iPod Mounts

[gjackson]

I'm looking into mounting my iPod in the Rover. Just wondering what those of you with iPods have done to mount them. I've seen the cup holder mounts but does anyone make a good, robust articulating mount? The cup holder mounts are pretty trashy for my application.

RAM has several mounts, but I can't decide which might be best if I go that way.
http://www.expressmounts.com/apple/ipod-g4-40gb-mono-screen/searchbymp3.htm

Also, in general do you guys use an iTrip or get a stereo with an aux jack and just plug in?

Thanks for any ideas.

cheers

 

[paulj]

A selling point for the Element several years ago was the fact that it included an AUX input on the dash (next to a 12v socket). My base DX model didn't have the AUX input, nor the radio, but the headunit that I installed (Aiwa) had such an input on its faceplate. Now quite a few aftermarket headunits have such an input. Others have an AUX input on the back, intended for use with disk changers.

So getting a AUX input in a replacement headunit shouldn't be hard.

I have a RAM mount for my handheld GPS. The trickiest part was figuring out a way of screwing the mount to the dash. I ended up making a bracket from aluminum angle, which I attached with the headunit mounting screws.

paulj

 

[OutbacKamper]

I have the "Trashy" (?) cup holder mount, it has worked flawlessly, even over thousands of miles of corrogated tracks in the outback. I purchased a new stereo with an aux input, but then I found out about these:

http://www.pie.net/applepie.cfm

Doh, the PIE adapter would have been cheaper and I prefer the controls on the stock stereo compared to the small hard to use buttons on my new Clarion (with aux input).
Oh well live and learn
Cheers
Mark

 

[gjackson]

I have the "Trashy" (?) cup holder mount,

Only 'trashy' because my truck didn't come with cup holders!! The Tuffy box I put in does have cup holders, but it would be an inconvenient place to put an iPod. Easy to grab a cup from there, but a pain to glance at a screen to check battery life, song time etc. . .Defenders are NOT the most ergonomic vehicles known to man!! :ar15:

So, no cup holder mounts for me. I'd like to have something to put it in easy view and reach.

Thanks for the PIE link. Their site was down when I tried it but I did find other info on it. Pretty cool stuff. Too bad there isn't a LR Def one.

cheers

 

[ErrinV]

I have the P.I.E. adaptor in my Tacoma. I just ran the wires down to the cup holders and let it sit in there. I have both the iPod and the Sirius down there and just switch the audio cable to the adaptor back and forth. I need to install a mount for both but haven't done it yet. I have 2 Ram mounts (one on the bike for the GPS, and a suction cup GPS mount for the truck) and they are very good. Haven't tried an iPod one, but I'm sure it would work fine.

Errin

 

[flyingwil]

What are you hooking your iPod up to? Stock Stereo? Aftermarket (If so what brand)?

That will help us!

I would recommend a complete solution, one that charges, holds and allows interfacing through the head unit. By the time you buy your mount and a charger you will wish you spent the few $ extra to get the interface. Below are list of links I have compiled over the past few months on my computer.

If you have a new aftermarket stereo most have an iPod interface, that you can buy (look up by brand's website)

• Pioneer
• Kenwood
• Alpine
• Clarion (lost link... now dead check e-bay.com)

Otherwise there are many companies that make interfaces that also charge, and allow you to change songs using the factory stereo buttons, some even display them on the factory stereo, most include mounts, many of them might be just what your looking for:

• PIE
• iPod2Car
• PAC
• BLitz
• Axxess Wire Tunes
• Monster iCruze
• Denson
• harman/kardon

The Harman/Kardon might be your best bet since it is pretty universal (since I do not know anything about your head unit). Also up for the running should be monster iCruze with the optional screen. Also the Axxess is a good one for consideration.

The Denson is a good option for you too.. seems to have everything you are looking for, mount and connection solution:

For mounting options there are many many options:

• PH-Mini 4
• RAM
• Akron

Those are just a few off my bookmarked websites. The Akron mounts, I have always had good luck with and my Akron PDA mount is great off road, and on road. Great brand and quality.



Hope that helps!
Wil

 

[cshontz]

I chose to use a wired RF modulator to connect to my stock head unit, in conjunction with a Belkin auto kit to provide power to the iPod. Sound quality can be pretty good, but my results have been mixed. I'll still recommend this setup, but I think I should have gone with a better RF modulator component.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cshontz/sets/1784678/

I'm using RAM hardware to mount the iPod, however I'm very displeased with the fitment of the 5G iPod in the RAM cradle. I also purchased a RAM universal clamping cradle which I like a little bit better, but its also slightly bulkier than the dedicated iPod cradle. The iPod cradle needed modified with a dremel to access the docking connector on my 5G iPod.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cshontz/sets/1784679/

Not alot of mounting position options in my Cherokee. I'm somewhat happy with the pictured position, but I think it might wobble excessively, due to the height of the arm, so I'm hesitant to install it there.

The cup hold isn't really an option because I use them often. The last thing I want to do is fumble with my iPod mounting assembly every time Jen and I go through the Burger King drive-thru.

The iPod installation has been a little bit of a fight to do it just the way I want it. However the Belkin auto kit connector is one component that has been great - a must-have if you're going the wired RF route.

 

[gjackson]

Thanks a bunch for the ideas guys. I have a Kenwood stereo at the moment (not stock), but I don't remember the model. Since the truck is currently at the body shop I can't go and check! Anyway, looks like you gave me plenty of material to look at. Seems like few people are using the iTrip, which may not be an option for me anyway, depending on if I decide to get a snorkel. (Snorkel will interfere with the antenna). I would like to have the iPod in easy reach and connected to the truck for power and sound, and possibly to a Mac Mini if I decide to go with an onboard computer. The iPod RAM mount is a bit disappointing since you have to mosify it to allow the bottom connector to plug in. The RAM aqua box looks interesting, but that's a little more than I need. Somewhat like the Otter box mount that RAM also has. I think the generic small electrinic device mount may work the best.

Thanks again for all the input.

cheers

 

[Scott Brady]

cshontz,

Very nice mount!

I have been using the Griffin unit with good success.

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/roadtrip/

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I went with the Alpine 9851 with the ipod controls on the head unit and the Alpine 420i adapter behind the dash. This way, i plug the ipod in, put it in the glovebox and control it from the head unit! Wayyy Coool and very convienient! HOWEVER, Alpine just released their new line of HU's and now no adapter is needed and it is supposed to run 50% quicker!

I highly recommen this setup and love it!

Here is a pic of it above my CB (as you can tell from the text, the iPod is not plugged in during the pic!):

 

[Scott Brady]

Very nice!

 

[The BN Guy]

Very sweet. Looks like it was made for the truck.

 

[paulj]

I think the CB fits the dash styling better than the Alpine unit. Between the bright blue display and the angled buttons, it's hard to picture Alpine units fitting in with any dash.

I put a low cost Aiwa headunit in my Element (which in the DX model did not have a factory unit). I'm happy with the performance of the Aiwa unit, but am less than happy with the display (again, the blue the doesn't fit with the dash lights), and the controls are too complicated.

As they incorporate more capabilities into automotive electonics, this tension between providing the necessary controls and displays, while keeping things simple enough to use while driving, will only get worse.

paulj

 

[+ d]

I use the peripheral/ipod2car (also sold as neo-ion) connector with my factory head unit.
Love it...it plugs into the bottom/dock port so the sounds is as clean as possible.
I have full control over it with my steering wheel controls, it charges the ipod, AND the best part of this system, unlike many other systems is it allows the ipod to retain full functionality even while plugged in. so someone can play DJ and cue songs into the playlist

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I think the CB fits the dash styling better than the Alpine unit. Between the bright blue display and the angled buttons, it's hard to picture Alpine units fitting in with any dash.

BINGO!

I dont care for the Bling factor! Now that Alpine came out with the new direct connect units, it gives me an excuse to upgrade/replace the blingy chrome silver one i have (all they had with ipod controls) and get a newer unit that is direct connect and black to blend in better!

jeez, i have too much free time!