Whether your 4Runner is a daily commuter or an outfitted overland rig, a dash mount can be a great way to improve the functionality of your interior. You can mount your cell phone for navigation, use a GoPro to get the best shots, or use a mic for your radio. With the LabOps gear dash mount, the options are extensive.
When searching for dash mounts, I wanted something sleek, low-profile that didn’t require drilling. Unfortunately, I was coming up short until I discovered LabOps. John, the owner and self-proclaimed gear nerd behind LabOps, started with 3D-printed dash mounts that replaced the factory plastic above the factory head unit. These dash mounts worked, but he wanted something even sleeker to retain the function of the factory clock. Enter the LabOps Gear Dash Mount V2.
Table Of Contents
Installation
The dash mount installation really couldn’t be easier. You have to remove some plastics and unbolt the head unit, but this is a breeze compared to the measuring and drilling for other dash mounts on the market. The installation’s hardest part is ensuring you don’t lose that pesky 10 mm socket.
Tools Required:
- Socket wrench
- Socket extension
- 10 mm socket
- Small Phillips-Head screwdriver
There’s a great video showing all the steps to installation up close in great detail, so check that out for installation specifics.
Design & Construction
I think this mount’s design and construction make it unique. The mount is injection-molded plastic, allowing a precise design to fit the factory location perfectly. Comparing it to the OEM plastic piece, you can really see the effort that went into the design. Apart from the threaded inserts and USB plug, the two pieces are nearly identical.
The mount comes with four threaded inserts designed to work with RAM balls, giving plenty of mounting options. It also comes with a nice custom 12V dual USB outlet. The design allows for full clock functionality.
Each mount comes with a simple-to-use posi-tap wiring harness, allowing quick and easy power to the USB plug without cutting or splicing any wires.
As a bonus, the mounts are fully designed and manufactured in Texas.
Fit & Finish
If you want a sleek, low-profile mount that looks OEM+, the LabOps mount is for you. The whole purpose of this mount was to achieve that, and it really hits the mark. The injection molded design fits the factory location perfectly. The plastic tabs and the small screw holes all lined up smoothly, and the result is a fit that looks OEM.
The dual USB plug is excellent and has a high-quality look & feel. I also appreciated the LabOps Gear branding on the top of the plug. It fits perfectly into the mount and again gives a high-quality finish.
I like that it doesn’t block the factory clock, either. If you’re using the USB plug, it will be obstructed, but with nothing plugged in, you can see the clock easily.
Overall, I think this is a really sharp-looking product, and you can tell a lot of care was put into making it fit the OEM space perfectly.
Functionality
The four threaded inserts are designed to fit the 1″ Size “B” RAM balls but could fit any bolt with a standard 1/4″-20 X .25″ thread diameter and pitch. RAM mounts have many options for various arms, phone mounts, navigation mounts, etc., so the options are extensive. The RAM balls thread in easily, and the arms attach in seconds, so you can quickly customize your loadout.
This is great for small handheld items. I’ve been using it every day for my phone, GoPro, and GMRS radio microphone when I’m out wheeling. It’s important to note what this mount is not, though. This mount is not a “command center” where you can put a tablet or hang a heavy item off the front. Because of the design, it uses OEM plastic tabs and isn’t designed for these larger items.
There is naturally a little flex in the plastic, however, I haven’t had any problems with those small items mentioned above. You shouldn’t have any issues as long as you know the limitations and use it for the intended purpose.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’ve been pleased with this mount so far. It looks great and does its job well. For smaller devices like phones and radios, it works great. If you need to mount heavier items, you may be better off looking for a mount with metal construction. However, expect to drill into your dash for installation. If you’re looking for a sleek OEM-style mount, or just don’t want to drill into your dash, this mount might be the perfect mount for you.
So I picked this up after reading your review, I really like the fact that it’s a no drill installation so both my wife and I were all for it… after having it a few months, my only complaint is the vibration I get in my phone and older gopro (hero4) that doesn’t have image stabilization… but if I rest the arm for the phone mount on the main trim and put just a slight bit of tension on it as I tighten it down, it helps to get rid of some of the vibration.
USB charger portion does not fit in Limited model(s). Specifically 2010 in my case.
Installed it on a 2017 Limited, no problem.
Thank you for the write up Tanner. Anyone know how this unit holds up on rough terrain with something like a Baofeng radio and cell phone attached?
Hey Ray (and Pete below), thanks for reading the article! I think that’s important to note with this dash mount. It uses small plastic tabs on factory locations to provide support. Things around going to flex a little on rough terrain, it’s to be expected I think. That being said, I have been on numerous trips with it, using it to mount my phone, a GoPro, and my Midland radio handheld, and it’s held up to that fine. One tip would be to use the composite RAM arms and the shorter the better, rather than the heavy metal arms or long attachments that will put more leverage on the piece. So far so good for me though!
Second that, how stout is thing off road? Does that piece of plastic rattle at all with weight on it or is it bullet proof?
Pete thanks for you comment, please see my response above!