lumbee1
Native American
I had the perfect phone mount. I mounted a rectangular RAM mount to my center console beside the TC shifter. I used a RAM extension arm and a RAM magnetic base to hold my phone. I loved this combination. However, after several trips to western NC I realized I needed to update my navigation. Android auto and a tiny phone screen wasn't going to cut it.
I decided to go with an Android tablet over something like a Garmin. I replaced my phone mount with a tablet mount and purchased a Samsung S9FE. This tablet is loaded with OnX Offroad, Gaia, Google Maps, All Trails, Google Earth, Weather apps, etc. The tablet is awesome however now I began chucking my phone wherever it would fit and I missed incoming calls, email, messages, alerts etc. (I depise texting and driving BTW).
There are several options out there that seemed interesting. I purchased a RAM suction cup mount for the windshield but then I couldn't use my sunshade. The vent mounts are ridiculous since I like my heating and AC. I didn't like the A-pillar mounts and I wasn't about to replace my dash mounted cup holder with a RAM mount.
I found a thread by @anothernord where he was making a phone mount that attached between the two vents on the dash. This is a fantastic idea and doesn't block anything. On top of that he provided a short RAM mount socket so I can use my magnetic mount again. There are two mounting options, screw into the vent on the left side or use double sided tape. I've never liked the idea of destroying toyota OEM parts so I just used double sided tape. The right side has three screws that mount behind the vent. Some very minor trimming is required.
On to the pictures:
I painted the mount matte black.
Installation planning
Removing the vent and trimming the dash was easy. Rotate the vent to blow air down, grab the ridge in the bottom of the vent mount with your fingers and pull. A razor knife made quick work of the dash.
Double sided tape on the left side mount.
Taped but not screwed in yet.
I decided to go with an Android tablet over something like a Garmin. I replaced my phone mount with a tablet mount and purchased a Samsung S9FE. This tablet is loaded with OnX Offroad, Gaia, Google Maps, All Trails, Google Earth, Weather apps, etc. The tablet is awesome however now I began chucking my phone wherever it would fit and I missed incoming calls, email, messages, alerts etc. (I depise texting and driving BTW).
There are several options out there that seemed interesting. I purchased a RAM suction cup mount for the windshield but then I couldn't use my sunshade. The vent mounts are ridiculous since I like my heating and AC. I didn't like the A-pillar mounts and I wasn't about to replace my dash mounted cup holder with a RAM mount.
I found a thread by @anothernord where he was making a phone mount that attached between the two vents on the dash. This is a fantastic idea and doesn't block anything. On top of that he provided a short RAM mount socket so I can use my magnetic mount again. There are two mounting options, screw into the vent on the left side or use double sided tape. I've never liked the idea of destroying toyota OEM parts so I just used double sided tape. The right side has three screws that mount behind the vent. Some very minor trimming is required.
On to the pictures:
I painted the mount matte black.
Installation planning
Removing the vent and trimming the dash was easy. Rotate the vent to blow air down, grab the ridge in the bottom of the vent mount with your fingers and pull. A razor knife made quick work of the dash.
Double sided tape on the left side mount.
Taped but not screwed in yet.
