Ram mounts..... too many options

[Ryan6864]

Looking to mount my iPad 9.7 on dash of my jeep.... but overwhelmed at mount options. So many adapters and ball sizes looking for input or suggestions.

Desired location is top of dash i figure a 6" arm at an angle will push it out far enough. Just unsure as to best mount and ball configuration.

 

[chet6.7]

Maybe you can get some tips from their youtube channel.

 

[Airmapper]

First thing is what cradle are you using for the iPad?

A 9.7" tablet is going to be a bit on the hefty side. I had a "Lock n' Roll" or something similar style for my iPad mini and it was ideal as it was form fitting and light, but so was the tablet. However, if you have a case on the iPad and plan on removing it often, you might need a more universal type tablet mount and those can get chunky.

I think the most common ball size is 1" (Now called B size) and that was fine for my mini. I later got a 10" tablet and while 1" will still physically hold that fine, I think 1.5" (C size) would have been more stable. You are on the borderline between the two. If you use a protective case and a hefty cradle, might go C size, no case and the form fitting cradle, maybe B.

I never could find a solid mounting point on the dash to put my 10" tablet where I wanted, but in a Jeep that should be no problem as if I recall you have a nice solid bar running along the base of the windshield correct?

Also keep in mind what might happen in an accident, mount it clear of any expected air bag paths, behind or between them. You don't want the exploding bag to propel that rig into your face.

Also one big gripe I have and a big reason I now mostly use my phone instead of a tablet now is I do not like anything blocking my windscreen. I find the ideal spot is to the side of the steering wheel, behind it, and at the top of dash height. Any higher and it's blocking my view, lower and it's unsafe to glance at it for navigation aid. I'd hard mount (bolts) to something if at all possible, and keep the arms short as possible. The RAM suction cups are top notch but if I can go solid mount I would.

 

[deserteagle56]

Finding a solid mounting location for something that big is going to be tough if you use your Jeep in rough terrain at all. Even washboardy roads will have a tendency to loosen up whatever you have screwed or glued to the dash.

In my Wrangler I screwed the ball mounts to the metal header above the windshield (had to cut away the plastic cover). But I doubt that location would work for something as big as a 10" ipad.

 

[inexplorata]

I can tell you what not to do: don't mount a long gooseneck mount to the floor (or anywhere else) unless you only check your tablet when you've been sitting still for at least 30 seconds.

 

[Howard70]

Do you navigate solo all of the time, or do you sometimes have a passenger / partner navigating as you drive? If the latter (which is our case) we removed the fixed Ipad mount in favor of a small stand / keyboard option. We have a centrally located USB charging port, so the Ipad can reach the passenger’s lap or sit between the seats on a console for driver’s access. The Ipad serves as the big picture, mutiple layered map route discovery & mapping tool. In addition we have small mounts for smart phones located on the A pillars in line with a normal forward driving view. Detailed driving navigation underway is handled by the phones. No need to look away from the road / track, just a quick sideways glance to confirm the upcoming turns.

We’ve experimented with several different mapping/routing software combinations and settled on offline Google Maps (custom downloads) for paved work and Gaia Premium for backcountry. The offline Google Maps actually serve much of the backcountry pretty well once we’ve confirmed the surrounding features and general country with Gaia layers.

A major turning point for us was moving Gaia to the Ipad / Iphone environment from Android and accepting the expense of tremendous amounts of onboard memory for downloaded maps. We struggled quite awhile trying to get Gaia to the performance level we wanted on Android (Samsung) tablets with added memory simply because we had that equipment and preferred the Android environment for nearly everything else.

I suspect it all boils down to how you want to spend your available financial resources!

Howard

 

[MiamiC70]

Looking to mount my iPad 9.7 on dash of my jeep.... but overwhelmed at mount options. So many adapters and ball sizes looking for input or suggestions.

Desired location is top of dash i figure a 6" arm at an angle will push it out far enough. Just unsure as to best mount and ball configuration.

I did similar and mounted my iPad mini Gen5 on the windshield using RAM components. I used B ball but on a larger iPad the next size up C ball might be good. Also, I used the shortest arm and the X-Grip and works splendidly.

 

[66north]

FWIW, RAM Mount posted on their Instagram page within the last couple of weeks that they are about to launch their own Wrangler specific dash mount. Not sure I’d be hanging an iPad up there but worth checking out nonetheless.

 

[Tomintexas97]

Looking to mount my iPad 9.7 on dash of my jeep.... but overwhelmed at mount options. So many adapters and ball sizes looking for input or suggestions.

Desired location is top of dash i figure a 6" arm at an angle will push it out far enough. Just unsure as to best mount and ball configuration.

Hi Ryan, What year and Model Jeep are you looking to mount your iPad?
I have 2 Jeeps and mounted a 9.7 iPad in my 2001 TJ. I have been offroad on some pretty rough roads and it worked out great this way but want to change up some things to make it more sturdy. I have been working with a buddy to weld up a mount that would be more sturdy.
Also, I am currently working on mounting the same way in my 2016 JKU. I'll keep you posted.