So you’ve got an iPad, which beyond being a great tool for watching cat videos, is probably the most powerful and versatile navigational aid since the North Star. That is, if you can mount said iPad in a way that makes it visible, stable, and plugged-in.
Part of the way I rationalized the purchase of an iPad was the very premise of using it for navigation – and while I haven’t found a perfect solution for mounting it in the 4Runner, my current RAM-mount based solution has worked well-enough. Well enough that I’ve continued to use it for more than 3 years, that is.
The solution that I’ve found works pretty well for me is the combination of the RAM Pod Universal No-Drill Vehicle Mount ($30) and the RAM Tab Tite Quick Release iPad Cradle ($27).
The RAM Pod vehicle mount bolts to the passenger seat rail mount bolt, and the 18” aluminum rod can be bent to position the iPad to your liking and the interior contours of your vehicle. The spring-loaded Tab Tite cradle connects to the aluminum rod assembly via a ball-and-socket mount. This install, if you can even call it an install, takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on whether or not you pause to make a sandwich halfway through.
So how well does it work? Pretty well – the iPad cradle securely holds the iPad, and the Vehicle Mount does hold and position the iPad well. If I do have a gripe, it has to do with physics. There’s a decent amount of lever action on the 18” aluminum pole with an iPad mounted on the end, especially in a vehicle moving over terrain. The whole thing does vibrate and shake around a bit, and occasionally the seat rail bolt does loosen and need to be retightened.
The bit of vibration isn’t hugely bothersome (I don’t stare at the iPad going down the trail). There very well could be more perfect solutions, but so far this one seems to work for me, with about $60 in mounting hardware and a simple install.
Now deciding what mapping app to use on the iPad is a whole other decision process… If you want to read up more on navigation, mapping, and tools, check out these articles:
Anything but Asphalt: Mapping & More
National Geographic Maps – GW National Forest
I’ve got the same setup and added a strap/support to the mount arm where it passes next to the center console. This makes it much more stable. Plus I am running an ipad air and a slightly lighter/smaller mount/cradle to hold the ipad. Very happy with this setup.
You didn’t mention our favorite part which is that it can be rotated back and forth b/w passenger and driver without unlocking the knob.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-have-you-done-to-your-100-series-this-week.609679/page-223#post-9630755