Mounting an iPad
Submitted: Sunday, Mar 03, 2013 at 20:45
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AlbyNSW
I am wanting to mount my iPad for navigation in a 79 series landcruiser. I am not real keen on drilling holes in the visible parts of my dash. I had a spiral arm type mount fixed from my
seat mount in my previous vehicle and it was ok but it moves too much on corrugations etc. so looking for an alternative.
Has anyone tried the windscreen suction RAM mounts? I don't know how they would go on corrugations though
Any experiences or advice would be appreciated
Thank you
Alby
Reply By: Gold Stalker - Monday, Mar 04, 2013 at 23:59
Monday, Mar 04, 2013 at 23:59
I've been running a RAM mount for my laptop for many years but I did have to drill holes in my floor for that. With my new truck I'm thinking of running an Android tablet with OziExplorer and TomTom.
What I'm planning to do is attach Velcro to the dash and tablet's flip cover. I'll then also use some Velcro to support the base probably resting above the central air vents (don't know what the central area of your dash looks like) in order to get a good viewing angle and provide additional stability. I'll also use Valcro to take up the weight of the USB power cable.
I see lots of vehicles running around with suction cups but I've never had much success with them beyond short term periods. The best way I've found of attaching them is not off the windscreen but rather, off a base plate stuck on the dash. If you do opt for a suction mount, try setting it up so you can rest the weight of the tablet on the dash (or slip some 'packing foam' under it to support the weight).
I've found that removing Velcro off the dash is relatively easy with a bit of turps to clean up. Alternatively stick down some cheap gray/silver plastic duct tape onto the dash first (the cheap stuff will hold
well but come off a lot cleaner than the expensive stuff). Also best to avoid sticking down that single/double sided white spongy stuff - comes off okay but is pretty messy.
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Follow Up By: Gold Stalker - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 00:04
Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 00:04
Just noticed your later post re mounting it high behind your mirror....
Probably not a good idea - long way to fall and you may also want to power it via the USB cable. Also, legally, at least in Victoria, if it's not being used for navigation, it should not be visible to the driver.
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Follow Up By: Gold Stalker - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 00:56
Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 00:56
Also... The heat on your dash will kill your battery. Tablet, mobile phone, GPS, whatever. If you can, try shielding it behind a white cardboard shroud of some kind. My mobile phone came packed in a white cardboard, form fitting (more or less) box and I was able to put part of that behind its mount. I also darkened the inside to hide most of the white from the driver's view.
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