Inexpensive and easy GPS/tablet mount

[Paul]

I really like using my Galaxy Tab 3V as a GPS (TomTom GO is fantastic for navigation), having made a really nice mount for it on my Sprint ST. It was basically a sheet of plastic bolted to the dash, but flexed upwards onto the inside of the windscreen to keep it from bouncing around. While it worked fantastic on that bike, I knew it wasn't possible to duplicate on the TTSE due to the movable windscreen. So after a bit of contemplating, I realized I could use some right angle plastic, and basically follow the length and contour of the TTSE dash to make a good mount. Here's the finished product mounted in place. It's actually my 2nd version, having made the first one with just simple straight cuts and using 3M tape to secure it. The latest one has angle cuts to make it look more like it's part of the bike, and I drilled two 1/4" holes to secure it better with two plastic push in screws, but I still used 3M tape elsewhere. Because of the length of the mount and the weight of the tablet, there's some flex over bumps. To help reduce that flex, I added a piece of plain 1/8" sheet plastic trimmed to fit between the mount and the XM antenna. It does a very good job of strengthening things up. Everything is painted flat black, but I might paint it again with a black textured paint to try to mimic the texture of the dash. Here are links to the parts from Amazon:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013HM020/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L9LW00/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KO5XVU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MFKV20/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The best part of this whole setup is that the tablet is mounted at near eye level, and with TomTom GO, the maps are very large and it's all easy to see.

[Paul]

Since making this mount, I've done away with the piece of support plastic on the rear. I added a small length of 1" box aluminum tubing to the back side of the angle plastic. I cut it just a bit longer than needed so it's a tight fit between the two ends of the Trophy dash, then used some epoxy to attach it to the mount. That has virtually eliminated most of the flex in the mount and really made things secure.

[trophied]

Great solution!  May be how I do my automotive TomTom for better display visibility.
Thanks,
Glenn

[Schindawg]

Thanks for posting this explor202. Great solution which I plan on copying! After you commented about using a box aluminum piece to reduce flex, it got me to thinking. I have some spare "I" shaped aluminum pieces that came with our boat lift. I'm planning on cutting them roughly in half, length-wise, which will leave a flat surface for mounting, and a small, right angle underneath providing rigidity. Once I get the shape I like and holes drilled, I'll sand, prime with self-etching primer, then paint with either hammered black, or rubberized paint. I plan on just mounting my phone, which I've decided to use as my GPS. I promise to post some pics along the way! Once again, thanks for getting my brain kick-started!

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Schindawg

Thanks for posting this explor202. Great solution which I plan on copying!

Glad I could help! I'm very happy with how mine turned out, and really the pics I posted don't do it justice. I originally chose plastic because it's light weight and easy to work with; I didn't think about the weight of my big tablet making it flex. If you're going to use just a phone, you may not have any issues with flexing, especially if you mount it low and horizontally.

[Schindawg]

Finished my first project - kudos to explor202 for the inspiration and original idea.

- I started with some scrap aluminum (still can't say aluminium!) frame; excess cut off from our boat lift. Blurry pic, but gives you an idea of the starting profile (pic 10)
- Used an angle grinder to cut it down the length, then shaped the ends and cut-outs for the windshield supports. Holes drilled for RAM mount. Pics 12 and 13 show the final design
- Primed with self-etching primer, then painted with rubberized paint. I wanted to try to simulate the existing texture of the dash. While it looked great, it never really cured, so I ended up stripping it and just used flat black.

[Schindawg]

By far, the hardest part was running a power lead from the battery, up through the XM radio antenna. Try as I might, I could NOT fish it through, so I ended up having to remove the windshield, mirror/signal panels, side covers and instrument panel fasteners. Could not have gotten that done without Coconut's and others "How To" sections! I used a Dremel tool to cut a narrow slit under the antenna, tapering along the side so the lead could exit, while the antenna could remain flush. When not using the phone, excess can be pushed back down in to the dash. My phone (OnePlus 5) takes a USB C type end, so I purchased one with a 90 degree bend to it, for a slicker fit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IMQZH24

Power is sourced from a Battery Tender harness and USB charger.

Pic 15 shows the lead coming out the side of the XM antenna.

[Schindawg]

I attached my mount using 3M, double-sided, extremely strong tape on all contact points. In addition, I drilled two holes and used automotive-type fasteners to secure my project. Pic 16 shows final assembly.

In Pic 17, you can see the lip that provides the rigidity to this aluminum mount. It's rock solid.