MOD: A-Pillar RAM mount GPS/Phone holder

sorry about the delayed reply. Haven't been on much lately.
My HU has two usb inputs, one for Android, one for Apple. I ran the 3ft lightning cable behind the dash and into the input. The same cable could run to the acc/usb or 12V inputs in the lower center console, would still clean things up a lot.

 

So I just did this mod, after getting a new phone.

I used a 65 mm screw, and used an extra nut and washer to bring the ball put a little more. I tried the 50 mm and 55 mm, but they didn't bring it out far enough for my placement preference.

I have a pretty big phone, the S22 Ultra, so it's tough to place it a way that doesn't block something. Where it sits now, the bottom corner is blocked by the steering wheel, but it's not a big deal, move my head a bit and I can see everything, plus there's not much down there I really need to see while I'm driving. There's plenty of room for my large hands to turn the wheel and place my hands around it without hitting the mount or phone.

Ill probably route a charging cable up the A-Pillar at some point. But this install took like 10 min, and that was with playing with a few bolt lengths before settling on 65mm.

Here's some pics of it.

 

I routed my power cord under the dash and out between the dash and the top of the steering wheel column. That puts the plug realitively close to the bottom of the phone, and you can use a fairly short USB cable. When it's not plugged in I drap the USB cable over the turn signal stem.

 

so thats how i have it now, its just 3 ft cable, and it goes from the 12v power source in the center console, over the steering wheel column, and there's just enough slack to keep it loose when its plugged in.

Drove up to Tahoe from LA with it this weekend, and I think I'll get a different arm for the mount, probably one that has pivot in the middle, so I can bring the phone out towards the door a little more, so the bottom corner isn't hidden behind the wheel. That ended up bothering me a little more than I though it would when I installed it. Other than that, it works really well, its nice and solid, and having the phone right next to the wheel is great for quick looks down to it check a message or input navigation, etc.

 

Got the Swivel Mount and took the 3 seconds to install it today.



I like it a lot better, since I can move my phone out towards the door, and not have the corner of the screen obstructed by the steering wheel. Admittedly my phone is large (I think one of, if not the biggest, available), so this may not be an issue for others.

Here's a wide angle view of what it looks like from my perspective:



It does leave enough room to turn the wheel without any issues, and use the turn signal/headlight switches.

Overall I like this mount setup the best.

 

Can you post the part number for that swivel?

 

Pretty sure it's this one, https://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-B-200-2U bought the same one years ago with my old taco, need to put it back in the new one, but trying to get it to work with the wireless charger I have

 

This is the correct part, got it on Amazon here:

$28 RAM Mounts Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm RAP-B-200-2U Compatible with RAM B Size 1" Ball Components

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SX0J88?ie=UTF8

 

Yup, that's the one I just ordered too. I have mine setup to place the phone further towards the windshield to get it away from my hands on the wheel and also so it isn't in front of the HVAC vent.

$28 RAM Mounts Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm RAP-B-200-2U Compatible with RAM B Size 1" Ball Components

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SX0J88?ie=UTF8

I also picked up one of these coiled charging cables. Kind of expensive for a cable but I love it so far, keeps cord management simple.

ONE PIX iPhone Charger Cable for Car (3 ft), MFi Certified Coiled Lightning Cable Compatible with iPhone 13Pro Max/13Pro/13/12Pro Max/12Pro/12/11/XS/XS Max/XR/X/8/8 Plus/iPad/iPod (Black-1PC)

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFH8FVK?ie=UTF8

 

Just got mine done but got a different arm.

 

if you want to do this mod and use a store bought option...

https://www.67d.com/products/toyota-a-pillar-adapter?variant=1291509530638

 

Interesting, but that looks like it deletes the entire handle.

 

That's a picture from an FJ I believe. Otherwise the same as what the OP made, just fancy

 

And more expensive. I would rather not go that route.

 

True it's more expensive, just throwing options out there for the masses

 

That swivel mount is nice. Another approach to the same end is to buy the dbl ball and connect two clamps. One less knob to tighten and can be deconstructed if you move between machines (motorcycles or similar)

 

great idea.

 

Great idea. What size arms did you get.. 2 mediums?

 

Just did mine!! So far it works great! I still need to run a charge cable but that will happen another day. It took longer to get the angle just right than it does to assemble the mounting stuff. Using the "elbow" mounting arm let me get it into the perfect spot far away from the turn signal with the perfect viewing angle. The sail panel is the only thing being blocked. No windshield blockage at all.

I got a 70mm M6-1.00 machine screw w/ large Phillips head. This bolt is fully threaded instead of the original bolt shown in the mod. I placed a lock washer inside the top of the ball mount and ran the screw through that and a lock washer at the bottom. These were tightened together with the first nut with wrench and screwdriver. By tightening down each nut with the previous lock washer as I built out helps keep everything firm with no chance of the ball mount rotating once the bolt is threaded into the A pillar.

Using the 70mm threaded screw let's you build the length easily by adding more washer and nuts. I first did this with 3 nuts but I decided It was to close to the turn signal if I got the perfect viewing angle. The factory hole has more than enough space to take in any excess bolt.

Home Depot hardware -
-70mm M6-1.00 machine screw
-6mm split lock washers 4x
-M6 1.00 hex nuts 2x

Amazon hardware -
RAM Mounts RAM-B-348U Ball Adapter with 1/4"-20 Threaded Hole with B Size 1" Ball

$28 RAM Mounts Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm RAP-B-200-2U Compatible with RAM B Size 1" Ball Components

RAM Mounts Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm
RAM Mounts X-Grip Large Phone Holder with Ball with B Size 1" Ball

 

Where did you run your cable to have it come out of the A pillar?