iPhone/ Droid Mount – Ram Mount Solution for 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner
If you are looking for a solid iPhone/ Droid Ram Mount solution, we think we found one. This is a question that we received on the website a few times. We figured it was about time we dive into the Ram Mount ideas and possibilities. There are literally hundreds of Ram Mounts out there. There is not a specific application for the 5th Gen 4Runner, though.
Ram Mount Bracket for 4Runner?
Ram Mount does have a laptop specific mounting bracket and extension for the 4Runner and Tacoma. But, how many of us are running our MacBook air when we are on the trail. I sure as hell am not. If you are, more power to you, but that seems like it would take up a ton of space. In any case, Ram Mount does have the laptop mount bracket and extension available if you want to go that route.
iPad Vs iPhone Ram Mount for 4Runner?
We will eventually do another post on the iPad mount but for now, we are talking about the iPhone/ Droid Ram Mount Solution. We wanted to find the best Ram Mount solution and set-up out there. With some research, we ran across Explore4R.com who has a pretty rad set-up for his 4R. This is a similar version to what Max did to his 4Runner.
- Where exactly do we mount the actual base?
- What extension do we need?
- What connectors do we need?
- What iPhone/ Droid Ram Mount holder to buy?
These were all questions that we have been searching for and experimenting with over the last couple of weeks. We bought about 20 different Ram Mount products to test out the best scenario for the best 4Runner iPhone/ Droid Ram Mount Solution. This is a solution that should work for just about everyone out there. Well, everyone who is willing to drill into their dash!
What we used for this install
- Universal Smart Phone Mount: Check Price
- The small Ram Mount connection: Check Price
- Female Ram Mount: Check Price
- Bolts: Check Price
- Washers: Check Price
Mount Location (Ram Mounts)
Our thought process here was initially inspired by @Whitecollar_T4r on Instagram, who was inspired by @Life.to.the.max. There are also a few guys who have done this in the forum, and one guy in particular who did this exact location.
We are going to mount a small female 1″ ball Ram Mount through the side of the 4Runner dash. We will need to pull the center dash off and drop backing, a spacer, and a small bolt on the other end. We can then reinstall the dash and then configure our Ram Mount set-up for our iPhone.
SnailTrail4x4 Video Install
Step #1: Pull off the lower 4Runner Dash
Start by removing the 4Runner dash. You want to start with the lower section of the 4Runner dash. Grab one side at a time and pull. Pull firmly until you pop the tabs out of their location. It will feel pretty sketchy at first, but this whole section is designed to pop off. Once you have one side free of the tabs, repeat this step on the other side.
You will see in the image below, there are two wire clips (the ones with blue tape) that you will need to unclip to completely remove this lower section of the 4Runner dash. Once the clips are free you can set the lower section of the 4Runner dash to the side.
Step #2: Remove 4 Bolts on upper Dash
Remove the 4 bolts on the metal brackets seen above. These are 10mm bolts. Once you have removed the 10mm bolts, the top portion of the 4Runner dash will be free to remove. To remove the upper portion of the 4Runner dash, pull on each side, just as you did with the lower portion of the dash.
The top portion of the dash will not completely come off for this install. All you need is access to the backside of the top 4Runner dash. Once you have the dash off, you can start to line up where you want your female Ram Mount.
Step #3: Line Up your 1″ Female Ram Mount
With the dash removed, you can get an idea of where the female Ram Mount will go and where it will connect on the backside. There is not much room on the inside of the 4Runner’s dash. So, you need to get pretty creative in wrenching it down. If you have a set of combination wrenches, that will help. You can used the close and open-ended side of the wrench to help you thread the bolt into place and through the 4Runner dash.
Step #4: Prepare Your Hardware
You will have your 1″ ball female ram mount and then your hardware. This hardware does not need to be exact. I bought 1/4″-20 x 3/4″ Hex Head Bolts threaded male, that will go into the female 1/4″-20 Ram Mount thread. These are the bolts that I bought.
You don’t need to buy a set as I did though. You can always go down to the Home Depot and buy a single, although some box stores only sell them in a bulk box of 50 or 100. And, it’s always nice to have extra bolts.
For washers, we found a couple of washers laying around the shop. We actually ended up using one larger diameter washer for the installation as it gave us a little more surface area support on the backside of the 4Runner dash.
Step #5: Prepare Your Ram Mount Configuration
You can configure your phone mount set-up any way you want. This is just how I configured mine. The links for the exact items should be at towards the top of this page. You can get creative and come up with something a little more dynamic or keep it simple like this. I wanted to keep mine as simple as possible, so this is what I came up with.
Step #6: Drill Hole in Dash
The scary part! Mark your location and make sure you are 100% about this location. There no going back after this one. Drill a pilot hole or just drill your main hole. Either way, just make sure you are certain about the location for your phone mount.
We found our location to be about 1/2″ off the base of the 4Runner dash (just below where the ball will sit), so that it does not touch the dash. This will give you plenty of room to add a Ram Mount connection to the ball without touching the main 4Runner dash below.
Step #7: Mounting the 1″ Ball from the Back
Once you have the hardware on the back side and the Ram Mount tightened down, this is what you should end up with. Something like this. Again, the washer does not need to be exact. Just get a washer that fits over your 1/4″ Ram Mount threads. You can brace this up hoe ever much you would like, but with a wide diameter single washer, you should be fine.
Step #8: Putting Everything Together
After driving with this for a couple of days. Super impressed.
This is a great little addition for on-road and off-road use. I really can’t wait to get this off-road and see how it handles over some rocks. I will keep the page updated as usual. Thanks, everyone. Hopefully, this phone mount for the 5th Gen helps you figure out how you want to mount your set-up. Let us know if you have any questions.
I found this mount location was in the way when steering and using the wipers etc. I was always nervous about cracking the plastic if I bumped the phone in quick steering manuvers. When I upgraded my head unit to the dasaita, it came with new plastic for that upper part of the dash where I drilled the hole for this mod. Rather than repeating the mount location in this post, I moved the mount location to the lower right, on the long plastic cover below the temperature control dial. The phone sits securely above the 4×4 shifter, and is out of my way enough, but still within easy reach to use (when parked). It doesn’t seem to be in the way for passengers either. The Ram mount is great, and is stable enough on logging roads, but sometimes I take the phone out if it’s really bumpy… don’t want it to crack the plastic the bracket is mounted to.
There are some broken links in this write up, female ball mount is herehttps://www.amazon.com/Mount-4-Inch-20-Female-Threaded-1-Inch/dp/B006RKF1X8/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=female+ram+mount&qid=1597501044&sr=8-2
I did this install the first week I bought my 4R, I later changed the Ram X-Grip with the Ram magnetic ball base. I keep a metal piece from another vent mount I had, in between my phone and case, I used tape to keep the metal piece on my phone. I liked the stability of the Ram X-Grip, but the magnetic base makes it much easier for everyday in and out of the vehicle. I can always swap out to the Ram X-Grip if I am going “off the road”.
Read the thread, the X-grip was a bit of a pain if you mounted on the buttons. with the Magnetic, I can adjust easily to the phone isn’t sticking over the hood or line of sight while driving.
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-202-339U
magnetic ball base
I’ve had this install since this write-up was originally published. I have really enjoyed the location of the phone in the mount and the ease of use.
Since I live in the south, the heat did get to it though and loosed the bolts somehow. So for a while, i keep having to re-tighten the bolt which was super annoying since you have to remove the entire dash.
I finally bought a locking washer and a small washer added to the outside of the mount so that I could tighten it down pretty snug. I’ve never had any issues after that, even with a heavier phone (Google 3-XL) and going off road. It was a great install.
Any issue with your right hand on the steering wheel hitting your phone in that location?
Hi, I’m thinking of going with RAM base (the ball) and attaching Panavise phone holder: https://www.panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&–eqskudatarq=241
I like the Panavise holder vs RAM X one because:
– it doesn’t touch any buttons on phones
– it is made of gentle plastic + foam, never scratches the phone
– it fits variety of phones – different sizes
– it allows one hand operation for placing and removing the phone
I would normally use Panavise holder with ProClip mount, but I think I like RAM base better than ProClip base. What do you think?
So a couple of things. The instructions in the video and the write up are a little different. If you try to mount high and too far back you won’t be able to use the right size washer.
In the video he says move it almost all the way to the back, just before it’s touching the dash.
I moved it a little forward and down some so that I could use a bigger washer, to help disperse more weight. I also took a washer and ground off a portion so that it would fit next to the stereo snap in mount. My goal was to get the thing as far back as possible from the steering wheel. Finally, I bought some black plastic wire clips with the 3m on them to hold down the phone cable.
If you drilled per the instructions, you won’t be able to get a washer in the back.
It’s a great walk through on what to do process wise. So far, I like the location, haven’t drove with it yet. However, it’s nice to have the driver vent back and a more solid phone mount.
Just did this to my 2014 TEP. My current phone is an iPhone XS+, which is making the Ram ball spin under the load of the suspended weight. Apple’s Technical Specs say my phone weighs 208g, plus my LifeProof case’s ~50g the total payload is around 258g. This is IMO too heavy for this style of mount.
I tried my wife’s phone, an iPhone X, that weighs 174g, and it is rock solid. Thankfully, I will be picking up my iPhone 11 Pro (non-plus sized phone) on Friday, so I will see how that holds up. If it slips, I will be ripping this out and plugging the hole with a rubber hole plug.
Honestly though, to me, this is one of those mods that looks good while your truck is parked, but YMMV while in motion with a heavy phone / phablet and will certainly be dependent upon how rough of terrain you are driving over.
Beware, when I ordered the kit from amazon it came with a medium length double socket arm and while driving >60 mph it shakes like crazy. Granted, I have an iPhone Xs Max which is heavier than a normal sized phone, as well as STT Pros (mud-grips) that cause more vibration than less aggressive tires. I’ll be ordering a short arm to see if that solves the shaking issue. Does anyone have any recommendations as far as aluminum vs composite arms?
I get the same vibrations. It is driving me nuts. I used the parts listed here. I have STT Pros as well with a note9. I came back here hoping to find a solution 🙁
Nice mod, would like to install it on my 4Runner. Drilling is bit difficult, mentally 🙂
Great Mod… great links to buy… installed this in maybe 10 min. Solid mod.
I just completed this install on my brand new 2018 4runner! It was nerve-racking when I was drilling the hole, lol. This write up and the SnailTrail4x4 video were awesome resources. The hardest part for me was actually getting the bottom portion of the center dash off. So happy with the results and the adjustability of the mount.
The RAM mount works great with my iPhone X as long as I have the mount gripping the phone as low as possible. It’s definitely possible to position the phone so the RAM mount grips right on the buttons. If that happens just move the phone up so the top mount grips are right below the left and right edge buttons. There’s still plenty of phone for the mount to grip and it stays solid.
Thanks again for this great resource!
the X-grip was a bit of a pain if you mounted on the buttons. with the Ram Magnetic ball base, I can adjust easily to the phone isn’t sticking over the hood or line of sight while driving.
Here is a link to the video that I saw. I didn’t come up with this myself, but it works amazingly. All the links to the parts are in the video. Credit to Tactical Expedition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7jquxYaCYA
What did you use instead of the female Ram mount? a link would be great. Thank you!
I thought we dropped all the links up there, what did we miss? Are you talking about this mount?
I used this almost exact setup in my 2108 4R OFP and instead of drilling used 30LB tape. It holds everything very well. I can adjust up and down with no problems. I didn’t have the balls to drill so I found another option.
Does this mount work with your side buttons? I read a lot of reviews saying it is not the best mount for an iPhone.
Yes, there is plenty of room. The mount does not get in the way of anything. Where did you read bad reviews on this mount? Where were all these bad reviews you speak of?
I read reviews on amazon specifically regarding iPhones and this mount. Many people stated that the X grips will press the buttons on the side of the iPhone while it is in the holster. So it will turn the phone off or turn up the volume and things of that nature. Just wondering if you had the same issues. Nothingnin regards to the mounting position or anything.
It works fine on my iPhone 7. Just don’t put it in the clamp on the buttons.
Ahhh gotcha, yeah if you have the phone lower in the RAM mount, the outer clasps will clamp down on the silence button. It happened a few times to me. Once you get an idea of where it clamps, it becomes routine to place it properly on the mount to not let this happen. Maybe an iPhone 4-5 would have more of an issue as they are smaller? I have an iPhone 6s and it fits great. We are going to grab a ProClip and see how it stacks up but from what I have read on the ProClip, it’s awkward and clunky, no first-hand experience, though. I love the RAM mount where it is in the 4Runner. LOVE IT! It makes communication and viewing texts easy while viewing the road. It is mounted in a great location on the 4Runner. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
THERE IS NO EMAIL/TEXT IMPORTANT ENOUGH THAT YOU HAVE TO READ IT WHILE YOU’RE DRIVING! PULL OVER BEFORE YOU KILL SOMEONE!
???? There’s a thousand other functions this is used for while driving.
Nothing against Ram, but ProClip is the way to go, no drilling and can hold an insane amount of weight. Not to mention the overall rigidity off-road. There is also charge cord options. I have one in every vehicle I own. Decide to sell the vehicle no problem, easy non marring removal. I use the center dash mount for easy access to USB, and no issues with blocking vision.
ProClip
+1 for ProClip. The drop-in/lift out use is what sold me. I have a RamMount on my bike– it’s good but it’s a two-handed affair, and occasionally the clamps would take screenshots depressing the power and volume buttons.
Love this idea. Finally got the courage to do this install and I love it.
What a great site. I recently got a 4R. I am going to try this and add a wireless charger to the RAM Mount. If Ram Mount was smart, they would start production on them. I will let you know how it goes.
Awesome, let us know how it goes!
So, this turned out great for my iPhone X! Debating on whether or not to install a wireless charger or not. If you want to see the pics, admin, please email me. Thanks again!
it would seem to me that while you have this all apart, you’d have very stealthily run an iphone charger cable behind dash and have it exit just beneath the origin ball. Could probably drill in bottom of one of the 2 useless cubbies down low on console and snaked over to charging station.
Adding to the clean look of the install, unless of course you guys only run on battery.
Great site,great info, keep content showing up
Rick,
Good call!! That would be clean. I am working on something right now to replace that whole lower cubby section. Replace it with a flat face and multiple switch blanks (8), another double USB port for sure and keep the current USB/Jack & cig lighter. We for sure need more than 1 USB ports up front. I saw something similar on a 4th gen and it looked clean so we will see how it goes. I like the always there, hidden iPhone cable idea. All the extra blanks for getting creative and just always having options. Always nice to have blanks open.
The lower cubby will require you to drill holes in both the cubby, and the inner plastic frame that the bezels attach to.
I have already drilled the holes in the lower cubby to try and run the cord for my iPod that stays in the lower cubby, but the fit between the cubby and the plastic support is to close to give any slack to the lightening cable.
Also, you will need grommets that are slightly bigger than 3/8, but still smaller than the next bit size up. I destroyed 2 larger grommets because the 3/8 holes are still slightly undersized. You need at a minimum a 3/8 ID grommet for the lightening connector to fit through.
Thanks for a great write up. Built up the nerve to drill my dash today and love the outcome. Should come from the factory with at least the ball mount. Your site is such a great resource!
How has this held up off-road? Does the bolt and washer provide enough force to hold the ball shaft from spinning on bumps? Do you have more pictures of the final setup? Maybe from the side?
Philip,
Good call. I will get some additional final shots on this mount and the brackets. So far, it has held up just fine. It has only been a couple of weeks but I LOVE this set-up. The ram mounts are built rock solid, so there is little to NO sway at all. Especially because we have a very short connection on the set-up. We are only using a 1″ ball short double socket to the actual Ram Mount X Grip so everything is locked down pretty tight. I have not taken the runner out yet so we will see how it holds up off-road. From the initial experience though, I don’t foresee any problems in the future.