hmm, the piece seems a bit too wide for the handle. It won't go anywhere, but maybe we can do something...

Opening in the handle is about 16mm

Well, there's the problem

After ten minutes with a vice and a rough file:

Much better

Maybe we can find a better washer for this

That's better

There we go

Job done :thumb3:

 

[wigsajumper]

Just started searching about this idea for vehicle mounting the Baofeng I got for Christmas. Going to completely rip off your work. Thank you.