Custom Tablet Cradle Mount For Toyota Hilux
Frank was looking for a custom tablet cradle mount for Toyota Hilux. He wanted to locate his tablet over the front of the center-infotainment screen in his Toyota Hilux. In effect, the Tablet would be suspended in mid-air. The tablet is being used primarily for navigation. Furthermore, he wanted the ability to pivot and rotate the tablet. This would enable screen sharing with his wife whilst underway. It also would allow him to change the orientation of his tablet. With clear requirements to work with, we invited Frank to pay us a visit. The tablet is primarily used for offroad navigation although Frank does plan on using it on the highway
Building out the Solution
We started with our Tablet Cradle Mount – Extreme Edition using the RAM LONG 1.5″ Double-Socket Arm (RAM-201U-D). We mounted the SeaSucker 114 mm Black Vacuum Mount in the centre of the windscreen as low as possible. This is limited by the height of the vacuum mount and RAM Ball which is approx 110mm. As shown in the photo, this was as low as we could mount on the windscreen.
Next, we connected the RAM LONG 1.5″ Double Socket Arm (RAM-201U-D). This provided ample clearance over the center console stack. However, we did notice the overall height of the tablet did obstruct the driver’s view. The height of the tablet cradle was too high in this configuration and directly impacted driver viewability out the window.
Using the RAM LONG 1.5″ Double Socket Arm (RAM-201U-D) as the primary arm places this arm on top of the dashboard. Therefore, we did recommend installing a piece of rubber or carpet under the arm to protect the dashboard. Furthermore, the RAM LONG 1.5″ Double-Socket Arm (RAM-201U-D) weighs approx 750 grams which further adds to the suspended weight.
The preferred tablet cradle for Frank’s solution was the RAM-HOL-TAB3U. This provided the flexibility to insert the tablet into the cradle both with and without a protective case.
Fixing Obstructions Issues
Faced with a viewing obstruction issue we used the RAM 1.5″ Double Ball Connector (RAM-230U). The RAM Double Ball Connectors allow you to connect two RAM Double Socket Arms together without losing functionality. At first, we tried using the RAM STANDARD 1.5″ Double-Socket Arm (RAM-201U) as the secondary arm however this lowered the overall height of the tablet too far. Testing quickly confirmed the RAM SHORT 1.5″ Double-Socket Arm (RAM-201U-B) is the ideal choice, lowering the tablet’s overall height by 170 mm and bringing it level with the top of the steering wheel. Initial tests confirmed there was no discernable vibration on the screen, this was minimized due to the primary arm resting on top of the dashboard.
Introducing the Tablet Cradle Mount – Jumbo Edition
We have received numerous requests from customers looking for a tablet mounting solution that suspends a tablet in front of the car’s infotainment screen. Therefore, we developed the product further focusing on reducing the product’s suspended weight and enabling the vacuum mount to install further toward the bottom of the windscreen.
To achieve this, we swapped out the SeaSucker 114 mm Black Vacuum Mount with the SeaSucker 114 mm Black Vacuum Mount with Low Profile Housing which has a vertical and horizontal stainless steel thread in its housing. This reduces the overall height of the vacuum mount and allows the Naked Flex Arm to screw into the Vacuum Mount at right angles whilst enabling the mount to be installed as low as possible on the windscreen. The vehicle used for this test is a 2012 BMW X5.
Next, we swapped out the RAM LONG 1.5″ Double-Socket Arm (RAM-201U-D) for TWO SeaSucker Naked Flex Arms which are super tough, made from marine grade sprung stainless steel, and wrapped with a rubber protector. The SeaSucker Naked Flex Arm can be bent in almost any direction and will remain in its bent shape. Next, we installed a RAM 1.5″ Ball with 1/4-20 Female Thread (RAM-337U) on the end of the SeaSucker Naked Flex Arm and installed the RAM SHORT 1.5″ Double-Socket Arm (RAM-201U-B) on the ball end.
The RAM LONG 1.5″ Double-Socket Arm (RAM-201U-D) provides an overall length of 232 mm and weighs approx 750 grams, each SeaSucker Naked Flex Arm is 170 mm in length and weighs approx 200 grams. Therefore, even if we use two SeaSucker Naked Flex Arms it will provide a primary reach of 370 mm (or 490 mm if you include the Vacuum Mount). This should ensure clearance across as many dashboards as possible whilst reducing its suspended weight by almost 50%. Furthermore, we quickly discovered we could easily pivot or rotate the cradle to find the perfect viewing angle
We still have more testing to complete before releasing this product. Having said this, we are confident the configuration of this product is unlikely to change. We do plan on releasing this product with plenty of flexible options to enable customization. In the interim, if you would like to know more about the Tablet Cradle Mount – Jumbo Edition please subscribe to our Company Blog for updates. Alternatively, please feel free to call us at 1300 877 119 or via email at sales@seasucker.com.au
