Phone Mounting Advice

[DasKeyserSoze]

Hello all...I've been lurking for a little bit as I just purchased my first Land Cruiser (new 2018). I like to keep my phone in view (periphery) while I am driving if at all possible. Seems like the Ram Mounts are highly regarded on the forum, so I'll likely go that route. The questions I have are:
1. Any preferences between the Dash Mount or Windshield Mount?
2. I often try and recharge my phone while driving; anyone have some advice on a neat/clean setup to run USB-C to that area so that I can take advantage of quicker charging?

Thanks!

 

[indycole]

I've tried a few setups and settled on the ProClip vent mount plus a USB charger that fits in a switch blank. I haven't come across any USB-C chargers yet.

ProClip USA | Car Phone Holders and Dashboard Phone Mounts

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F5LK0MG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TeCKis300]

1) Dash mount. Windshield mounts tend to be bulky and don't hold securely. There's lots of great generic magnetic low profile ones these days that are easy to use. I don't have an LC, but I see the vents are in the same place as my LX. These clips works incredibly well. If you have a really big and heavy phone or go pounding off road, get two to further stabilize the phone. Super easy, and it's not going anywhere:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPFKZTX/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2) Don't bother with something built in like indycole linked. I like the idea, but USB charging technology is constantly changing. Get a generic cig lighter adapter that has the right technology your phone wants. Like Quick Charge 3.0. Patented PowerIQ and VoltageBoost, or all three built into one adapter. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K9MQ8WW/ref=emc_b_5_t

 

[ckkone]

I just got this Ram Mount and I really like it, it puts my phone in really good view when driving. I’ll post a pic tomorrow.

https://www.amazon.com/Suction-Universal-X-Grip-Holder-RAM-B-166-UN7U/dp/B0066BWMNU

 

[NMNORSSE]

I've got a Scosche Magic Mount (magnetic) with the adhesive base stuck in the lower right hand corner of the center stack, directly right of the passanger temperature display. Works great! Amazon has them for about $15.

The cigarette lighter fast charger is much faster than the factory Qi bay.

 

[Waalkman]

I have been using the Ram windshield mount for more than 5 years - I'm still on the same one and it is bomber. I replaced the rubber phone holder tips at one point, but other than that, this thing is amazing. Anyone who says it doesn't adhere well to the window is having the opposite from my experience - I drive throughout Central Asia - daily driver, extreme heat/cold, extensive overlanding - all without it ever coming off the window.

 

[T4Runner]

I have used the RAM iPhone windshield mount for several years. I find it falls off periodically in 90+ F days but not enough to frustrate me. I tried a few different phone mounts prior to RAM and they all pale in comparison. I was contemplating a permanent RAM on the dash with an iPad mini but it would seem Apple is phasing the mini out. (I’m not interested in having my regular iPad on the dash so at the moment I’m going to stick with a 7Plus on the windshield.)

With respect to power, I just accept the lightning cable coming up from the lighter port. I suppose it wouldn’t be too complex to wire something up thru the dash to come out by the vent or center channel speaker but on the list of things I gotta get done this only ranks an honorable mention (like if I had the dash apart for another reason and had time to spare I’d do it).

 

[ethernectar]

Magnetic Scosche mount (with metal plate applied to EXTERIOR of phone case) - super sturdy, takes a serious bump to get it to fall.
RAM mount for iPad mini.
Panavise mount for Yaesu Head.

Have sense added a Pro-Clip and custom bracket for additional Scosche mounts and a flashlight mount on the center console...

 

[TeCKis300]

I should clarify why I don't like windshield mounts. Besides being bulky, they also have a long lever arm. Anything with a longer arm will have flex. I dislike my phone shaking.

Which is why I like the magnet mounts as they tend to be short and secure. Even better, more than a single mounting point. Which can be done with multiple small low profile magnets clips.

 

[T4Runner]

I will add that I dislike anything on my windshield period. I’ve come to accept the RAM up there due to lack of usable dash real-estate. That said the mount is rock solid hardware in a daily driver, but easy to remove and throw in a suitcase to use in a rental car or whatever.

 

[Redbull]

I use a Belkin air vent mount. I don't like things on my windshield or sticking things on the dash.

Car Vent Mount

 

[Kneel]

The majority of states it's either illegal or "limited placement" on what you can attach to your windshield or display above your dash. You should check on you individual state first.

What I use is the ProClip Center Dash Mount #85517 - ProClip Center Dash Mount

Then attach and AMPS mount 17mm ball: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HU6G6NG

With an iOttie Wireless Charge mount: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0754NDNT8

The iOttie accepts 17mm ball. There are AMPS mount RAM balls out there too, but I've found them too bulky and heavy.

AMPS Ram Ball: https://www.amazon.com/Contains-Uni...pID=416eM9k0vFL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 

[yonah]

I've never been a fan of the magnetic mounts linked in some of the above posts. They never seem to hold well over speed bumps or rutted roads. Do it right, go RAM and make the purchase once. RAM components will last as long as your LC. When I was in an infantry unit in the Army, we used RAM mounts for the heavy touchscreen GPS/communication system monitors in our HMMWVs and they worked very well.

RAM's online storefront:
RAM Mounts - Mobile Mounting Solutions

In my LC I removed the lower mounting bolt on the driver's side grab handle and replaced it with a longer bolt (which secures a 1" RAM mounting ball). Then added a triple-jointed RAM arm. The arm is adjusted to the perfect void above the air vent and slightly to the left of the gauge bezel. A RAM X-Grip holds my phone in my periphery without obscuring visibility out of the windshield.

Photo:

More info here from my thread:
I've joined the club - 2011 LC (white/tan)

There is some concern that this location could interfere with the side curtain airbag deployment in the event of a crash. I will say that the above photo makes the mount appear much closer to the A-pillar and window than it actually is. I'm confident that it would clear the airbag in a crash, but it's something to consider.

 

[yonah]

2) Don't bother with something built in like indycole linked. I like the idea, but USB charging technology is constantly changing. Get a generic cig lighter adapter that has the right technology your phone wants. Like Quick Charge 3.0. Patented PowerIQ and VoltageBoost, or all three built into one adapter. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K9MQ8WW/ref=emc_b_5_t

This is a bit of a tangent, but I disagree. The USB plug isn't going anywhere for awhile. The standard USB socket makes a great generic port of one needs to switch between Micro-USB, USB 2.0, etc. charging cables. USB ports are also much smaller than a standard cigarette lighter socket and therefor easier to add around the vehicle for additional charging ports for electronics (GPS systems, front/rear traffic cameras, charging ports for the kid's iPads in the back seat area).

To the OP, I will say whatever you do, get a 2.1 amp charger that can quick charge your phone or tablet. They are worth it.

 

[TeCKis300]

I've never been a fan of the magnetic mounts linked in some of the above posts. They never seem to hold well over speed bumps or rutted roads. Do it right, go RAM and make the purchase once. RAM components will last as long as your LC. When I was in an infantry unit in the Army, we used RAM mounts for the heavy touchscreen GPS/communication system monitors in our HMMWVs and they worked very well.

RAM's online storefront:
RAM Mounts - Mobile Mounting Solutions

In my LC I removed the lower mounting bolt on the driver's side grab handle and replaced it with a longer bolt (which secures a 1" RAM mounting ball). Then added a triple-jointed RAM arm. The arm is adjusted to the perfect void above the air vent and slightly to the left of the gauge bezel. A RAM X-Grip holds my phone in my periphery without obscuring visibility out of the windshield.

Photo:
View attachment 1700867

More info here from my thread:
I've joined the club - 2011 LC (white/tan)

There is some concern that this location could interfere with the side curtain airbag deployment in the event of a crash. I will say that the above photo makes the mount appear much closer to the A-pillar and window than it actually is. I'm confident that it would clear the airbag in a crash, but it's something to consider.

I get your concern, and depending on your device and case, that RAM mount may work better for you. Just know that I wouldn't use the magnetic mount if it dropped the phone. I have absolutely no issues with that. I also use this setup on my raw and vibrating Porsche that has 30 series profile tires, super firm suspension, and some semi-solid suspension joints. No issue what-so-ever with shaking or dropping of my phone in the most aggressive of driving. Absolutely solid. And it's still a super easy 1 hand operation to place and remove.

This is a bit of a tangent, but I disagree. The USB plug isn't going anywhere for awhile. The standard USB socket makes a great generic port of one needs to switch between Micro-USB, USB 2.0, etc. charging cables. USB ports are also much smaller than a standard cigarette lighter socket and therefor easier to add around the vehicle for additional charging ports for electronics (GPS systems, front/rear traffic cameras, charging ports for the kid's iPads in the back seat area).

To the OP, I will say whatever you do, get a 2.1 amp charger that can quick charge your phone or tablet. They are worth it.

You don't have to agree again. Just know that USB is not USB, in respect to charging. Not to mention USB-C. The plug looks the same, but the protocols behind it are different. That 2.1 amp charger only delivers 11 watts. The one I linked, in certain modes, can deliver upwards of 20+ watts of power to really hungry devices. Makes all the difference if you actually use your device, as one may barely keep up with draw while in use, and chargers with newer protocols can charge and power the device at the same time. The technology changes too fast to permanently install it IMO.

 

[Waalkman]

I will add that I dislike anything on my windshield period. I’ve come to accept the RAM up there due to lack of usable dash real-estate. That said the mount is rock solid hardware in a daily driver, but easy to remove and throw in a suitcase to use in a rental car or whatever.

Agreed - The Ram windshield mount is rock solid, even with the extended arm. Even on extended off-road adventures, it doesn't shake of fall off (it would be immediately off my window if it was shaking around). I also take mine when I travel as it obviously fits any windshield.

 

[DasKeyserSoze]

That is pretty slick...please let me know if it looks like I have the same components lined up:
Ball: RAM Motorcycle Handlebar Clamp Base with M8 Screws Unpackaged - RAM-B-367U | RAM Mounts
X-Grip: RAM® X-Grip® Cell/iPhone Cradle Unpackaged - RAM-HOL-UN7BU | RAM Mounts

I can't seem to find the arm that you have though...any thoughts on what that part number is? Thanks!

I've never been a fan of the magnetic mounts linked in some of the above posts. They never seem to hold well over speed bumps or rutted roads. Do it right, go RAM and make the purchase once. RAM components will last as long as your LC. When I was in an infantry unit in the Army, we used RAM mounts for the heavy touchscreen GPS/communication system monitors in our HMMWVs and they worked very well.

RAM's online storefront:
RAM Mounts - Mobile Mounting Solutions

In my LC I removed the lower mounting bolt on the driver's side grab handle and replaced it with a longer bolt (which secures a 1" RAM mounting ball). Then added a triple-jointed RAM arm. The arm is adjusted to the perfect void above the air vent and slightly to the left of the gauge bezel. A RAM X-Grip holds my phone in my periphery without obscuring visibility out of the windshield.

Photo:
View attachment 1700867

More info here from my thread:
I've joined the club - 2011 LC (white/tan)

There is some concern that this location could interfere with the side curtain airbag deployment in the event of a crash. I will say that the above photo makes the mount appear much closer to the A-pillar and window than it actually is. I'm confident that it would clear the airbag in a crash, but it's something to consider.

 

[yonah]

That is pretty slick...please let me know if it looks like I have the same components lined up:
Ball: RAM Motorcycle Handlebar Clamp Base with M8 Screws Unpackaged - RAM-B-367U | RAM Mounts
X-Grip: RAM® X-Grip® Cell/iPhone Cradle Unpackaged - RAM-HOL-UN7BU | RAM Mounts

I can't seem to find the arm that you have though...any thoughts on what that part number is? Thanks!

Those two products are correct. You may have to source the bolt at a hardware store. I cannot recall the length and thread pitch of the grab handle bolt. I purchased the ball separately without the three accompanying bolts (the product you linked).

You'll also need a 5/16", or so, spacer to slide on the bolt in between the base of the ball and the a-pillar. This is required to push the ball out enough to allow your arm to "grip" it fully.

As for the double swivel arm - try this part number:

RAP-B-200-2U

It's been a couple of years since I purchased the double swivel arm I mentioned above. I was able to find it with only two adjustment thumb screws, the center joint is secured with an Allen bolt - which I like as it's less bulky.

Good luck, you will like the setup.

 

[DasKeyserSoze]

@ckkone any chance you got the opportunity to snap a couple pics?

I just got this Ram Mount and I really like it, it puts my phone in really good view when driving. I’ll post a pic tomorrow.

https://www.amazon.com/Suction-Universal-X-Grip-Holder-RAM-B-166-UN7U/dp/B0066BWMNU

 

[ckkone]

@ckkone any chance you got the opportunity to snap a couple pics?