Changes to my RAM Mount gear plus long-term review

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  • Опубліковано 6 лют 2024
  • I've been running RAM Mount gear in my offroad vehicles for 3½ years. Today I'll walk you through my current configuration, explain my recent changes, and give you my thoughts after long-term use. I use RAM mounts for my phone, iPad tablet, and Garmin GPS device, and occasionally for my GoPro as well.
    RAM Mount website:
    rammount.com/
    I have no affiliation with RAM and I earn no commissions for referrals. Link is purely for your convenience.
    Links to other gear I use can be found on my Gear & Mods page:
    softroadingthewest.com/gear
    #rammounts #phonemount #ipadaccessories
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 73

  • @softroadingthewest
    @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +6

    In this video, I forgot to mention that how I've mounted this on my Frontier dash is covered in detail in the older video: ua-cam.com/video/Uk2VS6p2aZU/v-deo.html Given the weight of my numerous devices, I did indeed drill holes in my dash for this, though RAM offers numerous options that do not require drilling your dash.
    An additional bit of well-thought-out modular brilliance from RAM is that the new aluminum rail I bought years after the original composite rail had the exact same screw hole alignment...all I had to do was remove the old composite rail and replace it with the aluminum track using the exact same screws and bolts. 🙂

  • @tyleryarbrough8975
    @tyleryarbrough8975 25 днів тому

    Hey, Don, I took your advice and pit the rail/ Ram mount system on my Tacoma dashboard. It’s brilliant. I’ll likely get an iPad mount as well when we get into true explorer mode. It’s a great information ‘dashboard’.

  • @gerryhartung736
    @gerryhartung736 4 місяці тому +3

    Small bit of info. If you drive in Arizona with "anything" other then the rear view mirror you will get a ticket. Called obstruction the vision. Even includes Xmas tree deodorizer, fuzzy dice, etc..

    • @DanitaReynolds
      @DanitaReynolds 4 місяці тому

      😮

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +4

      I mean...these don't obstruct my vision in the least, other than I can't see all of the hood of my truck. I have no tolerance for anything blocking my view on gnarly trails and have configured my setup accordingly. These are WAY lower than anyone using any sort of suction-cup windshield mount for their phone or dashcam. I think it's reasonable to outlaw actual obstructions to vision, but (despite how my camera angles may have made this look in the video) my setup doesn't block my view. I guess I'll see what happens next time I'm in Arizona. 🤞

  • @gainesj1
    @gainesj1 4 місяці тому +1

    I use RAM mounts as well adding an additional "ball" and "arm" to have devices sit lower more in-line with my dash level. I didn't want to drive around with my setup looking like the Millennium Falcon. Keeping devices as low as possible keeps line-of-sight better across the entiretly of the dash.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      Of course, this is going to vary from vehicle to vehicle. From my driving position, my devices only block my view of the hood of my truck. On offroad trails where I need to be able to pick lines carefully, I do not like having any vision obstruction at all. If my devices were any lower, they would complicate access to my stereo and heating controls which for me actually creates more of a hazard as I would have to find my way around that stuff while driving down the highway. Extending the weight of my devices any further on longer arms also amplifies the jiggling on unpaved roads and stresses all the components.
      The beauty of RAM's system is there are many other ways these things could be mounted, not even necessarily on the top of the dash. Up to everyone to find a solution that makes sense for their particular use case. Thanks for watching!

  • @johndej
    @johndej 4 місяці тому

    Great review! Thanks.

  • @offgridrecon
    @offgridrecon 4 місяці тому

    Nice knowing the product holds up to what you put it through. Great info. Thank you! 👍🏻

  • @jaystewart9947
    @jaystewart9947 4 місяці тому

    Looks well built and sturdy

  • @Deerector
    @Deerector Місяць тому

    Great video!!!

  • @adibrahnama9430
    @adibrahnama9430 4 місяці тому

    Well done, thank you.

  • @swidahooverlanding2867
    @swidahooverlanding2867 4 місяці тому

    Got to love Ram mounts... Thanks for the video. George.

  • @ThomasSMcNamara
    @ThomasSMcNamara 4 місяці тому

    I was hoping you would do a video like this! Thank you!

  • @jeffreypreiss8191
    @jeffreypreiss8191 4 місяці тому

    Thanks for the review. Good to know the RAM stuff can stand up to real usage.

  • @offroadxplorer
    @offroadxplorer 4 місяці тому

    I used a scrap piece of unistrut for my Ram Mount track. Thanks to your ideas I have plenty of scraps of it from projects I have used it on for my vehicle!

  • @carloszeigler
    @carloszeigler 4 місяці тому

    I use RAM mounts in my work and for my personal rig. Great products and excellent review.

  • @scottminshall6420
    @scottminshall6420 4 місяці тому

    Good video Donald, we use RAM Mount products in the aviation industry all of the time. They are sturdy to say the least!

  • @neilmartinsr4610
    @neilmartinsr4610 4 місяці тому

    Thanks for posting this video. I have been wanting to mount my Samsung tablet in my Grand Cherokee but didn't like the options I've looked at. I will definitely go to RAM.

  • @davidcolinstillman5585
    @davidcolinstillman5585 4 місяці тому

    HI DONALD 👋
    THANK YOU FOR THIS IMFORMATIOM ! BEEN LOOKING . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED ❤️ GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 THANK YOU 😊 🙏

  • @marcericdavis
    @marcericdavis 4 місяці тому

    I use a similar setup in my plane. Both the RAM balls and arms are made in a reenforced plastic and cast aluminum. I find that the cast aluminum are worth the extra cost. They are much more rigid both for vibration and when pushing the buttons and touch screen.

  • @timjchick
    @timjchick 4 місяці тому

    The RAM mounts are great. I currently use one of the X-grips for my phone and I’m about to upgrade to one for my iPad mini.

  • @garretlewis4103
    @garretlewis4103 4 місяці тому

    We have some Ram Mount gear in our vehicles. It does a pretty good job.

  • @TACTICALNOMAD
    @TACTICALNOMAD 4 місяці тому +1

    @softfoadimgthewest, Donald, be aware that having your devices that high above the dashboard has two possible problems.
    1. The sun coming thru the windshield will overheat them and cause damage.
    2. Many law enforcement will ticket you for having those in the viewing area of the windshield.

    • @madcratebuilder
      @madcratebuilder 4 місяці тому

      I know a couple of guys here in Orygun that got tickets from high mounted screens. I really like how solid those are, I have a Garmin Overlander in a cupholder mount and it shakes around a bit.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      I've been running my iPad on my dash for close to 5 years now, like many many many other people. If the iPad or my phone runs hot, I can actually direct a little AC onto them from the dash vents.
      And the way I placed or held the camera while shooting this video may have made my devices appear higher than they actually are. From my driver's viewpoint, they only block my view of the hood. I'm not too worried about cops, but having my full field of vision is important to me on gnarly trails...I have no tolerance for obstructions to my vision. 🙂 Interestingly, when I was looking for solutions for my Maxtrax, I had dozens of people suggest I mount them on my hood (which I've mocked up and rejected as it WOULD significantly block my vision). Somehow people get away with this though, I have a buddy who runs Maxtrax on his hood and it's SO much more obstructive than my dash-mounted devices.
      I have been running the configuration seen in this video since August of last year and it has worked out fabulously.

  • @in2flying
    @in2flying Місяць тому

    Wish they would make a Mag Safe charger for the ipad.

  • @donwyates
    @donwyates 4 місяці тому

    I've been tempted many times to just get something (anything) and try it out. But I hate the thought of wasting money on one that's just going to either break, or be more of a nuisance. This looks like a workable solution no matter what your needs are.

  • @kevinthomson6324
    @kevinthomson6324 4 місяці тому +1

    Some times spending a little extra up front saves you money in the long run. Due to not having to buy the same thing multiple times as the cheaper version breaks.

  • @sagebrushbob2321
    @sagebrushbob2321 4 місяці тому

    I have Ram mounts for my old Garmin (looks to be the same model as yours), an 8" tablet for Gaia, a mount for my GoPro 4 that does all my front view driving recording and a mic mount for my GMRS radio. In the last three years not one of them has moved or failed in any way. Ram mounts are a first class product and, in my opinion, worth every penny.

  • @Introverted_Outlander
    @Introverted_Outlander 4 місяці тому

    I agree that it’s nice to have quality quality gear. I’ve had three or four freebie, Amazon type phone holders. None of them really stay put, and they all broke very quickly. So I just set my phone in the cupholder for now and I have the Flippin fold case for my iPad. I just set it on top of the dash or in the passenger seat when I’m navigating I can’t afford to buy anything now I’m going through an extreme financial difficult time. And it would be very nice to have something similar so I’ll keep this in mind for future reference, But at this point in time I can’t afford anything, and it’s not in necessity for me. I also like how you’ve got your Garmin tablet and phone all laid out so that you can see all three of them and access all three of them easily.

  • @bybikenw7928
    @bybikenw7928 4 місяці тому +1

    As a solution to your phone falling off, have you looked at the Quad Lock system? They have a wireless charging head for Mag-charging. Again, not a budget friendly product, but very robust, and there are Ram integrated options as well. Your device falling underfoot can be distracting & dangerous. I have Ram mounts on my motorcycles and in my truck for seamless, instant transfer of devices between vehicles.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      It's truly a non-issue. I can count on one hand the number of times my phone has fallen off, and those few times were on rough backcountry dirt roads where I don't actually need my phone...it can stay on the floor, or I can also simply come to a stop at any time to retrieve my phone...there's no traffic to worry about. 🙂 If I find myself on a road rough enough to make the phone fall, I just plop it into the center console since I don't actually refer to it when I'm in the backcountry.

  • @bajasoobnut
    @bajasoobnut 4 місяці тому

    I have one of the single stick on ram balls on my sequoias dash and have a mag safe charger adapted to the ram mount system as I was being a bit cheap lol, then I found a phone case for my Samsung that has the mag safe ring integrated so I can use this stuff and works great for holding it, charging is another story as it only does so much amperage so I just use it as a mount and have a cord to physically connect to the phone, I have had my phone fall off only once and that was out in the back country in the cascades going to Expo last year.
    I am looking into a mounting system for the sequoia that someone has developed for it and so I can get both my phone and a Samsung tablet I have mounted up on there possibly, or have the mic for my GMRS mounted via the system.

  • @slol144
    @slol144 4 місяці тому

    I'm on my third tablet, only one RAM mount which was salvaged from a wrecked truck. My track is mounted on the passenger side of the center console and stow the unneeded mounts when not in use... even mounted a holster for my carry. Because ATL.

  • @pala4833
    @pala4833 4 місяці тому

    I use the RAM Mount Tab-Tite tablet holder and Twist-Lock suction cup mount for my iPad in the Tippy Taco. I recently added the inReach mini mount and screwed the ball onto my A-pillar. Big fan of how well my RAM gear performs.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +2

      "Tippy Taco" 😆 Aptly named👏

    • @pala4833
      @pala4833 4 місяці тому

      @@softroadingthewest Ha, it was a Peanut Gallery comment on the Surprise Snow video.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      I was trying to formulate some kind of joke around if you started carrying a traditional narrow two-person boat on top of your camper, you could name your new watercraft Tippecanoe, and perhaps name your camper Tyler. But I couldn't really get it to flow and would probably be lost on most anyway, LOL.

    • @pala4833
      @pala4833 4 місяці тому

      @@softroadingthewest Apropos of nothing; for years I had a sailboat named Tofu. Jenny and I built a small launch craft for it and named it the Miso Dinghy.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      @@pala4833 🤣🤣

  • @barnetts9812
    @barnetts9812 4 місяці тому

    Hi Donald. Ram isn't budget gear, but it's not the most expensive either. I've used n abused Rams on atv, snowmobiles down to -30°C. They are 'reliable', that's what counts.

  • @gordaro2828
    @gordaro2828 4 місяці тому

    Thanks! Have been wondering about your set-up. Perhaps you could show how things are integrated? 😃 cheers from Vancouver Island

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому

      I'm not sure what you mean? How which things are integrated?

    • @gordaro2828
      @gordaro2828 4 місяці тому

      Yeah, that was a tad vague. I have all the compnents you have but don't know how to make my tablet into a gps. Anyhoo....@@softroadingthewest

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      @@gordaro2828 Ahh gotcha. I cover that in another video. This link _should_ get you to that chapter of that video:
      ua-cam.com/video/ZJUcf8NY9MA/v-deo.htmlsi=ZQBpmNxWgpKDJTWX&t=286

    • @gordaro2828
      @gordaro2828 4 місяці тому

      Appreciated brother!@@softroadingthewest

  • @aaronthedj12
    @aaronthedj12 4 місяці тому

    Because of my time outside and on the road, I'm very surprised you dont have a case on your ipad.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      On trips it just stays right there in the mount, out of harm's way. I haven't seen any need for the added bulk of a case. I've been using this same iPad for nearly 5 years now, it remains undamaged. 👍

    • @aaronthedj12
      @aaronthedj12 4 місяці тому

      @@softroadingthewest you're a lucky guy! Mine for sure would see some gravel or pavement, taking it inside or out to the vehicle. The mount however is doing a great job. I've used ram mounts for many years.

  • @JamesSymmonds
    @JamesSymmonds 4 місяці тому

    Still waiting for the ScanGauge 3 review. Although, they seem to be hard to find at the moment.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +2

      This has been on my list for a long long time but honestly I've struggled to find motivation to review this, since I just don't really know what to say about it. It does what their website says it does. I'm happy with the purchase. Perhaps I'll get this knocked out one day, but I keep finding other things I'd rather make videos about. 😆

  • @johndewolfe9411
    @johndewolfe9411 4 місяці тому

    Good video! How do you power your ram-mounted devices? You would seem to need at least 3 usb cables (4 with your rear-view mirror?) Cigarette lighter USB adapters? Hard-wired somehow? Something else? I use quite a few ram-mounts myself and ended up hard-wiring some USB power ports as the cigarette lighter adapters would sometimes vibrate loose. I would also be interested in how you are routing your USB cables.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому

      Hey John, the cables are just running to USB ports in a few locations. The phone charger and a USB/Lightning cable for the iPad go to a cigarette lighter>USB adapter in the dash. I have a super long cable for the old Garmin GPS so it goes to one of the USB ports I installed on the "power management" switch box I built on my center console. The dashcam has a cigarette-lighter style plug and I have it plugged into a cigarette lighter outlet in my center console which is only powered when the truck is running. This way the dash cam automatically turns on when I start the truck and automatically switches off when I turn off the truck. Long ago a bought a set of self-adhesive wire clips in various sizes, and I've used several of those to help (sorta) neatly route the bundle of cables down off the dash. You can kinda see this at 3:33 and again at 7:41

  • @codyaverhoff6828
    @codyaverhoff6828 4 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for sharing. I would be interested in learning about what gps system you use for navigating. Does it work with no cell service?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +2

      I use an app called Gaia GPS and yes, it uses the GPS receiver inside a phone or a cell-capable tablet to track your location and show you where you are on the map. You can pre-download map data before your trip so it's already there in your device and not reliant on cell signal. This video: ua-cam.com/video/ZJUcf8NY9MA/v-deo.html includes a segment that explains this more thoroughly. It's about halfway in, you can skip forward to the chapter called "Navigating."

    • @codyaverhoff6828
      @codyaverhoff6828 4 місяці тому

      Thank you!

  • @PeteGeniella
    @PeteGeniella 4 місяці тому

    I love the Ram mount system. For the MagSafe mount it seems like the right phone case is crucial. What case do you use?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому

      It's nothing special, just a cheap MagSafe-compatible thing I found on Amazon that was cheap and well reviewed:
      amzn.to/3P3l9IR

  • @darrengray2309
    @darrengray2309 4 місяці тому

    Looks a good set up but there is no way I'd be screwing into my dash. Oh i just had a better view it's just screwed to a plastic trim piece which could be replaced. On the next model which replaced the D40 in 2015 the Dash is all 1 piece.

  • @bigriver3278
    @bigriver3278 4 місяці тому

    Thanks Don....good subject and I know you've done the research. Why don't you want sponsors?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      Oh believe me, I would LOVE sponsors. Running this channel isn't sustainable on the ad revenue from UA-cam, and I'm still trying to figure out how to keep this operation afloat. A couple of ongoing sponsorships from companies whose products I believe in would go a long ways in ensuring the survival of the channel. 😏
      I've reviewed many many products that were provided at no charge to me, and for years I had an ongoing sponsorship agreement with Jackery, with them paying me monthly. I currently still have an ongoing agreement with Yankum Ropes. I review all products - sponsored or not - with my honest impressions and opinions, but if I give a glowing positive review about a product, many people automatically assume I've been paid to say what I said. So when I'm looking at items I've bought myself, I like to make it very clear that I'm not just trying to sell them something. 🙂

    • @bigriver3278
      @bigriver3278 4 місяці тому

      Well you've a great channel and I appreciate and respect your improvements and due diligence!@@softroadingthewest

  • @krismiller5474
    @krismiller5474 4 місяці тому

    Did you screw the rail into the dashboard?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      Yes. In fact, not only did I screw in the rail, I drove additional screws to further secure the section of dash this is attached to. I forgot to mention that how I've mounted this is detailed in the older video: ua-cam.com/video/Uk2VS6p2aZU/v-deo.html An additional bit of well-thought-out modular brilliance from RAM is that the new aluminum rail I bought years after the original composite rail had the exact same screw hole alignment...all I had to do was remove the old composite rail and replace it with the aluminum track using the exact same screws and bolts. 🙂

  • @fergk5527
    @fergk5527 4 місяці тому

    @softroadingthewest.
    Are you planning on selling your frontier roof rack?
    If so I'd really be interested!
    I also live in Oregon, although we're about 2+ hours away I'd definitely get it from you!
    I'd prefer an oem rather than one on ebay.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      I'm not sure...maybe. I obviously will not be putting it back on the truck as long as the camper is on there, and I don't anticipating changing that anytime soon...and also the rack is kind of a PITA to store LOL. I feel it's highly highly unlikely I will ever use it again, in which case I would love to get rid of it. I hadn't given it a whole lot of thought honestly so let me sleep on it. If you haven't heard back from me by the end of the week, give me a poke by replying to this comment again. :-)

    • @fergk5527
      @fergk5527 4 місяці тому

      @@softroadingthewest
      Awesome, I shall do that. Thanks for the response back.

  • @patriotsleepercell4060
    @patriotsleepercell4060 4 місяці тому

    Would that phone charger work with a Samsung?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому

      I have no idea. Are Samsung phones compatible with Apple chargers? I doubt it, but I've not had the opportunity to try, so I do not know. A little Googling might get you a better answer. 🙂

  • @MIAMIC70
    @MIAMIC70 4 місяці тому

    How did you attach the rail to the dashboard? Never had luck with adhesives even 3M VHB.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 місяці тому +1

      It is screwed on there. I forgot to mention that my installation is covered in detail in the older video: ua-cam.com/video/Uk2VS6p2aZU/v-deo.html Obviously that is specific to the 2nd-gen Frontier but you can at least see what I did. It's about halfway into that video. The new aluminum rail I'm using now has the exact same screw holes as the old composite rail seen in the older video, so swapping them out was effortless (and brilliant design on the part of RAM).