Tablet Size and Mounting Advice Request

[gclauson]

For those of you who run a tablet for GPS in your Bronco, I'm seeking advice on size and mounts that work and don't work.

For example, I'd like to use 10", but are they too heavy and cause their mounting systems to "droop", or are they fine?

For mounting, I have a full cage, so plan to attach it to the dashboard cross-bar. The RAM Mounts X-grip seems good, but do they not allow the tablet to fall out under bumpy trail conditions? https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-UN9U

Also, any recommendations on Android tablets that have good durability? I'm leaning toward Samsung S5 or S7.

Thanks!

 

[bigmuddy]

Not trying to sound like an ass, but what is the purpose of mounting a tablet to the dash or using it in a bronco at all?

 

[Yeller]

I've been running an 8" Samsung Tab A for several years with great results. I just use a basic "bump" case for protection and a Ram mount. Sagging or moving around has not been an issue and I've bee pretty hard on it and the bronco. I have it mounted to the dash bar of my cage.

Mount:
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-101B-TAB20U

Bigmuddy, best offroad GPS I've ever used. Takes pictures, records tracks and no worries of running out of memory like with a hand held GPS. Could us it to monitor engine and speed too if I was so inclined.

 

[rcmbronc]

Same on mine. 8" tablet and ram mount.

I use it as motor data through a Blue Tooth OBDII adapter and also speedometer.

 

[ngsd]

Ditto, rugged case and Ram Mount. I have a roll bar that rides above the dash which makes it perfect to mount to but easily done other ways. I use GAIA on a Ipad mini

 

[gclauson]

Thanks for all the fast replies!
Looks like I need a case and the 8" size works well with the Ram mount.
Maybe I'll test the waters with the 10"!

Oh, and Bigmuddy, my old brain needs some help if I get miles into the backcountry and need to get out. I rarely go w/o another vehicle, but want to make sure I can follow the breadcrumbs to the trailhead, if needed!

 

[ssray]

Just checking, but are you aware of the different size ballmounts and arms available? I have had an older Ram mount (1.5”)in a Tractor for years that holds a large heavy Monitor for the GPS guidance system. I’m not sure it followed the letter labels they use now but it holds fine bouncing around in a tractor. Also have a 1” for an iPad and that works well, maybe wiggles around some but stays put and probably provides some shock absorption. Here’s what I use for the iPad along with an arm and clamp on ball. Snaps in quick and holds well. Just noticed that they have track and track mount balls that slide along the track. Pretty cool stuff.

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-AP17U

Scott

Thanks for all the fast replies!
Looks like I need a case and the 8" size works well with the Ram mount.
Maybe I'll test the waters with the 10"!

Oh, and Bigmuddy, my old brain needs some help if I get miles into the backcountry and need to get out. I rarely go w/o another vehicle, but want to make sure I can follow the breadcrumbs to the trailhead, if needed!

 

[Yeller]

Since pics are worth a lot of typing

I use Back Country Navigator. Also added a dedicated dual USB port. I don’t have defrost ducts so I run a power cord through them for the tablet.

 

[gclauson]

Scott, Thanks for pointing out the different ball sizes. I had seen that on their web site but not really absorbed it. If go to the 10" tablet, I think I'll go for the 1.5" size, otherwise it sounds like the 1" will be fine with an 8" tablet.

And thanks for the photos, Yeller- that's a great example. I think I'll mount mine in the same place.

 

[BUCKWILD]

10" sould not be a problem with a ram mount. Pre run KOH with one and only moved a little in a 75mph rollover

 

[Yeller]

On my set up I can promise the 1/4-20 stud will break before the 1” ball will move.

 

[bigmuddy]

I've been running an 8" Samsung Tab A for several years with great results. I just use a basic "bump" case for protection and a Ram mount. Sagging or moving around has not been an issue and I've bee pretty hard on it and the bronco. I have it mounted to the dash bar of my cage.

Mount:
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-101B-TAB20U

Bigmuddy, best offroad GPS I've ever used. Takes pictures, records tracks and no worries of running out of memory like with a hand held GPS. Could us it to monitor engine and speed too if I was so inclined.

Thanks for the explanation, I guess I am behind the times...;D

 

[gclauson]

10" sould not be a problem with a ram mount. Pre run KOH with one and only moved a little in a 75mph rollover

That sounds like quite the product endorsement!
I hope you were unhurt.

 

[nvrstuk]

I have been doing some on line searching but nothing beats input from guys using the product & mount system. Good timing and thanks for the pics.

So, I already have my phone on a Ram mount on my crossbar and I use GAIA and was thinking of building a tablet or Lowrance into the dash or just below it above the tunnel. I would like to not have to take it off and on every time I get out if I wander into a town or gas station on my travels (theft concerns).

Has anybody mounted a tablet somewhat securely into an extended console that connects to the dash or actually in the dash?

I finally got front blinkers and now I'm possibly tearing the interior apart again to do this. lol

 

[GWBronco]

I got the 8" tablet and mount from these guys:
https://lifetimetrailmaps.net/shopnow.html
I use it on the trail and monitor the engine. I also use it to play spotify from. The mount also has a lock on it. I have it mounted to me cage crossbar.

 

[gclauson]

Follow-up: I bought this

Thanks for everyone's suggestions!

As a follow-up, I purchased:
Samsung Tab A 8 inch (2019). eBay refurb $70
After mocking up an 8 and 10 inch tablet, it appeared that the 10 would be too cumbersome. I'm happy with the view-ability of the 8"

RAM Mount locking tablet holder
RAM Mount short arm with "C" (1.5") balls
RAM Mount locking knob
RAM Mount roll cage mount for 1-1.5" bars
Pieced all that together from eBay for about $110. Kind of ironic to spend more on the mount and locks than the Samsung itself!

The next discussion is what GPS trail maps apps (Android) are recommended?
I have used the paid version of Backcountry Navigator Pro on my phone for years. It works pretty well for the price, but storage and retrieval of the maps is cumbersome.

I just subscribed to OnX Offroad trail maps. They look great, but I thought I got a deal for $20/year subscription, and it turned out that was $20/month. I don't know that I'll get $240/year value from it. Will probably cancel.

Lifetime Trailmaps has been mentioned on this forum before. It is $260 on-time-fee for the once-a-year updates.

Backcountry Navigator has a new subscription version that ranges from $15 to $30/year, depending on which maps you want.

Comments/recommendations?

 

[Yeller]

I run back country Navigator pro. No matter what ap you use get the largest SD card you feel you can justify and point Everything to that card. Maps with decent detail and clarity are huge files and you will want them downloaded to work without a connection. The GPX files are pretty small. I download and share a lot of tracks and believe that for the most part more is better. And so far it works with every GPX file I’ve used.

I’m starting to play with Gaia maps and All Trails. Jury is still out. I think all Trails is a good back up for individual routes but so far I’m still at BCN for the ability to layer and pick and choose those layers.

 

[nvrstuk]

GAIA.

Use it a lot for sledding. Very accurate off my Samsung Android phone

 

[yakelys69]

anyone try the Mob Armor stuff like the TabNetic?

 

[gclauson]

Thanks for sharing that. It looks like a really interesting product line. And I'm interested to hear if anyone has used it.

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