My RAM Mount Solution

[TYM4FUN]

Decided I wanted an IPad in my truck for Topo maps, Nav, internet and for the kids to watch a movie on...

Purchased a used IPad on ebay.

After looking long and hard at all the Ram mount options people have done on Mud, I still wanted a mount in a different location than what I was seeing. Trying to avoid drilling holes in the center console or taking up the leg area for the passenger side, I figured out the following option....

Remove Center console bolt.

Use this Motorcycle RAM Mount: Three different length bolts come with this package, all M8 x 1.25. I used the shortest one.

Purchased this extension <---DON'T BUY THIS UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR IPAD BOUNCING AROUND LIKE A JACK-IN-THE-BOX!!, SEE POST #10....because it was the length I wanted, but it seems like it will move more than I would like. I will test drive today and see. I might stick with the standard RAM attachments for a sturdier setup.

I like the cleaner look of the IPad w/o a protective case, so I am using the EZ-Roll'r model and the ball mount for the back.

 

[TYM4FUN]

What it looks like from behind.

Passenger view.

Drivers view.

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

Always nice to find a solution that doesn't require permanent modification to the vehicle.

 

[canman]

Nice. I also did not want to intrude on the passenger space. I ended up doing this and it does not move at all using RAM mount to windshield. View and reach is perfect. Just need to wire my lightening connect to the CD player.

 

[TYM4FUN]

Nice. I also did not want to intrude on the passenger space. I ended up doing this and it does not move at all using RAM mount to windshield. View and reach is perfect. Just need to wire my lightening connect to the CD player.
View attachment 1116198

You are one of the threads I read.☺ I think on expidition portal?? With the four kids I really need all the A/C vents to push air to the back. With all the weight resting on your dash I bet it's perfectly still......

 

[TYM4FUN]

On the ride home the IPAD sways slightly, but not that bad. Off road I think it would be different. I am going to purchase the standard RAM extention and maybe the swivel extention too. This should be a firmer setup. While the rod I installed looks sturdy,.....any weight on the end just flexes it.

 

[Golgo13]

But where will you put your cups!?

Seriously, though, nice job!

 

[TYM4FUN]

But where will you put your cups!?

Seriously, though, nice job!

I only use the JDM Cup holder and mostly the one behind the parking brake. Anytime I've tried to use that spot for a drink I spill it on the power and 2nd start button. It's a better spot for some kind of snack/beverage now with the mount in the way. It blocks anything from falling forward when you hit the brakes...

 

[leucadiacruiser]

On the ride home the IPAD sways slightly, but not that bad. Off road I think it would be different. I am going to purchase the standard RAM extention and maybe the swivel extention too. This should be a firmer setup. While the rod I installed looks sturdy,.....any weight on the end just flexes it.

Thanks for posting this up (links and all!) and definitely update with what you end up locating - great location and I'm with you on wanting something stout for trail use. Have loved my Proclip for my antique iphone 4 on the trail but with the upgrades to Gaia GPS really want the big screen iPad right where you put it.

 

[TYM4FUN]

Ok, so I took the truck on some rough roads and the extention I used for the RAM mounts just plain sucked! I was pretty excited for this to work out and started to feel a bit deflated now. I really didn't want to use any other type of setup and REALLY wanted the IPad as a part of my truck.

The ticket,.....Plan B:

I ordered original style RAM mount arms in place of the one piece rod. This top arm allows you to loosen and rotate the head without loosening and disconnecting the bottom half...You will also need the 1" ball adapter to couple the top and bottom arms.

The bottom arm can be used without any support aid and provide you with slight movements, but nothing to be bothered about. However the nature of the top heavy setup almost requires some kind of damper or support further up the line. To provide the near perfection that was obtained, I tilted the arm towards the far right corner of the pocket and clamped her down. Because the arm closes into itself when tightened, it naturally pulls away from what ever you have it resting on. To solve this issue, after I tightened down the arm, I squeezed a dense piece of foam from a trowel between the arm and the center console. This setup is now SOLID!

 

[Mad Matt]

You are one of the threads I read.☺ I think on expidition portal?? With the four kids I really need all the A/C vents to push air to the back. With all the weight resting on your dash I bet it's perfectly still......

I too keep my iPad mounted to the windshield and have all rows in use with 4 kids. My wife never complains about the lost middle vent and the kids seem to stay cool on hot day, but I will be honest, if we are in 4-low we have all the windows open and the AC off.

An added bonus of this mounting location is that the vent keeps the iPad cool, which heat is a real issue if its in direct sun.


Toys by Matt Ewalt, on Flickr

Previously I had it mounted where my iPhone is in the above image, but my wife was not a fan of having it "in her lap"

1996 Toyota Land Cruiser interior by Matt Ewalt, on Flickr

 

[TYM4FUN]

Not in the lap is why I designed the center console idea........windshield spot is a solid location from movement, I just prefer to keep that area clear. Thanks for the input on the A/C.

 

[leucadiacruiser]

Thanks for putting this together @TYM4FUN Got mine installed in time for a Mojave Road run. Beyond pleased to finally have a big screen for my Gaia app with little to no movement on the road and trail. Ended up adding a washer and lock washer under the base Ram ball. Also needed this piece to connect the iPad mount. Some video showing the mount over some good washboard on Mojave Road.

 

[TYM4FUN]

Awesome video addition to this thread! Thanks! Sorry for the late reply to your PM, I haven't been in here for awhile. I will update my post above to include the ball mount for the ez roller. I forgot to list that part. Hope you have a lot of fun.